From Import to Icon: Pacific German’s Imola Yellow 8L S3 Build | All-Wheel Driven – Episode 7

From rare Euro-market restorations to some of the cleanest OEM+ builds in the country, Pacific German has built a reputation as one of the West Coast’s premier Audi and VW specialists. Known for their precision, deep technical expertise, and passion-fueled approach, the family-run shop in Laguna Hills, CA, has become a trusted name in the German car community—drawing attention from enthusiasts across the U.S. and beyond.

In this episode of All-Wheel Driven, we sit down with Tyler Setterstrom—Performance Director and Master Technician at Pacific German. A longtime enthusiast and one of the driving forces behind the shop’s standout builds, Tyler has made a name for himself through his thoughtful approach to performance, restoration, and detail-driven craftsmanship. You may recognize his name from his latest project: a rare, Imola Yellow 8L Audi S3, featured in the Q2 issue of quattro Magazine. Originally sold only in Canada and Mexico, this first-generation S3 never made it to the U.S.—but that didn’t stop Tyler from importing one from Mexico and transforming it into a Porsche-inspired, road-trip-ready showpiece.

We talk about Pacific German’s roots, the family dynamic that fuels the shop, and the craftsmanship that goes into every project. Tyler walks us through the vision for the S3—from the VR6 swap and Pepita Recaros to the challenges of sourcing discontinued parts from around the world. He reveals the inspiration for his cross-country Audi tour, provides guidance for others embarking on builds, and describes how the community has played a vital role in his journey.

It’s a conversation about passion, precision, and building something truly personal—one rare Audi at a time.

All-Wheel Driven is sponsored by XPEL, the official paint protection film of Audi Club North America.

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