VW Mk7 Golf GTI: In Acid Green Inozetek Wrap

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TL;DR

• Michael Kerns shares his passion for cars and his journey in the automotive world.

• His Bagged VW Mk7 Golf GTI has been modified for both performance and aesthetics.

• Key upgrades include a catless downpipe, custom suspension, and a unique wrap.

• Future plans involve a motor swap and a custom widebody build.

• Michael's dream car is either his grandfather's old C10 or a Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Michael Kerns - Bagged VW Mk7 Golf GTI 

Instagram: @That_Lost_MQB

Photographer: Brandon, John, Donnie Rochin

Instagram: @BG_Visions  @Itz_uncut_films  @r0cean11

A Passion for Cars

Hello, my name is Michael Kerns, also known as Teggy. I was born and raised in a small town in Virginia called Stephens City. Growing up on a farm, I lived a typical small-town life. Tragically, at the age of 15, I lost one of my younger siblings due to health issues, which led me to move to Martinsburg, West Virginia, where I spent the rest of my high school years.

After graduating, I bounced around various jobs, trying to find my path. From working in shops and warehouses to even spending time at a graveyard, my journey was diverse. In 2019, I transitioned into the petroleum industry, focusing on building gas stations. After getting married in October 2024, my wife and I moved to Dallas, Texas.

My Automotive Journey

My journey in the car world began with a love for Honda vehicles. After buying and selling multiple cars during and after high school, I eventually acquired my first Volkswagen and never looked back. Outside of modifying cars, I enjoy PC gaming and spending time with my four-legged children, Otis, our three-year-old Bernedoodle, and Sky, our six-month-old Husky mix. I also love exploring nature and discovering cool abandoned places.

Influences in My Life

Two incredible individuals sparked my interest in cars as a child: my uncle, who was passionate about Japanese and European cars, and my grandfather, who ran a restoration shop for classic and muscle cars. One weekend, I would be pulling a KA engine out of a 240SX to make room for an SR, and the next, I would be disassembling a '69 Camaro to prepare it for paint. Both of these figures continue to inspire me, eagerly anticipating my next modification or trophy.

I also have two amazing friends, Carlos and Geoff from LostBoyz, who have motivated and supported me over the past year.

The Dream Car: My Bagged VW Mk7 Golf GTI

When I was around 14 or 15 years old, I was sitting with my great-grandmother, who was like a second mother to me, when I first saw the release of the MK7 GTI. I vividly remember the commercial featuring a man and his dog dreaming about the car. After watching it, I turned to my great-grandmother and declared, "I’ll have that car one day."

Fast forward five years, and I had to say goodbye to her in the hospital. After her passing, I knew I had to do whatever it took to get that car. A week after her funeral, I visited a dealership in Dulles, Virginia, and traded in my old VW for my dream car: a 2017 MK7 GTI Sport. To this day, I tear up thinking about how proud she would be to see me in that car. If there’s one lesson to take from my story, it’s to chase your dreams! You never know who is watching and waiting for you to achieve your goals.

The Unique Appeal of My 2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI 

The color of my GTI is what truly makes it stand out and grab attention. While some might not consider it "unique" or "special," to me, it represents everything I love about cars. Initially, I intended to keep it relatively stock, but that plan quickly changed. Just two weeks after purchasing it, I had already installed BC coilovers, window tint, a wrap, a tune, and a downpipe.

I was content for a while until I attended a track day, which sparked a new obsession. I initially aimed to create a weekend track toy, but after a couple of years, I faced a choice: spend a fortune to further enhance my track experience or invest less and dive into the show scene. I opted for the latter, upgrading various components in the engine bay and swapping out my seats.

After losing a few friends to crashes or family obligations, I decided to go for bags, wheels, and other modifications that always bring a smile to my face. The overall driving experience remains exhilarating. Sure, I sometimes hesitate to take the car to the store due to the love, money, and time I’ve invested, but I refuse to let it sit in the garage as a "trailer queen." I’ve driven this car over 14 hours to attend shows across the United States. It has proven to be incredibly reliable, and aside from a few flat tires, it has never left me stranded.

2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI: Build List and Modifications

2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI  Performance Upgrades

• Engine Modifications:

• CTS 3-inch catless downpipe

• CTS cat-back exhaust

• CTS turbo inlet pipe

• CTS FMIC and intercooler piping

• 034 Coilpacks

• 034 HPFP housing with internals

• Stage 3 South Bend clutch

• AMS carbon intake

• Tuned on flex fuel via EQT with Cobb flex fuel sensor

• Autotech HPFP

2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI  Engine Bay Dress-Up

• Zspec red dress-up bolts

• 034 carbon engine cover

• 034 battery box

• 034 fuse cover

• Blaze carbon grill vents

• Racing Line oil cap, dipstick, and washer fluid cap

2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI  Exterior Modifications

• Eyelid covers

• Custom front lip

• Custom side skirts

• Custom spats

• Aerofabb V2 street diffuser

• Aerofabb rear wing V1

• Acid green Inozetek wrap

• 15% side window tint and 30% front windshield tint

• Uro Tuning polished mirror caps

• Blaze carbon mud flaps

• Golf R front bumper and grill conversion

• Thule XL roof box

2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI  Interior Modifications

• Uro Tuning carbon shift knob

• Custom plaid shift boot and e-brake boot

• CJM COBB AP vent mount

• CJM Airlift control mount

• Braum seats, harness bar, and harnesses

• Carbon dash trim

2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI  Suspension

• Airlift performance struts (front and rear)

• Dual 440 compressors

• Vagcamber 10-degree front sleeves

• 034 front lower control arms

• 034 rear toe arms

• Godspeed rear camber arms

• Front and rear Whiteline sway bars

2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI  Wheels and Tires

• 18x9.5 +12 NR rear and +14 HP front SSR Strusses

• 225/35 tires

Who Did the Work?

The modifications were a collaborative effort involving various friends, shops, and my own hands. Most custom work, especially suspension and engine modifications, was done by me with help from friends in our garages. For the wrap, tune, and more complex jobs like the clutch replacement and subframe work, I took my car to VPC Motorsports (VAGWERKS Performance and Coating) in West Virginia. Roby and Kenny at VPC are some of the most down-to-earth guys in the industry.

Future Plans for My 2017 VW Mk7 Golf GTI 

I’m currently working on custom clears for the car and designing a custom rear diffuser. I also plan to acquire different wheels and undertake a custom molded widebody project. I envision the next five years for this car, especially after my wife and I buy our dream home. I dream of performing a motor swap, shaving the engine bay, and giving the car a complete repaint and restoration.

Shout Outs

Firstly, I must give a huge shout-out to my wife, Kayli Kerns @mk7.gti.girl, for always understanding why I say, “I needed this,” while opening an “unexpected” package. I also want to thank Geoff and Carlos from LostBoyz for constantly motivating me to improve and for showcasing some of the cleanest builds out there. A special thanks to the crew at VPC for always being available to answer questions and assist with tasks I couldn’t manage without a lift. I also appreciate my Maryland MQB family; everyone in this group is always eager to help one another. Lastly, I want to thank everyone I've met over the years who has cheered me on or lent a hand with any project or idea I've had.

Dream Car

When it comes to my dream car, it’s a tough question. Like many car enthusiasts, I have multiple answers. Realistically, I’d love to find and completely rebuild my grandfather’s old C10. As for those unattainable cars, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS ranks high on my list—one of the best driver’s cars out there.

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