It's time to throw a MK8 GTI in the mix as it's been a while since we featured one and these are growing in popularity. The MK8 GTI's can be a ton of fun with a few modifications, though this one has more than a few!

We have been lucky enough to help with most of the mods on Fernando's MK8 GTI! Once again, OEM+ is the theme here and his car isn't super flashy, but it has a lot more to it than meets the eye! From a quick glance, you'd think the car is just coilovers, wheels, a simple front splitter and a Golf R wing, but his car packs quite the punch and is a well-balanced and well put together combination of parts.

Fernando started off with a set of Bilstein B16 coilovers meant for a MK7 GTI (yes, they fit the MK8's), an 034Motorsport Stage 1 tune and a set of Neuspeed RSe10 wheels. He quickly got bit by the power bug and eventually upgraded to the Garrett PowerMax turbo and the appropriate 034Motorsport Stage 3 software. An Innovate Motorsports MTX-D gauge keeps track of the ethanol content and sits nicely in the CJM Industries defrost vent gauge pod. As you can imagine, his car absolutely rips with the turbo upgrade and E85!

He also added a touch of aggression to the exterior of the car with the Golf R / Clubsport rear spoiler and a Beri-Backer front splitter. The meaty 245/40 tires and 034 RCO ball joints keep the wheels planted and give it a subtle touch of camber which help give the car an aggressive stance.

He also recently added a Neuspeed 6-Piston BBK to the car which is going to look great behind the Neuspeed wheels, though we don't have any photos with the new BBK installed yet. This brake kit paired with the Neuspeed brake lines and Motul RBF600 fluid makes sure the car can stop as fast as it goes! Brakes are often overlooked, but a very important part when adding a lot of power to a car.

Something tells us he isn't quite done yet and there will be more to come with his car! We're excited to see what the future holds for his car and look forward to helping with his future modifications and maintenance to keep his upgraded turbo MK8 GTI running in tip-top shape for years to come!

 

Engine & Drivetrain: 

• 034Motorsport Stage 3 PMax Tune (High TQ for Locked TCU) 
• Garrett PowerMax Turbo (2260S) 
• Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake
• CTS Turbo Inlet Pipe 
• Milltek Large Bore Downpipe w/ HJS Sports Cat 
• AWE Touring Edition Catback Exhaust 
• Mabotech Intercooler 
• Brisk ER10S Spark Plugs 
• 034Motorsport Billet Upper & Lower Dogbone Inserts

 

Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 

• Bilstein B16 Coilovers 
• 034Motorsport Dynamic+ RCO Ball Joints
• RacingLine Front and Rear Subframe Locking Kit
• Eurosport Camber Top Hat Inserts 
• Moog Sway Bar End Links 
• 034Motorsport Bullet Nose Stud & Nut Kit
• Neuspeed RSe10 Wheels - 18x8.5" +45 
• Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Tires - 245/40R18 

 

Brakes: 

• Neuspeed V2 6-Piston Big Brake Kit - 340mm
• Neuspeed Stainless Shims 
• Neuspeed Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines - Red
• Motul RBF600 Brake Fluid

 

Exterior and Interior: 

• Beri-Backer Front Splitter
• MK8 Golf R / Clubsport Rear Spoiler  
• Innovate Motorsports MTX-D Ethanol Gauge Kit w/ Ethanol Sensor
• CJM Industries Defrost Vent Gauge Pod
• Color Matched White Side Markers 
• Custom Magnetic Paddle Shifters 
• Recoil Spare Tire Subwoofer (and tons of sound insulation)

 

Owner's IG: @gravel_fern

Photo Credit: @krizpy_snapz