Deep Dive Into Volkswagens Rarest Golf - Secrets Exposed - Golf A59 Prototype

►The A59 was a glimpse at what a true WRX and Celica GT-Four fighter would've been in the Group A rally championship of the mid-nineties. Unfortunately, we never received the rally car nor its homologation-required street variant to take on the best of Japan. The proposed turbocharged AWD monster fitted with flared and vented fenders, unique bumpers, and completely bespoke suspension could've been a complete game changer for VW, but it was never to be thanks to shaky financial standings. However, Volkswagen retained a single functioning prototype of the project, and today, we have it in FCP Euro HQ to see just what makes the A59 so special.

00:00 - Getting Familiar with the Golf A59
00:55 - Golf A59 Engine History & Overview
04:20 - Golf A59 Engine Bay Overview
06:50 - Golf A59 Body Overview
09:00 - Golf A59 Rear Hatch & Aero
10:39 - Golf A59 Interior Overview
15:55 - Golf A59 Rear Hatch Interior & Spare Wheel
17:50 - Golf A59 Suspension & Brake Overview
20:50 - Golf A59 Rear Suspension
24:23 - Golf A59 Suspension Modifications
25:20 - Golf A59 Underneath the Engine
28:00 - Thanks for Watching

Special thanks to: Jamie Orr, Volkswagen Classic & Chris Eyre.

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[tt-rs]

These big Fender flares reminds me of the later Golf 4 silhouette.
Also the idea with the rear VW batch an putting the lincense plate down into the bumper.

[vandoesburgh]

had no idea. thanks for sharing this gem

[presentjr]

If I were CEO of VW I would start a classic line. VW Golf Classic, VW Jetta Classic, etc and they would have the same dimensions as the 90s golf and Jetta and interior will be similar with a modern touch and technology.

[grantmckendry]

You can see the inspiration for the MK4 in the silhouette.

[MuchoBoosto]

Sweet video, and it was also great meeting you at PPIHC ‘24 Fan Fest last weekend at the FCP Euro tent, Nate! Just curious - do you guys know if the AWD system uses a true hydraulic active center “differential” (like an Evo or STI, for example) or is it an active center “coupling” (clutch pack) like a modern Golf R Haldex/BorgWarner system?

[Sireoja]

Why did nobody 3D scan it yet? Then a body kit could be accurately made for the average mk3 golf and people who still mod these cars could have the next best thing to the golf A59.

[asherkimball]

Such a shame it didn't make production

[arthurs]

Water reservoir Right near battery... Sigh

[robhersey]

It's 30 years later. No-one cares. The mk3 is older than 50 percent of the people driving on the road today.