Volkswagen Caddy TDI Racer
Published: 17th September 2004
Volkswagen Caddy TDI Racer
The new Caddy has been built and developed by Volkswagen Racing at its Milton Keynes HQ, using the advanced Volkswagen 2.0-litre TDI 16-valve engine - as seen in the new Golf GT TDI – but modified to give 231 PS and 335 lbs ft of torque. This is the most powerful diesel engine that Volkswagen Racing has ever raced in the UK.
The car-like driving dynamics of the standard Caddy have made the job of converting it into a racing vehicle surprisingly straightforward for Volkswagen Racing - indeed the majority of the van’s standard features have been retained for the Racer version. The biggest challenge to the engineers was the fitment of the mandatory roll-cage into the van body, and the development of the rear suspension from a set-up designed to carry heavy loads into one which makes race-car-like handling its main priority.
One thing is for sure - the new Caddy will take over the mantle of the most distinctive racer on the grid from its predecessor, and it has already posted strong results in its first four races of the season. The highest position attained so far is 12th out of 25, with undoubtedly more to come in the season ahead.
Caddy TDI Racer - Technical Specification
| Engine capacity (litres / cc) | 2.0 / 1968 |
| Configuration | 4 cyl, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine management | Volkswagen with Superchips mapping |
| Power output (PS @ rpm) | 231 @ 3686 |
| Max torque (lbs ft @ rpm) | 335 @ 3333 |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Gearbox | 6 spd, limited slip differential, RCS gear selector |
| Clutch | Sachs sintered metal plate |
| Exhaust system | Milltek bespoke system |
| Bodyshell | Production shell, welded-in multi-point roll cage |
| Safety | Sabelt racing seat, six-point Sabelt harness, |
| plumbed-in fire extinguisher system | |
| Steering | Power assisted rack and pinion |
| Brakes | 355 mm ventilated front discs, production |
| ventilated rear discs, Mintex racing pads, ABS | |
| disabled, adjustable bias | |
| Front suspension | KW 2-way adjustable race dampers, height |
| adjustable, adjustable anti-roll bar, solid bushes | |
| Rear suspension | Multi-link beam, KW 2-way coil-over race |
| dampers, adjustable anti-roll bar, solid bushes | |
| Wheels | 8 x 18" / 8 x 19" BBS alloy wheels |
| Tyres | Pirelli PZero Corsa 225/40 ZR18 / 225/35 ZR19 |
| Weight (kg) | 1250 |
| Lubricants | Castrol |
| Air filter | K&N |
