2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R POWER UPGRADE TO 345BHP BY GERMAN TUNER ABT

With the announcement that the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R has lost 10bhp, ABT has offered up a solution that'll make owners smile.

Thanks to the new WLTP regulations, Volkswagen has had to adjust the powertrain of their 2019 Golf R, including the addition of new petrol particulate filters to the exhaust while fiddling with the EA888’s software. This chopped 10bhp from its power output – which has made buyers sad.

Although German tuner, ABT, can't do much about VW also deleting the manual box and three-door body style, they can offer something else – a software upgrade that bumps the power up 345bhp.

That's 49bhp more than the standard Golf R’s 296bhp, and it's all done using ABT’s new Engine Control unit. It also adds 30lb ft of torque, up to 325lb ft.

ABT offers a plethora of options, such as a variety of suspension upgrades that make the vehicle's standard Golf R’s suspension package lower and stiffer. Other options include wheel packages between 18 and 20 inches and a custom black quad exhaust system to round off the possibilities.

According to ABT, the upgrades add "extra sharpness and aggression to the upper reaches of the R’s capability', without sacrificing the ride quality of the standard car.

For prices, you'll have to contact your local ABT supplier but, if it's extra go you're looking for, then it'll be worth the effort to hunt them down.