<br>Additionally, Wetterauer offers an optional extented warranty with their chips, should you be gunshy. I haven't read the fine print, but this is the first chip company I have seen with such an offer. Their chip gives the 180 TT 210 HP (Euro version only, so far). So, where would that put me in the ever so important 0-60 bracket? Well under 7 sec, I would say.<ul><li><a href="http://www.chip-tuning.com/usa/main/mainmenu.html">Wetterauer warrantee and TT chip info</a></li></ul>

Regarding the 225 hp version, along with the increase the horsepower "the 1.8-L engine was extensively modified to attain the higher output reliably. The pistons, connecting rods, and big-end bearings were uprated to accommodate the higher combustion pressures. The double-mass flywheel and clutch were modified to match the greater performance. The intake manifold, turbocharger, and exhaust manifold are new." Also, the turbo was upgraded to a a K04. So either these engineers are idiots, or they have a reason to believe that these modifications were necessary for the TT to handle the higher power output. I tend to believe the latter. My opinion, if you want the extra power, wait for the 225 hp. I don't think that the 5-8 tenths of a second that you might save are worth the risk to your engine, potential loss of warranty, expense, possible reduction in other areas of performance (especially at lower speeds), or potential reductions in performance such as pinging, reduction in gas mileage due to the need to drive at higher rpm to obtain max power etc... <br>

nt

The "tuning craft" doesn't cater to the "average" driver the way the factory car must. Most cars, and especially ones with 1.8t engines, are detuned very much on purpose to make them more reliable for people who abuse them. People with tuned cars on the other hand, are much more likely to check their oil, change it more often (and with synthetic), check the air pressure in their tires, use premium gas religiously etc, etc,.<p>Cars with software from "Wet", Abt and others have many thousands of reliable miles on them. Remember, this 1.8t has been around for quite a while now. I have friends who own a VW/Audi Tuning company (VW Sport) and they are getting 230-240 hp very reliably from the 1.8t. It includes a new air intake, new engine management software, the KO4 turbo, 180 degree fan switch, 180 degree thermostat and a new exhaust. <p>Tuners don't stay in business and grow by blowing up people's cars! And almost everything available to increase the power of VWs and Audis is made in Germany with the same kind of engineering heritage that has us marveling at the TT's technicals. And, some of these companies are as old as VW/Audi themselves!<p>I am not saying "don't buy" the 225 hp car (I will wait for that model myself), but if you do, don't be surprised if one day a 180 hp model with 120,000 miles on it, somehow blows your doors off!

nt

nt