Perhaps the ultimate compliment you could give Jay Blanton, owner of this 2000 Tornado Red Jetta, is to ask him what kind of car it is. It happened more than a few times during our photo shoot when fellow drivers would stop, gawk and query our crew. Yes, it's a Volkswagen Jetta, a Jetta so exceptionally well executed it deserves its own classification of sports sedan.
The new Mark IV body lends itself well to an assortment of athletic wear. Blanton's car wears a custom-made suit culled from several hot designers including Oettinger, Reiger, Kamei and ProjektZwo.
The nose treatment includes Oettinger's front bumper/airdam, though it has been extensively modified to exclude its pronounced edges and to smoothly blend into the body. The Jetta's face also includes a Kamei mesh grille and lower mesh inserts, separated by a smoothed European bumper strip. The VW emblem notch was removed to give the hood an ultra-clean look. Reiger side skirts blend into a Reiger rear valance, smoothed and modified to exclude the exhaust cut-outs, augmented with Kamei lower mesh inserts. The rear apron was pushed out 3.5 in. on each side to ensure a smooth, flowing transition. The Jetta also includes a stock VW trunk wing, Oettinger upper roof spoiler and ProjektZwo side mirror.
The headlamps were upgraded to European-spec HID units with Hella's clear side markers and controversial clear rear taillamps. Mirek's European did a magnificent job with this one--the car appears to have genetic material from the motorsport divisions of Audi and Volkswagen, not a bad set of parents.
The suspension is comprised of H&R coilovers augmented with Neuspeed sway bars measuring 24mm in front and 28mm behind. Running gear is based on the striking RH AN Crossline wheel in a three-piece configuration. Measuring 8.5x19 and 9.5x19, these lightweight alloys utilize a trick aluminum spacer/adapter program that ensures the correct offset and a multitude of fitments. (Project Boxster used RH wheels and they were a centerpiece of conversation.) Rubber is Pirelli 235/35ZR-19 and 255/30ZR-19 P-Zero Asymmetricos--yes, they fit although much "persuasion" was necessary.
Autotech's Big Brake conversion consists of 312mm slotted and cross-drilled rotors up front and 232mm slotted and cross-drilled rotors out back, all gripped with Mintex Redbox pads.
A Z-Engineering Stage I supercharger augments the VR6 engine and includes the proprietary pendulum mount and GIAC software. A modified Neuspeed stainless-steel cat-back exhaust dumps spent fuel. For quicker spool-up, an Autotech lightened flywheel mates with a 228mm Sachs sport clutch, ensuring tire-chirping upshifts well into third gear.
The cabin received significant revisions, too, with Sparco Milano seats covered in black Alcantara, a nice addition to the beige leather. The A-pillar includes an SPR pod filled with AutoMeter Cobalt gauges: oil pressure and boost. Fifteen52 provided the stainless-steel door pins, ABD the stainless-steel door sills, and the pedal set and footrest are vintage Audi TT parts.
By his own admission, Blanton is not the "mechanical type." A system's analyst by trade and a formally trained photographer, he literally could not see fast enough to keep up with his car's formidable potential. Perhaps that would explain his trusty 200k Honda, an innocuous beater-mobile that serves as his daily transportation--no two cars were ever more different.
"The Jetta is special," said Blanton. "People really don't know what to make of it, they don't know what it is...I love that. And should someone want proof that it actually works, well, I've 'schooled' more than a few Mustangs and Camaros."
That's great Jay. Just remember to wear your glasses.