FYI: Experience the Swedish drag racing scene as we dive into the captivating story of Robert Helsing’s spectacular Audi S2 Coupe transformation.
Swedish Drag Racing Culture: A Closer Look
Drag racing has long been a pillar of Swedish car culture. Over the years, the sport has evolved from casual gatherings to grand events featuring meticulously organized competitions like the Top Fuel event at Tiap Arena and Megiar’s Drag Festival at Mantorp Park. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Mantorp Park for an event hosted by popular Swedish automotive YouTuber, SWK.
Mantorp Park: A Drag Racing Haven
For those who may not be acquainted, Mantorp Park is more than just a race track. Its extensive main straight also serves as the quarter-mile strip for drag racing events, making it an ideal venue for speed enthusiasts. Unlike the roar and chaos of Top Fuel events, this particular festival focused on showcasing advanced street builds in friendly but fierce competition.
Meet Robert Helsing and His Audi S2 Coupe
Enter Robert Helsing, a veteran of the Swedish drag racing scene with 35 years of experience. Robert bought a stock 1993 Audi S2 Coupe in 2020 and transformed it into a formidable drag racing machine. Helsing’s latest creation stands out not just for its performance but also for its striking aesthetics.
The Stunning Visuals
The first thing that grabs attention is the aggressive carbon fiber widebody kit. Drawing inspiration from Prior Design, Robert meticulously crafted the front and rear fender flares, front bumper, rear diffuser, hood, trunk lid, and a unique roof scoop that channels air to a rear-mounted radiator. This six-month labor of love speaks volumes about his dedication.
Wheels and Suspension
The revamped S2 rides on 15×9" 32 Racing Speedstars at the front and 15×10" Summit Racing Fast Fives at the rear, all wrapped in 26-inch Hoosier drag slicks. The vehicle’s exceptional handling is due to its KW Variant 3 coilovers and Verkline adjustable top plates, complemented by Strange Engineering front brake calipers and discs, and OEM rear-end brakes.
Under the Hood: Engineering Marvel
Underneath the aggressive exterior lies a powerhouse—the fully assembled Audi 2.4L 5-cylinder engine, courtesy of Gorter Racing in the Netherlands. This engine boasts Wiseco forged pistons, FCP forged connecting rods, a billet crankshaft, and CNC ported cylinder heads for optimal airflow.
Powerhouse Performance
Crowning this build is a Precision 7675 Gen 2 turbocharger. Operating at a boost pressure of 4.2 bar (60.9 psi), this setup generates an astounding 1,044 wheel horsepower and 1,035 Newton-meters of torque. Power is seamlessly delivered to all four wheels through a DragPower 6-speed sequential transmission.
The Trunk Setup
The trunk is a marvel in itself, housing an EWP 150 electric water pump, a 4-gallon Peterson dry sump tank, and three AEM 400LPH fuel pumps, all mounted on billet brackets below the 8-liter PPF fuel tank.
Inside the Beast
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a spartan yet efficient setup designed for speed and safety. A lone aluminum Kirkey drag racing seat on a custom mount, a Simpson six-point harness, and a DragPower gear lever fitted with a micro switch for gear cutting. A FuelTech 550 ECU displays all the vital data, ensuring every millisecond counts on the track.
Breaking Records
Robert’s work has not gone unnoticed. His fastest quarter-mile ET stands at 9.19 seconds at 256 km/h (159 mph), achieved at Mantorp Park in 2023. Remarkably, this was with only 3.4 bar (49.3 psi) of boost, indicating that there’s more untapped potential in this extraordinary machine.
Expertly designed and masterfully executed, Robert Helsing’s Audi S2 Coupe not only epitomizes the spirit of Swedish drag racing but sets a new standard for enthusiasts everywhere.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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Robert Helsing’s 1993 Audi S2 Coupe
- Chassis: FIA approved drag race roll cage, tagged 8.50
- Engine: 2.4-liter 5-cylinder Gorter Racing billet block, CNC ported cylinder heads, Precision Turbo 7675 Gen 2, Fueltech 550 ECU
- Drivetrain: Audi 01E to DragPower 6-speed sequential, Sachs clutch, Tilton tread bearings
- Suspension and Brakes: KW Variant 3 coilovers, Verkline top bearings, Strange Engineering front brakes
- Wheels and Tires: 32 Racing Speedster 15×8" +25 (front), Summit Racing Fast Five 10×15" (rear), Hoosier slicks
- Exterior: Custom carbon fiber widebody kit, front lip, rear diffuser, hood, trunk door, roof scoop
- Interior: Kirkey aluminum seat, Simpson 6-point harness, Nardi steering wheel, OBP pedals and hydraulic handbrake
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