Zonker Time Line
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- Hits: 47
- Born 1987 at Volkswagen AG's, advanced Halle 54, production facility in Wolfsburg, Germany.
- 16v Install 1987 at Volkswagen Motorsports' facility in Hanover, Germany.
- Arrived in US 1987
- VW Motorsports Tour 1987
- CART race in August of 1988 at Meadowlands, NJ USA.
- Carlisle Custom Compact Nationals Spring of 1989 at Carlisle, PA USA
- Turbo Install 1989 at Callaway Cars of Old Lyme, Connecticut.
- Sold to Private Party 1992 Oshkosh, Wisconsin USA.
- Sold to Me August of 2001 Fairfax, Virginia USA.
- Rebuild Callaway Turbo September 2001 Turbo Auto, Nashville, TN USA (Zonker's Callaway Turbo Rebuild Story)
- Fabricate Down Pipe October 2001 Turbo Power, Cameron Park, CA USA (Zonker's New Down Pipe Story)
- Replaced Callaway Boost Gage December 2001 from 0-60 to a Callaway -30 to +30 Boost Gage.
- I Sold to Scott August 2002.
- The latest info I have about the Zonker is here Behind the wheel: The VW Sport USA 'Zonker' turbo 16v Syncro
If you have information about the Zonker I would be glad to here from you.
Development of the Zonker
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The ZONKER is a 16v GTI prototype from VW Sport. The big difference is that it features All Wheel Drive and an ABS brake system. It was an evaluation vehicle for things to come from VW. It is a one-off, Ferrari yellow, concept vehicle based on a 16v GTI. This unique concept car was the forerunner to the Rallye Golfs.
Nicknamed Zonker, the two door GTI was built at the assembly line Volkswagen AG's, advanced Halle 54, production facility in Wolfsburg. Unlike standard U.S. GTI’s , the Zonker is equipped with VW’s permanent four-wheel drive viscous system called Syncro and a VW/Teves anti-lock braking system.
After assembly, the Zonker was sent to Volkswagen Motorsports’ facility in Hanover, Germany, where it was fitted a high performance, 16-valve engine, complete with U.S. emission including catalytic converter, and a close ratio, five-speed gearbox. VW didn’t stop there. Shortly after the car’s arrival to the states it was taken to Callaway Cars of Old Lyme, Connecticut. There a Garret turbocharger and custom intercooler were added. The 16-valve engine, now developing about 219hp, and Syncro 4WD combination made the Zonker the only vehicle of its kind in the world. These documents from Callaway presented to VW Sport give a great insight into the development of the Zonker. 1987 VW 16 Valve Turbocharger Development Program, 1987 VW 16 Valve Turbocharger Design Philosophy, and 1987 VW 16 Valve Turbocharger Dyno Approach.
In addition to the installation of the engine and transaxle, VW Motorsports also revised the spring rate and re-valved the struts to lower the vehicle’s ride height by about 1 ½ inches. The Zonker also has BBS one-piece wheels and a BBS front spoiler, rocker panel extensions and a new rear apron. European bumpers and mirror housings have been painted to match the body color. The European quad headlight grill with GTI & Syncro badges round out the list of exterior changes.
Inside, the one-off GTI shows a 220-kmh speedometer and Callaway boost gauge. The seats are custom leather RECARO's with adjustable thigh bolsters. Leather is also found on the rear seats and headrests, door panels, sport steering wheel and shift knob & boot. Power windows and central locking system are also standard features.
Screaming Yellow Zonker
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- Hits: 87
The History of the Screaming Yellow Zonker
1987 16v Callaway Turbo GTi Syncro VW Motor Sport Prototype
The ZONKER is a 16v GTI prototype from VW Sport. The big difference is that it features All Wheel Drive and an ABS brake system. It was an evaluation vehicle for things to come from VW. It is a one-off, Custom yellow, concept vehicle based on a 16v GTI. This unique concept car was the forerunner to the Rallye Golfs. This was the only AWD vehicle VW imported into the us in 1987. And was the only Factory AWD Golf Syncro in the US up until recently (R34).
This is the most famous photo of the Screaming Yellow Zonker. Taken in a Wisconsin airport hanger.