2008 HPA FT575 Volkswagen R32: A closer look
A more detailed look at HPA Motorsport's new twin-turbocharged FT575 package for the all-new VW Golf V R32
By John Kiewicz
Photography by the author
In the October 2006 issue of Motor Trend magazine you got a quick look at HPA Motorsport's new twin-turbocharged FT575 package for the all-new VW Golf V R32. Here, we show a few more photos of the car along with give more tech insight to this road rocket.
Rev the twin-turbo 3.2L V-6 to 5,500 rpm, dump the clutch, and the HPA R32 smokes all four tires on the launch.
Keep your foot to the floor on the launch and the HPA FT575 R32 burns all four tires for more than two car lengths on its way to a 0-60-mph run in just 3.5 seconds.
Well, maybe the burnouts are a bit longer than two car lengths....
Pop the hood on the HPA R32 and you'll instantly know that not all is stock.
HPA keeps the aftermarket upgrades looking clean and on par with what a factory setup would look like. The engine is fit with upgraded engine bearings, a special head spacer system, custom air inlet box, twin turbochargers, twin intercoolers, custom pipework, special intake manifold, custom downpipes, and so much more that team to produce a stellar 575 horsepower.
A close-up look at the twin turbocharger system. The turbo housings are specially cast for HPA to incorporate unique wastegates.
The front fascia incorporates custom-made aluminum honeycomb grilles that feed cool air to the twin front-mount aluminum intercoolers.
Out back, a custom carbon fiber lower fascia wraps around the HPA-built stainless-steel dual exhaust system.
A look under the HPA FT575 shows the custom twin-bypass exhaust system. Around town, the exhaust system is quiet and mellow. Floor the throttle and a special bypass system activates allowing much of the exhaust to bypass the muffler for increased power and a more aggressive sound. The instant you take your foot off the throttle, the bypass system closes and the car is quiet.
The HPA FT575 comes with KW Variant three fully-adjustable coil-over shocks and springs. The combo radically increases handling without delivering a harsh ride. The car can be lowered/raised within minutes. Optional to the FT575 are huge Brembo eight-piston calipers replete with four brake pads that clamp 14.4-inch diameter rotors--a package specially built by Brembo for HPA.
OZ Racing 19x8-inch alloy wheels look similar to the stock R32 wheels but offer lighter weight and increased width to work with the Dunlop Sport Maxx 235/35ZR19 tires. HPA is currently working on a special fender flare kit that would allow an even wider wheel/setup to be fit to the new Golf V R32.
Inside, HPA keeps things fairly stock with the R32. Available are a boost gauge, custom seat upholstery, and an HPA short-throw shifter for six-speed manual transmission R32s.
When the wheels are spinning you can really see the huge Brembo calipers.