You would be right if you thought, right off the bat, that Bobby would relish having one of these. Hint, hint.
Anyhow, Bobby doesn’t, but Brett van der Schyff does. So Bobby has a chat with the 28-year-old from Retreat. As it turns out, he was also after a car that excited him, that revved his engine every time he “saw or drove it”.
Brett says: “I’ve loved cars since a very young age and always wanted to customise a car myself. I knew it was an expensive hobby, so I figured I’d have to work really hard for it.”
He’s the proud owner of this kwaai gedropte 2007 Audi S3 8P, named Sophie, which is also his grandmother’s nickname. And that’s no ordinary drop; the guy’s installed the real thing, which you’ll know is air nowadays.
Already rocking a two-litre FSI turbocharged four-pot petrol powerplant rated at 195kW out the box, the S3 is known for response all the way through the rev band. Since its inception, there was little to touch the quality, slickness and delivery of the S3; even the Golf R32 didn’t compare.
CHILLED: The interior is still pretty standard
Audi’s trademark quality build and interior styling are always welcome, from the splashes of silver around the air vents and gear lever to the leather seating.
Brett has made some subtle additions that result in rather unsubtle effects. He says: “The engine has received some software done by Revo. Additionally it has a 76mm downpipe, high pressure fuel pump, R8 coilpacks and a custom cold air induction. It has made 253kW and 503Nm on the dyno, so I’m pretty happy for now.”
Bobby asked about Brett’s day job. He says: “I’m a clinical psychologist, so I work with people on a very private level, often having to engage in pretty intense cases. It’s very rewarding to be able to assist people in empowering themselves and giving them a sense of hope.
“My main focus is to be able to reduce the stigma around mental illness and to contribute to improving mental health within the Western Cape.”
BOOST: Rockford Fosgate sound system with a 10-inch sub and 4-channel amp
Brett likes to lend a hand when it comes to the Cape car scene. He can be found supporting shows, helping friends with events, and generally stieking uit. He says: “I try and help friends and get involved where I can. I’ve mostly helped friends with the running of sound-offs, and also a dyno day. Most of the time I support shows, often entering classes I know I can’t necessarily win, purely to contribute where I can.”
Brett maintained the classy exterior, and added a splash of ’80s digital icon to the rear, for that difference. He sprayed the grille and mirrors black, and the rims are copper-bronze. He adds: “The car also seems to be known for its ‘gameover’ sticker at the rear with the Pacman stickers.”
The airlift air suspension kit has full digital Airlift 3P management, controlled via his phone. Apparently there is more exterior work coming soon.
The interior is pretty much standard. Only addition are air gauges in the air vents, which he says will soon be removed due to the digital air management. There is, however, a custom boot install, for the sound system and the air setup.
Brett says: “I’m running a full Rockford Fosgate sound system. It’s built more for sound quality, so it consists of a split system in the front and also in the rear, with a 10-inch subwoofer. The audio setup is powered by a relatively strong four-channel amplifier.
He has big plans afoot. When asked what work he intends to do, Brett says: “Quite a bit, actually. I am having a lip and wing made for the exterior in carbon fibre, some engine detailing is on the cards and then a full redo of the boot install.”
SLICK: Brett van der Schyff with his kitted out Audi S3 8P on air suspension
And what’s the point in stopping there, Bobby asks, just before Brett drops the “and a big turbo upgrade too” remark.
When it comes to the strong points of the S3, Brett says the fact that it makes the power it does (quite nippy is his turn of phrase) for the price, makes it a reasonable deal. The weak point is this, and we’ve heard this before: “If something breaks, then be prepared to pay a lot for it!”
Brett says if he were to change cars he would go for an Audi S3 sedan. That said, he qualifies the wish list, adding: “An M3 or C63 would be damn nice.
Brett doesn’t belong to a club at the moment, as he finds there can be too much in the way of politics. He says: “Many of my friends belong to clubs and I help them where possible.
He is not, however, deprived of the all-important benefit of vehicular consultation as his girlfriend Kirsten and friend Moegsien usually sit down with Brett to discuss builds and plans for the car.
Now one would think that with such a slick vehicle, and being a young professional, Brett would have one or two tantalising stories to tell. He answers Bobby’s question about any possible “interesting” experiences with the candid reserve one would expect from a man in his profession: “Nothing that my family or friends should be aware of, so, no.”