How much can a
2.0-liter four-pot withstand and still be reliable? For Mercedes-AMG’s new-gen
A45 S, the magic number is 421 PS and 500 Nm of
torque. For B&B AutomobileTechnik and their Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, that
number is a little bit higher. With the Stage 4 power upgrade up and running,
this front-wheel drive hot hatch enjoys a whopping 450 PS and
580 Nm of torque.
The additional 160
PS and 210 Nm have dropped the 0-100 km/h time from 5.6 to 4.5 seconds. With the speed limiter removed, the car can
max out at over 280 km/h.
Opting for the
tuner’s Stage 4 kit will blow a € 12,950 hole in your bank account.
The bundle of upgrades includes the addition of a larger turbocharger,
high-performance intercooler, racing exhaust system with sports catalyst and a
new engine software. The 7-speed DSG has also been reinforced.
Stages 3 and 2 cost
€ 7,950 and € 3,950, respectively, and offer 400 PS and 520 Nm of torque, and 360 PS and 470
Nm. Stage 1 lifts the output of the four-banger to 340 PS and 450 Nm and is available at € 1,498.
You could also
spend extra and get the € 298 lowering springs or invest € 1,798 in the coilover suspension. For € 3,795, the high performance brakes
become available, with larger front discs, whereas the exhaust system with
catalytic converter that offers a deeper tone is a € 2,795 option. Meanwhile, B&B’s 8.5×20-inch wheels, shod in 235/30-20 tires, have a € 3,298 price tag.
