 Update:  8000 miles.  I still really love driving this car.  It's feels tight and solid, like it's got rubber washers everywhere to eliminate rattles.  The shifter is excellent...buttery.  So glad I got a manual.  It's small and maneuverable on the outside, but big on the inside (4 guys' camping gear with rear seats down). I'm still happy with the APR re-program of the CPU (305hp/370tq); no mechanical problems.  Once it's rolling, the turbo and APR stage 1 upgrade makes it a sling-shot for passing slower cars on the freeway.  The stock tires suck, though.  I can't wait to wear them out and replace 'em.  I have no idea what this car would do from a standing start because I can't get any traction.  Lesser cars can get the jump on me.  Kinda makes me wish it had the R's all-wheel drive.  On the other hand, the 2-door is awfully pretty...________________Original Review:I had an Infinity G37, and test drove a GTI but found the acceleration lacking, so I walked away.  The Golf R is what I really wanted, but it's out of reach financially.  Then I stumbled on the APR software upgrade.  Could I have my cake and eat it too?  So I got the GTI and absolutely love the steering, shifting, and handling - simply a precision instrument.  Fantastic value.  The acceleration from a stock GTI is adequate; I could make the passes I wanted with no problem, but still the seat-of-the-pants thrust was less than the G37 (328 hp/330 tq).  So I went through with the stage 1 APR upgrade.  Man oh man...Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde.  At 3500 rpm the car wants to squirt out from under me, like I'm being sucked through a straw.  From 210 hp/258 tq to 305/371.  Hilariously terrifying...I love it.  Warranty?  Nothing's going to happen.  I'll flash to stock for routine maintenance.  And warranties don't last forever, anyway.  Live life.  The only minor complaint is that the steering wheel blocks the gauges when it's down low in my lap.  Otherwise, the GTI feels just as "luxurious" as my G37 did, it's quiet, fuel efficient, easy to squeeze into parking spaces, feels like a sports car behind the wheel, and thanks to APR accelerates like one, too.  It's got a bunch of electronic do-dads, too, but so far listening to Howard Stern is the only benefit to that stuff.  But as far as a driving machine goes, I got a steal.