The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the benchmark when it comes to hot hatchbacks. Just as the M3 is the ultimate sports sedan, the GTI is the ultimate all-rounder when you need a fun, affordable, and well-built hatch. As a hugely popular machine, there are plenty of individuals and companies who will tune it to be more powerful, more striking to look at, and lower. But for some, one of the GTI's characterizing features is also a flaw. While the GTI has always sent power to the front wheels, some think it would be more exciting with power rather being sent to the rear axle.

Based on the video below, we're inclined to agree.

When converting an AWD vehicle to RWD, things are generally easier. You don't have to make space for a rear differential or a transmission tunnel, so this was quite a labor-intensive project. Carried out by Deutsche Auto Parts, this conversion sees an Mk5 Golf GTI retain its original 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot but the drivetrain from the R32 was adapted to work here. The transfer case and rear suspension were liberated from a wrecked R32, but since these parts were never meant to deal with 100% of the power all of the time, the guys building this machine are likely to face a lot of breakages. Still, being able to do donuts in a GTI makes it worth the effort.

Of course, the Mk5 GTI's standard 197 horsepower isn't worthy of a project like this. Thus, the team has heavily modified the four-banger to produce a claimed 500 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque. As you can see, this makes lighting those rear tires up an easy exercise. There are inherent disadvantages to having power go to the rear wheels in a car with such a short wheelbase, but being able to impersonate a Mustang at your local Cars & Coffee meet is worth it. Here's hoping these guys take on even more ambitious projects in the future - the world is better for it.