Squeezing a few more ponies out of a new engine today is as easy as 1-2-3; all you need is to connect a computer to the vehicle's engine control unit (ECU) and reprogram it with new software. The VW Golf R's 2.0-liter turbocharged four, is one such example. By tweaking the ECU, German tuner Mcchip-dkr has bumped output from 270HP and 350Nm to 315HP and 440Nm. If you're interested in the ECU upgrade, it's priced at €899, equal to about US$1,150 at today's exchange rates.
For those also wanting to improve the hot hatch's appearance and handling, Mcchip-dkr has you covered with a new set of lowering springs from H&R (€350 / US$450) and 19-inch OZ Ultraleggera alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires from Michelin Pilot Sport Cup size 235/35-19 (€3,190 / US$4,100).
