*Volkswagen Jetta (2005-06), Rabbit 2.5L (2007)
At a mere 150 hp, VW's 2.5-liter five-cylinder-equipped vehicles could be considered weedy. Neuspeed has taken on the challenge of making muscle where it is badly needed. After more than a year of research and development, a new five-cylinder GT28RS turbo upgrade available in low- or high-boost trim should be available around the time you read this. Price to be determined.
*Audi 2.7T (S4, A6, Allroad)
The 2.7-liter turbo came in two power levels: 250 hp and 265 hp. A number of engine software upgrades are available for this vehicle. Some offer modules to switch from sport to stock and some companies offer programs based on fuel octane. These chip upgrades, from sources such as APR, GIAC and Neuspeed, bring power output closer to 310 hp and 366 lb-ft of torque (results will vary). $349-$599
APR also offers a Stage III upgrade for the 2.7-liter turbo. The kit consists mainly of factory RS4 (B5) parts including a pair of turbos, intake system with MAF sensor, fuel pump and injectors. The kit, coupled with a few other modifications (sold separately), is capable of a claimed 447 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. $7,249
*Audi A4 3.0L V6 (B6, 2002-05)
Altering the software on Audi's 3.0-liter V6 can offer power gains of 5 to 6 hp at the wheels. These chip upgrades, offered through sources such as GIAC and Neuspeed, optimize ignition timing under part throttle and full throttle to eliminate flat spots in the powerband. $299-$399
Neuspeed offers a full 60mm cat-back exhaust manufactured from T304 stainless tubing. Low-restriction mufflers and resonators are designed to reduce weight and increase exhaust flow to add a claimed 15 hp. $999
Software and exhaust upgrades can provide a small boost, but one way to achieve significant power gains from the 3.0-liter V6 engine is through supercharging. PES has created a G3 system, designed using an Eaton M62 twin-rotor charger. The kit includes a proprietary aluminum intake manifold, larger injectors and software to ensure proper air/fuel ratios. Claimed figures are 320 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. $5,295
*Audi A3 3.2L
For those looking to get 400 hp and 380 lb-ft, HPA Motorsports offers its FT400 single-turbo upgrade. This uses a HPG R30 turbocharger based on the Garrett ball-bearing design, allowing for a quick spool with minimal lag. Comes complete with every part needed to perform the install. $11,990
Or there's a dual-intercooler version. The addition of the second chiller allows boost to be cranked from 13 to 14 psi, netting a claimed extra 50 hp and 35 lb-ft of torque. $14,500
Haldex, the OEM supplier of the all-wheel-drive system found on the A3, offers a performance upgrade that can allow more torque to be transferred directly to the rear wheels. It won't make the engine produce more power, but will increase stability and improve straight-line acceleration. $999
*Audi TT 3.2L
Does zero to 60 mph in three seconds sound good? If so, HPA builds a FT565 twin-turbo upgrade which runs peak boost of 20 psi to generate a dizzying (claimed) 565 peak hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. The kit also offers an upgrade for the DSG clutch pack to ensure that power makes it to the ground and doesn't break your snarky manu-matic. Contact manufacturer for price.
*Volkswagen R32
Techtonics Tuning offers a pair 264/260 billet camshafts which give a smooth idle with good mid-range and top-end power gains. The company claims no sacrifice to the bottom-end torque, while at the upper end an extra 16 lb-ft can be realized, as well as gains of 23 peak hp. $795
If basic bolt-on modifications aren't bringing the desired power levels, VF Engineering offers supercharger upgrades designed for the street and tested on the track. The basic package produces a claimed 320 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. $4,500
Alternatively, VF claims 450 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque for its meatier product, accomplished by using a front-mount intercooler, lower compression pistons, larger MAF and injectors. $8,750
*Volkswagen Touareg V6 (2004-2006)
Neuspeed has developed a Power Pack kit for the 3.2-liter VR6 consisting of an ECU re-flash, P-Flo intake, 70mm downpipe, and a 70/60mm exhaust tract. The kit is designed to produce more power in the mid-rpm range and churns out a purported top-end increase of 35 to 40 peak hp. $2,100
Want the performance of a 4.2-liter V8 with the economy of a V6? VF Engineering's supercharger kit for the V6-equipped Touareg includes the proven reliability of the Vortech blower, solid build quality, and a three-year warranty. $5,000