Darkside Developments is one of the rare firms that combines performance and efficiency in the automotive world. Since opening its doors in 2010, the company has become a major player by focusing on performance parts for diesel engines, tuning solutions and bespoke exhaust systems. Its early projects involved extracting impressive power from diesel cars while maintaining fuel economy, proving that diesel tuning could be both fast and efficient. Today Darkside continues to lead the way in diesel performance, offering kits that transform everyday TDIs into machines that can surprise much more expensive sports cars.
Darkside Developments began in 2010 with a passion for making diesel cars perform like race cars. Its first build – a red SEAT Toledo – showcased how modifications to the fuel system, turbo and exhaust could deliver huge torque without sacrificing economy. In 2012 the company pushed boundaries even further by developing a Jetta TDI that produced 316 horsepower and 468 lb‑ft of torque while returning over 50 miles per gallon. These early successes cemented the brand’s reputation for engineering ingenuity and laid the foundation for rapid growth.
After proving its expertise on the street, Darkside Developments turned to competitive motorsport. Its SEAT Arosa drag car became the first diesel‑powered machine to run the quarter mile in the 9‑second range, posting a 9.7‑second run at 146.7 mph and later resetting the record with a 9.461‑second pass at 150.55 mph. Not content with drag racing, the team entered the MSV Track Day Championship and showed that diesel can dominate corners as well as straight lines. A Darkside‑built car went on to win the championship, highlighting the brand’s ability to balance outright speed with handling and reliability.
Building on its motorsport experience, Darkside Developments now offers a wide variety of performance parts. The catalog includes turbo kits, intercoolers, exhaust manifolds, diesel particulate filter (DPF) solutions and electronic tuning packages designed to unlock power without compromising drivability. Customers can choose from off‑the‑shelf kits or custom solutions tailored to their vehicle and goals. Each product is engineered using high‑grade materials and tested both on the dyno and on the track to ensure consistent, repeatable results.
Darkside continues to raise the bar in diesel performance. Its latest achievements include setting new class records at drag‑strip events across Europe and developing plug‑and‑play tuning kits for the newest generation of TDI engines. The company’s 2022 track car not only claimed multiple podium finishes but also demonstrated outstanding reliability over an entire season. These successes prove that the brand’s approach – combining careful engineering with real‑world testing – delivers results that enthusiasts can rely on.
Looking ahead, Darkside Developments is investing in new technologies and expanding into hybrid and alternative‑fuel performance. The team is working on next‑generation turbo systems and exploring electric boosting to further improve response and efficiency. With a loyal customer base and a reputation built on proven results, Darkside will continue to innovate and set new standards in diesel tuning and beyond.