This month we go #behindtheshutters with V-Hub and speak to one of the owners Graham Swinburn. A family run business operating out of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, V-Hub specialise in tuning high performance VAG models and have been a Revo Authorised Dealer for over 6 years.
Introduce yourself and V-Hub, where did it all start?
I’m Graham, director of V-Hub based in Tewkesbury. I started working in the main dealer network at 16 after moving to Gloucestershire and I’ve been involved in the motor trade ever since.
V-Hub opened its doors over 10 years ago selling VAG vehicles and the tuning service was added 4 years later, which is when I joined Richard and Paul, the other directors. Initially the company was called Vehicle Hub but over time, we became know as V-Hub and we thought it fitted well with the type of products and services we offered, so we changed the name.
We have really grown over the years and now have full workshop facilities offering all the hardware and software Revo have to offer, as well as parts from other major names in tuning.
Who’s part of the V-Hub team?
We’ve got a great team of 14 currently. In the sales office we have Richard, Paul, Bradley and Graeme who look after vehicle sales along with Vicky, Michelle and Meg who take care of admin. The workshop has technicians Mike, Barry, Dan and apprentice Ben along with Marc and Dave who run our valeting and vehicle preparation.
What makes you different to other garages?
As a family run company, we aim to pass that feeling on. We have a relaxed and professional approach here at V-Hub and when it comes to tuning we like to give honest advice to help our customers achieve what they’re looking for. We always advise our customers to keep their car maintained, get the correct insurance and most importantly; enjoy it! We’ve been involved in making lots of people very happy whether it’s a simple ECU re-map or a full blown big-turbo build.
Where did your passion for cars come from?
I’ve always loved VAG cars, mainly influenced by my involvement with SEAT in the 90’s when it was all about F2 rally. Even from a very young age the only toys I had were cars, I just couldn’t get enough. I am the black sheep of the family when it comes to this obsession, but I have succeeded in passing it on to my daughter. My first car was a 998cc Mini, I was doing an apprenticeship at a Rover dealer at the time so it wasn’t long before it was running 1300cc which made it a lot more fun.
My favourite car by far, which is also the one I wish I never sold was my Rover SDI Vitesse – one of the last ones tuned by Lotus – although I’m not sure there would be much of it left considering how badly they were prone to rust. I’m currently driving a Mk3 Skoda VRS estate running Revo Stage 2 – it’s a great car to drive and surprises plenty of people. I still like to get on track now and again but I’m also partial to a more civilised weekend drive. We did a European road trip a while back and you can’t beat cruising through France and some of passes across the Alps.
Tell us about one of your favourite projects.
This is an easy one. It has to be the V-Hub Mk5 Edition 30 Volkswagen GTI. We wanted to demonstrate what the team was capable of building, with the sole intention of putting some serious track and circuit miles on the clock. The GTI was the obvious choice – we wanted to show just how reliable and powerful these cars are when you build and look after them properly. The team’s favourite change has to be the body kit; we weren’t looking to blend in with this car and I’m pretty sure we ticked that box – it’s pretty different from most others on the road.
The best upgrade has to be the Revo Stage 2+ ECU Software. It completely transformed the car and really brought it to life, it’s incredible to drive on track. Our goal was to keep this car road legal too so we could avoid the hassle of putting it on a trailer. Its first outing was at Rockingham for two full days of track time and we drove it there and back, too. It’s such a dynamic car in that way as there’s no real compromise when using it on the road – although the buckets, harnesses and cage remind you of its capability.
What’s fitted to the car?
Revo Open Cone Air Intake System
AutoTech High Pressure Fuel Pump
Fully stripped with custom cage
ABT touring car body kit
Porsche Riviera blue paint
Thanks to Graham and the team. To find out more about V-Hub you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook or visit their website.
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Revo products are available in over 40 countries through a global network of over 400 Revo authorised dealers. Far from your average garage, these guys know their stuff when it comes to performance products and fitting them – we have strict standards for those who wish to fly the Revo banner. Backed by a dedicated support team here at Revo HQ, and with decades of experience working on Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) and Ford vehicles, our dealer network offers advice and support to help you on your path to more power and greater enjoyment of your vehicle.
