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COPYRIGHT 2001 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service
Remember Hans and Franz, the artificially inflated Deutsche bodybuilders on "Saturday Night Live"?
The muscle-headed duo would flex, preen and deliver a signature line in deadpan Schwarzenegger style:
"Ve ah here to pump you up."
Apparently, Hans and Franz have been moonlighting in Wolfsburg. Because the Volkswagen GTI 1.8T is suddenly, well, pumped. And if it doesn't quite recapture its once-mythic status as a budget burner, it's certainly the fastest, most powerful GTI ever.
Amazing what 30 more horsepower can do. That, plus a lower price and a warranty that more than doubles VW's previously fleeting protection.
I should mention my soft spot for the GTI. While Britain's cult fave Mini pioneered the peppy, front-drive hatchback with a sideways-mounted engine, the GTI popularized it for the masses. Its acclaimed appearance in 1983 created the pocket rocket (or hot hatch) automotive class that continues.
Back when my friends and I had to scrounge beer money, there were almost no affordable yet practical enthusiast cars. The GTI appeared out of nowhere, a gift from the automotive gods. I ended up owning the 8- and 16-valve versions.
But the hot hatches cooled quickly. A few years ago, the GTI was among the last surviving examples.
(My pet theory is that younger, cost-conscious types who bought hatchbacks in the `80s and early `90s are opting for compact sport-utilities today.)
Suddenly, though, hot hatches are the comeback story of 2001, with entries including the Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX,...
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