Karmann got the VW Corrado design so right the first time around that 9 out of 10 times we’d usually advise owners keep their modifications to a minimum. Robin Schwab’s VR6-swapped is an example of the tenth time…
Generally, when it comes to modifications, most of the Corrados we’ve featured in the past haven’t been over the top. Less is more is usually the best approach.
Karmann got the ingredients so spot on in the late 80s when the VW Corrado rolled off the production line, that to mess with the formula too much can often been considered sacrilege. Okay, bringing that beautifully sculptured body an inch or two closer to terra firma never caused too much of a stir, and swapping the wheels for something more unique or special is hardly going to upset the purists. You just mustn’t go too over the top…
Of course, there are occasionally exceptions to the rule and this stunning modified VW Corrado VR6, built by forty-year-old German, Robin Schwab is exactly that. He has owned the car for over two decades now, and it’s been through its fair share of phases.
A fascination with modifying cars
“I’ve always tuned and modified my cars,” he told us. “I can’t leave anything alone and see improvements that can be made in all cars I’ve owned.” Clearly this addiction didn’t stop when he bought the Corrado. In fact, this is probably the most extreme car the mechanical engineer has built to date.
“While I was initially drawn to the VW scene by seeing modified examples of the cult Mk2 Golf in magazines and at shows, I always longed for a Corrado but for so many years they were just too expensive or hard to find,” Robin admitted. Remember, there was no Internet back in the 90s, either, which made it even harder to find them. I had a friend who was a car salesman and he would occasionally have Corrados come through his garage, but they were always out of my price range back then.
Buying the VW Corrado
It wasn’t until 2003 that Robin’s salary had increased enough – and VW Corrado prices had levelled off – for him to eventually get on the Karmann coupe ladder. The car you see here actually started life as a 1990 G60 model – the VR6 swap didn’t come till a little later on.
In terms of its condition, the Corrado had been daily driven for over a decade when Robin found it, so it had the odd bit of damage but it was a solid base: “Initially, my focus was on cosmetics and cleaning the car up, so I fitted a complete Rieger body kit, had it painted in SEAT Aqua Blue and fitted a set of 16” wheels.” Hang on, did you say Rieger kit? Yes, that’s right, Robin’s taste hasn’t always been so, how should we put it, on point?
Robin was just pleased to finally be behind the wheel of a VW Corrado, so that’s how the car remained for the next five years as he enjoyed using it for daily duties. Fast forward five years, though, and Robin eventually got the desire for a little bit more power. This is where the VR6 swap came to fruition as the car came off the road for around a year so Robin could work his magic.
VR6 swap for the modified VW Corrado
“Throughout all the car’s various stages I’m pleased to say I carried out all the work myself, bar the leather trimming and paintwork.” While the engine was out, Robin took it upon himself to tidy the bay up a little and also detail the engine, so it reflected the car’s exterior and also looked like it had always lived in the bay.
With the extra power, and that unmistakable sound, the VR6 delivered everything Robin had desired and the Corrado was, at the time, complete. In fact, Robin was so happy with the latest upgrades that the car remained this way for over a decade. From 2016 till 2021 I didn’t really touch the car as I was busy starting a family and house building.
Exterior changes for the modified VW Corrado
As life began to settle down again, once again Robin turned his attention to his beloved modified VW Corrado. By this stage, his taste in styling had matured and the aftermarket scene had change as well. Huge bodykits and OTT styling was a thing of the past, so Robin pitched a plan to give the car one final makeover which would future proof it.
The plan was to strip the car down completely, repaint it in the original LA9V Brilliant Black while making any repairs that were needed alone the way and also protecting the underside. “It was important to me that this time the Corrado was 100% perfect in every way,” so not bolt was left unturned and all parts were either cleaned, replaced or upgraded.
Chassis upgrades
Starting from the ground up, the chassis was given a huge overhaul. GAS air ride was drafted in and installed in the boot using hardlines for a show finish. Air Lift’s 3H management has been used to control the system. The original G60 four-stud hubs were swapped out for 5×100 items and a Porsche ‘Big Red’ brakes set-up was installed using 322mm discs up front.
Not only do these aid braking, but they also look the part when viewed through Robin’s chosen wheels (yes, there’s a choice) of either 8×17” OZ Futuras or 7×17” ETA BETA Turbos or 8×17” custom three-piece Sebrings. Well, they do when he’s not running a pair of custom carbon turbo fans! On top of the front dampers a pair of carbon coated spherical bearing tops mounts, with gold bolt fixings.
Engine bay
The engine bay itself really is a work of art which has been smoothed and flushed to within an inch of its life. Any essential parts that do need to remain have been detailed or polished, like the servo and header tank, plus the gearbox which has been painted white and features chrome and gold details.
While the underside of the car and engine bay were future proofed, Robin also kept busy not only building a 3.0-litre VR6 motor that would be stronger and more powerful than ever, he also fitted a new wiring loom connected to an ECUmaster’s ADU 7” control display module. This is effectively a digital dash display that allows logging capabilities and all manner of other trick features which can be modified in real time.
The neat six-into-one manifold hidden behind the engine has been heat wrapped to reduce engine bay temperatures, while the inlet manifold was painted satin black and the cam cover, radiator cover and induction pipe was coated in real carbon fiber.
Modified VW Corrado interior changes
Naturally, the interior was totally reworked, with plenty of carbon detailing to continue the theme, and a rear cage, CoolerWorx shifter and dished steering wheel reminding you that this car is as much about go as it is show. Yes, Robin still isn’t afraid to drive the car enthusiastically at times: “I absolutely love it, that race car feeling. Plus, the sound is just amazing, too!”
US Spec exterior
Externally, it has very much been an exercise in less is more, with the old body kit being removed and a US-spec conversion taking place. The wings were all widened but in a subtle fashion that still has an OEM look to them, but it prevents any arch rubbing taking place when the car is air’d out. Up front the badges are all black and the orange lenses have been swapped for smoked items.
Modified VW Corrado conclusion
For a car that has been so heavily modified, Robin’s carried out the work in such a way that on first impression, it doesn’t appear to be too dissimilar to when the car left the factory. Okay, so you know straight away that it’s a rather special example, but it’s only as you start delving closer that you spot all the details and unique touches. We think the fact Robin chose to repaint the car in the original black shade has plaid a big part in the car retaining a certain OEM+ look to it.
Unless the right Porsche 964 comes along for the right price, then we can’t see Robin being too distracted from the modified VW Corrado going forwards. While he still plans to further perfect the build, he assures us there are no plans to go over the top, which is just fine by us.
Photos: Artem Chernous.
