IMPORTANT!
Please remember that these figures are at the flywheel on a braked dyno in the UK. Do not compare them to American WHP figures. American figures are significantly higher due to not using braked dynos and dyno runs lasting only 4 or 5 seconds!
Standard power and torque curve measured on a 347PS SQ5 B9.5
Unicorn Motor Developments have now acquired significant experience tuning the Audi S4/S5/SQ5 B9.5 diesel both on the road and dyno. The 3.0 V6 EA897 evo2 uses a single turbo side mounted on a manifold, and an electrically powered compressor. The engine is coupled to an 8 speed ZF8HP automatic gearbox and quattro 4wd.
The Audi SQ5 B9.5 in the UK featured two versions of the 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine, both utilizing a 48V mild-hybrid system and an electrically powered compressor (EPC) to enhance throttle response. The earlier model, available between 2019 and 2020, produced 347 PS and 700 Nm of torque, meeting the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. The 347PS variant has quite a delayed torque curve with peak torque coming in at 2500rpm. This version was short-lived, as Audi revised the engine to comply with the stricter Euro 6d regulations, resulting in a slight power reduction to 341 PS, though torque remained at 700 Nm with a broader delivery range. This updated variant became the sole option from 2021 onwards. While both versions were used in the SQ5, only the 341 PS engine was offered in the UK Audi S4/S5 B9.5 facelift, meaning British S4/S5 buyers never had access to the higher-output 347 PS variant, which was available in select European markets before emissions compliance changes phased it out.
Standard power and torque curve measured on a 342PS SQ4 B9.5
This family of engines is very hard work. After the VAG groups dieselgate incident and the introduction of WLTP, the new engines are challenging – both to tune and to drive. On paper it looks fine with 700Nm of torque. However we have had extensive feedback that the on road experience is severely lacking. The issue is the response – or lack of it. Once the car actually begins to accelerate they are great, but to get to this point is much more difficult than it should be.
Most complaints centre around dead spots, but instead of the usual initial throttle deadspot that some cars exhibit, here it happens at random intervals, and makes the car extremely difficult to drive smoothly. The reason for this is sadly the WLTP emissions standards for modern diesels. When we investigated further into what was actually happening, we saw that the ECU effectively ignores the drivers request for a specified time and then gradually brings the torque in. At this point the driver has pressed the pedal even further as they are frustrated with the lack of response, and suddenly gets a lot more torque than they initially wanted and resulting in very jerky performance.
Stage 1 software is designed for a completely standard car, and results in approx. 45bhp/80Nm gains.
Standard vs. Unicorn Stage 1 tuned power and torque curves on a 347PS SQ5
Our calibration addresses all of this and more, and the engine now does exactly what the driver requests, when they request it. And, because it can now be driven smoothly, the economy improves. The difference is literally night and day, making the car a real pleasure to drive.
The 347PS and 342PS engines respond differently. Unless you have an early SQ5 you will have the 342PS engine.
Both engines are quite highly tuned from the factory – again in order for to meet the power/emissions requirements so power gains aren’t huge.
For the 347PS engine, we typically see 337bhp 700Nm to 380bhp and 770Nm on average, but the torque comes in 200rpm earlier which makes a significant difference.
The 342PS is overall the better engine. Despite officially being rated lower, we usually see more power than from the 347PS. The main advantage is the electric compressor brings the torque in earlier than on the 347 engine. With our tuning, the low down response is significantly improved. At 1500rpm, the Unicorn stage 1 calibration develops an extra 135lbft/180Nm! Power and torque increase from 346bhp/544lbft/735Nm to 404bhp/615lbft/830Nm.
Standard vs. Unicorn Stage 1 tuned power and torque curves on a 342PS S4
This leads to fast relaxed progress on the road, whether for effortless overtaking or more mundane city driving. Many thousands of miles have been logged on the road and dyno to ensure the best results. Both road and dyno testing is critical. Repeated dyno runs show exactly what part of the power curve can be improved while maintaining controlled conditions. We also reach speeds over double the national speed limit while on the dyno, and apply significantly more thermal load than would normally be achieved on the road, ensuring the software correctly reacts under highly stressed conditions.
All tuning is carried out through the vehicle’s OBD port, both engine and TCU.
Stage 2 software is for any car which has a had the DPF removed. Please note this is generally for off road use only as it may contravene emissions laws.
Software Pricing:
Stage 1: £899 inc vat and dyno
Stage 2 £ 999 inc vat and dyno