UniFLEX Hardware and Software for MK8 Golf R & 8Y S3 2.0TSI EVO4 - Now Available

Unitronic is pleased to announce the official launch of UniFLEX, the world's first and most robust Flex Fuel package of Performance Software and Hardware — now available for the MK8 Golf R® & 8Y S3® 2.0TSI® EVO4 and coming soon for many more modern Audi®, Cupra®/Seat®, Skoda®, Lamborghini®, and Volkswagen® applications as well.

In order to support this highly sought-after upgrade, Unitronic is also proud to officially unveil numerous supporting UniFLEX calibrations at the Stage 1, Stage 1+ and Stage 2 levels. These all-new calibrations have undergone months of extensive development, refinement and beta testing, and are available for customers with locked or unlocked transmissions and with or without the use of Unitronic's MPI Upgrade Kit for a full torque experience.

With a jaw-dropping maximum of 496HP / 461 LB-FT on tap with E85, and exciting new features such as Rolling Launch Control (RLC) and Advanced Thermal Management for performance-oriented customers, there's a suitable upgrade path for everyone thanks to Unitronic's commitment to raising the bar for this platform. Experience the UniFLEX difference today!

What Does the UniFLEX Kit Include?

Unitronic’s UniFLEX Hardware Kit includes all the necessary components to make flex fuel integration as effortless as possible. Comprised of our proprietary UniFLEX ethanol device, a genuine Continental ethanol content sensor with all required fittings and harnesses, this kit allows for true plug and play installation.

How is Ethanol Different from Gasoline?

Ethanol is a renewable biofuel made from various plant materials, most notably corn. Since the growth, production, distillation and shipping are all mostly local, this fuel is often times lower in cost, making it more affordable than gasoline in some cases. You may have heard of Ethanol referred to as E85, which is a common term used to describe the fuel that contains up to 85% ethanol, hence E-85. The remaining concentration is usually gasoline and other additives. In reality, E85 can have varying concentrations of ethanol — aftermarket or race-grade E85 fuels will often contain 85% or higher concentrations of ethanol, but most of the pump-grade E85 that you’ll find at your local gas station will contain between 50% to 85% ethanol.

E85 fuel contains significantly more oxygen, burns cooler and has a much higher resistance to knock compared to conventional gasoline, which unlocks massive performance potential when combined with ECU Performance Software calibrated to maximize performance while using E85. The higher the concentration of ethanol, the more performance potential it has, as E85 with higher ethanol content allows for more ignition timing, etc.

How Does Unitronic Add Flex Fuel Functionality to the MK8 Golf R and 8Y S3?

Unitronic’s UniFLEX Hardware Kit includes all the necessary components to make flex fuel integration as simple as possible.

• CAN integration of ethanol content data streamed to the ECM

• True plug and play harness — no cutting, splicing, or ECM re-pinning required

• Bluetooth® connectivity with UniE85 Manager iOS/Android App

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

In order to facilitate the installation of the UniFLEX device within the engine bay, Unitronic specifically designed an aluminum Mounting Bracket which features numerous mounting points, allowing customers to install their UniFLEX device in vertical or horizontal orientation on their MQB chassis vehicles.

Unitronic's E85 Manager application allows you to monitor your vehicle’s current ethanol content and integrate this fuel composition data over your vehicle's CAN-BUS system, when combined together with the UniFLEX module, an Ethanol Content Sensor and FLEX ECU Performance Software, while using your mobile device's Bluetooth connection.

The included E85 Mix Calculator allows you to calculate current and future gas/ethanol content blends to ensure you can achieve your target ethanol content using your fuel tank size, current fuel level, current ethanol content, target ethanol content, and more!

• View Ethanol Content & Fuel Temperature

• Customize Sensor Calibration Offsets and CAN integrations*

• E85 Mix Calculator

• OTA Updates

*Even if you’re not using UniFLEX with Unitronic’s Flex enabled ECU Performance Software calibrations, customizable CAN integrations are available for use with other tuner’s ECU calibrations, negating the need to run additional wires to the ECU, through the firewall into the passenger compartment, or the need to keep additional accessories connected to the vehicle’s OBD2 port. We encourage you and your tuner to reach out to learn more about the customizable CAN integrations available with UniFLEX!

What Software is Available to Make All of this Work?

Unitronic offers multiple FLEX enabled ECU Performance Software Calibrations which feature the implementation of its own flex fuel code and additional control mapping into the factory SIMOS 19.6 engine control modules. When combined with Unitronic’s UniFLEX hardware, Unitronic’s FLEX code 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.

Unitronic’s FLEX enabled ECU Performance Software calibrations carry the same recommended and required supporting hardware modifications** as the original non-flex fuel enabled variants, aside from the UniFLEX hardware kit and stage files, and are offered for use with both 91 octane and 93 octane gasoline. The use of Unitronic's MPI Upgrade Kit is highly recommended for any customer looking to safely utilize E85, in all conditions as well.

Available Files for Locked TCU Customers

• Stage 1 91oct UniFLEX (For 91 - E85)

• Stage 1+ 93oct UniFLEX Low TQ (For 93 - E85)

• Stage 2 91oct UniFLEX Low TQ (For 91 - E85)

• Stage 2 91oct UniFLEX GBX w/ MPI (For 91 - E85) (Recommended)

• Stage 2 93oct UniFLEX Low TQ (For 93 - E85)

• Stage 2 93oct UniFLEX GBX w/ MPI (For 93 - E85) (Recommended)

Available Files for Unlocked TCU Customers

• Stage 1 91oct UniFLEX (For 91 - E85)

• Stage 1+ 93oct UniFLEX Full TQ (For 93 - E85)

• Stage 2 91oct UniFLEX Limited TQ (For 91 - E85)

• Stage 2 91oct UniFLEX Full TQ w/ MPI (For 91 - E85) (Recommended)

• Stage 2 93oct UniFLEX Limited TQ (For 93 - E85)

• Stage 2 93oct UniFLEX Full TQ w/ MPI(For 93 - E85) (Recommended)

File Terminology Explained

Low TQ

Designed for customers with a locked TCU who do not want to invest in the Unitronic MPI Upgrade Kit. Engine Performance is limited to make every attempt possible for use with the stock fuel system, but Unitronic strongly recommends the MPI Upgrade Kit for the best possible experience with the least amount of risks.

GBX w/ MPI

Designed for customers with a locked TCU for use together with the Unitronic MPI Upgrade Kit. This is the best option and strongly recommended for those with a locked TCU. (Recommended)

Limited TQ

Designed for customers with an unlocked TCU who do not want to invest in the Unitronic MPI Upgrade Kit. Engine Performance is limited to make every attempt possible for use with the stock fuel system, but Unitronic strongly recommends the MPI Upgrade Kit for the best experience with least amount of risks.

Full TQ w/ MPI

Designed for customers with an unlocked TCU and want maximum performance and reliability with the MPI Upgrade Kit. This is the best option and strongly recommended for those with a unlocked TCU. (Recommended)

Exciting New Features

✔ Rolling Launch Control (RLC)

By popular request, Unitronic is also proud to announce the addition of Rolling Launch Control into these new FLEX enabled calibrations for DSG vehicles. MQ350 (6MT) vehicle support is coming soon.

Activation Instructions:

With Cruise Control off, operate the vehicle to desired speed (latched setpoint). VEHICLE SPEED MUST BE ABOVE MINIMUM ACTIVATION VEHICLE SPEED (50KPH/32MPH).

To arm Rolling Launch Control (RLC) function, press and hold the cruise control SET button. Vehicle/engine speed will be latched to the desired setpoint at time of activation. Press accelerator pedal > 85% and boost will begin to build.

Release cruise control SET button to launch the vehicle for acceleration while keeping the accelerator pedal at or beyond 85%.

Notes:

If all other preconditions are met, but Accelerator Pedal Position is <85%, RLC function will latch vehicle/engine speed to desired setpoint at time of activation sequence, but boost will not be built until exceeding 85%.

RLC will be engaged for a maximum of 5sec in any given instance. Torque Meter will display stopwatch countdown from 50 to 0 (5sec) to display activation limit maximum duration.

After successful activation of RLC, or after RLC Maximum Activation Limit reached (timeout), RLC function will be inhibited for 15sec before RLC can be reactivated again.

Preconditions:

Cruise Control = OFF

Minimum Coolant Temp. = 75degC/167degF

Minimum Oil Temp. = 70degC/158degF

Maximum EGT = 900degC/1652degF

Minimum Vehicle Speed = 50kph/32mph

Minimum Engine Speed = 3000rpm

Minimum Accelerator Pedal Position = 85%

Gearbox Mode = Race or Nurburgring Mode / Manual (TT/Tip) Mode

RLC Maximum Activation Limit = 5sec

RLC Re-Activation Time Delay = 15sec

If any pre-conditions are not met, the Torque Meter will display 11x where x value corresponds with the pre-condition according to the list below.***

✔ Advanced Thermal Management:

Factory strategies include a tendency to favor higher operating temperatures for targeting maximum efficiency. Unitronic has developed and implemented its Advanced Thermal Management to target lower coolant temperatures based on the current drive mode selected by the driver. In more performance demanding conditions, like when operating your vehicle in Sport or Race modes, TCO targets are set to 90*C (194*F). Inversely, when maximum efficiency is preferred like when in Comfort or Eco modes, TCO targets are set to 100*C (212*F) and 105*C (221*F) respectively.

And Much More

✔ Boost Gauge Recalibration

The OEM Boost Gauge has been recalibrated to show relative/gauge pressure rather than absolute pressure.

✔ Coolant Temperature Patch

The coolant temperature gauge has been patched to show actual coolant temperature as opposed to the "dummy" gauge as is factory.

✔ Increased Pops and Bangs

Due to popular demand, Unitronic has implemented sportier impulse combustion sound tuning.

✔ High Speed Data Logging

High-Speed Datalogging with proprietary custom ECU code patch that allows for data acquisition of hundreds of variables collected at 50Hz in a single log, which allows to collection and analysis of 100% of the OEM process. Other logging tools severely limit data collection variables which make it impossible to have a complete view of the OEM processes, therefore limiting the other tuner's abilities.

✔ Expanded UniLogger Support

Additional UniLogger support with custom tailored ECU logging profiles for each SIMOS 19.6 EPK to collect all the data required at the highest sampling rate possible for fast and efficient data collection.

✔ OEM Bio-Fuel OBD2 PID

Thanks to Unitronic's proprietary code-based adjustments incorporated into its UniFLEX Enabled ECU software, fuel composition data (ethanol content) is streamed via the OEM bio-fuel OBD2 PIDs, allowing 3rd party devices like P3 gauges to pickup and display ethanol content via the OBD2 port.

**Specific Tuned files are subject to availability for your ECU box code. If Tuned Files are not available for your ECU box code, please submit a Tuned File Request or email support@getunitronic.com for more information.

***Error handling of RLC only works if the vehicle has power and torque gauges. Not currently compatible with the 8Y S3.

In order to utilize the GBX w/ MPI and Full Torque w/ MPI calibrations, Unitronic's MPI Upgrade Kit is required. This complete assembly allows users to add port side fuel injectors to the factory 2.0TSI EA888 EVO4 intake manifold and features uncompromised, top shelf components which were carefully designed, manufactured and assembled by Unitronic. This fuel system upgrade offers a significant increase in capacity which is needed to safely produce maximum power on the MK8 Golf R & 8Y S3. Adding port side fuel injection also has the added benefit of cleaning intake valves to help minimize carbon deposits on direct injected vehicles.

This premium kit is comprised of a CNC-Machined Billet Aluminum Fuel Rail, Genuine Bosch Motorsport 980CC Fuel Injectors, Genuine Bosch Motorsport Fuel Pressure Sensor, Genuine Continental Ethanol Content Sensor (available without), Premium Fuel Lines, Pinch Clamps, and a Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Simple Installation. Combined, this complete kit greatly increases fuel flow while providing greater stability under load for improved performance and reliability in the most demanding driving scenarios. It is also supported with native integration and control within the OEM SIMOS 19.6 ECU, something which no other ECU tuner has brought to market yet.

How Does Unitronic Keep Things Safe?

Unitronic has implemented its own error handling routines, fail safes, and other safety mechanisms, triggering limp mode all of which are supported by Unitronic's proprietary DTC manager and added custom fault codes to protect against implausibility, lost ethanol content sensor signal, and more. Unitronic’s FLEX fuel package also offers users several different ways to conveniently view ethanol content and fuel temperature on-the-fly including wirelessly via Bluetooth® with UniFLEX and the UniE85 Manager iOS/Android application, with Unitronic’s UniCONNECT+ data logger and also directly on the vehicle’s instrument cluster / digital cockpit’s performance meter.

When flashed with a Unitronic FLEX enabled ECU calibration, the factory performance meter will now show ethanol content percentage when the cruise control is set to the OFF position. Best of all, cruise control functionality remains unaffected and the performance meter works like stock, showing engine power when the cruise control is turned on and/or engaged.

Ready to Take your MK8 Golf R or 8Y S3 to the Next Level?

Unitronic is confident that its new UniFLEX Hardware and Software offerings will perfectly compliment your MK8 Golf R or 8Y S3 following years of extensive knowledge, testing and refinements made with this technology in other VW/AUDI applications. Thanks to the added convenience of being able to use gasoline or ethanol on-the-fly in order to achieve peak performance on the street or at the track, plus mobile and CAN-bus integration, this highly anticipated package is sure to impress customers and enthusiasts all around the world.

APPLICATIONS

2021+ VW Golf R 2.0TSI EVO4

2021+ Audi S3 2.0TSI EVO4

• Subject to ECU box code availability.
• Additional fees apply for all FLEX enabled calibrations.
• Contact Unitronic or your preferred Authorized Dealer for more information.