If there was one thing made crystal clear at the VW Team Brabant event, it’s that the passion for all things VW is still alive and kicking. Stunning builds continue to roll out, and one that really stole the show was this Berg Cup-inspired VW Mk1 by Ricardo Kruijf. Positioned right next to the main stage, this Mk1 had a crowd around it all day long, making it tricky to grab a clear photo. And for good reason!
The first thing that draws you in is the deep Carbon Steel Grey paint, practically magnetic in its appeal. But it’s when you peer under the bonnet that you realize this isn’t just another Mk1 Golf. The original engine? Gone. In its place sits a CBUA 07K NA engine—a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder powerhouse originally designed for the American market, very similar to our European Audi RS3’s engine.
The list of modifications to the motor is extensive, to say the least. To highlight a few, the engine now runs with an RS3 crankshaft, DP connecting rods, pistons, and billet bearings. This is all linked to a 4-speed dogbox transmission.
As you look closer, the engine bay is full of custom-machined billet parts, from the intake manifold and valve cover to the engine mounts and oil filter housing. But the real centerpiece is that enormous Garrett G42-1200 turbocharger. Once the car hits the dyno, it’s expected to push around 1,000 horsepower.
To stop all that power safely, the braking system is courtesy of AP Racing, with 330mm discs up front and 280mm at the rear. These are paired with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, visible just behind the 17×9-inch OZ Racing wheels. Fun fact: these wheels originally came from a Seat Toledo that raced in the BTCC.
The suspension? Intrax delivered a 1K2 coilover setup, allowing full adjustability in height and damping. All of this fits perfectly within a custom-built Berg Cup-inspired body kit, hand-made from steel. Carbon fiber accents, including the bumpers and entire roof, further lighten the car while adding a modern racer aesthetic.
Inside, it’s all business. The interior has been stripped of anything unnecessary, leaving only high-end components. The standout pieces are the Recaro Pole Position seats, Sabelt harnesses, and a custom steering wheel with eight adjustable buttons. All crucial driver information is fed through an ADU7 display by Ecumaster, which is connected to the PRO16 ECU responsible for managing the engine’s complex performance systems.
After the event, the car was dropped off at the specialist responsible for wiring it all up. Once the wiring harness is complete, the first tests will be carried out, followed by a trip to the dyno. Hopefully, when the car is fully dialed in, I’ll have a chance to see it in action—and maybe even catch a ride in this 1,000hp beast.
Owner; Ricardo Kruijf
