Friday 2nd December 2005

Audi A4 gets a boost

Tuner extracts 350bhp from 2.0T FSI engine

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Audi specialist B&B has put together a programme that boosts the power of the new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI's 200bhp to a meaty 350bhp.

The five-level engine programme starts with an electronics alteration and a slight increase in boost to enhance the 2.0-litre engine to a more convincing 240bhp and 258lb-ft for only €998 (£675). The 2.0 TFSI engine is then enhanced to 250, 286, 300 and finally 350hp and 332lb-ft of torque in the final EVO-R stage.

To achieve these performance levels, B&B technicians provide the standard motor with new B&B special pistons, connecting rods, cylinder head and a large turbocharger. Extensive changes to both air-charge cooling and injection systems are also undertaken. B&B's developed a special exhaust system with a fat downpipe and a high-performance racing catalyst with the aim of reducing exhaust gas temperature and back pressure. Oil temperature is controlled by the installation of a thermostat-controlled, slimline oil cooler.

The result is 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and the EVO-R stage’s speed limiter doesn’t cut in until 162.5mph. This compares to the standard car's 7.3 seconds for the zero to 60mph dash, with a Vmax of 146mph.

B&B is also offering height adjustable coilover suspension sets in different variations next to exclusive 18-inch and 19-inch alloys, four- and six-piston brake systems, and a smooth and precise short shift. There's also a seven-piece body-styling kit available.

Price details have been a tad sparse so far but it looks like a chunky motor...

• B&B Automobiltechnik

[clubsport]

There is no cost mentioned for the higher state of tune,,,if you need 350bhp in an Audi estate is it not a better bet to buy the unstressed V8 S4 version? In terms of depreciation i would think resale might be slightly easier?

[thirsty]

Sucking that much power out of a 2.0? Me thinks the resale value may be less ... I certainly wouldn't buy it....

[paulie-mafia]

new engine every 5000 miles anyone?!

[havoc]

paulie-mafia said:

new engine every 5000 miles anyone?!

Why? Mitsi sells a 340bhp 2.0l Evo!

If it's built with the right components, and serviced correctly, it should be fine. It'll not last as long as a less-powerful engine, but they've been known to go for 100's of thousands of miles...

[paulie-mafia]

lol, good point! but, surely there'll be some pretty frequent service intervals? my a3 uses the same block and i don't need a service for up to 19k. factor these costs into account and an s4 could make financial sense, although i do see the benefit of less weight up front.

[andy mac]

People have been getting a lot more out of the 1.8T block for a long time now.

[mk1fan]

When ever you tune/modiffy an engine from the factory settings you're going to affect its life expectency.

I think it'll be a hoot to drive. The Golden Lab squashed up against the rear screen!! lol

[havoc]

mk1fan said:

When ever you tune/modiffy an engine from the factory settings you're going to affect its life expectency. I think it'll be a hoot to drive. The Golden Lab squashed up against the rear screen!! lol

The only car ever to be banned by the RSPCA!!!

[dinkel]

That mill in a Donkey . . . . . . not without AWD I suppose . . .

[baz1985]

Why bother with the R32 Golf, you can have a equally quick, more sublime & lighter GTi for £4k less, makes sense to me

[alextgreen]

I've always been a fan of the answer 'because I can'.

Just because something's silly doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. I reckon 350 horses in a stock looking Audi estate would be a gas. We all know tuning is a mug's game, but we do it anyway. If nobody sought more power we'd all be driving toyota corollas.

[andy mac]

I just thinks it's all a bit 'old hat' as APR, GIAC, etc, have all been getting figures a great deal higher with some of their kits, and thats on a 1.8T. 350 bhp from a modern 2.0 T should not be difficult.

[catso]

andy mac said:

People have been getting a lot more out of the 1.8T block for a long time now.

Indeed, AMD do a 460hp conversion for the 1.8T 'tis a 'tad' on the pricey side at £32,500 (+VAT) though

www.amdtechnik.com/product.details.cfm?ProductID=191&VariantID=41&ReferenceID=608

[busta]

Now lets put the engine in a polo GTi instead.

[Witchfinder]

Interesting. I'd been led to believe that the 2.0 FSI Turbo was a pig to tune.