Slideshow: Even More Wagons of Wörthersee
The Wörthersee GTI Treffen draws people from all over, and in Europe that spells a strong, Audi-heavy wagon contingent.
Postcard
Much of Austria looks like a postcard... or for millennials and post-millennials: an idyllic Instagram post. Set in the verdant springtime of the Austrian lake district, among castles and in view of mountains, the Wörthersee GTI Treffen (named for the VW GTI-specific automotive happening) hosts a sort of unofficial two-week tailgate party prior to the actual event. Part of the draw is the scenic drive between the towns dotting the landscape around Lake Wörth and Lake Faak (no word on how to pronounce that one). It also overlaps the spring holiday season in Europe, attracting enthusiasts from all over the continent. According to Speedhunters, who are regular attendees of the pre-party touring and lounging activities, station wagons—also known variably as estates and combis—made their largest showing there in recent years.
Without Prejudice
Europeans in general (if there is such a thing), don't share the strong U.S. aversion for anything wagon. Maybe because they didn't grow up counting VW bugs from the third rows of land yachts, maybe because they didn't have the Brady Bunch running on TV in steady syndication during their formative years, or maybe because huge SUVs aren't nearly as easy to (ahem) navigate or park in most European cities. Or it could just be that they are awesome cars. The weight of a little extra glass is offset by sleek long roof Kamm-style designs that ooze practicality without sacrificing style.
Four Rings
Even though the Treffen is a VW-based event, RS-badged Audis were reportedly the most common cars attending the pre-show festivities. Speedhunters went so far as to call them "top of the food chain," and judging by the restrained yet consequential efforts put into modding many of the cars on view, their owners take pride in that position. Not only were new RS6s and RS4s commonplace, they were also joined by original RS2s and plenty of B5 RS4s.
Family
In light of the location's proximity to Volkswagen Group's home, it was no surprise to see quite a few wagon versions of the new Golf 7 and 7.5 R. Boasting over 300 hp, and sporting AWD, the new Golf line is getting a name for itself as the RS4's little brother. Not only that, but the Golf's reputation as a tuner's car means it's a little brother you don't want to provoke.
Stretched
Not only was the cambered-out look on display, its companion, tire stretching, was in evidence as well. And for those times when you need a little more attention than stance alone draws: high-polish wheels. Speedhunters reported heavily air-bagged suspensions spread like the plague through wagons and other vehicles alike in Austria. From this photo it's hard to tell if the car is moving or not, it's so low—but the site said it was common to see cars floating around town like this. Brought to you by the smoothness of Austrian roads.
Bodies at Rest
Of course, when not moving, full-contact sports of the ground-hugging variety were possible. We prefer this version of RedBull-liveried vehicle over cut-down Mini Cooper promotional cars with giant cans affixed to them... though we're open to seeing what a slammed/Mini can car hybrid would look like.
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