APR Stage 3 ECU upgrade
APR Stage 3 TCU upgrade
APR DTR6054 turbocharger
Bar-Tek steel oil sump
Racingline engine oil filter housing
Racingline gearbox oil filter housing
do88 intercooler
Colder spark plugs

We gradually prepared the Passat for a bigger turbo. The preparation involved an intake upgrade for more airflow and replacing the original intercooler with an uprated one, in this case from do88. Thanks to this, the existing APR Stage 1 upgrade could be taken to Stage 3 simply by swapping the standard turbocharger for the APR DTR6054.

The resulting 420 hp and 538 Nm is really not what you would expect from what looks like a family estate.

What's more, the whole upgrade is fully legal and we do not touch any components that would affect the car's emissions. Neither the catalytic converter nor the particulate filter (OPF), if fitted, is removed or modified in any way.

The DTR6054 Stage 3 normally makes 444 hp, but on engines with a base output of 195, 206, 213 (without OPF) and 230 kW the result is 24 hp lower so that the car passes the emissions test without any problems.

In this case replacing the LPFP was just preventive servicing and the HPFP upgrade further preparation for more power; the Stage 3 DTR6054 does not normally require an uprated fuel pump.

H&R front and rear anti-roll bars
H&R sport springs + DCC adaptation
H&R front and rear wheel spacers
Racingline front subframe brace
Racingline rear centre tunnel brace
Racingline prop shaft mount braces
Racingline subframe locating spacers
APR engine torque mount
OEM Clubsport S control arm bushes
Front subframe bushes replaced
Subframe mounting bolts replaced

We fitted suspension components that make this car far more enjoyable and communicative to drive than it is from the factory. Better steering response, a stiffer body, solid geometry, less body roll and less play in the suspension. That basically sums up the upgrade.

Milltek Sport valved exhaust

To give the car a sportier sound to match, the original valved exhaust was replaced with a Milltek Sport system. Because the standard valves are kept, the driver can enjoy the sporty sound only when they want it, and with the valves closed the car is still comfortable on long journeys.

OEM Clubsport front brake discs and pads
OEM rear brake discs and pads

DSG oil change
Engine oil change
Millers Oils engine flush
Haldex oil change
LPFP replaced - genuine part
HPFP upgrade with an Autotech kit
Rear wiper removed
Expansion tank replaced with a silicate-free version
Cooling system flush
Coolant replaced with G12 Evo