Who do Volkswagen call when they want to build a high-performance SEMA Show Car?
Powered by every item of RacingLine's catalogue of performance Hardware and Software, Volkswagen of America transformed their SEMA Show Car into a track-ready sportscar.
RacingLine Hardware and Software was the natural choice for the project, given our Volkswagen Motorsport roots and our full catalog of performance components.
Our technical team worked with the Volkswagen team to specify a full suite of performance-focused upgrades to ensure the concept’s engine, braking and handling performance were equal to the concept’s new motorsport inspired wide body.
The RacingLine hardware and software engineers then travelled over to Volkswagen of America's Technical Centre in Detroit to help their team with the build of the car, install our OEM+ software and thoroughly dyno test it.
By combining our R600 intake, turbo inlet & intercooler with an IS38 turbo upgrade, our RacingLine OEM+ Software boosts power up to a strong 350bhp.
Meanwhile, the RacingLine Oil Management and Oil Cooler kit, together with our Uprated Engine Mounts keep the drivetrain cool and protected.
Once we'd completed the mechanical side, Volkswagen’s Design Center California took over, transforming GLI Performance Concept to a complete re-do of the concept’s exterior, partially inspired by Touring Cars of the '90s.
Under the wide-arch body, our front & rear Carbon Ceramic stage 3+ Big Brake Kit and Tracksport full coilover suspension keep the power contained on-track.
Nothing but the best performance ugrades for Volkswagen themselves!
The Technical Spec
Exterior highlights | Performance x RacingLine |
Custom front and rear bumpers with updated grille inserts. Twin exit exhaust. Custom widened (20MM) front and rear fenders featuring backside vents. Custom side skirts. | IS38 EA888 gen.3 engine upgrade kit RacingLine Power 350HP / 372 ft lbs torque¹ RacingLine R600 Carbon Fiber Cold-Air Intake with Inlet Hose and Turbo Elbow |
Custom hexagon themed mat black to red transition graphics | RacingLine Performance Intercooler |
| RacingLine Subframe and Underbody Body Brace. |
Suspension & Brakes x RacingLine | Uprated RacingLine Lower Engine Mount |
RacingLine TrackSport Coilover Suspension | RacingLine Oil Cooler & Oil Management System |
RacingLine Adjustable Front & Rear Droplinks plus Camber & Toe Arms | |
RacingLine Stage 3+ 6 piston Brake Kit with front 380mm Carbon Ceramic Rotors. | Accessories x RacingLine |
Uprated RacingLine braided brake lines & brake fluid. | RacingLine Billet fluid reservoir covers and Fuel Cap |
Wheels & Tires | RacingLine Billet Gear Shift |
Forged “GRZ” Monoblock, 20”x9.5” wheels with custom finished AERODISC covers | |
255/30R20 Performance road & track tires | Interior highlights |
RacingLine Wheel Stud & Nut conversion H&R TRAK+® wheel spacers | Recaro® Pole Position ABE seats refinished in custom ‘Texagon’ themed design |
The Technical Story
Starting with Volkswagen’s EA888 Gen 3 engine, RacingLine has added their IS38 turbo based performance package. To remove the induction restrictions of the stock engine, RacingLine installed their R600 Carbon Fiber Cold-Air Intake along with their Inlet Hose, Turbo Elbow and Turbo Muffler Delete. Meanwhile to keep colder air flowing their Performance Intercooler is fitted.
RacingLine’s OEM+ Software calibration has been programmed into the GLI ECU to suit the larger IS38 turbo, lifting power up to 350 HP / 372 ft lbs whilst maintaining the factory catalyst to ensure emissions compliance.
For better thermal management of the motor oil, they have also specified their front-mounted Oil Cooler together with Oil Management System to protect the engine from the risk of oil-starve when used hard on track. Power is driven to the front wheels via the front wheels via the factory 6-Speed transmission with an upgraded performance clutch package.
To help slow and bring the Jetta GLI Performance to a stop during regular track usage, RacingLine has bolted up its Stage 3+ 6-piston forged caliper big brake kit (BBK) with 380mm Carbon Ceramic Rotors.
Making sure that the additional forward momentum and braking power is well controlled at every spirited track day, RacingLine installed its TrackSport Coilover suspension kit, engineered directly from their extensive race experience. TrackSport brings together all of the features more typically found on their racecars: using a coilover rear spring/damper, a ‘thick stem’ inverted front damper, lightweight aluminum bodies, 60mm linear springs with helper springs, plus fully adjustable solid top mounts this is truly a race suspension at home at the track or on the road.
Finally to help increase body rigidity, reduce sub-frame deflection under hard cornering loads as well as maintain accurate suspension geometry, RacingLine’s suite of underbody braces was added.
The GLI performance concept based on a 2022 6-Speed Jetta GLI features 20MM wider fenders front and rear featuring backside vents. The motorsport fenders are tied together with larger side skirts. The concept features a custom front bumper with larger grilles. The custom rear bumpers are feature updated grille inserts and a more muscular lower valance that frames twin exit sport muffler.
Putting that stop and go power to the tarmac are a set of Rotiform® Forged “GRZ” Monoblock 20”x9.5” wheels with custom finished AERODISC covers. The wheels wrapped with road and track summer performance tires that both complete the race inspired design theme and help increase grip to match the concept’s new found power.
Making wheel and tire swaps quicker and easier, the Rotiform® “GRZ” wheels are bolted up with RacingLine’s wheel stud and nut conversion kit.
Making sure that the driver and front passenger are properly held in place and comfortable for however spirited or long the track session is, are a pair of classic Recaro® Pole Position ABE seats have been installed and feature integrated headrests, high bolsters finished in custom ‘Texagon’ themed upholstery. Our new billet shift knob finishes the interior alongside the Recaros.
