German-based tuner MTM (Motoren Technik Mayer) was established back in 1990, and from humble beginnings tuning the first Audi Quattro, the company has gone on to deliver aftermarket packages for VW, Bentley Lamborghini, Ferrari McLaren and even KTM. Audi, however, is the brand that gets the tuning house's most attention, with the full lineup from the A1 hatchback to the R8 supercar, receiving the MTM love over the past couple of decades. Here are five of its best from the company's more recent history.
When tuning the A1, MTM gave the hot-hatch a new exterior paint job and 18-inch Bimoto alloys wrapped in Conti Sport Contact 2 performance tires. MTM then tweaked the engine to give a performance of 493hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Power is generated to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The end result allows the A1 to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 201 mph. MTM also improved the aerodynamics of the Audi A1 with use of new wheel covers.
When tuning the 3.0-liter biturbo diesel-powered Audi A6, MTM created two power levels: the first featuring ECU revamps that boost output from 309 horsepower and 480lb-ft of torque to 365 and 560, and to 381hp and 575lb-ft. MTM has also made available two sets of aftermarket brakes to handle all of that added power. The Germans also offer alloys from 18- to 20-inches, and a revided air suspension system that allows the front-end to be lowered by as much as 25mm and 20mm at the back.
MTM's aftermarket package for Audi's sporty station wagon was dubbed the MTM RS R 6 (the 'R' coming from "Rosskur," the German term for 'power increase'). After their modifications, the so-called family car now has 759hp and 673lb-ft of torque at the crank, and is capable of hitting a top speed of 216 mph. An improved engine note comes courtesy of a stainless-steel exhaust system with race catalyst and twin adjustable pipes. Handling and braking has been improved thanks to new 20-inch ET29 rims and Audi homemade ceramic braking system. Exterior upgrades include an anodized matt blue metallic foil wrap, 5% tinting to the front and back lights a carbon front lip and a rear diffuser.
MTM's power upgrade for the R8 released some of the supercar's latent horsepower, with an ECU remap and new stainless-steel sports exhaust, boosting output from 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque to 606 hp and 413 lb-ft. As a result, the coupe manages 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds and the heavier Spyder in 3.7. Top speed has increased to 201 mph from 195 in both variants, while high performance brakes ensures the MTM R8 can quickly return to legal speeds. Recaro carbon-fiber race-style seats help to shed some weight, while KW customized its adjustable coilover suspension for MTM, lower the car by up to 60 mm. An aero body kit, new 20-inch alloys and MTM Decal complete the transformation.
MTM's most recent project is a power pack for the feisty S6. By combining its M-Cantronic with the V-Cantronic in one unit - jargon for remapping the ECU - MTM were able to boost output from 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque to 555 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. However that boost in power is available on tap. MTM has worked it so that the S6's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 can reach RS6 levels of performance with a press of a button. With the added power, a top speed of 181 mph can be reached. MTM also offers a stainless-steel quad exhaust, choice of its Bimoto alloy wheel sets, and an F-Cantronic lowering module that drops the S6 by 25mm up front and 20mm at the back.
