GRR

Video: Madness is a 1,800PS twin-engine Lupo drag car

17th August 2020
Seán Ward

We wouldn’t normally feature a Volkswagen Lupo on GRR. Indeed, this will probably be the only time a Lupo will feature. But when the Lupo in question has 1,800PS (1,324kW), two 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, all-wheel-drive and two double-clutch gearboxes, it’s probably worth of a few words.

As a Lupo it is more or less unrecognisable, as the owner Silviu Ghita has installed two 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, one at the front and one at the rear, to create one of the most ridiculous VW drag cars in the world. Each engine produces around 900PS (662kW), with the front engine powering the front wheels and the rear engine driving the rear wheels through individual seven-speed double-clutch gearboxes. I mean, how many espressos do you have to drink before you think a machine like this is in any way a good idea?

The runs at Santa Pod as part of the 2019 VW Action weekend are silly. Truly, they’re ridiculous. Nearly 160mph in a sub-1,000kg drag Lupo with two engines that clearly wants to swap ends? We’ll pass on a drive.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Are Kamaz Trucks the coolest machines ever?

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