Excelerate Performance

This 2009 VW Jetta just got the final touch it was waiting for: a set of 3-piece Work Meister S1 wheels.

We previously installed a full Air Lift Performance air suspension kit on this Jetta, giving it the ability to lay out low and dial in the perfect ride height at the push of a button. But every great stance build needs the right wheels to finish it off, and the Work Meister S1s are a perfect match.

Here's why they work so well:

- Iconic 3-piece construction with that timeless multi-spoke Work Meister design
- Fully customizable width, offset, and lip for a truly made-to-spec fitment
- The perfect complement to an aired-out stance, filling the arches just right
- A legendary name in the wheel world, known for quality and style

Planning a stance or air suspension build of your own? Give us a call at 203-483-6100 or visit xlr8.com and let's make it happen.

Want M-car capability without stepping up to an M3, M4, or M2? The Dinan M-Hunter Program is exactly that.

We're proud to offer Dinan M-Hunter Vehicle Packages across a range of B58-powered BMWs:

M340i (G20) / M440i (G22)
X3 M40i (G01) / X4 M40i (G02)
M240i xDrive (G42)

Here's what makes M-Hunter special: it bridges the gap between an M-Sport BMW and a full-fledged M car without the steep price premium, punishing ride, or daily driving compromises. Rather than a one-size-fits-all kit, you build a coordinated package tailored to your exact goals across five integrated performance systems:

Power (PCU) - plug-and-play power with factory-matching warranty options
Induction - cold air intakes and carbon fiber turbo inlets for better airflow and spool
Exhaust - deep, aggressive Dinan exhaust tone with active valve control and zero drone
Suspension - lower stance, less body roll, and tighter handling without sacrificing ride quality
Interior Finishing - strut braces and pedal sets for added rigidity and race-inspired style

Because every component is vehicle-specific and validated to work together, you get track-capable dynamics while keeping full daily comfort, no cabin drone, and no Check Engine Light concerns.

The best part? Equip four or more qualifying components and your build earns the iconic Dinan Badge for your decklid, a mark of a complete, engineering-backed transformation. Plus, building through the M-Hunter configurator saves you money compared to buying parts individually.

Ready to hunt? Configure your M-Hunter build at xlr8.com, or call our team at 203-483-6100 to get started.

Some upgrades are all about the details.

This gorgeous 2020 Aston Martin Vantage came into the shop for a set of gloss black wheels, and the transformation speaks for itself. The deep gloss black finish adds an unmistakable sense of presence and aggression, perfectly complementing the Vantage's muscular, sculpted bodywork.

A quality set of wheels does more than just change the look, it defines the entire character of the car. On a machine this special, getting every detail right is what matters most, and our team takes the same care with a British supercar as we would with any build that rolls through our doors.

Whether you're after a subtle refresh or a complete visual transformation, the right set of wheels makes all the difference.

Looking to give your car a new attitude? Give us a call at 203-483-6100 or visit xlr8.com and let's talk wheels.

Software installs done right, the first time.

This 2016 Mini Cooper S recently came through the shop for a Dinan Stage 1 Engine Tune, and the transformation is exactly what you'd hope for from one of these nimble little machines. On 93 octane, Dinan's Stage 1 software delivers gains of up to 87 WHP and 109 lb-ft of torque, waking up the B46 while keeping all of Mini's factory engine safeguards fully in place. That's Dinan's "Performance Without Sacrifice" philosophy at work, big power without giving up reliability or drivability.

But here's what we really want you to know: installing performance software may look easy, but there's a lot that can go wrong. That's why it pays to have it done by professionals.

Our trained technicians specialize in software installs and tuning, which means:

No headaches or complications
No coming back for reflashes because of failed attempts
No bricked ECUs

A botched at-home flash can leave your car inoperable, and that's a headache nobody wants. Skip the risk and let our experienced team handle it right.

Ready to tune your Mini or BMW? Schedule an appointment with our service department today. Call 203-483-6100 or visit xlr8.com to get started.

A great example of why supporting mods matter.

This sweet lowered 2022 VW Tiguan came into the shop with concerns about suspension noise after being lowered. After a thorough inspection, we found the source of the problem: the car was still running its OEM sway bar end links.

Here's what was happening: lowering the car changed the suspension geometry, which altered the sway bar's position and placed extra stress on the factory end links, leading to premature wear and unwanted noise.

Our solution was the APR Roll-Control Front Stabilizer Bar End Links (MS100183). Here's why they're the right fix:

Wide turnbuckle-style adjustability (255mm–340mm) lets us return the sway bar to its intended position, removing the harmful pre-load caused by lowering
Restoring correct geometry eliminates the risk of premature wear on the end links
Street-focused ball joints with mirror-polished pins and sealed boots keep noise and vibration to a minimum
Billet 6061 aluminum construction for lasting strength and durability

This is a perfect reminder that when you upgrade your car whether it's lowering, adding power, or improving handling installing proper supporting modifications is key to keeping everything working as it should.

Modifying your VW or Audi and want it done right? Give us a call at 203-483-6100 or visit xlr8.com. Our team will make sure your build is properly supported from every angle.

A beautiful Porsche 993 rolled into the shop this week.

This customer brought their 911 in for an alignment and a tune-up, and it's always a treat to have one of these in the bay. The 993 is widely regarded as one of the greatest 911s ever built, and the last of the legendary air-cooled generation.

Why this service matters on a car like this:

A proper alignment restores precise steering, balanced handling, and even tire wear
A thorough tune-up keeps that air-cooled flat-six running strong and reliably
Regular preventative service protects the long-term value of a modern classic
Attention to detail matters just as much on a 30-year-old icon as it does on a brand-new build

Whether you're driving a modern performance car or a timeless classic, our team has the experience to keep it performing at its best.

Give us a call at 203-483-6100 or visit xlr8.com to schedule your service.

APR's Hardware Rebate is still live at our local shop in Branford, CT! Any customer who comes in for an APR software install receives a $250 credit toward APR hardware install through XLR8.

This 2023 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line is a perfect example. The owner brought it in for a full APR ECU and TCU tune, waking up the EA888 with stronger power delivery and crisper, faster shifts. Then they put their $250 hardware credit to great use:

APR Ultralink - APR's at-home flashing device that lets you switch tunes, change octane modes, adjust features, and read/clear codes right from your own garage
APR Drop-In Panel Filter - a high-flow, direct replacement filter for improved airflow with a clean, factory-style fit

It's the smart way to build your car: professional tuning from our team, plus $250 towards an APR hardware install to take your setup even further. Terms & conditions apply.

Ready to tune your VW, Audi, or Porsche? Stop by, call us at 203-483-6100, or visit xlr8.com to get started before the rebate ends.

Performance can be practical, too.
This customer came in with old, worn-out engine and transmission mounts, a common issue as these cars age. Rather than just patching the problem with factory parts, we recommended the best long-term solution: 034Motorsport Street Density Engine and Transmission Mounts.
Here's why this upgrade makes sense:

Replaces the failure-prone factory rubber with void-free, high-durometer 034Motorsport rubber
Eliminates the "slop" of worn OEM mounts for reduced engine and drivetrain movement
Delivers crisper shifting, more direct power transfer, and improved throttle response
Built-in emulators mean plug-and-play, MIL-free installation on cars with active mounts
Cost-effective - the transmission mount reuses the factory housing instead of buying the pricey full dealer assembly
Balanced for street use, keeping daily comfort intact

Beyond fixing the aging OEM mounts, this upgrade prepares the car to more reliably handle future performance modifications — so it's a win now and down the road.
Noticing clunks, lurching, or vague shifts from your Audi? It might be your mounts. Give us a call at 203-483-6100 or visit xlr8.com and let's take a look.

This 2017 VW GTI came through the shop for the final piece: APR's DTR6054 Direct Replacement Turbocharger System (T4100003). The owner had already built this car the right way with APR's Carbon Fiber Intake and Turbo Inlet, APR suspension, a Big Brake Kit, and a full exhaust, the turbo was the last step to tie it all together.
The DTR6054 is a ground-up APR design that bolts directly to the factory location on EA888 Gen 3 engines. It features a billet aluminum compressor wheel, a high-temp 310 stainless turbine housing, and a dual ceramic ball-bearing center section that eliminates the factory journal-bearing design. Best of all, matching APR ECU software is included in the kit.
THINKING ABOUT A BUILD LIKE THIS? NOW IS THE TIME.
APR's Buy More, Save More Upgrade Sale is live now, covering more than 1,100 APR and Dinan hardware and software SKUs. The more you spend, the more you save:

Spend $750 → Save $100
Spend $1,500 → Save $300
Spend $2,500 → Save $500

Whether you're starting from stock or chasing that last upgrade, this is the moment to make it happen. Contact our team at 203-483-6100 or visit xlr8.com to get started.

A C7 Corvette rolled into the shop for an exhaust upgrade, and we gave it exactly what it deserves.
We installed the AWE Track Edition Axleback Exhaust (SKU 3020-42073), AWE's raucous, unfiltered setup for owners who want their Corvette heard. Here's what makes it special:

Clean, non-baffled, straight-through design for maximum performance and an aggressive tone
Handcrafted from 3" U.S.-sourced, CNC mandrel-bent T304L stainless steel
4.5" double-walled tips in Chrome Silver
Significant weight savings over the stock system
No Tune Required install and go
Includes AWE AFM Valve Simulators for AFM-equipped cars
Backed by AWE's No CEL Guarantee, Perfect Fitment Guarantee, and Lifetime Exhaust Warranty