Volkswagen apprentices tune Arteon to 360kW
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 11th Oct 2018
VOLKSWAGEN Australia’s apprentices and mentors have produced a worked-over, track-focused Arteon sedan, dubbed ART3on, as part of the second Apprentice Build Challenge that will debut at this week’s World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC).
Taking the base 2.0-litre E888 turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 206kW of power and 350Nm of torque in production form, the VW apprentices have turned up the wick to 360kW/600Nm thanks to substantial changes to the powertrain.
Of note, a stage 3 turbo and intake are fitted from RacingLine, as are upgrades to the oil management system, intercooler and fuel pump, while a sports exhaust from Milltek and updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission software from TVS/Harding are also added to the mix.
The result is a zero to 100km/h sprint time in just 3.9 seconds (1.7s quicker than a stock Arteon) which will give Aston Martin V12 Vantage, BMW M4, Jaguar F-Type R, Mercedes-AMG GT and manual Porsche 911 GT3 drivers pause.
Not content with a powertrain overhaul, the ART3on also sports custom Bilstein suspension, larger APR brakes, sticky Pirelli P-Zero semi-slick tyres and the obligatory racecar safety equipment such as a roll cage, racing seats with harnesses, fire extinguisher and a fuel cut-off system.
Given just one week to build the car, the ART3on will lap Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend piloted by Renato Loberto, who also mentored and coached the apprentices throughout the car’s development.
Finished in an eye-catching livery penned by Simon Murray, the ART3on will also be a moving canvas with bright colours and a pop-art-like aesthetic.
Volkswagen Australia national customer experience and capability manager Luka Popovac said he hopes the ART3on will motivate youngsters to get involved in the automotive industry.
“This program is unique to the Australian automotive sector in that we are collaborating with a part of the industry that we typically wouldn’t as a subsidiary importer,” he said.
“We have been blown away by the support of our program mentors, who have given generously of their time, and their products, to help teach our apprentices and build something extraordinary.
“Not only has the ART3on inspired our apprentices, we hope it will also inspire a new generation of technicians to pick up a trade in Australian automotive.”
Last year, Volkswagen’s apprentices built a bespoke Amarok V6 ute that could lap Sydney Motorsport Park in just 1:57.01, besting the brand’s revered Golf GTI hot hatch.
