Maserati Biturbo, Audi S4, Volkswagen MK6 - Garage Project Cars - Eurotuner Magazine

Matthew Maserati
Matthew Combs isn't your typical Euro enthusiast. Instead of buying something conventional, he started his first Maserati project. "I love Biturbos and dreamed of owning one since I was 12," he told us. "I'm now 20 and own my own business, so it became a reality." Now don't get jealous. He didn't pick up the latest Quattroporte. Instead, he has a beaten and battered '85 Biturbo E.

He bought the car after the previous owner had let it sit for five years, so pretty much everything needs replacing from the throttle cable and plenum chamber to interior. The car barely ran, had a rough idle and no boost. So Matthew's plan was to completely restore the car inside and out.

To start, he stripped the interior to remove the rotten insulation and reupholster. While getting the original carb motor to run is important, Matthew's also building a '87 2.5 liter Biturbo with manual transmission. A close friend will be adding a 2.8 liter Maserati Ghibli Open Cup crankshaft, while Paeco Performance will be fitting titanium rods and custom pistons. Elgin Cams has plans to build 1mm oversized valves for better porting. As for boost, Matthew will be adding Toyota CT26 turbochargers.

After being rebuilt with .50 trim turbos, the entire package should give the Maserati 650hp to the rear wheels with Haltech standalone engine management and custom manifolds and downpipes. The project is expected to take two years, but we'll keep you updated.

Achtuning! S4
In et 10/09, we introduced a new Audi project from Achtuning. The tuner attempted a new breed of conversion by modifying its 2004 B6 S4 to B7 RS4-spec. After months of tedious work at JMI Motoring, the body is done using B7 RS4 front and rear bumpers, front fenders, rear quarter panels, trunk, hood and doors.

The sedan is beginning to look complete with its Stasis suspension, big brakes, rollcage, rear diff and 20" Work wheels. Additions to the 4.2 liter V8 are all that is left; and look what arrived in the mail... a VF-Engineering supercharger kit. To handle the expected 500hp from the Eaton MP90 blower, a stage 4 clutch and flywheel package will be installed, as well as a new exhaust.

Futrell Mk6
Take a look at the most complete Mk6 VW GTI built in North America to date. Futurell Autowerks in Oregon has transformed this '10 GTI with barely a few hundred miles on the car. The plan was to use high quality parts such as H&R coilovers, Neuspeed rear sway bar and BBS CK wheels to improve on factory performance, handling and looks.

There isn't much done to the exterior because parts aren't readily available, but this Mk6 was born to kill on the streets. The 2.0T TSI motor received an APR stage 3 turbo kit and front-mount. To cope with the power, a South Bend stage 3 clutch and Peloquin limited-slip differential were installed.

For now, the build is done and you can watch the install videos at www.futrellautowerks.com But stay tuned for a full feature in an upcoming issue.