034Motorsport 8V Audi S3 Performance Development Vehicle

034Motorsport's 2016 Audi S3 is a constantly-evolving machine, showcasing the very best in functional performance upgrades for the discerning Audi enthusiast. Serving as the company's primary Performance Hardware & Software Development Vehicle for the Audi/Volkswagen MQB AWD Platform, this Glacier White Metallic example works overtime as a dual-purpose daily driver and track day toy - all while accommodating seemingly constant tinkering from 034Motorsport engineers and calibrators.034Motorsport's engineers approached modifying the all-new Audi S3 with a focus on optimizing power delivery, handling, and driving experience without detracting from everyday comfort and reliability. From this OEM+ upgrade philosophy came a comprehensive catalog of 8V Audi S3 Performance Upgrades, each of which complement the S3's sporting nature with marked improvements in power, handling, and precision.

 

Power - Performance Hardware & Software

With over 290 horsepower and 280 foot pounds of torque out of the box, the S3 is no slouch. However, with a few well-designed hardware upgrades and matching performance calibrations, the factory EA888 2.0T Gen 3 engine is capable of delivering substantially more peak power and torque, with a much broader powerband.

 

The factory induction system was the first to be modified, with the addition of an X34 Carbon Fiber Intake System and Carbon Fiber Fresh Air Duct. This combination of parts is designed to yield power gains by eliminating any restriction before the compressor inlet, and supplying dense, cool air to the turbocharger. To ensure that intake temperatures after the turbocharger would also remain low, the factory intercooler was replaced with a larger Wagner Tuning Competition Intercooler. Finally, the exhaust system was upgraded with 034Motorsport's Cast Stainless Steel Downpipe with Race Catalyst and Res-X Exhaust Resonator Delete, helping reduce backpressure and unleashing more power and sound from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Once the new hardware was installed, the S3 was strapped to the in-house Mustang AWD Dynamometer where 034Motorsport's calibration engineer began optimization of the factory ECU's boost, fueling, and timing maps to safely increase power output with 034Motorsport Stage 2 Performance Software. Going beyond power improvements, throttle mapping was refined and left-foot braking was enabled to allow for precise power delivery on both the street and track. With the ECU properly calibrated, the focus was shifted to the factory Transmission Control Unit (TCU), which was likewise remapped to handle the additional torque, deliver faster shifts, and enable more aggressive launches.

 

More Power - R460 Hybrid Turbocharger System

While Stage 2 Hardware & Software yielded fantastic gains, the team at 034Motorsport knew that the platform was capable of handling more power than the factory turbocharger could support. Enter the R460 Turbocharger Upgrade Kit. Centered around LOBA Motorsport's LO462 drop-in hybrid turbocharger upgrade, 034Motorsport's R460 Turbo Kit is able to deliver gains of up to 150 horsepower over stock, with a very minimal impact on spool and response. Made in Germany and based on the factory IHI unit, the LO462 turbocharger features a state-of-the-art billet compressor wheel and clipped turbine wheel to allow for higher flow.

 

Of course, the addition of the larger hybrid turbo meant more calibration time for the S3 on the 034Motorsport dyno and at the track. Once again, 034Motorsport's calibrator spent a significant amount of time developing and verifying proprietary software to ensure that the R460 Turbocharger Upgrade Kit delivers consistent, reliable power even under grueling track conditions. Peak boost ranges from 24-26 PSI (octane dependent) and tapers to 22 PSI by the new 7,200 RPM redline to keep the turbo operating within its efficiency range. This conservative, track-oriented boost mapping provides rock-solid performance lap after lap, while driving even smoother than the factory calibration. The larger hybrid turbo used in the R460 kit spools within 300 RPM of the factory IS38 turbocharger, carrying power all the way to redline - resulting in a much broader, more useable powerband.

 

Handling - Chassis, Drivetrain, and Suspension Upgrades

Power and acceleration weren't the only areas addressed by 034Motorsport engineers on the 8V Audi S3. Despite being an agile, fun-to-drive car from the factory, the 2016 Audi S3 is highly receptive to chassis, suspension, and drivetrain upgrades designed to improve handling performance and response. Starting with the suspension, the 034Motorsport team set out to improve the balance of S3 with a comprehensive collection of bolt-on upgrades.

 

Dynamic+ Performance Lowering Springs were installed to give the S3 a more aggressive stance, while working in unison with the factory Audi Magnetic Ride Dampers to provide superb handling and ride quality. Density Line Front Strut Mounts and Density Line Rear Shock Mounts were installed at the same time to better cope with the higher spring rates and spirited driving. Solid Adjustable Rear Sway Bars and Spherical End Links were installed to further reduce body roll and combat the car's natural tendency to understeer. Finally, a set of Spherical Rear Trailing Arms, Front Subframe Locking Collars, and Rear Subframe Mount Inserts were installed to ensure that suspension geometry remained optimal during hard cornering.

The factory engine mounts were replaced with a Density Line Performance Motor Mount Pair, and a Billet MQB Dogbone Mount Insert was installed to keep the engine locked down without sacrificing in-cabin comfort. By reducing unwanted engine movement, these drivetrain mount upgrades improve response to throttle inputs, provide crisper shift feel, and result in a more connected driving experience - exactly what you want when you're driving a 460+ horsepower S3.

 

Rolling & Stopping - Brakes, Wheels, and Tires

With plenty of power on tap and a dialed suspension setup, it's important to have proper tires and sufficient stopping power. 034Motorsport installed a set of HRE FF15 FlowForm Wheels in 19"x8.5" with Continental ExtremeContact Sport UHP Tires in 255/30/19 - a combination that is equally at home on the street or track. Cobalt XR1 & XR2 Racing Brake Pads are used for track outings, along with Motul RBF 600 Brake Fluid.

 

R460 - The Finished Product

As the 034Motorsport Audi S3 sits now, it hides RS-car potential behind an unassuming exterior and superb ride quality. This particular S3 perfectly embodies an OEM+ upgrade philosophy, with a focus on function and reliability. It's capable of passing as an unmodified car to passengers on the street - even passing the difficult wife, girlfriend, and mother-in-law tests - while delivering an exhilarating and rewarding track day experience to drivers of all levels.

A result of an extensive, focused development effort, 034Motorsport's line of Hardware & Software Upgrades for the 8V Audi S3 is able to deliver significant performance benefits without sacrificing the characteristics that make the S3 a superb daily-driver. Most importantly, the bolt-on, OEM+ design of these upgrades allows any S3 owner to have these parts installed on their car and duplicate the level of performance that the 034Motorsport Audi S3 delivers.