The EA888 is the most tuned engine on this site. The first cars (Gen 1 and 2, like the Golf GTI Mk6) have a timing-chain tensioner to check before any tune. Gen 3 cars (Golf GTI and R Mk7, S3 8V) respond very well to software alone. Gen 4 cars (Golf GTI and R Mk8, S3 8Y) come with a particulate filter in Europe, which limits what's road-legal at Stage 2. Parts often cross over within a generation, but not between them.
Power by stage, car by car
| Car | Years | Generation | Stock | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Golf GTI Mk6 | 2009–2013 | Gen 1 / 2 | 200–210 PS | 245–275 hp | 265–295 hp | 330–390 hp | 420–600 hp |
| VW Golf GTI Mk7 | 2015–2021 | Gen 3 | 210 hp | 290–337 hp | 334–351 hp | ~380–400 hp | 500+ hp |
| VW Golf R Mk7 | 2014–2020 | Gen 3 | 292 hp | 355–413 hp | 397–461 hp | 470–536 hp | 550+ hp |
| Audi S3 8V | 2013–2020 | Gen 3 | 292 hp | 357–381 hp | 372–397 hp | 470–536 hp | 550+ hp |
| VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW) | 2017–2021, facelift 2021– | Gen 3B; Gen 4 facelift | 200–207 PS | 232–259 hp | 250–285 hp | 320–420 hp | — no verified parts |
| VW Golf GTI Mk8 | 2020– | Gen 4 | 241 hp | 328–375 hp | 345–392 hp | 410–478 hp | 500+ hp |
| VW Golf R Mk8 | 2021– | Gen 4 | 315 hp | 386–442 hp | 410–455 hp | 500+ hp | 600+ hp |
| Audi S3 8Y | 2020–2024, facelift 2024– | Gen 4 | 310–333 PS | 370–427 hp | 410–440 hp | 478–537 hp | — no verified parts |
| Skoda Octavia RS Mk3 | 2013–2020 | Gen 3 | 220–245 PS | 297–333 PS / hp | 320–353 PS / hp | 381–460 PS / hp | 440–520 PS / hp |
| Seat Leon Cupra 5F | 2014–2020 | Gen 3 | 265–300 PS | 345–375 PS / hp | 368–401 PS / hp | 433–520 PS / hp | 520–600+ PS / hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
What the guides say about this engine
- Gen 1 and 2: check the timing-chain tensioner, the PCV valve and the plastic water pump before tuning. The VW Golf GTI Mk6 guide
- The 6-speed DSG (DQ250) is rated at 350 Nm by VW, so it needs its own tune once the engine makes more. The VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW) guide
- Gen 4: many 2023-on cars have a locked 7-speed gearbox computer, and the 2024 facelift's engine computer can't be flashed yet. The Audi S3 8Y guide
The full guides
- VW Golf GTI Mk6
- VW Golf GTI Mk7
- VW Golf R Mk7
- Audi S3 8V
- VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW)
- VW Golf GTI Mk8
- VW Golf R Mk8
- Audi S3 8Y
- Skoda Octavia RS Mk3
- Seat Leon Cupra 5F
