GMP Performance was started by a family of racers and that passion has held true throughout its existence. So when this 4-ringed beauty of an RS5 was ready to become a track beast, we were more than willing to jump into the project. One of the first steps was to install a harness bar which is where we also encountered our first issue as well; we couldn't find a bar that would work for this car. It was not the first time we'd found ourselves with this type of predicament with an Audi before so we knew exactly what to do and that was make one ourselves. Using our team's S5 as a guinea pig, we went straight to work designing and perfecting a harness bar.

Taking into consideration our 6'9" owner, we wanted to make sure the bar we built would not only do its job but also do so comfortably for everyone. Instead of the usual bolt points being placed behind the front seats, we decided to go through the rear cup holders, and this simple change added a whole new range of motion for taller drivers, allowing space to slide their seats back to a comfortable distance. The bar design could easily be applied to fabricate a roll bar as well, with the addition of a cross bar and a rear seat delete. Our main goal was to create a system for any track enthusiast to install themselves and this harness bar turns any daily driver into a track toy and back again with ease.

After our bar had been fabricated, we color matched it to our RS5 to tie everything together and add that extra pop of style. Matching the new bar with Sparco Evo 2 race seats and Schroth Profi II harnesses, we sent it on its way. The owner couldn't wait to test run his new package, and promptly took it to Road Atlanta that weekend to break it all in.

Parts Installed:
Audi S5/RS5 QuickSafe Removable Harness Bar
Sparco Evo II Seats
Schroth Profi II ASM FE Harnesses
Audi A5/S5/RS5 Seat Bracket

 

This black S5 is ready to stretch its muscles on the track but not quite prepared to eliminate the creature comforts that you'd expect in your daily driver. The GMP harness bar is a perfect compromise between those two worlds and allowed the owner flexibility to safety conquer on track weekends then head back to the grind on Monday. Teamed with Racetech seats, Schroth harnesses, Brembo big brake kit, H&R Sway Bars, and End Links from 034 Motorsport, this S5 balances the best of both worlds.

Visit gallery here to see more on the install or check out the picture below to see the finished product!

 

Get your car safe for the track!