Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (3)

One thing I truly love about the car scene is how car guys from different areas of the world can fall in love with a certain styling, and utilize that style in their own car builds. Like how real VIP styling has really made its way over to North America, and how classic euro styling has emerged all over the world. This 2010 Volkswagen Golf R is the perfect example of this adoption of style; Owner Yasunobu Fukuda has drawn upon USDM styling, and transformed his car into a US inspired Golf R, complete with US products like Airlift air ride, and a clean white on white color scheme. Taking inspiration from the USDM market really makes his car stand out in Ishikawa, Japan, where the rest of the scene is dominated by the traditional JDM styling, which makes this Golf R so unique and noticeable.

Photos By: Kazuki Hirota exclusively for StanceNation.com

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (4)

Yasunobu has owned his Golf R for 3 years now, and in those years it has certainly been through some changes. It began with a set of H&R coilovers, which were short lived, as he felt the desire to go lower, as most of us do! So he began researching air ride suspension, which proved to be more of an issue than anticipated, as the utilization of air ride in VAG cars in Japan is still largely a minority compared to static suspension. So Yasunobu had to do his research, and research he did! With the help of north American forums such as “Air Society”, and with advice from Open Road Tuning, he was able to piece together everything necessary to get his Golf on the floor.

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (5)

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (7)

The suspension set up consists of Airlift Slam XL struts in the front, and Airlift Slam Specialties in the rear with Dorbitz Design D-cups and H&R shocks. To keep his air in the right places, the system is controlled with the very popular and effective Accuair E-Level management, combined with dual Viair 400c compressors and an Accuair 3 gallon tank. The entire system was installed flawlessly by the guys over at A-Spec, in Japan.

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (8)

With his suspension all set up, it was time to set his sights on a set of rollers. Keeping with his USDM theme, Yasunobu purchased a set of BBS RS’s from the US, and had them shipped to him in Japan. With the RS’s sized at 17×9.5 and 17×10, and paired with a set of 215/40/17 Nitto Neo Gen tires all around, a nicely aggressive stance was achieved, with a nice amount of poke front and rear.

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (9)

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (10)

The exterior modifications made to this Golf R are what truly make it unique in Japan, because Yasunobu imported several OEM US bits to really make it feel like something you would see in coverage from a North American show, which include taillights, side markers, mirrors, and fuel cap. The front bumper was shaved, and a one off badgeless grille was made, which clean up the front end nicely. All of the simple modifications, including the sticker placement and choices, come together so well to create a jaw dropping Golf R, that would fit in without a second thought at SOWO or H20i.

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (11)

Overall, Yasunobu has built a clean and classy Volkswagen, and lets not forget that it is still a Golf R, so it has the power to back up its looks. Boasting a 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder motor, and all-wheel drive putting the 270hp to all four wheels, we are sure that this R doesn’t just sit around looking pretty.

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (12)

I am excited to see what the future holds for Yasunobu and his Golf R, whether it be engine modifications, interior work, or different wheel and tire packages, I know that it will all be done tastefully and well! Let us know what you think about our good friend Yasunobu’s car down below, and as always, thanks from all of us here at StanceNation.

Stanced VW Golf GTI Japan (6)

[toggle_box]
[toggle_item title=”Wheels/Tires/Suspension” active=”true”]BBS RS 5×112 F.9.5 R.10×17
Nitto Neo GEN 215/40 all around
F.Airlift slam XL struts w/K sport adjustable sway bar link with Dorbritz designs sway bar brackets
R.Slam Specialties SS6 with Dorbritz designs D-cups
H&R shocks
AccuAir E-leveling system with touch pad
Viair 400cc Compressors w/AccuAir 3 gallon tank & 3/8 lines
[/toggle_item]
[toggle_item title=”Exterior” active=”false”]US OEM side markers
US OEM tails
US OEM mirrors
US OEM fuel cap
Front Bumper Smoothened
One-off badge less grill
Rear wiper delete[/toggle_item]
[toggle_item title=”Interior” active=”false”]3M dinoc carbon trim
Osir foot rest
All new led bulbs[/toggle_item]
[toggle_item title=”Engine” active=”false”]NEUSPEED cat-back exhaust for mk5 R32
NEUSPEED P-Flo[/toggle_item]
[/toggle_box]