Purchase This Mid-Engine Volkswagen GTI and Dominate Some Porsches

Bearing the name of its engine configuration and power output, the outcome was astonishing—and nerve-wracking. Fitted with front brakes from an Audi RS4, rear axles and brakes from a Lamborghini Gallardo, and the gearbox from a VW Phaeton, the mid-engined oddity surged from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds on its way to a theoretical maximum speed of 201 mph. A vintage Top Gear segment summarized its handling traits succinctly: “This vehicle won’t handle corners.”

It appears that crafting a mid-engined sports car from a front-wheel-drive hatchback isn’t straightforward—even with the support of Volkswagen’s engineers and parts inventory. With a compact wheelbase and a surplus of power, the W12-650 quickly exceeded the capabilities of its tires and makeshift chassis. Nevertheless, the proprietor of this 2012 VW GTI with a 2.0-liter turbo four nestled in its center insists to have solved the mid-engined handling puzzle—and now you can make it yours.

The detachable rear wheel arches, Lexan rear windows, and side NACA ducts serve as your initial indication that this is no common GTI. Beneath the bonnet—or rather, hatch—is where things become intriguing. The previous trunk space has been converted into an engine compartment to house the GTI’s turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transaxle, affixed to the chassis via rigid Delrin mounts. However, don’t anticipate a front trunk—the original engine area has been modified to contain a 12-gallon fuel tank alongside the factory radiator, fuse panels, and battery.

Additional enhancements and changes include the gear lever assembly from a Porsche Cayman S (generation unspecified) with an ECS Tuning short-shift kit, strut tower braces with spherical bushings, and a turbocharger diverter valve. The 2.0-liter engine has been tuned using a COBB Tuning flash tuner, though the exact power increase isn’t specified. Nonetheless, the setup retains factory emissions equipment and purportedly clears California’s notoriously strict smog assessments, most recently in January 2024.

Aside from the drivetrain, the car had to undergo a complete suspension overhaul when transitioning from front-engine to mid-engine and front-wheel to rear-wheel drive. Alterations include relocating the subframe, installing aluminum rear control arms and bushings, upgrading to a BC Racing coilover suspension, integrating a customized front spherical tie rod kit, and adjusting the angle-correcting rear ball joints. The interior retains its original appearance, with the exception of a new firewall in place of the former rear seats and an additional gauge pod mounted above the steering wheel.

A standout detail mentioned in the listing is that: “As a result of the modifications, various warning lights such as ABS, stability control, seat belt, brake, and airbag are illuminated, along with the tire pressure warning light.” This car seems to be a bit disoriented due to the changes.

The current owner of the Mk6 claims to have dedicated “more than 2200 hours” and $42,000 into this project, and from the numerous construction photographs in the listing, it shows. While also operating a European garage in Tarzana, California, named Precision Motors, this endeavor was purely fueled by passion. As per the owner, “[I] transformed this vehicle as a tribute to the 80s Rally cars — the mid-engine hatchbacks involved in the World Rally Group B Competitions … such as the Renault R5, Peugeot 205, and Lancia Deltas. It is a road-legal track automobile that remains fully compliant with DOT regulations and is easy for anyone to drive,” as mentioned on Bring a Trailer.

The auction closing date is set for Monday, May 13. If you are in search of a mid-engined track day vehicle that is not a Porsche or simply wish to admire an extraordinary custom build, you can access it here.