When the 2.0T engine debuted in 2005, it left the factory with 200 bhp and 207 lb-ft of torque, and quickly became the next great tuner engine. The use of revolutionary technology presented a new set of challenges and demanded the development of new performance upgrades.
The first and most common upgrade is to the engine management system. The 2.0T is equipped with a state-of-the-art full CAN BUS system with increased RSA encryption, which made hacking the code difficult.
Another hurdle tuners faced was upgrading the fuel system. The 2.0T uses a highly complex direct injection fuel system (FSI) with injectors that are directly mounted into the cylinder head. Tuners were also kept awake at night when it came to creating upgrades to the turbocharger, because the engine has an integrated exhaust manifold and an electronically controlled diverter valve. Vehicles equipped with DSG transmissions posed their own set of challenges. The hypersensitive factory-installed torque limiter can cause the transmission to disengage if it perceives too much twist.
As the engine has had time to settle into mainstream tuning, many after-market performance products have slowly emerged.
Here are some of our favorites
Software upgrades are one of the easiest and most commonly performed modifications that will provide an increase in horsepower, torque, and throttle response.
APR www.goapr.com Phone: 334.502.5181
Features: Performance software loaded through OBD-II port, multiple programs (switch via the cruise control), and lifetime upgrades.
Applications/Price: Audi A3, A4, VW GTI, Jetta GLI, Passat/$599
Horsepower: 32-52 Torque (lb-ft): 64-94
Options: The Enhanced Modular Chipping System (EMCS) flip switch feature allows for the installation of up to three supplementary programs: stock, valet, various racing fuel octane ratings, etc. In addition to the programming cost, one additional program can be added ($149), two additional programs ($219), and three extra programs ($289). Programs can be switched without any additional hardware. Other optional features include Fault Code Erase/Throttle Body Alignment ($59), Security Lockout (requires a four-digit code to switch programs: $59), Anti-Theft System (completely shuts the vehicle down, so even the key will not allow the vehicle to start: $199).
Neuspeed www.neuspeed.com
Phone: 805.388.7171
Features: Performance software loaded through OBD-II port and lifetime upgrades.
Applications/Price: Audi A3, A4, VW GTI, Jetta GLI, Passat/$499.95
Horsepower: 52-56 Torque (lb-ft): 90-101
Revo Technik Inc. www.revotechnik.com
Phone: 866.632.4060
Features: Performance software loaded through OBD-II port, multiple programs and lifetime upgrades.
Applications/Price: Audi A3, A4, VW GTI, Jetta GLI/$499
Horsepower: 50-55 Torque (lb-ft): 78-83
Options: In order to switch between programs, the user must purchase one of two units, the Select or Select Plus. The Select is a standalone unit that enables the user to switch from stock to two octane-specific programs, as well as access the ECU lock-down feature ($199). The Select Plus has all the features associated with Select plus a PC interface that allows fine-tuning of timing, fuel, and boost ($349).Air intake systems are designed to increase airflow to the turbocharger by eliminating or modifying the restrictive factory design. These systems increase throttle response as well as overall power and torque.
GIAC www.giacusa.com
Features: Performance software loaded through OBD-II port, multiple programs, lifetime upgrades.
Applications/Price: Audi A3, A4, VW GTI, Jetta GLI, Passat/$550
Horsepower: 18-50 Torque (lb-ft): 50-85
Options: U-Select handheld programmer ($150) allows the user to select between multiple features such as 91-93 octane performance, race gas (100-108 octane: $100), stock ($150), valet (limits rpm/bhp: $50), kill (disables vehicle: $50) and privacy firewall (password protects the handheld device so that it can only be used in one vehicle: $100).