driverheadquarter.com – The Auto Maintenance and Repair Expert

In what’s become a time-honored tradition, wild Volkswagens are built each year for the SEMA automotive trade show in Las Vegas, and this year was no different. Yet while we were responsible for creating our Surf Beetle Turbo (EC 4/13 & 5/13) for the 2012 show, this year we could sit back and take it easy. Although, we did give some input on the Jetta widebody created by Southern California specialists, FMS Automotive in Cerritos CA. The company decided to build a pair of badass street sedans to wow showgoers.

The two Jetta builds would be very different. One would be easily replicated, while the other would be an over-the-top project to inspire the Euro community. We had the exclusive build and feature stories on both cars, which we posted at europeancarmag.com and euortuner.com before the show opened. This is a summary of those posts.

Widebody

All good stories have their share of trials and tribulations, and while most project builds tend to encoutner adversity inside the workshop, the Jetta widebody was almost derailed shortly after the concept was born. “You wouldn’t believe what we went through with the build,” said Gil Plasencia from FMS Automotive. “It’s come a long way in a short time and it was a fierce battle on occasions. However, the blood, sweat and tears were worthwhile once the car finally rolled out of the workshop.”

So what happened? Parts didn’t arrive, hammer dropped on a toe, somebody forgot to tighten a crucial bolt?

“This isn’t the car we started with. It was called into action when our first Jetta was destroyed by a hailstorm while being transported through a hail storm in Colorado,” he explained. “When we finally laid eyes on it, the car was destroyed. There was about $13000 in hail damage and the car was a total loss. Every panel was hit and the glass smashed. It was a huge setback for a project that was only months away from its SEMA debut!”
2014 VW jetta SE GLI smoked LED taillights 02 Photo 2/8 | With almost 2″ added to the stock fenders, it allowed 19″ TSW Jerez wheels to be fitted with wide Nitto NT-05 tires

Suddenly, the search began for a second car, after which an utterly stock 2014 Jetta SE 2.0T was dropped into the capable hands of Eurocode Tuning in Torrance, CA. These guys made quick work of removing the APR-fortified powertrain from the deceased Jetta and transferred it into the new car.

The reason the original car was on a trailer at all was because under the hood was an APR stage 3++ built motor with a big turbo kit. It was rated at over 450hp at the wheels (500hp crank) on 93-octane gas and was returning from APR in Alabama to FMS in California when the storm happened. Perhaps next time they’ll remember to use a covered trailer!

Inside the block there are APR forged pistons and connecting rods on a stock crank. It was topped with a ported head but the centerpiece is the GT3071R turbo on an APR manifold, software and ancillary parts.

With the transplant completed, the second Jetta returned to FMS where it underwent its bodybuilding: “We wanted something that was bold but sophisticated. We tried to use as many OEM parts as possible, so started with a Golf R front bumper and added a custom splitter. We decided that the extra horsepower justified wider fenders, which would allow us to fit wider tires to put the power down,” Plasencia said.
2014 VW jetta SE recaro sportster CS front seats 04 Photo 3/8 | Interior was treated to Recaro seats, and everything was trimmed in beige and black leather

As a result, the car was widened in metal nearly 2″ at each corner, resulting in a car that’s aggressive, but not overtly so. The custom fenders were augmented by fabrication work to the Golf R front bumper and side skirts, as well as a GLI rear bumper, to ensure all the panels were aligned.

Other OEM additions included a Jetta Hybrid grille and trunk spoiler, plus LED tail lights from the 2014 GLI.

FMS then created a custom roof spoiler and its own door trims, before the car and its mirrors were painted the original white with a satin topcoat. The roof was finished in a contrasting gloss black to match the Golf R grilles.

To ensure the swollen arches were filled, TSW Jerez wheels were specified in 19×8.5″ front, 19×9.5″ rear and wrapped in 245/35 and 275/30 Nitto NT05 tires, respectively.

The TSWs had to provide clearance for a Brembo four-piston front brake kit that used 14″ slotted rotors. They were accompanied by Golf R rear brakes and the car sits on H&R Street Performance coilovers with matching Sport sway bars front and rear.
2014 VW jetta SE TSW jerez wheels 03 Photo 4/8 | Brembo four-piston brake calipers and 14″ rotors were fitted up front, along with H&R coilovers and sway bar

Inside, the Recaro Sportster CS front seats were wrapped in black and beige hide to match the stock dashboard. The same leather treatment was bestowed on the rear seats, door panels, GLI steering wheel, e-brake handle, shifter and center console. FMS also created a rack in the trunk to house two Shoei helmets for track days, plus a TSW spare wheel.

Hours before this 450hp Jetta widebody was slated to leave for the bright lights of Vegas, it was rolled into the daylight and to our photo shoot. “We wanted to focus on the details, to show enthusiasts the Jetta is a great alternative to the Golf and GTI platform. In some cases, I think it’s more versatile because the sedan can suit families better. I hope this high-powered approach will show people how great the Jetta can be,” Gil said.

Tech Spec

2014 VW Jetta SE 2.0T

Engine 2.0L four-cylinder 16v turbo with APR stage 3++ conversion including EA888 forged pistons and connecting rods, ported head, Garrett/Honeywell GT3071R turbo, ECU software, larger injectors, front-mount intercooler, boost tap, downpipe and Carbonio carbon fiber intake, FMS dual-exit exhaust system

Drivetrain six-speed DSG automatic transmission with APR clutch and flywheel

Brakes Brembo four-piston calipers, 14″ slotted rotors f, Golf R single-piston calipers, 12.2″ StopTech rotors r
2014 VW jetta SE APR stage 3 built motor 05 Photo 5/8 | 2.0T has a 450hp APR stage 3++ built motor with GT3071R big turbo

Suspension H&R Street Performance coilovers and Sport sway bars

Wheels & Tires 19×8.5″ f, 19×9.5″ r TSW Jerez wheels, silver centers, polished lips, 245/35 R19 f, 275/30 R19 r Nitto NT-05 tires

Exterior FMS widebody fenders, modified Golf R front bumper and side skirts, modified GLI rear bumper, Jetta Hybrid headlights, front grille and trunk spoiler, custom FMS splitter, roof spoiler and door trim, GLI smoked LED tail lights, satin white paint, gloss black roof, tint

Interior Recaro Sportster CS front seats in black and beige leather, matching rear seats, door cards, GLI steering wheel, e-brake handle, center console, door panels and shift knob, VW Accessories pedal covers and sill kick plates, Corinthian Textiles mats and trunk liner with beige stitching, FMS helmet rack, ECS Tuning digital vent gauge, Philips LED interior lighting

Audio/visual VW Accessories RNS315 nav system with backup camera and custom sound box with digital sound processor

Helios Tribute Car

In 1989, VW released one of its rarest production cars of all time, but it wasn’t a high-performance edition. Instead, it was themed on its Helios blue paint.

With only 1500 examples of the 1989 Jetta GLI 16v in Helios blue, the lucky few who obtained an example had all the features found in a loaded GLI plus the exclusive exterior paint, color-matched wheels and special blue plaid inserts for the factory Recaros.
VW jetta helios tribute car 06 Photo 6/8 | 2014 VW Jetta SE 2.0T & Helios Tribute Car – SEMA Specials

“”””When we first explored the idea of building cars for our SEMA booth, I instantly suggested we build a Helios tribute car, simply because I owned an original and still regret selling it,”””” said Gil Plasencia from FMS. “”””The Mk2 chassis really spoke to you and the Helios cars were extra special with the blue paint and special interior. It was exclusive and something only hardcore VW fans would recognize.””””

Keen eyes will note the tribute car isn’t actually Helios blue. It’s finished in Tempest Blue Metallic, which is almost a dead ringer for the original paint and is available on the 2014 VW Jetta, which helped to inspire the tribute.

Before balking at the paint code, FMS could have painted it the original color, but preferred Tempest Blue because it’s available right now to anybody wanting to build something similar.

Speaking of attainable, most of the glory goes to VW Accessories with parts like a body kit that was painted the gloss black and is a nod to the door moldings on the original car.
VW jetta helios tribute car engine bay 08 Photo 7/8 | 2014 VW Jetta SE 2.0T & Helios Tribute Car – SEMA Specials

FMS also fitted the 2014 Jetta Hybrid grille, trunk spoiler and headlights as well as 2014 GLI smoked tail lights.

Of course, the original Helios car had painted wheels but FMS went with a ceramic finish on the 19″ VW Motorsport wheels, which are also available from your local dealer.

Other additions include H&R Street Performance coilovers, Golf R brakes and GTI Recaro seats custom upholstered to resemble the original Mk2 Helios car.

Under the hood is the new 1.8T motor, fortified with APR software and a carbon fiber Carbonio CAI. At the other end is a custom 2.5″ exhaust system built for FMS with a Magnaflow muffler.

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The ’99 Si is a special year from the long running Civic family. A strong, almost cult-like following, it’s the Electron Blue Pearl version that is symbolic of the 1.6L coupe that boasts a high revving, 160 horsepower powerplant that a majority of would never consider swapping out for something different. Then again, Miguel Paz Alameda of Jacksonville, Florida, isn’t just anybody, and his EM1, nicknamed Penny, isn’t just any old car. The truth is, it’s because, as Miguel tells us, it left him with but a penny within his pocket, though if you’re anything like me, you almost certainly assume that the nickname is due to the car’s copper-like color.

Miguel simply wanted more, as great as the original B16A2 is. More power, more torque, and with those of course, comes more money. To get started, a set of engine mounts would be needed for the K20A2 powerplant to find its new home. Simple enough, right? Well, at times, engine swaps usually become complicated matters. I did not determine what I was getting myself into. Everyone was telling me which kind of engine mounts to acquire. Miguel initially purchased some mounts that didn’t fit. Ultimately, he learned that a K-series swap in an EM1 called for any subframe from aMiguel contacted local junkyards in search of a subframe, but soon discovered junkyards aren’t too interested in selling just an intact subframe while there’s still a usable engine around the donor vehicle. While searching, a friend with a ’95 Civic sustained a major rear end collision that contributed to an insurance claim being filed as well as the car being totaled. If he was sure the insurance policy would not reject the claim together with the subframe missing. His friend said that it absolutely was not a problem, to accept the parts he needed, as well as not be concerned about paying for anything, the insurance company scheduled to pick up the Miguel and Civic states, I asked. I quickly came over in my truck, unbolted what I needed, and off I went.

Another hurdle got in the way, as being the process continued. An incorrectly pinned aftermarket engine wiring harness complicated the final stages of the build. Further agitating the situation was the eight-month waiting period for the problem to be rectified. The electrical mystery was solved after Miguel with his fantastic friends worked tirelessly for weeks before an upcoming car show and they also were determined to have the EM1 up and running for the event. They tooled away until 3 a.m., napping before going to work just to return after punching out for the day. The crew performed a basic diagnosis; battery, gas and fuel etc., and unfortunately, the K20A2 did not run well. Fortunately, Miguel’s roommate was in the process of putting together a K-powered CRX. The team swapped sensors, Hondata K-Pro engine control units, and other vitals, but the Civic remained unchanged. Finally, someone chosen to swap the engine harness from the CRX with the Civic to see if wiring was in fact the issue.To Have An Si

With all the guesswork and testing, Miguel was unable so it will be to the show and though the vehicle ran better, something seemed off-it was still running a little on the rough side. He decided to get the Civic tuned the following week, where his tuner discovered yet another wiring issue. That wasn’t the end of his wiring woes, even if this time the MAP sensor was incorrectly pinned. During the drag race event months later, the TPS sensor wiring loosened up, and although a quick fix in reality, in total, the aftermarket harness resulted in four operating issues and plenty of headaches. The ordeal appeared like a nightmare, but in Miguel’s eyes, the entire impact ended in a chance to learn. You do not know everything about cars. You think you need to do, but you don’t. Miguel admits that this was his first K-series build and the overall project was challenging.

On the outside, he made a variety of changes, most notably the Blaze Orange Metallic paint job and a set of unique wheels, though miguel prefers a simple, user-friendly interior. Made-to-order in Miguel’s choice of sizing, the J-Line SDMSL2 rollers took quite a while to reach their new owner. He adds, I have never given $2,200 for something and not had anything during my hands for six months, lol! The car often changes wheels depending on the venue and the day’s activities. Drag racing, car shows, Sunday cruises, this EM1 enjoys all of the above. Friends are quick to ask if he plans on selling the J-lines to which he responds, No! They can make the car.

Nothing major-the current phase is likely to exists for the foreseeable future, although long-term plans are just to maintain your vehicle with maybe a new wheel setup, perhaps a new part here or there. I like my car. I wish it was actually a bit quicker but I love I and it also won’t eliminate it. I don’t build and part; I continue and make to modify. Miguel does understand and appreciate value of a sacred car in fact. Testify.

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Smaller Cooper & Cooper S Specifics:

New turbo enginesMassive speedo removed

Cooper S goes toStraight injectionVaried cam and device timing

Gps navigation transfer optimization for automobile trans

Restrain body weight less than 2800 lb

Electronic products: Parking assistanceLED traveling lightsMobile phone integrationFacebook or myspace/Twitter in the take flight

Experts: General power boostMuch longer wheelbase adds stablenessMuch more technological innovation for same selling priceExciting to operate a vehicleCost

– Negatives: Continues to get greaterSomewhat high gearing for spirited drivingSuspensions in Sport activity Function quite tough

2014 mini cooper s motorist area back quarter perspective 07 PictureSmall Cooper S Car owner Side Back end Quarter See 07

To call the Smaller Cooper successful tale can be a huge understatement. The car maker offered 305000 from the secondly-age group Coopers in 2013 on your own, generally of those transactions Stateside. Planning to expand its market share, Mini designed a new car package that will not only reinvigorate existing customers, but could also tempt others to switch brand loyalties.

So, while you might think you’re simply looking at an updated, second-gen Mini Cooper, we’re assured that the Cooper and Cooper S are all-new vehicles. They’ve been carefully redesigned, getting this product before its forerunners regarding equally overall performance and value.

2014 mini cooper s interior 05 PictureSmall Cooper S Inside 05

Starting with the appearance, the body was stretched 4.5″” and widened 1.7″”, although it’s only .3″” higher, creating a more aggressive stance. Luggage space has increased by more than 30%, as a result. It still looks very much a Mini, hence the slogan, “”The New Mini, although the dimensional changes are significant, since the Mini is supposed to be a small car. The New Initial.””

Outwardly, they may have new headlamps, with optionally available Brought driving a vehicle lamps as being a very first within this section. There’s a hexagonal radiator grille, new bumpers, the option of five new fresh paint colors, as well as a variety of new tires in metallic or black, ranging from 15-18″”.

For the first time, the two Cooper and Cooper S get English-created turbocharged motors employing BMW’s TwinPower modern technology, straight injection and varied camera the right time (increase Vanos in the S). The base model’s is a redesigned 1.5L about three-cylinder, even though the several-cylinder in the S leaps to a encouraged 2.-liters. Even though the 1.5L diesel three-tube isn’t headed for people Stateside currently, equally disables come from the exact same mold.

2014 little cooper s tire 02 PhotographSmall Cooper S Tire 02

Cooper

Flown to Puerto Rico to example the new auto out of the wintertime misery in North America, we decided to blaze the jungle trails inside the 6-rate handbook Cooper very first and, actually, for under $20k our requirements weren’t lofty. But sliding in the cockpit, we immediately understood how comfortable but athletic the John Cooper Performs controls and factory chairs experienced. The variable armrest maintains you comfy on long driving stints and then there was plenty headroom.

It had been also great to find out the speedometer back into the instrument cluster instead of the comic call that had been within the centre dash. It has enabled Little Cooper to use an 8.8″””” display because of its sophisticated infotainment, which includes a Driving Enthusiasm Analyzer that suggests optimum shift factors and in many cases records optimum-g velocity. There’s also an optionally available rear vehicle parking camera and Global positioning system navigation provided by the latest auto.

2014 mini cooper vehicle driver aspect front perspective 04 PhotographSmall Cooper Motorist Aspect Front View 04

Smartphone Twitter, apps and Facebook accounts, scheduled appointment work schedule and a website radio station can be utilized from the huge new car display right here at the same time, providing you with use of BMW’s technological innovation suite that keeps you linked on the road.

The Cooper’s 1.5L about three-tube turbocharged generator was ranked in a measly 137hp, but it really experienced 169 lb-feet of torque (a 51 lb-feet increase on the earlier foundation product) providing an unexpected impact within the decrease equipment. It wasn’t right up until pressing highway rates the acceleration began to plateau, despite the Cooper’s .28 drag coefficient.

It’s miles ahead of the outgoing Cooper, as the base model. A rate demon could still get into problems, because of its 2605 lb curb weight (70 lb weightier than the aged model) and peak torque to rival the sociable Cooper S!

2014 Mini Cooper interior switchgear fine detail see

2014 Little Cooper motor inner compartment view

2014 Small Cooper lecturer details

Given the new optional car owner help techniques, which includes digicam-dependent energetic cruise trip control, crash and pedestrian cautions with brake function, and also higher-beam helper and road indicator detection, the automobile is unquestionably in your favor.

For many who dislike the metropolis pull, the latest Little carries a vehicle parking helper program that detects ideal car parking spots and executes the essential parallel-parking steering motions for you. Each of the vehicle driver does is work the items selector and throttle.

Increasing the bottom Cooper’s fun aspect is definitely the engine’s soundtrack. At 4000rpm it reminded us of a watercooled 911 Turbo, even if much quieter. Once we claimed this to Small designers, they described they’d proved helpful carefully in the harmonic frequencies so it will be seem to be a 6-tube.

2014 Small Cooper home page PictureSmaller Cooper

Cooper S

Right after our enjoyable push then we transitioned in to the Cooper S with far better expectations. The S is easily distinguished from its little brother by larger wheels, the signature hood scoop and different bumpers with functional front brake ducts, as with previous generations.

As the interior was similar to the foundation version (no bad thing), pushing the Motor Begin switch targeted our attention on the exhaust notice. The Little Cooper 2.0T purrs but features a more ferocious snarl when provoked.

2014 small cooper s exhaust suggestions 09 ImageLittle Cooper S Exhaust Ideas 09

We could actually test the latest automatic transmitting in this article and enjoyed the actual way it appeared similar to a manual items selector. Furthermore, the 6-speed vehicle featured Mini’s new “”””Predictive Drivetrain.”””” It’s a Gps system-structured system that makes up about your course user profile to regulate items changes!

For anyone wanting more control, the paddle shifters change with the controls and provide exact items options with near-DCT velocity. The addictive exhaust also pops on deceleration and downshifts, supplying the icing around the new auto driving food.

With 221 lb-ft of overboost in the extra fat 1250-4750rpm chunk (it’s similar to 2500-4750rpm inside the first two gears), the Cooper S peaks at 189hp – 8hp and 31 lb-ft more than its predecessor. This is also 15 lb-feet a lot more than the outgoing JCW Cooper S.

Mix this productivity having a feathery 2760 lb control excess weight (92 lb more heavy compared to the previous S) and -60mph is available in a factory stated 6.4sec – although we wouldn’t be surprised if it results a “”””substantial-5 various”””” when independently tested.

2014 little cooper s center gaming system 08 PictureSmaller Cooper S Middle Unit 08

The Cooper S is merely quick. It’s tremendous fun to drive yet will incentive the motorist with as much as 40mpg on the highway, that is an 18% enhancement over the earlier product.

Carving by means of Puerto Rico’s converts, we experienced Mini’s new Dynamic Damper Manage, which happens to be offered on both types. It offers two diverse adjustments for the dampers’ compression and rebound, allowing drivers to choose between a athletic or higher convenience-driven method.

Whilst the sportier degree was extremely tough on unequal types of surface, each ranges ingested the lumps by using a finesse and predictability you’d generally see in a BMW 3 or 5 Collection. And, because of the car’s extended wheelbase, Small performed a wonderful task to preserve the characteristic kart-like preciseness.

When compared to prior age group, the new Small designs pack a punch of brand new technological innovation throughout, more powerful and gas-efficient motors, greater accident protection, more suitcases place and just a marginal surge in body weight. And also to believe, the basic price only improved by $250 and $300 to the Cooper and Cooper S, correspondingly.

2014 small cooper s shifter 06 ImageSmaller Cooper S Shifter 06

The space in between the two types has narrowed, to ensure equally could be thoroughly appreciated by efficiency-minded fans, with all the Cooper getting a minimal admission value.

So which model would we take? If we’re sincere, the Cooper offered a memorable mix of visual appearance, a torque-wealthy engine, excellent dealing with, great ride comfort, exceptional affordability and gobs of exciting. It’ll you should most family members of 4 and was definitely the big surprise of the day.

Presented a restricted-fall diff plus some aftermarket software, we think the Cooper can be an unbeatable package.

The Cooper S, however, includes a more hostile physical appearance (even when the air flow dam would seem allow it a apprehensive expression…) and its particular 37Percent power benefit is appealing for just $4k a lot more. So, maybe we’ll take a manual Cooper S in Volcano Orange, please!

There’s no denying it – you can drive down the highways and look on the driveways in any part of the town or city or simply check out your nearest parking lot . . . the chances are there’ll be more than a few pickup trucks there. Pickup trucks are as popular today as they ever have been, but why is that? Is it true that everybody needs a pickup truck at some time in their lives?
Pickup trucks are extremely useful and you can’t get away from that fact. The modern pickup trucks have far surpassed their predecessors and now provide owners and passengers with the comfort of a prestige car yet with the convenience and capacity of a truck. They really are all things for all people . . . or just about.

Let’s take a look at the RAM 1500 as the perfect example of a modern pickup truck and try to find out the secret to its undeniable success.

Stylish – you can’t deny that these babies are super stylish. They are large enough to satisfy the most critical of truck drivers yet have a classy interior which wouldn’t look out of a place in an executive sedan. The RAM is aggressive yet laid-back, it’s chunky yet it’s sleek and it’s the ultimate work horse yet can transport the whole family (including the dog) in air cooled comfort. Yep, it certainly ticks that box, but what about performance capability?
Performance – so what do you need to know? This work horse is no gas guzzler – it’s 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 motor sees to that, yet you can’t argue with its performance. This relatively small pickup truck can tow more than 4,500 kg easily and comfortably without putting excess strain onto the chassis or the engine.
Technology – it will come as no surprise that this highly advanced vehicle is equipped with the very latest cutting edge technology. The dashboard is designed to be easily visible with clear gauges – you can even customize it to accommodate the multimedia systems of your choice. There’s certainly nothing backward, old fashioned or even agricultural about these babies.

So who needs a pickup truck?
Well, anybody who owns one of these vehicles will know all about how popular they become at particular times and during certain events. If you are moving home it can be extremely handy if you have a friend with a pickup truck. If you need to collect a large item of furniture they could also be your “”best buddy”” for a while.
Got a load of trash to take to the dump . . . call your buddy with a pickup truck.
Need to move something heavy . . . call your buddy with a pickup truck.
Need to move something dirty . . . . call your buddy with a pickup truck.
Moving home . . . you’ve got it, who you gonna’ call? Your best buddy of course.
Need to transport lots of tools or equipment for your work . . . you need a pickup truck.
Got a farm or ranch where you need to transport hay and fodder to your animals over rough country . . . you need a pickup truck.
Of course pickup trucks are also perfect for ordinary day use. Going on a family outing and need to tow a trailer . . . you need a pickup truck.
So, I think you’re getting the idea . . . everybody really does need a pickup truck at some time. Check out the choice at http://www.ocramtruckcenter.com and see which takes your fancy.

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