Btw here is a couple of similar projects:
Operation Project weight loss (56k+) - TDIClub Forums
VWvortex Forums: Build: A New mk2 Rally Shell for mid 2009
With end result on one of them being this:
Unlike these I am not looking to race anything so I am not going to use any race cage or wide tires, but there are some things such as empty/light weight I am very much looking to do like these. Both of these are also TDIs btw!