Video: This 530PS twin-turbo V6 Lupo is pure insanity

26th February 2024

Ethan Jupp

There’s something so gloriously fun about squeezing as much engine as possible into as little car as possible. Little cars don’t get much littler than the VW Lupo, so naturally this one is mid-engined, wide-arched, wing-wearing weapon of a hillclimb car.

If you watch a lot of hillclimb action on YouTube you might recognise this car as once having a supercharged Hayabusa engine. Now, it has a twin-turbocharged V6 displacing some 2.7 litres, that once called the first-generation Audi RS4 its home, producing an incredible 530PS (390kW), on what is described as a ‘conservative tune’.

To be fair, weighing just 1,020kg, it shouldn’t need too much more. Especially on a tight and technical hillclimb, which is exactly what the Buzet Formula Driver round is, with added chicanes for good measure. Seeing the tiny Lupo fling itself hither and thither very much convinces us that what is definitely a strange choice for a hillclimb car, is a good one. That miniature wheelbase and feather-like weight make it clearly a hoot to chuck about. What a machine!

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The 306 Maxi barks like a furious Dachshund