Volkswagen Motorsport became a pioneer in this area, collaborating with Volkswagen Research & Development to explore how to simultaneously boost the efficiency and performance of existing engines—since up until then, increasing power without raising fuel consumption had been a significant challenge. The solution: a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine equipped with a Volkswagen-developed spiral supercharger—known as the G- Lader. This supplied the combustion chambers with additional air, enhancing both efficiency and power. In various production models, this new engine delivered 160 PS. However, in the motorsport-specific Rallye Golf G60, the power soared to an impressive 275 PS, which translates to an output of 156 PS per litre. Unlike a turbocharger, the spiral supercharger, driven directly by a belt from the engine, does not depend on the amount of exhaust gases—giving the G-Lader an advantage in agility and efficiency. In 1991, Erwin Weber and Manfred Hiemer won the German Rally Championship with the Rallye Golf G60. The previous year, the Golf had already competed in the World Rally Championship, securing impressive results including a third-place finish at the Rally New Zealand. → Golf Motorsport Icons50 Years of the Sporty Golf Vehicle Number 04 Golf II | 'Pikes Peak' Manufacturing Year of Model Displayed 1987 Power / Engine 2 x 240 kW (2 x 326 PS) / 2 x 4 cylinders, each with a turbocharger, 2 x 1,781 cc Top Speed Variable, depending on boost pressure and gear ratio Golf 'Pikes Peak' The Golf 'Pikes Peak' was the ultimate evolution of various dual-engine race cars based on the Jetta II and Golf II GTI. The vehicle was dubbed 'Pikes Peak' after its participation in the 1987 'Pikes Peak International Hill Climb' in the USA—the most celebrated hill climb race globally. Unfortunately, the Golf, driven by Klaus-Joachim 'Jochi' Kleint, had to retire just shy of the summit's finish line.