330 bhp Golf R by APS

UK tuner APS has announced a series of upgrade packages for the all-wheel drive, 266 bhp (199 kW / 270 PS) Volkswagen Golf R.

Stage One is a fairly simple conversion, as the only modification is an ECU remap. Nevertheless, maximum power is raised to 308 bhp (229 kW / 312 PS), which is a useful increase (although no performance figures have been released). It’s not bad value either, costing £445 including VAT and fitting in APS’s Brackley workshop.


Stage Two adds a Milltek large bore turbo down pipe, high flow sports catalyst and a choice of two Milltek stainless steel sports exhausts. Both exhaust systems feature a switchable electronic valve, 2.75” bore tubing and dual 100 mm ceramic black tailpipes. The difference is that one comes with a resonated cat-back exhaust which is more refined and has EC type approval, while the other is non-resonated and therefore undoubtedly very noisy.

Depending on the exhaust, power is lifted to around 320 - 330 bhp (238 - 246 kW / 324 - 334 PS), but unfortunately APS hasn’t indicated how this affects acceleration, economy or emissions. The Stage Two upgrade is priced at £1,999, which again includes VAT and fitting.

For those who think that 330 bhp just isn’t enough, APS is currently developing a Stage Three package for the Golf R. Thanks to a revised turbo, this promises to deliver 350 bhp (260 kW / 354 PS).

Given the fairly high power increases, improving the chassis components might also be a good idea. APS can oblige here, too, and its range includes 18” or 19” Sportec Mono 10 alloy wheels with Toyo tyres, uprated suspension bushes, sports lowering springs, KW adjustable coil over suspension, Brembo GT brakes and a three-way adjustable Haldex Gen4 all-wheel drive controller.

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