Unlocking the full potential of your 8Y RS3 can be done in a few ways. Start by selecting your flashing method:

• Replacement ECU (RECOMMENDED)
  • This option can be purchased through Unitronic or any Unitronic Authorized Dealer. You will be shipped a replacement ECU that is mostly plug-n-play into your vehicle. You’ll need to do some clearing of fault codes, but otherwise trouble-free. You can freely swap between your original ECU and your Unitronic Tuned Unlocked ECU, so long as you ensure proper hardware modifications are maintained according to the requirements of the ECU currently connected.
• Send-in Original ECU for Unlock
  • This option can be purchased through Unitronic or any Unitronic Authorized Dealer. It requires your ECU to be removed from your vehicle and sent to Unitronic HQ for an unlock and initial tuning. This option will result in some down-time of your vehicle.

When purchasing this upgrade, please be prepared to provide us with the vehicle’s ECU ID, ECU Revision, VIN and Long Coding to ensure proper configuration.
For help on finding these required items, please see the following link: getuni.ca/8yrs3ecu

Unitronic FLEX fuel enabled ECU Performance Software Calibrations are available for this platform allowing for seamless transitions between 100% gasoline to 85% ethanol and anything in between, without requiring an ECU reflash. This FLEX enabled Software is available for an additional fee and it covers all lower stages up until your highest purchased stage as well. UniFLEX Hardware is required in order to take advantage of these FLEX enabled calibrations. Please see ES4785773 for more information!

Unitronic Advanced Features (UAF) are also available for this platform. Thanks to proprietary ECU code, the Unitronic Advanced Features (UAF) Add-On gives unparalleled levels of control over Pops and Bangs, Launch Control Settings and Rolling Launch Control for true adjustability directly from the driver’s seat.

Software Features:

• Engineered with Strict Industry Standards
  With over 10 years of experience with Bosch and Siemens engine management systems and calibrations, Unitronic is able to utilize its expertise, industry leading tools and equipment to ensure an optimal calibration; delivering maximum performance, while maintaining complete OEM-like reliability and drivability.
• Extensively Tested Under Various Driving Conditions
  Development begins using Unitronic’s in-house Maha Chassis dyno housed in an environmentally controlled cell; closely monitoring a plethora of operational data, utilizing industry leading calibration tools and resources. Beta calibrations are then tested in street and track scenarios, using multiple cars under various driving conditions. This engine calibration strategy ensures Unitronic Performance Software delivers maximum performance, OEM-like drivability and reliability anywhere in the world. Unitronic Performance Software is only released to its Clients once development is thoroughly completed in accordance to Unitronic’s strict standards.
• Factory Safety Limiters Retained
  OEM “fail safes” are retained within the ECU calibration. Close monitoring of all operation parameters ensures that engine operation stays within factory components limits, resulting in reliability.
• Optimized Responsiveness, Smoothness, Drivability, and Comfort
  Unitronic’s ECU calibrations are engineered to improve engine response and reduce low-end lag. Unitronic’s Performance Software has gained worldwide recognition and is well known for its broad powerband, with smooth power delivery, maximizing responsiveness and “area under the curve”, under normal and hard acceleration.
• Optimized Maximum Output
  Unitronic’s ECU Calibrators deliver the maximum power output while staying within the operational limits of the factory engine and drivetrain components. Specifically, this results in the highest engine performance without sacrificing the reliability of the engine, turbocharger, or other engine and drivetrain components.
• Power Delivery Perfectly Optimized Throughout the Power Band
  Aligned with the OEM strategy, the calibration is designed to offer a large flat torque plateau to provide a smooth and linear power band. Maximum torque output is achieved sooner and maintained longer which creates a broader torque plateau and greater area under the curve. This results in an improved acceleration and optimal engine operation.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency
  Optimized timing and injection in cruising condition allows for an improved fuel efficiency, under normalized driving conditions.
• Ignition Timing Precisely Calibrated for Higher Octane Fuel
  Engine calibration optimized to take advantage of higher fuel quality to extract maximum energy from the combustion. Therefore, when using a higher octane fuel, more power and better fuel efficiency will be achieved.
• Speed Governor Removed
  Vehicle speed limiter within ECU is removed. (Subject to transmission rotational speed limit.)

Unitronic Stage 1 Performance Software is precisely calibrated for use with 91 octane / 95 RON fuel.

• Stage 1 offers performance gains of +77-187 HP and +100-146 LB-FT of torque depending on fuel type.

Unitronic Stage 1+ Performance Software is precisely calibrated for use with 93 octane / 98 RON fuel & E60-E85 ethanol blends.

• Stage 1+ offers performance gains of +160-223 HP and +129-159 LB-FT of torque depending on fuel type.

Unitronic Stage 2 Performance Software is precisely calibrated for use with 91 octane / 95 RON, 93 octane / 98 RON fuel & E60-E85 ethanol blends.

• Stage 2 offers performance gains of +130-237 HP and +121-165 LB-FT of torque depending on fuel type.

Required Hardware:

Stage 1 & Stage 1+ Required Hardware:

• (ES4362302) MPI Injector Upgrade Kit for 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4785773) UniFLEX Hardware Kit (w/ sensor) for 2.0TSI EVO4 and 8Y RS3 2.5TFSI
  • UniFLEX Hardware Kit and MPI Upgrade only required if using UniFLEX or E85 Software.

Stage 2 Required Hardware:

• (ES4362286) 2.5TFSI EVO Spark Plug Set (NGK R7437-9) by Unitronic
• (ES4772427) 4 inch Forged Carbon Fiber Intake System for 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4362366) 4 inch Intake System for RS3 and TTRS, 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4920251) 4-inch Turbo Inlet Elbow for 8Y RS3
• (ES4362393) Downpipe w/ Midpipes for 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4365190) Intercooler for 8Y RS3, 8V.2 RS3 and 8S TTRS
• (ES4362302) MPI Injector Upgrade Kit for 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4785773) UniFLEX Hardware Kit (w/ sensor) for 2.0TSI EVO4 and 8Y RS3 2.5TFSI
  • UniFLEX Hardware Kit and MPI Upgrade only required if using UniFLEX or E85 Software.​

Recommended Hardware:

Stage 1 & Stage 1+ Recommended Hardware:​

• (ES4772427) 4 inch Forged Carbon Fiber Intake System for 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4362366) 4 inch Intake System for RS3 and TTRS, 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4920251) 4-inch Turbo Inlet Elbow for 8Y RS3
• (ES4365190) Intercooler for 8Y RS3, 8V.2 RS3 and 8S TTRS

Stage 2 Recommended Hardware:

• (ES4629928) Race Dogbone Engine Mount for 2.5TFSI EVO
• (ES4629927) Street Dogbone Engine Mount for 2.5TFSI EVO

UNIFLEX (FLEX FUEL)

As part of this expansive project, Unitronic is proud to be the first to implement native, true, flex fuel code to the factory Bosch MG1CS163 ECU called UniFLEX. Unitronic’s UniFLEX Hardware allows for a plug and play installation through its proprietary UniFLEX Module and a genuine Continental Ethanol Sensor with required fittings and harnesses.

When combined with Unitronic’s UniFLEX-enabled Performance Software Add-On, the factory Bosch MG1CS163 ECU receives ethanol content over the CAN-bus and utilizes this fuel composition data to blend mapping of timing, boost pressure, fueling, and much more completely on-the-fly. Simplified, this allows for seamless transitions from 0% to 85% ethanol content — or said another way, 100% gasoline to 85% ethanol and anywhere in between, without needing an ECU reflash.

UniFLEX is also Bluetooth® enabled, allowing for wireless connectivity with iOS and Android mobile devices using the Unitronic UniE85 Manager App.

ADVANCED FEATURES (UAF)

Adding even more to the magnitude of this project, Unitronic is proud to introduce its Advanced Features. Thanks to the proprietary ECU code, the Unitronic Advanced Features (UAF) Add-On gives unparalleled levels of control for true adjustability directly from the driver’s seat.
Let’s face it, one of the challenges often faced during development is making decisions on subjective subjects like Exhaust Overrun (the infamous pops and bangs) or subjects with an element of variability in nature, like Launch Control RPM Setpoint. UAF solves these issues with introducing adjustability controlled through the cruise control stalk in coordination with the visual paged menu system using the power and torque gauges on the virtual cockpit instrument cluster.

• To enter the UAF menu, first engage the parking brake and place your foot firmly on the brake pedal. Ensure you can see the Power and Torque gauges on the virtual cockpit instrument cluster. Press and hold the CRUISE CONTROL SET button for 3 seconds. The Power (PWR) and Torque (TQ) Gauges will both begin to display 1. The Power (PWR) Gauge corresponds to the page in the menu and the Torque (TQ) gauge corresponds to the index value selected.
• Use the CRUISE CONTROL UP & DOWN buttons to toggle through pages and use the CRUISE CONTROL RESUME & CANCEL buttons to toggle between selected index values.
• To save the values, release your foot off of the brake pedal. Be sure to disengage the parking brake before driving off or trying to engage launch control.
• For example, to adjust the ADJUSTABLE LAUNCH CONTROL (ALC) from 4000RPM to 5000RPM, first ensure the parking brake is engaged and your foot is firmly pressed on the brake pedal. Press and hold the CRUISE CONTROL SET button and wait for PWR 1 / TQ 1 to display. Press CRUISE CONTROL UP 2 times to PWR 3. Press CRUISE CONTROL RESUME 5 times TQ 6. You will also see the RPM gauge fill with red to the indicated RPM Setpoint. Release the brake pedal to save the settings. Don’t forget to disengage the parking brake before driving off or trying to engage launch control.

While Unitronic will continue to introduce new Advanced Features over time, the initial offerings will include:

• Exhaust Overrun (Pops and Bangs)
• Adjustable Launch Control
• Rolling Launch Control

For demonstrations of how to use the adjustable features and functions of UAF, please refer to the following videos:

Unitronic also built in plenty of failsafes and safety mechanisms into its Advanced Features to protect the engine and its components as much as possible. Certain preconditions apply to function activation or engagement, and other criteria control inhibition of functions.

Unitronic has additional features in the pipeline and looks forward to hearing your feedback on what you'd like to see incorporated into UAF!

8Y RS3 TCU PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE

Unitronic’s Unlocked TCU Solution for the DQ501 transmission comes ready to plug-and-play into your vehicle and ships already flashed with Unitronic’s renowned TCU Performance Software while also being end-user programmable with UniCONNECT+. With proper tools and equipment, this TCU swap is straightforward for most.

To simplify the TCU installation, an optional Service Kit, which includes all necessary fluids and hardware needed to complete the job efficiently is available. At this stage, enthusiasts can also opt to replace the failure-prone plastic oil tubes with Unitronic's high-strength CNC machined Oil Tubes as well.

NOTE: Unitronic TCU Performance Software is required to use this unlocked TCU. You must purchase it alongside this upgrade. For new and existing ECU customers, DSG® Combo Discounts of up to $150 in SAVINGS are available.

When purchasing this upgrade, please be prepared to provide Unitronic with your VIN in order to to ensure the unit can be properly configured for your specific vehicle.

8Y RS3 TCU SOFTWARE FEATURES

End-User Programmable with UniCONNECT+

• Reflash your TCU from the comfort of your own home or garage. Within minutes (approximately 70-seconds to be exact on this platform), you'll be enjoying an entirely transformed driving experience.

Optimized D & Sport Modes

• D-mode is optimized for improved performance while avoiding the tendency to target quick upshifts to higher gears. S-mode is optimized for faster acceleration in spirited driving.

Quicker Gear Shifts

• Unitronic's TCU Performance Software calibration enhances the gear shift speeds making them up to 70% quicker.

Reduced Clutch Slippage

• Unitronic’s TCU re-defines clutch engagement strategies to reduce excessive clutch slip in virtually all driving conditions. Users will notice the biggest improvements under light throttle driving conditions, but a more direct experience while driving full throttle as well.

Sailing Mode Disabled (EU/RoW only)

• Disabling Sailing Mode keeps the drivetrain fully engaged instead of engaging virtual neutral and free-wheeling when coasting in certain drive modes at speeds between 55kph/35mph and 160kph/99mph. This provides the driver with a more engaged performance orientated feeling and driving experience. Sailing mode is inactive on most North American vehicles from the manufacturer.

Unitronic will continue working on future iterations of Stage 2 and Stage 3 TCU calibrations, introducing further enhancements and optimizations while laying the groundwork for upcoming Stage 3 ECU tuning in the near future.

**Performance Software for your ECU Box Code is subject to availability.
**2022+ models require to have the hood opened during the flashing process.

To learn more about the Unitronic Performance Software Suite for the 8Y RS3, Go to the link here:
https://www.getunitronic.com/news/8y-rs3-software

Unitronic uses and recommends Liqui Moly Oil & Additives exclusively for your vehicle, which meet Audi/VW approvals. To ensure your vehicle is maintained with the #1 oil brand in Germany, see what is recommended for you with the Liqui Moly Oil Guide here:
https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/ca/service/oil-guide.html

Not for sale or use in the state of California on any pollution-controlled vehicle as per the California Air Resources Board.