From the street to the track: Mk7 Golf R @ Goodwood Build – Part 2

Last week we introduced you to our latest project destined for Players Classic @ Goodwood, the Air Lift Performance Mk7 Golf R. Even in standard trim the Mk7 R is seriously fast, thanks in part to its 300bhp turbocharged motor and all-wheel-drive. But just how fast could it be with a little Air Lift Performance magic? That’s exactly what we’re here to find out…

Goodwood Circuit is seriously fast. Hit the track in something with a bit of poke and you’ll be averaging 90mph over the 2.3-mile course. In fact, the current lap record stands at a cool 1:18.217 (set by a Lola race car) which equates to an average speed of 106mph. Brave pills are highly recommended when hitting Goodwood for the first time!

Back to the Golf R, and over the past three days Henry and the team at Riiva Design have been flat out prepping it for Goodwood with the help of Air Lift Performance struts and 3P management. Suitable for all Mk7 VWs fitted with independent rear suspension, this is easily one of our most comprehensive kits available right now. Each strut replaces the OEM item, and there’s even custom proprietary lower control arms on the rear for precise bag installation.

What that means is, even without ANY modification, the Air Lift Performance Mk7 kit allows 4.8 inches of drop on the front axle and 5.8 inches on the rear. Oh, and we’ve also just launched a similar kit for Mk7s fitted with twist beam rear suspension too!

It’s when you take a closer look at the kit you can appreciate the research and development that goes into every Air Lift Performance upgrade. Double bellows bags are used all round, with the front strut opting for a bag-over style strut design and the rear opting for monotube shocks.

Every corner provides 30 levels of damping adjustment for track and street use. Henry and the team have opted for a fairly neutral setup initially before hitting the track and making any further adjustments using the easily-accessible adjuster nobs.

In fact, there’s even bolt-in camber plates on the front struts (made of T6061 red anodized aluminum) to allow precise alignment-tuning capability when dialing in a track setup. Performance isn’t just in Air Lift’s name, it’s in our DNA!

With all four struts installed and the air lines all routed, the only thing left to do now is final wiring of the 3P management followed by a shakedown test and wheel alignment. We cannot wait to see how this thing performs on track! With power boosted to 380bhp and 8-pot Tarox brakes providing the stopping power, this high-performance suspension upgrade is the final piece of the Mk7 R’s puzzle ahead of Goodwood.

Check back tomorrow to see a finished shot of the Mk7 R ready to roll!