Porsche has several versions of each of their models. For the 911 these usually include the Carrera, Turbo and track-oriented GT3 and GT2, with several special edition models to go along. However, each of the mentioned versions has a more hardcore brother, usually named S, or RS in the case of the GT2 and GT3. These offer software adjustments and some usually minor changes that up the power (speaking of the Porsche 911 997.2) by 30 hp to 50 hp (90 hp for the GT2 RS) – enough to make a difference, but not enough to jeopardize the superiority of the next model in the lineup. Well, you can save some money and skip several models by tuning a lesser model. For this example, we’ve opted for the 997.2, since it is a discontinued model, and it’s Turbo variant, due to the fact that, well, it has a damn turbocharger and that’s great for tuning. Our tuning experts performed their art on the Turbo and got it to 82 hp more instead of just 30 hp. Yes, GT Kraft provides the Porsche 911 997.2 Turbo with 582 hp (428 kW) and 803 Nm (592 lb-ft) of torque. The power comes from software tweaks and new intake and exhaust parts, but you can even opt for a cheaper version of the upgrade that keeps the hardware stock and provides 552 hp (406 kW) and 743 Nm (548 lb-ft) from ECU tuning alone.

Every 911 is a beast. Many of them are seriously faster than most cars with more cylinders and power, which is as unique as their retro-inspired, but modernized styling. They all come with a boxer engine with 6 cylinders placed at the far back. This makes gravity center far lower (due to the boxer layout) and the car beautifully balanced for a completely unique driving feel. These features alone made even the initial Porsches with low power ratings incredibly interesting to drive. However, when the 930 appeared in the 1970s, bearing a turbocharger, Porsche 911 went from being a great sports car to being one of the best supercars in the world, while still keeping its distinctive quality. From that moment onwards, each generation of the venerated 911 has come with a turbocharged option. The facelift of the 997 version might be one of the best examples so far, boasting 500 hp (368 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) from the 3.8 l B6 twin-turbo. It takes just 3.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) and this is the official figure, but Porsche is famous for being conservative with these statements, many of their cars going noticeably faster that they state. We don’t know the reason for this, but we do know that the GT Kraft tuned Porsche 911 997.2 Turbo clocked 100 km/h in just 3 seconds. Moreover, the facelift came with numerous improvements to the suspension, all new engines and the famous PDK (if you don’t opt for the manual), so it is a proper track beast. Now just add some tuning and it becomes more powerful than the Turbo S, GT3 RS and even the stunning turbocharged track-beast that the GT2 is. After our expert team has had some fun with your Turbo, the only more powerful version of the 997 is the spartan GT2 RS and the difference is less than 40 hp. If we’re talking about everyday driving, the GT Kraft 997.2 Turbo is by far the best and fastest option.

Stage 1 Porsche 911 997.2 Turbo ECU tuning

This is how it works. They put the car in a dyno and measure its current performance and check the general state. After that, they increase the turbo pressure to give the engine more air and adjust the amount of fuel to accompany the additional air. This is done by altering the OEM ECU’s software and, for proper tuning (the only one that you should ever use), it is custom made for each engine. The changes need to be spot on and working together.

The last change for the stage 1 is an alteration of the ignition timing, which is advanced to improve combustion and throttle response at the same time. The added power and torque already make the car noticeably more responsive, but improving the throttle response is a whole new level of instant reaction.

So, what is the new power rating? The stage 1 brings 552 hp (406 kW) and 743 Nm (548 lb-ft) which already makes the tuned Porsche 997.2 Turbo faster than the Turbo S, GT3 RS and GT2. Even though the car got a significant boost, it is perfectly safe. This kind of reliability comes from the fact that the car is extensively tested on a Superflow 4×4 dynamometer and that all of the adjustments are carefully monitored. Not a single part is stressed above the levels that the manufacturers see as safe. But, there’s a way to make the car even more powerful and safer at the same time. That’s the stage 2.

Stage 2 Porsche 911 997.2 Turbo ECU tuning

The car gets safer because it gets new intake and exhaust parts which actually relieve the stress that the OEM parts feel. This kind of an upgrade makes room for further adjustments of the ECU software. But let’s see what the new hardware is first. FabSpeed intercooler improves cooling of the intake air and sends more oxygen to the combustion chambers. On the other side of the engine, you get a new exhaust produced by Supersprint, Milltek or Akrapovic, each of which is lighter than the one you get with the car.

After these parts have been installed, the engine gets more oxygen and lets off the exhaust gases easier which calls for more software adjustments and dyno tests. The result comes to about 582 hp (428 kW) and 803 Nm (592 lb-ft) which makes the 997.2 Turbo the second most powerful version of the 997 behind the GT2 RS which is a proper track car, devoid of most comfort perks and with suspension tuned for performance rather than everyday driving.

 

  

The V8 in the Ferrari 458 has the displacement of 4.5 l and it gives the push of 570 horses and the twist of 540 Nm (398 lb-ft). There aren’t many that will see this kind of power as lacking, but there are even fewer of those who will pass on the opportunity to add more power and thus improve the driving feel, but still keep reliability at the highest level. This can be achieved through clever tuning and GT Kraft provides two stages of upgrade for the naturally aspirated engine. In the Stage 1 the car has all the same stock parts, but gains extra 23 hp (17 kW) and 25 Nm (18 lb-ft) of torque, while the Stage 2 adds a new exhaust for a better sound and even more power, resulting in 612 hp (450 kW) and 593 Nm (437 lb-ft) of torque.

If you are driving a Ferrari, it means that you are probably in love with high performance cars. However, there are a lot cheaper ways to get your hands on a high performing car, so a Ferrari owner is bound to be somebody who is looking for individuality and distinction among other sports cars drivers. Well, there is a beautiful way to make your Ferrari 458 more distinctive from any other 458, including the Ferrari 458 Speciale. Tuning. The Ferrari 458 packs a 4.5 l V8 with the factory code F136 producing 570 hp (419 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque without the help of a turbocharger or supercharger. This makes it capable of reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds and run all the way up to 325 km/h (202 mph). Let’s see what tuning can do for this car.

 

Stage 1 Ferrari 458 ECU tuning

We’ll leave out brand specialists like Novitec, because their upgrades are usually massively expensive. Independent high end tuners like GT Kraft provide similar level of performance for a lot more affordable price. And Stage 1 tuning deals only with OEM ECU software modifications. There are no new parts, or any kind of replacements.

The changes include altering the lambda request to meet the capabilities of the V8 and modifying timing of the ignition. Of course, all this is done while the car’s performance is monitored and tested to ensure that exhaust gas temperature and engine temperature do not exceed safe levels. ECU tuning usually mostly revolves around altering the turbo pressure and adapting the rest of the parts to complement the increased amount of air, but even without a turbocharger experts at GT Kraft have managed to extract additional 23 hp (17 kW) and 25 Nm (18 lb-ft) from the engine. This results in 593 horsepower (436 kW) and 565 Nm (417 lb-ft), which means that the regular Ferrari 458 becomes very close to the 458 Speciale in terms of performance and that for a lot less money. The 23 horsepower may not seem like a lot when the car comes near 600 horsepower, but the power boost lowers the 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) time by 0.2 seconds, which is huge in the supercar world, while the improved throttle response that comes from the change in the ignition timing makes the car far more enjoyable to drive. You will definitely love your Ferrari more after the Stage 1 ECU tuning. Well, the Stage 2 will make you adore it.

 

Stage 2 Ferrari 458 tuning

Stage 2 tuning for the Ferrari 458 has just one new part installed – the exhaust. There are three new, higher-performing exhaust options from two revered manufacturers available for the 458. Akrapovic does a great job with the cat-back exhaust and provides similar design of the tips, ending with three pipes. Army Trix offers two different versions, both improving performance, but differing in styling, featuring two or three tips. Regardless of the choice, the power rises to 612 hp (450 kW) and 593 Nm (437 lb-ft), which now becomes a significant improvement compared to the mentioned 458 Speciale and even more so compared to the stock car.

Both of these stages are completely safe. The Stage 1 deals only with the OEM ECU, improving the performance, but keeping all the parts within their safe levels of operation stated by the manufacturer. The Stage 2 but actually improves reliability, rather than be detrimental to the parts, since a better exhaust means that the engine rids itself of the unwanted gasses far easier and faster.

Ferrari cars are in their own league. The only real competitor for a Ferrari in terms of history, technological advancements and exclusivity is another Ferrari, so being distinctive is not easy when you are put up against others with the same car. However, tuning experts like GT Kraft will give you that extra edge for the kind of money that is more than worth it.

The fastest 911 991

Despite the fact that many of the older 911s have often been seen as more legendary than some newer models, the 991, produced from 2011, has been universally appraised as one of the most advanced versions of the 911 ever. As usual, there are numerous versions of the car, with differing body styles and powering options, but the Turbo versions have been in the spotlight of the automotive enthusiasts ever since the 930 of the 1970s which changed the game for Porsche, putting it firmly in the company of the most extreme sports cars manufacturers in the world.

The 991 comes in two versions with forced induction. The first one is the 911 Turbo and the second one the 911 Turbo S. As you can imagine the S stands for a more powerful version and in this case it means that it has 40 hp (30 kW) more than the Turbo. But, GT Kraft can make the Turbo more powerful than the flagship Turbo S. They have two upgrade stages for the 991 Turbo. The first one already makes it more powerful than the Turbo S, reaching 602 hp (443 kW) and massive 803 Nm (592 lb-ft) instead of the stock 520 hp (382 kW) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft). The second stage adds a new exhaust and a bit more power, separating the tuned 911 Turbo further.

From day 1 the 911 has been a proper example of a sports car that is incredibly distinctive when it comes to driving feel, very light and powerful and designed like nothing else. The RR layout made it almost unique and the use of the boxer engines with low center of gravity even more interesting to drive. Having in mind that it has been around for more than half a century it is no wonder that the 911 has endured loads of changes and tech developments, but each and every one of them has always been a proper example of the genuine Porsche philosophy. So what did 50 years of development bring us?

The 991. It is the latest version of the 911 and it has set a new benchmark for sports cars. The most powerful stock versions is the Turbo S with 560 hp (412 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque which goes all the way up to electronically limited 198 mph (318 km/h). The acceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) is officially 3.1 seconds, but there have been numerous tests that prove the car can reach the milestone in as early as 2.6 seconds, far faster than most other cars with noticeably more power. How? Well, the unique layout, incredible balance, amazing drivetrain, weight reduction and the fact that it is a damn Porsche!

All this comes with a price. The car is almost $30k more expensive than the Turbo with 40 hp less. But is it really that much better? We could debate this, but there is a reason why it is pointless. You can opt for the Turbo and add just a bit more money and make it far more powerful than the Turbo S. You know what else? These power ratings stand for the non-facelifted version of the car, which can now be bought used for even less money. The facelift Turbo S comes with 580 hp, but the tuned early version of the 991 boasts even more horsepower.

Porsche 911 991 Engine

 

Stage 1 Porsche 911 991 Turbo ECU tuning

As the subtitle says it, the stage 1 is consisted of SDI9 ECU software modifications and they give the mentioned 602 hp (443 kW) and 803 Nm (592 lb-ft) of torque. That is 82 hp more from stock parts alone. This was achieved by altering the software by following the original architecture of the OEM ECU and complying with the safe stress levels of the stock parts.

There are four alterations in the stage 1.

The first two go together, increasing the amount of air and gasoline in the air-fuel mixture. The extra air is provided by increasing the turbo pressure, while the second one comes from a change in injection, both of which are controlled by the ECU, so no new parts are needed.

The third step is a change in ignition timing, which helps burn the extra air and gasoline, by giving it more time, since the mixture ignites earlier. This also means that the throttle response is noticeably improved and that the car delivers the new horsepower and torque noticeably faster.

The last change is the icing on the cake and it is the removal of the top speed limiter that, even before tuning alterations, made the can a notch slower than 200 mph. After the removal and the power boost, 200 mph is no longer an issue. What more could you need? A new exhaust!

Porsche 911 991 Akrapovic

 

Stage 2 Porsche 911 991 tuning

Yes, this is what the stage 2 Porsche 911 991 Turbo tuning adds. The exhaust comes from Akrapovic and it is lighter and more efficient when it comes to letting the gases out. This means that it shreds pounds, adds a new soundtrack and allows for a bit more of software fiddling, having in mind the easier gas releases. The result is about 15 hp more, but also more relieved engine and a proper preparation for the possible stage 3. It would bring a better turbocharger and that would up the power significantly, but also require further upgrades to the hardware, such as new intake, intercooler and maybe even injectors. This would make the tuned Porsche 991 Turbo the ultimate machine for the track and most certainly one of the fastest cars on the road today, since it is already the fastest 911 out there even when compared to the upgraded facelift model.

The most powerful M3 F80 ever

     

The M BMW models are the absolute pinnacle of what the company has to offer and many fans consider them their dream cars. Despite the M5, which is the most expensive model currently and the announced M7 that should come next year, the M3 might be the best driver’s car of the sedan lot due to its compact body and lower weight. The M is about performance, so it is no wonder that tuners have immediately decided to upgrade M3 F80. Expert engineers from GT Kraft gave us the most comprehensive upgrade program so far, including three stages. The first stage is performed on the OEM ECU only and it ups the power rating to 502 hp (369 kW) and 653 Nm (482 lb-ft); the second adds a new part to get up to 522 hp (384 kW) and 723 Nm (533 lb-ft) and sets the stage for the third one that boasts essential hardware changes for the total of 577 hp (424 kW) and 783 Nm (578 lb-ft) of torque.

The first M3 came during the era of the E30. The car was beautifully styled, lightweight and powerful and it became instantly beloved around the world. The versions that came after that one just cemented the M3 as one of the most revered sports sedans in the world. However, the latest one, the F80, was expected with a bit of fear due to the smaller engine, added turbochargers and the cringing idea of artificial exhaust sound. But, the M3 is about performance the most and the trimmed down 3.0 l I6 twin-turbo engine brought lower weight, better weight distribution and massive 431 hp (317 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. Add to this electronic driving aides and the car sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), so each and every M3 is as fast as the next one at the top end, or even as fast as the V8 C63 AMG. Well, almost every. GT Kraft can make your M3 F80 the fastest of the lot.

 

Stage 1 BMW M3 F80 ECU tuning

ECU tuning alone did not make a lot of sense when the M3 packed naturally aspirated engines. But now, having the mentioned twin-turbo setup, the S55 I6 engine can benefit far more from the OEM ECU fiddling. This is what they do and why they do it.

First the car is tested to see its condition and determine the safe levels of modifications, which depend on the sturdiness of the OEM parts. The tests are performed on a 4×4 Superflow single-roll dynamometer and using top notch tools.

After the initial tests, the engineers start dealing with software mods. The first modification is a change in the twin-turbo operation that results in increased pressure and thus more air in the cylinders. The second change is an adjustment in injection that is necessary to preserve the air-fuel ratio at the optimal level. The levels are determined via testing, of course.

The third change is consisted of advancing the ignition timing which improves throttle response and helps combust the air-fuel mixture properly.

The last change comes as the icing on the cake. It is the removal of the top speed limiter which enables the car to go way further up. Having in mind that the stock car can reach 280 km/h, it should be safe to assume that after the stage 1, the top speed could go over 300 km/h (186 mph). What we do know is that the acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) is dropped to 3.9 seconds.

It is important to note that not a single part is overstressed and that each step of the process is carefully monitored through testing and data logging.

So, the stage 1 is already immensely better. What can the two remaining stages bring?

 

Stage 2 BMW M3 F80 tuning

The stage 2 gives just about 20 hp more. Not exactly face-melting, we know, but bear with us. The stage 2 adds just one aftermarket part – exhaust. You are free to choose between Akrapovic, Milltek and Supersprint but the result will be pretty much the same. The exhausts are made of stainless steel or titanium, being more lightweight that the stock unit and providing better exhaust gases flow from the engine. The exhaust will also help with the sound we have mentioned in the beginning. However, the exhaust has one more benefit – it makes the stage 3 possible.

I know, I’m also eager to tell you what the stage 3 brings, but I should point out the power rating after the stage 2 before that. It is 522 hp (384 kW) and 723 Nm (533 lb-ft).

 

Stage 3 BMW M3 F80 tuning

Turbo! The all-new system in the stock car is replaced by a better one and aided by more efficient accompanying parts. After the stage 3, all of the new parts work with the OEM ones like clockwork. The new turbo system feeds even more air to the engine, which makes the turbo wheel spin faster and again improve performance, while the better exhaust helps the gases escape the system faster. Add to this more tests and software adjustments to perfect the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing (both necessary due to the added amounts of fuel and air) and the car is all ready for domination with 577 hp (424 kW) and 783 Nm (578 lb-ft) of torque.

Has GT Kraft just succeeded in making the perfect sedan? The tuned BMW M3 F80 is packed with German engineering, quality and styling, four-door sedan practicality, BMW 3 Series compact body and immense power provided by BMW M department and GT Kraft. If you’re looking for a sedan, there aren’t many better options.

    

The Volkswagen Golf 7 R stands above even the venerated and legendary GTI, meaning that it is as extreme as it can be, right? Well, not really. There are actually three more stages of upgrade by GT Kraft that take the car to 266 kW (362 hp) and 483 Nm (327 lb-ft) of torque, 281 kW (382 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque and 326 kW (443 hp) and 553 Nm (408 lb-ft) of torque, respectively, making the term hot hatch insufficient to describe it, simply because this kind of power removes it from this tier.
VW Golf has been around since 1974. It is one of the most revered and longest lasting models in the world. Just one year after the first one rolled out of the factory, they introduced a sports version dubbed GTI. We still have the Golf, as well as its GTI version, but there’s an even more powerful option – the Golf 7 R. The 2.0 l TSI CJXC engine makes it the most powerful standard Golf, providing 221 kW (300 hp) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. This kind of power is transferred to all four wheels via a DSG automatic transmission, or a manual. The AWD setup allows for almost incredible 0-62 mph acceleration figures for a car of its class and engine size and they stand at 4.9 seconds with the DSG and 5.3 seconds with the manual. The DSG might be faster, but the manual is still considered more fun by some drivers. However, there is a way to make this amazing car even more interesting to drive regardless of the transmission you opt for.

GT Kraft provides us with three upgrade stages for the Volkswagen Golf 7 R. The first one gives serious boost from software modifications alone, while the second one introduces some new parts for a bit more power. The final Stage 3 Volkswagen Golf 7 R tuning provides almost 50% more power than in the stock car. This means that, even though the Audi S3 should sit above the Golf in terms of both class and performance, there’s no way it will ever come close to the Stage 3 tuned Volkswagen Golf 7 R.

 

Stage 1 of the Volkswagen Golf 7 R ECU tuning

The Stage 1 already gives more than 20% more power compared to the stock car and it includes only a bit of OEM ECU SIM18 modifications. The upgrade starts with an increase in turbo pressure which pushes more air into the cylinders. More air also means that the engine needs more fuel, so injection needs some adjustment too. Moving ignition earlier also goes with the previous changes, helping to increase the power and also improve throttle response.

This gives the car a total of 266 kW (362 hp) and 483 Nm (327 lb-ft) of torque. The maximum power of the stock car was available from as low as 1,800 rpm, so it is really difficult to describe how capable and responsive the Golf 7 R becomes after the Stage 1. Figures alone don’t really do it justice, but acceleration to 62 mph of just 4.1 seconds might give you some idea. The extra boost also makes removing the top speed limiter a very good idea, so the car now easily exceeds 155 mph and already, after the Stage 1, obliterates the Audi S3. And it’s all completely safe and including OEM parts. Let’s have a look at the Stage 2.

Stage 2 Volkswagen Golf 7 R tuning

The Stage 2 goes to adding new parts and further adjusting the OEM ECU. The 2 l turbo engine gets three new parts from revered suppliers. A completely new exhaust system is sourced from Milltek; Wagner provides an intercooler and Volkswagen Racing was chosen for cold air intake. All of these changes make the gases flow to and from the engine a lot easier, which was bound to bring more power, especially having in mind that additional software adjustments ensure that all of the new parts work smoothly with the rest of the car so a power rating boost to 281 kW (382 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque is achieved. This makes the GT Kraft Stage 2 more powerful than the brand specialist’s ABT Power New Generation Motortuning which has 272 kW (370 hp), but still less powerful than the ABT S version. That needs to be fixed.

Stage 3 Golf 7 R tuning

This is where even ABT falls behind. Adding a bigger turbo together with a blow off valve and keeping the previous upgrades, while also adjusting the software to deal with the additional forced induction means that the Volkswagen Golf 7 R Stage 3 tuning goes well past any other car in its class and price range, reaching 326 kW (443 hp) and 553 Nm (408 lb-ft) of torque.

What does all this mean? With almost 50% more power and smoking almost any other car on the road and most definitely anything in its price range, the tuned Volkswagen Golf 7 R will put a smile on your face every time you see someone who thinks they can outdo a simple hatchback. However, even when you’re not racing around, you can enjoy the boost which makes every overtake a reason to grin. AWD, more power and improved throttle response make the Volkswagen Golf 7 R a far more interesting car to drive in any of the tuning stages.