Testimonials
2019 Testimonials
2005 Mazda MX5 - Performance Tune and 2010 VW Crafter - Performance Tune
I had Lars provide tunes for my 2005 Mazda MX-5 (NC) and 2010 VW Crafter.
The MX-5 is much more responsive and free running than it was, as I was expecting. The VW Crafter improvement was most impressive, I have found I can go up hills in a higher gear than I could previously and the fuel economy has improved as well.
I have no hesitation in recommending Auto Upgrades based upon my experience with my two vehicles.
David Crook - Clover Park, Auckland.
2007 BMW 540i - Performance Tune
I took my 2007 BMW 540 to Lars, asking him to even out the torque curve and to give more low down power. Lars kept the car overnight and all was done by the next day. Very pleasing and noticeable results.
Car is driving beautifully and it’s been 6 months since the reprogramming. Lars has also offered excellent after sales service.
Dean Wilson - Birkenhead, Auckland.
2014 Volkswagen Transporter - Performance Tune
I have had three VW Transporter vans over the past 10 years, doing an average of 40,000 kms a year with a mixture of urban driving and open roads. I often tow a medium size trailer as well.
The first two vans were 77 kW models which were upgraded to 103 kW and they were so much better to drive, the third one was a 77 kW model that I persevered with for 2 years as a standard model and then I found a 2014 model with the 103 kW spec with the DSG system.
I contacted Lars at AutoUpgrades and arranged to get it tuned to the 132 kW spec. From the first drive it was amazing! It has so much torque and it was so easy to keep momentum, especially on longer uphill stretches. Since the upgrade in Feb 2019, I have done 20,000kms and it has been so stress free! No more planning ahead to pass with momentum, I can simply wait until it is safe and then get it done effortlessly. Fuel usage is running around 9L/100km which is down on all the previous vans.
So, YES I recommend AutoUpgrades to make driving a lot more fun.
Pete McPhee - Waimauku, Auckland.
2008 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI - Performance Tune and EGR Disable
Prior to the tune my Skoda had developed an exhaust leak in the EGR valve, a massively expensive fix or replacement in both parts and labour! Blocking and deleting the EGR was the obvious choice. However by inserting a blanking plate in front of the EGR valve the leak was fixed but the computer would throw error signals as it couldn't detect the EGR.
An Auto Tune from Lars was the answer.
Not only did the tune perform the desired EGR delete from the computer system but I got the added benefit of improved performance and economy. The noticeably faster acceleration and improved torque at lower RPM was a revelation. The Skoda was no slug to begin with but this really changed the game and transformed my driving experience. What was really surprising and something I still don’t quite comprehend was that on top of increased performance I also gained about 5- 10% improved economy, this pushed my range on a tank of diesel from about 850km out to 950km.
Awesome all around and highly recommended!
Richard Provo - Onehunga, Auckland.
2008 Porsche 911 Turbo - Performance Tune
Lars did my 911 Turbo's tuning, I am so pleased with his service and detailed attention in the process of tuning. He also explained a number of road driving and track driving hints as well as 911's daily maintenance. He is very knowledge and willing to share insights.
I will recommend him to everyone who wants to improve the performance of one's precious car and enjoy professional workmanship.
Vincent Zhou - Silverdale, Auckland.
2016 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel - Performance Tune
Lars did a great job his attention to detail and working through the upgrade was awesome.
Mapping the original configuration is great practice in case there are any problems. Highly recommended and the difference in the car was stunning.
Stewart Goldstone - St Heliers, Auckland.
2014 Subaru WRX Linited Edition - Performance Tune
Thanks heaps guys!
A job well done, Loving it everyday plus really appreciate the after service help.
Rai Naval - Potters Hill, Queenstown.
2009 Mazda 6 / Atenza 2.0l - Performance Tune
I was very frustrated with my Atenza as there was a flat spot which meant is was a failure off the mark. I am not a boy racer but there are times when you just want you car to respond when you want it to. What made matters worse is that my wife has a big boxy Mazda Premacy that while no where as sleek as the 6, it was much quicker from a staring start
I was planning on selling my car till I got talking to Lars. He told me exactly what could be done and he delivered on it.
There were a couple of teething problems to work through for Lars, but his attitude to giving great customer service and his wide industry experience not only overcame the issues but also won me over!
My car performs so much better and is now a pleasure to drive - even my 18 year old son thinks so!!
Mark Head - Waipahihi, Taupo.
2018 Skoda Karoq - Performance Tune and EGR Disable
We took the car down to Hawkes Bay for a few days: open road, windy back roads, gravel roads, some 4WD sections.
It went beautifully. Very smooth under all conditions and noticeably more power.
I am very pleased with the result. Many thanks.
John Ashby - Mt Eden, Auckland.
2007 Skyline 350GT - Performance Tune
I would like to appreciate for the tuning which you provided on my 2005 Nissan Skyline 350GT. I could not find any place where they modify the factory 350gt sedan ECU. However, the Auto Upgrades were happy to try and tune the factory ECU. My car was not even listed on their website and it was the first time for them to tune the V35 sedan 6sp manual ECU as it is using the different ECU from 350Z as well as the two-door 350GT. When I drove my car after tuning, I could tell that my car gained more torque at the bottom end. The peak power has also increased and the car revs more smoothly than before. I am happy with the performance of my car now and the tuning made my car quicker and more fuel efficient at the same time. In fact, the average fuel consumption of my car was around 9km/L but it marked 11.7km/L after the tuning. I am driving the same route at the same speed. I understand the average fuel consumption rate would be different on a different car even if the same model. However, this product would be beneficial for the people who want to gain more power but improve fuel consumption at the same time. I highly recommend this product to all the VQ owners as well as the people who are modifying their car for the first time.
Utah Otake - CBD, Auckland.
2013 Toyota 86 - Performance Tune
I came to Auto Upgrades for the tuning of my 2013 Toyota 86. I am very pleased with the results.
Lars was extremely comprehensive with the tuning he did on my car, it was a very straight forward and painless process.
Coupled with a pair of UEL Headers, the tune from Auto Upgrades completely eliminated the extreme torque dip found in these cars and gave it a much more linear power delivery.
Extremely happy with my purchase and will be coming here for future endeavours.
Jacob Parker - Riverhead, Auckland.
2016 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 200kW - Performance Tune
There is a noticeable increase in performance which I am very happy about.
Thank you for your total professionalism and explanation as to how you do the changes to the car. I appreciate the care that you take in ensuring the changes are safe and do not put the car at risk. The car feels great and I look forward to observing the changes to the MPG.
Your service and followup is simply fantastic. Its great to talk to someone with as much passion for the business as you have and it shows.
Merv Joe - Mount Albert, Auckland.
2007 Porsche 911 4S - Performance Tune
I decided to get an ECU upgrade from Lars and he came out did a fantastic job and was very comprehensive looking at my car. Lars even took me for a drive in his car to show me how the performance of my car could be improved, and I was blown away by the difference that it has made to my Porsche 997 C4S.
It now has more power, it’s is noticeably smoother, noticeably faster, and the best thing is it has a lot more torque and is now much faster straight off the line. In short it has been amazing and it’s some of the cheapest horsepower that you can get!
Marti Amos - St Heliers, Auckland.
2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak - Performance Tune and EGR disable
I had a test drive in the new Ford Ranger Raptor, it’s just brilliant but since AutoUpgrades tuned up in my 2016 Ranger Wildtrak it goes better even that! I was thinking of changing to the new Ranger Raptor, but not now.
I am going to recommend AutoUpgrades to all my friends who drive Ford Rangers and they are bound to go to see Lars at AutoUpgrades. If you want the best results go to see them too, I’m more than happy and am sure you will be too. Thanks for the great job Lars.
Mohammed Khan - Papatoetoe, Auckland.
2007 BMW 540i - Performance Tune
Big thanks to Lars for tuning my 540i, this car was no slouch to begin with but after the tune its on a whole new level.
The acceleration is much more fluent, the engine feels more responsive, and the car just feels more of a beast than it was before. Not to mention the bonus of being more fuel efficient which was a big up for me as this runs off a V8 engine.
Very knowledgeable person and learnt a lot with just talking to him over the process of the tune. Have all ready recommended to friends and family. Thank again.
Stevie Ashby - Ardmore, Auckland.
2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI - Custom Performance Tune
I recently got my Golf GTi MK4 tuned from Lars. I had done a lot of research for getting it tuned from different companies but Lars provided me the best bang for buck with an amazing tune and great service.
I had some mods on the car like intake, DV valve, full turbo back exhaust and Lars made me an amazing tune which I am extremely happy about. I would definitely get back to him for any future tune with any of my other cars. Highly recommend with his amazing service. Thanks, again.
Mahmudul Shad - Avondale, Auckland.
2007 Porsche Cayenne S - Performance Tune
We got the ECU tuned by Autoupgrades, this means the car’s ECU was flashed, its added 20 horsepower and 35Nm of torque to our Cayenne S. This is some of the cheapest horsepower we have gained, it's made it much smoother in the torque curve. It has also made it way more responsive and even better it’s not using as much fuel.
I would recommended AutoUpgrades to anyone considering performance upgrades for their car.
Marti Amos - St Heliers, Auckland.
2012 Ford Ranger 3.2 - Performance Tune and EGR disable
Awesome job done on tuning my 2012 Ford Ranger, I felt the turbo lag on pick up, that is now gone, it feels like I’m driving a new Ranger and just can’t believe it. I am going to recommend AutoUpgrades to all my friends who drive Ford Rangers and they are bound to go to see Lars at AutoUpgrades. If you want the best results go to see them too, I’m more than happy and am sure you will be too. Thanks for the great job Lars.