... like AMG is to Merc, or Alpina to BMW?

 

I suppose what I'm really asking is can I get a remap without affecting the warranty?

Yeah I was thinking the same - especially as ford offer mountune stuff at some dealers complete with warranty. Haven't found one though and I assume there isn't one. Booooooo!

Revo did on the mkii but haven't heard anything for the mkiii

VolkswagenRacing used to do certain bits (exhausts, suspension etc) which were supplied with a "warranty top-up" so if VW decided to not honour a warranty claim, their built-in scheme would.  Not sure if they did/do remaps though..

I think superchips were the official partner that Volkswagen racing used, but that's a track racing series rather than every day cars... They do have thier own R brand too don't forget.. As in r32.