I was extremely excited about this car when I first saw Fran post about it. So much so that I harrassed him enough that he finally relented and sold it to me. I finally got a chance to drive it this past Friday and it's fantastic. It is a very fast car even with a relatively mild hp/tq TDI engine (at least compared to what a 1.8t or 2.0t VW gas motor can put out reliably 400 - 500+hp) and the additional weight due to being in diesel powered endurance trim.
The best part about this platform (and the other single and tandem nemesis chassis's) is that car is very EASY to drive. It literally handles like a shifter kart in regards to its ability to turn like it is on rails. The turn in is very smooth and predictable, mid corner is stable and predictable, corner exit is excellent. The boost kicked in a little early in one corner and the rear stepped out, it was a very linear and smooth step out that was easy to counter steer and correct.
Fran did an excellent job in building the nemesis platform. A person with little to no track or racing experience could buy one, put in a stock VW 1.8t or 2.0t with 150 - 200hp and learn to drive in a safe and inexpensive car to operate (lightweight equals less consumables such as tires, brakes, etc) that can still turn very fast laps. Once the driver becomes competent enough to need more power, it's as simple as bolting on a larger turbo kit from APR or others which can yield 400+ hp at the wheels and cost less than $4000. Then you will have a fire breathing rocketship capable of turning lap records or close to it!!
We have a two seat tandem coming soon which will be powered by a high horsepower (500+hp) 2.0t and dog box or sequential trans. It's main purpose will be to give rides to prospective buyers and interested parties so feel free to contact us.
EXCELLENT job Fran!!!