Hot in the Lot
Brandon Tripodi’s 2005 Volkswagen GTI
NEIRAD enilno edition
When one thinks about the perfect car for a teenager safe, low-maintenance brands such as Honda and Toyota come to mind. Then when a person thinks about the perfect car for a teenager in Darien images of gently-used BMWs, Audis, and Volkswagens pop into one’s head. Senior Brandon Tripodi was blessed with the opportunity to own one of these fine examples of German engineering. Tripodi is Hot in the Lot this fall in a 2005 Volkswagen GTI.
Brandon purchased his car back in April after his Dad stopped by Riverbank Volkswagen in Stamford and found this 2005 model sitting on the lot. Buying a late model, Brandon got lucky and found himself behind the wheel of a car with just 30,000 miles.
“I had the choice between a higher mileage R32, or a lower mileage GTI. I figured that the GTI would be the better investment because of not only the low miles, but because of its easy capability to boost horsepower with its 1.8T, unlike the naturally aspirated R32’s VR6 motor.” (naturally aspirated meaning no turbo or supercharger, therefore you cannot get as much horsepower out of software as you could with a forced induction car).
Brandon’s GTI comes stock with 180HP and 173 lb. ft. of torque. Equipped with APR 1+ software, an AWE High Flow Catalytic converter, and a magnaflow exhaust, Brandon’s horsepower numbers were boosted to about 235HP and 270 lb. ft. of torque. All of these numbers at the flywheel of course. These engine modifications increase Brandon’s 0-60 time by about a second a half, and also remove his speed limiter of 130mph; although he claims he would never go that fast.
For looks, Brandon has 20% tint all around (except the windshield of course). He also plans to smoke his side markers and taillights, and paint his brake calipers red.
You may wonder what Brandon’s parents think about his car and everything he has done to it.
“My dad actually has a (Ford) F150 with a small lift kit and bigger tires, so he’s really understanding about my desire to change the car in ways that fit my personal needs,” Brandon said.
When asked what modification was his favorite, Brandon responded, “I really love the exhaust. It puts out an exciting sound while also giving me slight performance gains.”
Brandon isn’t done yet. He wants to add xenon headlamps, and an R32 front bumper, which should cost around $1500. And maybe once he’s out of college and has a legit, high-paying job, Brandon hopes to install a bigger turbo such as a Garret GT3076R with Unitronic software: an addition that will put him in the range of 350 horsepower at the front wheels. All this comes at a price though. But it will be awhile before he can do more than dream about this medication. A Garret Turbo and all necessary hardware can cost up to $10k.
