MOUNTUNE AND FIFTEEN52 ANNOUNCE A NEW VOLKSWAGEN TUNING COLLABORATION

Mountune And fifteen52, businesses from opposite sides of the North Atlantic, have announced that they are teaming together in a Volkswagen tuning collaboration.

It's a collaboration that will make VAG fans (that's short for Volkswagen/Audi Group, get your mind out of the gutter) very happy. The UK tuner, Mountune, and US wheel manufacturer, fifteen52, are about to make Volkswagen's just that much better.

Mountune is better known for tuning Ford's without voiding the factory warranty, which is almost unheard of, while fifteen52's focus (excuse the pun) is on wheels. It's the latter's relationship with VW that has enabled this partnership to maintain the factory warranty of the VAG vehicles.

Back in 2017, these two companies worked with VW USA and Tanner Foust for that year's SEMA show. The two clicked and, after the show, decided to pursue a more permanent venture with a Volkswagen-focused performance brand. This culminated in the formation of m52, with Mountune focussing on the tuning aspect of the chassis and powertrains, while fifteen52 will use their design skills to style the products.

According to Alec Pell-Johnson, director of Mountune and m52: "It is an exciting chapter in our history, we are building a new brand for a group of automotive enthusiasts that are equally dedicated and passionate. While Mountune Performance began over a decade ago with the 2008 Mk6 Fiesta ST, the opportunity to work with fifteen52 and build a distinct, new brand was an opportunity to jump at. We are one of the very few tuners that have ever been OEM-approved to modify vehicles within warranty – it is this level of dedication and expertise that we are bringing to m52 and VAG models."

First out of the blocks for m52 is its new X3 complete induction system and stage 1 tune for the EA888-equipped Volkswagen Golf R and GTI.

Power figures for the Golf R are increased by 60bhp and 78lb ft of torque. This translates to a quoted 0-62mph time of 3.7seconds. The Golf GTI will do 0-62mph a second quicker at 5.4 seconds thanks to gains of 78bhp and 70lb ft of torque.

Also, as part of the stage 1 tunes, are modifications to the DSG-equipped models for faster shifts and to clear out any lag left from the factory. m52 claims that all the new software and hardware will be thoroughly tested for reliability to meet VW's factory warranty expectations. UK prices for the X3 package is £795 including VAT.

m52 is launching in the UK and USA, with more products in the 2019 pipeline for the Mk7/7.5 Golf GTI and Golf R. If you're interested in finding out more then head on to their website for info and pricing.

The other good news is that, if you don't own a VW, there are plans for mods to other brands on the cards for the future too.