GOLFMK8
GOLFMK7
GOLFMK6
GOLFMKV

MK7 on the track

psygieda

Passed Driver's Ed
Location
Chicago, IL
I posted this in the General Discussion instead of here, so let me re-post in the proper category.

I am new here, so sorry if this is outside the forums guidelines.

Just wanted to share with everyone my experience with the MK7 GTI US version on a local road course this past weekend.
I have about 1K miles on my GTI, equipped with DSG and Lighting Pkg.

I do own a real race car '87 911 Turbo, that I race on a regular basis in the NW region with PCA. Because my race car was at a mechanics, I drove the GTI just to watch my buddies have fun with their Porsches that weekend.

Well, we do have what is called "track touring" during a lunch break, where you can take any car on the track and simply drive around at no more then 60 mph to show the track to your family member or anyone else for that matter.

Since I know most of the folks at our club I asked if it would be ok to take my GTI out and push it a little beyond the 60 mph limit. I was told "yes" but be careful.

I have to mention that it was about 39 F and drizzling rain, the track was very damp.

I had my car in the Sport mode, with all the traction controls on full. Shifting was all done by the DSG not by me.
I have to tell you all that I was very surprised, how well the car handled the track with the above conditions. I had the car up to around 100 mph on the straights, the DSG would very precisely downshift on braking going into turns and rev up the engine where the power was accessible at the track out of all the turns. The traction control would come on as soon as the front wheels would begin to slide out "oversteer" with the front wheel drive car that is very common. You could feel the front left wheel react as the brakes would be applied to it automatically in the right hand turns.
Overall a very cool ride and experience, I did not push the car to where I would normally drive, and of course being wet and damp the rain line is different then when it's dry. The brakes are great as well, the ABS never kicked in, however that is most likely because I never pushed the car hard enough going into the turns, it was simply too wet.
I will try to take the GTI, next year when the season starts out again in the dry and see what it does. I do like this MK7 a lot. It's a fun car and a real drivers car in my opinion, looking forward to winter and see how it does in those conditions.
For those of you that are familiar with few tracks around the Midwest this was at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL

Peter

Just my 2 cents here.
I very much enjoy this forum.
 

enkil

Ready to race!
Location
Malaysia
Glad u had fun. I have been taking the car to the track a couple of times. Its been loads of fun and also the last visit was after i had it tuned.

Also from what u describing i'm pretty sure its understeer when you start losing your front tires during hard cornering.

Just got the PP brakes installed and waiting for the next session.
 

Yomny1

Ready to race!
Location
S Florida
Guys do you advise changing the brake fluid at least to take it to an easy track day. Just want to get a feel for it but being that I'm in Miami and even my winters are above 70F, afraid the pads and or fluid won't hold.
 

Colonel_Panic

Passed Driver's Ed
Location
Ottawa, ON
Guys do you advise changing the brake fluid at least to take it to an easy track day. Just want to get a feel for it but being that I'm in Miami and even my winters are above 70F, afraid the pads and or fluid won't hold.

I would say that if you just want a taste (the first hit, if you will) the stock equipment is pretty solid as long as you realize your limitations. If you decide to continue the hobby, I'd definitely consider a pad/fluid upgrade.
 
Top