Targeting aggressive street driving, Neuspeed upgraded the suspension with its sport lowering springs, heavy-duty Neuspeed/Bilstein shocks, upgraded front and rear anti-roll bars, and upper strut tie bar. Replacing the 15x6.5-inch factory rolling stock are Borbet Type M 16x7.5-inch wheels wrapped with 205/45ZR16 Pirelli P7000s ($1436 total).
The moderate lowering gives the boxy Jetta a more aggressive stance and the handling to match. Darting through the slalom at 69.3 mph and rounding the skidpad at 0.85g, the Neuspeed Jetta showed a massive improvement over the stock GTI VR6, which recorded a best of 65.6 mph and 0.80g, respectively. Stainless steel brake lines provide a positive pedal and feel and helped the car stop in a brief 124 feet with the stock disc brakes.
Aiming for a broad powerband, smooth idle, and everyday reliability, Neuspeed installed a Schrick variable-geometry intake manifold, a Neuspeed 260-degree camshaft set, long-life Beru Silverstone plugs, Neuspeed eight millimeter spark-plug wires, a K&N air filter, and a Neuspeed P-Chip computer upgrade. Designed to work together, the Neuspeed components provide a higher rev limit and deliver the power to use it. Balancing the free flowing intake is a New Dimensions stainless steel exhaust.
On the drapstrip the Jetta's best run was 15.4 seconds at 91.5 mph. The car sprinted to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the 143-pound-lighter stock GTI VR6. Hot lapping the road course, we discovered that the suspension welcomes heavy throttle, rewarding smooth acceleratioon with nearly unshakable handling, and it scolds throttle lift with a slight tail wag.
At only $1129 the handling package is an excellent way to begin enhancing a VW. Neuspeed has shown that a properly assembled aftermarket package can increase driving excitement with minimal comprises.--Jeff Bartlett.