Innehållsförteckning för February 2022 från Performance VW

We’ve always had competition at Performance VW, way before the Internet emerged. Rewind the clocks a couple of decades and a certain publication that went by the name of Golf+ used to keep us on our toes when it came to snagging the latest modified VWs to emerge on the scene. The trouble is, back then, before you could scroll Instagram looking for cars, you actually had to get off your backside and attend events to meet people and effectively win their trust in order to gain exclusive rights to featuring their cars before any other publication did. Whether it was luck, my amazing personality or (more than likely) the weight this publication’s name carried, as a rule we used to win 99% of the cars we went after. Of…

The stage is set for a new body shape from the Volkswagen brand: With the new compact crossover Taigo, Volkswagen has launched an SUV coupé on the European market for the first time. The front-wheel drive Taigo is a real crowd-pleaser with its trendy crossover body style, raised seating positions, pioneering connectivity and unrestricted suitability for everyday use. The rear of the five-seater car slopes backwards in the style of a coupé, without restricting headroom in the back seat. This sees Volkswagen expand the portfolio of the compact Polo (hatchback) and T-Cross (SUV) models built on the MQB platform with a third chassis variant, which has previously been primarily reserved for high-end models. Numerous latest-generation assistance systems guarantee optimum comfort and a high level of safety for all passengers. The…

While Jay McToldridge (aka Jay Mac) should need no introduction in these pages, we’ve added a little box out in this article for the newbies who might not be fully aware of all his previous PVW conquests. And there have been a few… Co-founder of the hugely-popular Players events and European General Manager of Wheel Pros (the company that owns Rotiform, Fuel, Kinesis, TSW and many more), Jay is a self-confessed car junkie, but while he loves motors of all makes and models (his current fleet includes a 964 on ITBs, track-ready AE86 and a 550bhp G Wagon to name just a few), he has always had a soft spot for his water-cooled VWs. Regular readers may well remember Jay’s previous more-door Mk2 from way back in PVW 2/12, for…

We’ve heard all sorts of theories over the years about the dos and don’ts of washing your car during the winter months, so to separate fact from fiction we headed to Gtechniq for expert advice on how to keep your car clean and protected in the cold season. All you’ll need is clean water, five products, a couple of buckets, a wash mitt, drying towel and less than 60 minutes of your time… 1 WHEELS, TYRES AND SNOW FOAM Snow foam is one of the most important stages of washing your performance VW whatever the weather, but it’s extra important during the mucky months. W4 Citrus Foam is designed to pull the dirt and debris off the paintwork prior to a contact wash. This lessens the likelihood of inflicting swirl marks…

The road to making electric vehicles become reality stretches back many decades, from the beginnings of the auto industry to global electric vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV. One of the side roads Volkswagen took on its path to electrification involved converting an entire island to electric transportation – and the creation of a Rad-era VW van. In the early 1990s, the German government asked auto makers to push the boundaries of what was possible with current day EV technology. To create a real-world environment for testing EVs, Germany set up a long-term test on Rügen, the country’s largest island and a resort destination in the Baltic Sea. The island provided daily driving demands that were well suited to the limited EV ranges of the time, and as much of…

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Designed for use in the pre-polish decontamination stage, ObliTARate Gel is a brand-new formula, developed in the form of a viscous liquid, designed to linger on surfaces for as long as possible as it actively dissolves sticky contaminants. Safe for use on all painted and powdercoated surfaces, along with glass, solvent-resistant plastics, bare metal and brightwork trim, this solvent-based gel quickly melts away tar spots, glue residues, traffic cone rash and overspray, suspending them in the solution, above surfaces, and allowing them to be safely wiped away. ObliTARate Gel is available in 500ml and 1-litre bottles, priced from £13.95.…

Our super-advanced, silicone-based tyre dressing has been developed to offer a deep, dripping wet look with an absolute minimum of effort. This versatile, high-shine finisher not only gives you the choice of a straightforward ‘spray and walk away’ delivery or use via a detailing applicator (for more targeted application). But, Gloss Tyre Dressing will also add a durable layer of protection from the elements, helping to prevent grime impregnation, premature browning and UV fading. Low slinging and high-shearing, with a specially developed ultra-high-shine formula, Gloss Tyre Dressing installs the ultimate show car look and provides an amazing finishing touch to any jaw-dropping detail.…

We stand by this firmly; the wash is the most crucial part of any detail, big or small, it lays the foundation for everything that comes after. Whether you're setting up for a big decon and correction detail or just washing away the remains of a weeks worth of commuting on a previously detailed car, we believe everything else is irrelevant if you can't get the wash stage right. The most commonly seen paint defects and swirls are inflicted at the wash stage. Most protection and sealant drop back is due to poor wash procedure. And the majority of trim tarnishing is caused by using the wrong product at an incorrect dilution ratio. Your chosen method is so important when washing your car. First of all washing in straight, sweeping…

There are, of course, a few other variables that need to be considered, and these will directly influence the products you use. Perhaps the most important is the severity of the swirls, as the deepest defects will need more "cut' and hence a coarser compound or polish to take away more of the top layer to level the surface. Essentially compounds and polishes are the same thing and have a different level of cut according to the size of the abrasive particles - the larger they are, the more they will score away the surface. Think of it like the difference between using very coarse and very fine sandpaper, only on a microscopic level. Many refer to a coarser product as a compound and a finer product as a polish,…

USE THE RIGHT METHOD FOR EACH AREA It sounds obvious, but you'll be surprised how many people try to polish a tiny, curvy area with a 5-inch pad, or a huge flat area with a 3-inch pad. Pick the correct size pad (and machine) for each area, and don't underestimate the effectiveness of hand polishing the tiniest parts that your machine can't reach, it all adds up to the finish. GET YOURSELF A SWIRL SPOTTER Having a detailing light, like our Swirl Spotter, makes life so much easier for highlighting defects and being able identify areas that may need more work. These are designed to emulate strong sunlight, enabling you to get a true show car sparkle no matter where you polish your paint. CENTRE YOUR PAD To be most…

Back in September of 2003 I was but a young buck recently employed to work on a niche motoring magazine called Golf+ (Wash your mouth out – Ed). It was the dream job of writing about modified VWs built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. It was literally a life changing switch from being a civil servant to a fully paid up member of the press doing something that everyone involved loved beyond measure – still do! Aside from being in competition with a rather splendid magazine called PVW, which arguably always snaffled the cooler cars, there was always an ongoing quest to feature the superior machines. Anyway, in September 2003 a young chap by the name of Grant Fearby came to us with a brown Mk2 Golf built by himself and…

By the time this issue reaches the shelves, It’ll be that time of year again for many where the festive tins of sweets are open and the habitual fortnight of grazing is well underway. Funny with Quality Street how certain chocolatey treats are first to be devoured. In our house, there’s always a race for the strawberry creams and the fudge. By early January, as the decorations come down and the self-loathing inspired new year’s resolutions are made, it’s the poor old toffee pennies that are left skulking in that otherwise empty vessel. Similarly, Chris Lister, the 42-year-old Lake District-based Mechanical Engineer and owner of this Caddy explained that when he viewed the van back in November 2018 despite the low mileage and immaculate condition, he was the first to…

Project Tornado is pretty much there now in terms of the mechanical side of its journey since, this month, I upgraded the brake pads and discs plus suspension. Rather than the standard VW braking option, I went for EBC G3000 Performance slotted brake discs front and rear, partnered with its Yellow Stuff brake pads. I have the Yellow pads on my M2 and they give plenty of bite, on track and general road use. Tyrepoint in Maidstone fitted the brake set-up, being experts in the rubber stuff and car modifications John there did a great job of fitting the parts and modelling at the same time! The black grooved discs looked epic against the red of the GTI and the silver Monza alloys, only problem is the coating disappears as…

Wonder Wool Wheel Brushes are specifically designed to tackle the safe agitation of cleaning agents on premium wheels and brake calipers with sensitive finishes. Featuring natural lambswool cleaning heads, Wonder Wools are non-scratch on gloss black, bare metal, anodised and custom painted rims, and actively glide over surfaces gently agitating without excess scrubbing, locking harmful contaminants - such as heavy grime and metallic brake dust - deep within the fibres, away from the wheel finish. Auto Finesse Wonder Wools are available in three sizes, priced from £14.95, or as a pack of all three priced at £45.95.…

Developed as the ultimate glass cleaning towel, the Superior Waffle is the ideal product for the fastest cleaning on all interior and exterior glass surfaces, and the perfect cloth for use with our amazing Crystal Glass Cleaner or Si02-infused Caramics Glass Cleaner. Super soft and absorbent, the Superior Waffle has been specifically designed for use with spray-on cleaning products and has a high surface area due to its special fabric weave. This revolutionary design also enables grime and debris to be quickly lifted from your glass and locked away in the microfibre pockets, leaving behind nothing but a smear and streak-free finish. This extra-large, 600 x 400mm towel is the perfect accessory to keep all vehicle glass sparkling time and time again.…

STEP 1: ASSESS THE SITUATION First, assess the situation. In most case you'll be getting your engine wet, so you'll need to be sure to protect any sensitive electrics and intakes. Modified cars often have open cone filters replacing the air box, so you'll either need to take these off and protect the intake, or bag up the whole filter. STEP 2: PERFORM A THOROUGH PRE-WASH Perform a thorough pre-wash, always being careful to avoid spraying directly on to unprotected electrics and alternators. Start on the underside of the bonnet, and then move your way down to the bay. Clean the bonnet first, to avoid dirt and grime dripping down onto your freshly-cleaned engine. A 1:5 dilution of Verso All Purpose Cleaner is all you need here. Spray on liberally,…

If you love driving your car then it stands to reason that you'll be spending most of your time inside. We realise that the vast majority of other people never see your cockpit, but that doesn't mean that cleansing your interior isn't an important part of a full detail, it’s also something that often gets overlooked during routine maintenance. Perhaps it’s simply because, arguably at least, there’s much more to think about when it comes to interiors. The truth is that deep-down sanitising is just as important as cleaning here because, essentially, interior detailing is not just about looking good, it’s about ridding your vehicle of all the little nasties… some being significant nastier than others. Aside from the dirt you've just dragged in on your shoes, the crumbs, spills…

Hand polishing can be effective, especially on small areas with fine abrasives, and it is possible to remove light swirling in this way. But, due to the way compounds and polishes work, using a machine polisher will usually be the quickest and most effective method. Through heat and physical friction, the abrasive particles in compounds have to be broken down to create a finer and finer finish as you work them through. On a microscopic level these are smashed together, breaking them up into smaller and smaller particles which cut less and less, and start to refine more and more, this is what gives a compound its "range of cut'. This is also the reason it’s important to fully work your compound through - usually indicated by the residue turning…

It’s obviously crucial to consider what type of protection you'll be using after you’ve cleaned your car and cut out any swirl marks you might have had. It goes without saying that you should always safeguard your work and add a protective layer or two - it’s simply silly not to. But, what’s important here is that the type of protection you prefer can affect your choice of compound. Ceramic coatings, for example, require pre-correction with a product that doesn't contain any waxes or fillers, because these interfere with the chemical bonding process. If you're using a wax protection, however, a polish that already contains a wax is fine, you're basically applying even more protection. You can also use a correction product with no wax content.…

Getting yourself a deep, luscious show car finish, extreme water beading and plenty of protection from the elements, makes investing in the best quality product an absolute no brainer. This is probably why our Signature Wax Collection has never been more popular, but you'd still be surprised how often any wax can be applied in a way that doesn't quite fulfil its full potential and, even worse, wasting your hard-earned cash along the way. The truth is that waxes look amazing, but with the correct technique they can be made to look even better. Waxing the right way can, and will always, make all the difference, so here’s some tips and tricks to show you can get the very best from yours… STEP 1 Even after you've fully washed and…

It’s safe to say that over the last decade or so Auto Finesse has quickly transformed itself from a small, start-up detailing company into a globally recognised brand that not only sells products to a number of loyal detailers the world over, but also shifts product to the general public through a bunch of global dealers. You’ll even find its products on the shelves in Halfords these days! GROUNDED While many companies tend to lose touch with the end user once they become large, established brands a few, such as Auto Finesse, couldn’t be any more in touch with them. In fact, if ever there was a brand that remains in true tune with what its customers require it’s Auto Finesse. In fact, if you needed any further proof, then…

TAROX was quick to spot the potential of the Mk8 Golf Clubsport and R, and has developed the world’s first braking upgrade for these performance VWs. Available from the TAROX Bespoke Range, these fully-floating discs are manufactured from a solid billet of steel, then heat treated and cooled for strength and durability. A direct replacement for the OEM discs on the Clubsport and R, they measure 340mm (£862) and 356mm (£970) respectively. A range of facings may be specified, according to driving style and preferences, including the best-selling, grooved, F2000 design. To complement these high-performance discs, two compounds of pad are available: Strada, for road; and Corsa, for track/more powerful road cars. Both pads cost £178 and offer improved friction resulting in more bite and are able to operate at…

There’s something so simple, so raw and just so god-damn-right about a Mk1 bonnet with a snarling valver lurking beneath it. No matter what happens with more contemporary turbocharged and bigger capacity, multi cylinder VW engines the trusty ol’ valver can still be relied upon to dish up the goods when it comes to period correct induction roar. We know that for the purists there’s nothing more invigorating than the off-beat, high RPM intake growl of some open trumpets in the morning. Sure, it might not necessarily make all the ponies or generate the same amount of twisting torque as VWs new-age offerings, but for relative simplicity, ease of install and that all-important 7500rpm redline the good ol’ ABF lump remains a no-brainer. Add the cacophony of open trumpets to…

know from bitter experience that the annual SEMA trade show in Las Vegas can provide thin pickings for the VAG enthusiast. And while 2021 didn’t offer quantity, there was plenty of quality. With the ’Rona virus causing the cancellation of SEMA 2020, there was doubt surrounding this year’s event: would it happen, who would display, and who would attend? As it transpired, there was some empty floor space and less congestion, which was a bonus. The quality of cars was outstanding, and you didn’t have to fight throngs of people to see them. From our perspective, the biggest news was the new partnership between Ken Block and Audi. It means they’re going to defile some Ur quattros but these legendary machines will get the attention they deserve. If you’ve always…

With Covid rules being relaxed somewhat, both Steff Duff and Matt Prescott were pleased to be able to go full steam ahead with the Cumbria VAG Show & Shine Festival back in July. Held at the familiar Westmorland Country Showground, despite being slightly overcast the weather remained warm and the rain stayed away, which was all anybody could really have wished for. For many, if was just nice to get out of the house and back to what they enjoyed doing, hitting up a car show with their friends. As always, there was camping available on Saturday night, with the usual drum and bass party put on in the evening which is always a crowd pleaser. Come Sunday, despite the global pandemic, the organisers confirmed it was their biggest show…

JANUARY 13-16 th AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL NEC, Birmingham, UK www.autosportinternational.com FEBRUARY 4-5th EURO TRIPPER 9 Ft Myers, Florida, USA www.eurotrippershow.com MARCH 13th ULTIMATE DUBS Telford Centre, UK www.ultimate-dubs.co.uk 13th VW-SPEED MID-WINTER MEETING Airport Twenthe, Holland, www.vw-speed.nl 19-22nd VOLKS WORLD SHOW Sundown Park, Esher, Surrey, UK www.volksworld.com APRIL 2-3rd DUBSHED Nikon Exhibition Centre, Belfast, NI www.dubshed.com 3rd THE FAST SHOW Santa Pod, Wellingborough, UK www.santapod.co.uk 8-10th WOOKIES IN THE WOODS Robbinsville, NC, USA www.wookiesinthewoods.com 9-10th GR8 INTERNATIONAL CAR SHOW Kortrijk Xpo, Belgium www.gr8mag.be 10th ELSECAR AT THE RACES Doncaster Racecourse, UK www.elsecarattheraces.com 10th UK RALLYE GOLF SHOW Doncaster Racecourse, UK www.elsecarattheraces.com 10th GTI SPRING FEST Santa Pod, Wellingborough, UK www.santapod.co.uk 18th OFFSET SHOW Royal Cornwall Showground, UK www.wgnuk.com 24th NEW ENGLAND DUSTOFF Thompson Speedway, Thompson, CT, USA Facebook: New England Dustoff 24th…

There’s something so simple, so raw and just so god-damn-right about a Mk1 bonnet with a snarling valver lurking beneath it. No matter what happens with more contemporary turbocharged and bigger capacity, multi cylinder VW engines the trusty ol’ valver can still be relied upon to dish up the goods when it comes to period correct induction roar. We know that for the purists there’s nothing more invigorating than the off-beat, high RPM intake growl of some open trumpets in the morning. Sure, it might not necessarily make all the ponies or generate the same amount of twisting torque as VWs new-age offerings, but for relative simplicity, ease of install and that all-important 7500rpm redline the good ol’ ABF lump remains a no-brainer. Add the cacophony of open trumpets to…

STEP 1: DECONTAMINATION WITH IRON OUT If your wheels need deep-cleaning and decontamination then you need Iron Out, AF’s heavy hitting fallout remover. We wouldn’t recommend using this supremely powerful formula on every maintenance wash, once a month on a daily driver should be plenty. Iron Out works by reacting with the ferrous particles that burn themselves into the surface of paint, powder-coat or lacquer. This reaction chemically dissolves all metal contamination, temporarily highlighting it red and creating a colloid (solid particles suspended in a liquid) that can be rinsed away with your pressure washer. Simply spray on, let Iron Out do all the work, and rinse off. STEP 2: PRE-WASH WITH IMPERIAL Imperial is AF’s spray-on wheel cleaner that’s safe for regular use on maintenance washes. Even though the…

After fully decontaminating your paint, the surface will now be optimal for wax or sealant bonding, or ready for any level of paint correction from hand to machine polishing - this is where we get to one of the real arts of detailing - the enhacing and correction of your paintwork. Common defects, such as scratches and swirl marks can only be removed through surface abrasion using a suitable polish or compound. These types of abrasive products are designed to take away a microscopic layer off the top of the surface to create a perfectly level finish. So, technically at least, you're not physically removing the actual swirl marks at all, you're removing the surface of the paintwork around them, down to the bottom of the deepest swirl mark, until…

Now, this is clearly the bit where your polishing takes place. Whether that’s a 3-stage correction, a single stage enhancement or anything in between, for maximum safety we'd always recommend one of our Dual Action Polishers for this job. Unless of course you have the professional training and experience necessary to safely wield a rotary polisher… and even then, we'd still recommend using a DA - there really is no downside. How a particular combo is actually used is also an important part of how it works. In basic terms, how a polish or compound breaks down or is "worked through' is crucial to getting the desired result. Fully working your product into the paint is essential, regardless of if you're heavy cutting as part of a multi-stage correction, or…

In a similar way to glazes, waxes bring on the shine by smoothing the top layer of paint or clearcoat, just on a more minuscule scale. On a molecular level the surface of paintwork isn't flat, it contains all sorts of ruts and recesses, like a sort of miniature mountain range. We're not talking about swirls and scratches here, which are much bigger in size, but these tiny ruts and recesses still reflect light in a random fashion as it bounces back to your eye, this makes your paintwork appear to be shallower. Apart from adding durable protection, which is obviously a huge part of why you'd apply a wax in the first place, they create gloss by "levelling the optical finish', this basically means that they install a smooth,…

On a microscopic level paintwork isn't actually flat, there’s all sorts of abrasions which grime and water can stick to. As the water or contaminant molecules cling on, the car gets dirtier and dirtier, not to mention harder to clean without inflicting more and more swirl marks. The tight-knit molecules in a ceramic coating however, create an impermeable layer that smooths out these abrasions. First of all, this levels the optical finish making, it look deeper and glossier (much in the same way as a wax does) but crucially, it offers nothing for the grime to stick to. This means that contaminants will either slip straight off of the surface, or simply sit on top without being allowed to hold fast. It’s what makes surfaces that have been coated much…