Unitronic Mk8 GTi / Golf R and Audi 8Y S3 2.0T EVO4 Software Now Available!

With extensive experience on the Continental SIMOS 19.x ECUs found in modern 4cyl. VW and Audi vehicles, Unitronic Engineers wasted no time recalibrating the SIMOS 19.6 ECU found in the MK8 GTI, Golf R and 8Y S3 to achieve optimal performance through an increase in boost, optimized ignition timing, lambda, camshaft timing, and much more. Research and development continued with further dyno, track, and road testing while closely monitoring running conditions through high-speed data logging tools and equipment to ensure maximum performance is achieved, while maintaining complete OEM-like reliability and drivability.

After substantial development time and countless hours of flash protocol testing, a multitude of empirical data is collected. Once a thorough analysis is completed, Unitronic calibrators develop the Performance Software which is fully optimized for maximum performance while ensuring reliability and drivability are maintained. Extra attention was paid to turbocharger shaft speed, exhaust manifold absolute pressure, intake pressure, and much more to ensure OEM-like reliability is achieved.

Through initial phases of development, aided by empirical data collection and instrumentation, it's common for Unitronic Engineers to uncover factory hard part limitations where such inhibits maximum performance either through efficiency short-comings or air-flow restrictions. In the case of the 2.0TSI MQB EVO4 engines, Unitronic found the factory intercooler quickly heat soaks and loses its ability to keep charge air temperature at reasonable levels before the ECU's logic intervenes to reduce output based on IATs being too high.

The modern SIMOS 19.x ECU's, similar to those found in previous generations, are highly intelligent controllers that can effectively adapt to environmental and operational data collected from the system's sensors to ensure an unmatched level of reliability in ever-changing conditions. Unitronic Engineers further enhance these models to ensure an unmatched OEM-like level of reliability without compromise, while simultaneously engineering Performance Hardware upgrades that will solve critical short-comings present with the factory hardware. Similarly, Unitronic's Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake System with Air Duct and upcoming Cat-Back Exhaust Systems for the MK8 GTI, MK8 Golf R, and 8Y S3 will address air-flow restrictions both on the pre-compressor intake side, providing an increase in compressor efficiency and exhaust side of the turbocharger with a backpressure reduction.

With these upgrades combined, Unitronic Engineers were able to achieve increased performance and boost pressures through reducing turbocharger shaft speed made possible only with its expertly engineered performance hardware that functionally and aesthetically performs to the absolute maximum. With such, Unitronic ECU Performance Software calibrations are engineered to stay safely within the maximum turbocharger speed limits. Exceeding maximum turbo shaft speed limits can reduce the life and reliability of the turbocharger.

Performance Software results are made possible in part by the Unitronic Intercooler Upgrade, which is required to achieve the advertised power figures. The graph below compares horsepower and torque from Unitronic's 8Y S3 before and after adding Unitronic's Intercooler Upgrade. As you can see, simply adding the Unitronic Intercooler Upgrade significantly reduced charge air temperatures and unlocked +35HP/+23LB-FT.

Unitronic Engineers also quickly identified gearbox originating torque limitations on the TCU side of the DQ381.2 gearbox. In order to overcome these limitations while ensuring proper torque management and thus, clutch operation with maximum torque calibrations, TCU Performance Software is required. Unitronic Stage 1 TCU Performance Software was developed to improve your overall driving experience through calibrations adjustments including an increased torque limiter, advanced torque management, adjustable launch control, optimized gear shift points, quicker shifts, and gear display enabled. At the moment, only DQ381.2 gearboxes with BLvXXXX0301 are currently tunable through the OBD2 port with support for the newer TCUs with BLvXXXX0401 in the works.

If you have a vehicle with the latter TCU, Unitronic offers both Stage 1 and Stage 1+ ECU Performance Software suitable for safe use with the stock TCU calibration in a limited torque format with Stage 1+ for 93oct on a MK8 Golf R or 8Y S3 making 430HP/377LB-FT. Once support is unlocked for the latter TCU types, you'll be able to purchase our TCU Performance Software with a $150 DSG Combo Discount, and use our Stage 1 and Stage 1+ ECU Calibrations engineered for use with our Stage 1 TCU Calibrations to unleash your vehicle's full potential.

Unitronic Stage 1 (91 octane/95 RON) and Stage 1+ (93 octane/98 RON) ECU calibrations will be fully supported by Unitronic's UniCONNECT+ cable, which enabled you to not only tune your ECU and TCU from the comfort of your own home or garage, but also gives you access to data logging*** and analysis*** and much more, in the next week. These additional resources can and have been proven very effective to aid customers in not only learning more about their vehicle's performance, but also achieving the absolute best results possible.

Unitronic's 8Y S3 Development Car managed to run consistent mid 11-second 1/4 mile passes, with a best time, thus far, of 11.64@119mph. The vehicle was in complete street-trim including stock wheels and tires, full interior/full weight, with a half a tank of pump fuel and equipped with Unitronic Stage 1+ ECU Performance Software, Stage 1 TCU Performance Software, and using the Unitronic Carbon Fiber Intake System and Air Duct, Unitronic DQ381 Dogbone Mount Upgrade, and Unitronic Intercooler Upgrade. These results are from an NHRA-certified track, as we want to promote taking it to the track, not on the street, but there was no track prep/glue or drag radial/slick tires used.

These results are the current culmination of our development work optimizing our Performance Software package of ECU and TCU calibrations for maximum 0-100km/h (0-60mph) and 1/4 mile results for those using their vehicles in complete street-trim. Adjustments to not only the Launch Control strategy, but also the torque on launch, gear change setpoints, and much more are optimized for the best results on the street or a similar unprepped surface with street tires and little to no drivetrain modifications and proved to significantly improve our 60ft and 0-100km/h (0-60mph) results with these valuable optimizations.

For users with access to a prepped surface or with drag radials/slicks who think they can handle a bit more on the launch, not only do we have ECU calibrations with increased torque on launch available, but you can utilize our Adjustable Launch Control to choose between 3500rpm and 4000rpm setpoints. The higher 4000rpm launch control setpoint is engaged with the kickdown button at the end of the accelerator pedal travel. It's important to note that it doesn't stop here for our development team as we're committed and anxiously looking forward to getting the dev cars back to the track in the near future to continue to push onward in our never-ending pursuit to further improve on our results and welcome feedback, data, and information from our customers all over the globe.

Unitronic's Carbon Fiber Intake System and Air Duct is now available for the MK8 GTI with MK8 Golf R and 8Y S3 fitment coming soon. This complete system optimizes airflow, improves throttle response and enhances turbo induction sounds while providing seamless integration and an aggressive carbon fiber presence in the engine bay. Also available for these new vehicles is Unitronic's Intercooler Upgrade which provides a dramatic reduction in charge air temperatures to ensure peak performance is achieved and sustained while resisting heat-soak after repeated efforts and in harsh climates and conditions.

ECU SOFTWARE FEATURES

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 Speed Governor Removed

Vehicle speed limiter within ECU is removed. (Subject to transmission rotational speed limit.)

 Improved Fuel Efficiency

Optimized timing and injection in cruising condition allows for an improved fuel efficiency, under normalized driving conditions.

 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.

TCU SOFTWARE FEATURES

 End-User Programmable with UniCONNECT+

Flash 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 everyday daily driving and economy, while S-mode is optimized for faster acceleration.

 Advanced Torque Management

Unitronic has calibrations available for limited torque and full torque levels when Launch Control (AMAX) is engaged. Limited (low) torque calibrations will limit torque in 1st gear, which is ideal and optimized for use on true street prepped car launching on an unprepped street-like surface with street tires with little to no drivetrain upgrades. Full torque calibrations will provide maximum torque for launching in ideal conditions like on a prepped/glued race track surface with drag radials or slicks and using drivetrain upgrades like a Dogbone Mount.

 Quicker Gear Shifts

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

 Gear Display Enabled in D and S Mode

Gear Display is enabled, allowing the driver to see the current gear in both D- and S-mode on the Virtual Cockpit / MFD.
(D1, D2, etc. & S1, S2, S3, etc.)

 Dual Setpoint Adjustable Launch Control

Unitronic has adjusted the launch control RPM setpoints to allow for quicker acceleration off the launch control. Dual-stage launch control allows users to choose between two different launch control RPM setpoints based on the current conditions observed. (surface conditions, tires, etc.) Launch Control Setpoint 1 is activated at 100% pedal position, without engaging the kick-down switch. Launch Control Setpoint 2 is activated at "110%" pedal position. (100% pedal position with the kick-down switch engaged)

APPLICATIONS

2022+ VW GTI 2.0TSI EA888 EVO4

2022+ VW Golf R 2.0TSI EA888 EVO4

2022+ Audi S3 2.0TSI EA888 EVO4

*Current TCU Performance Software Support only includes DQ381.2 BL vxxxx0301. Support for BL vxxxx0401 coming soon.

**Subject to ECU box code availability.

***Features coming soon - in beta testing.