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 SQ7 V8 TDI
Unicorn Motor Developments have now acquired significant experience tuning the Audi SQ7/SQ8 V8 diesel both on the road and dyno. The Audi SQ7 TDI features a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo diesel engine (EA898), delivering 435 PS (429 hp) and 900 Nm of torque. This powerhouse utilizes two sequential turbochargers and an electrically powered compressor (EPC) The engine is coupled to an 8 speed ZF8HP automatic gearbox and quattro 4wd.
Designed for both performance and efficiency, it meets Euro 6d emissions standards with the help of AdBlue SCR and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
It is probably the most complicated car Diesel engine ever produced and likely always will be. It uses an electric supercharger, or compressor driven from a 48v power system to provide instant boost as soon as the pedal is pressed. A turbo then spins up driven from half of the exhaust valves to approximately 2500rpm. The rest of the valves then open and feed a second turbo.
The turbos are both identical in size unlike most setups which use a small and large configuration. Audi found that this gave them the most overall response but comes with the drawback of a drop in torque while the first turbo is running out of capacity and the second is still spooling. However in real world driving this is not so noticeable as under most conditions the RPM is kept below 2300rpm, and then under hard acceleration the gearbox kicks down and the RPM always stays above 3000rpm.
Standard vs. Unicorn Stage 2 tuned power and torque curves
This being a post diesel gate car designed for WLTP, it is not without its problems. Issues include rough cold starts, worn EGR system due to extreme EGR use, hesitation/stumbling at 1500rpm, random smoking and the usual lag that comes from most WLTP diesels.
Thankfully, after significant research we are able to correct all these issues in software. Our calibration addresses all of this and more, and the engine now does exactly what the driver requests, when they request it. Forgetting the power increase, the car becomes much more pleasant to live with. 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.
In terms of power and torque, the gains are significant. Stage 1 cars approx. 520bhp/1050Nm while up to 550bhp and 1100Nm can be expected on stage 2 cars.
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 engine and TCU
Stage 2 £ 999 inc vat and dyno engine and TCU