When you picture the quintessential hot hatchback, you probably think first of the Volkswagen GTI. For over forty years, VW has consistently set the paradigm with its GTI in that segment. Most recently, the MK7 and updated MK7.5 GTI 2.0T have delivered more performance and potential from essentially the same formula that created the namesake’s [...]
At the risk of appearing to capitalize on content provided by tragedy, I cannot pass by an opportunity to celebrate the life and achievements of such an influential person to so many enthusiasts as John Haynes. Last week, surrounded by his family, John Haynes passed away after a brief illness at his home in England. [...]
I have always enjoyed building, creating, assembling, or otherwise challenging myself with projects. I relish the times I have overheard family members doubt my resolve or abilities as opportunities to both prove them wrong and realize a desire. As car enthusiasts, many of us likely can trace our interest in performing our own work and [...]
The VW MK5/MK6 and Audi TT/A3 platforms are exceptional choices preferred by tons of enthusiasts around the world. As these cars age, it is important to address those more involved maintenance concerns from worn and degraded parts, especially if you are modifying your car for performance. Unfortunately, this often requires refreshed bushings and suspension components [...]
As mentioned in our previous article about that incredible E34 barn find including a gaggle of minty sedans and a touring, we at ECS would prefer to telling our own stories and offer an internal perspective to our readers. This week, we are going to break that tradition again. On January 14th, Volkswagen announced at [...]
The automotive world in the last decade has experienced a dizzying swing of seemingly contradictory directions. Fueled by innovation, progress, and forward-thinking while held to increasingly conservative and stagnant political decisions, we have reached a point in 2018 where a distinct rift has appeared in the market. Increasingly, as governments like those of Spain and [...]
As the technology around vehicles developed, there were influential models that defined the automobile market and the vehicles that would follow as the world embraced an internal combustion future. Of these influential models, many come readily to mind when asked what cars most directly impacted the vehicles produced today. Cars like the Ford Model T, [...]
Cars, like all machines, require regular service to maintain their operational lifespan. This is common knowledge to just about everyone. Two or three times a year (depending on how much you drive) you can expect to have your car on jack stands in the driveway or at your preferred service center with an oil drain [...]
Oil catch cans are incredibly common, especially on highly modified engines. On forums, you can find several roundabout answers ranging from ‘it helps keep your engine clean’ to proclaiming ‘it will prevent your engine from blowing.’ These vague responses are lacking in real answers as to what the actual purpose of a catch can is and how it functions to benefit your engine. This is a case where people are giving sound, albeit, uninformed advice. So what does a catch can exactly do?
Wheels make the car. They are the most visually striking part of a car’s exterior appearance and offer the widest range of changes to its attitude. A simple color change is one thing, but choosing the right size, offset, and style can drastically alter your car’s presence. This, of course, should come as news [...]