APR Unlocks Burnout Mode for First-Generation Audi RS 3
[Source: APR]
Your 8V-generation Audi RS 3 just got a lot more fun thanks to APR. The Alabama-based performance aftermarket company recently announced two new upgrade packages for the Haldex AWD system. The packages are designed to improve off-the-line grip. However, the real star is the new burnout mode.
APR says one of the biggest challenges with modern Haldex-based Audi performance cars isn’t making power, it’s effectively putting that power to the ground. According to APR’s Jamie Harvey, the factory Haldex all-wheel-drive system normally keeps power flowing primarily to the front wheels during regular driving. The rear differential only begins engaging when front wheel slip is detected, and even then it sends just enough torque rearward to regain traction.
Haldex Upgrade
APR argues that this conservative factory calibration leaves both performance and consistency on the table, especially in high-horsepower builds. By reworking how the Haldex system responds, APR aims to improve launches, traction, and overall driving dynamics for enthusiasts looking to get more from their Audi performance cars.
The Stage 1 APR upgrade is a software upgrade that utilizes the vehicle’s existing factory hardware to deliver about a 10 percent improvement in both clamping capacity and torque capacity, while the Stage 2 package adds hardware upgrades to the mix for even bigger improvements.
The Stage 2package includes upgraded controller software and a redesigned pressure relief valve that increases clutch clamping force by roughly 50 percent during launch control situations. APR says the system can raise pressure from the factory’s typical 36–44 bar range up to 55 bar, delivering performance comparable to expensive standalone AWD systems. Unlike many competitors, APR supplies a complete ready-to-install valve assembly rather than just replacement internal components.
The real star of the show is the new FWD Burnout Mode. By activating Race mode and pressing the hazard light button, the system temporarily switches the car into front-wheel drive only, allowing drivers to heat up the front tires and clear debris before a hard launch. Once the burnout is complete, AWD can be restored with another button press. APR also built in safety protections. If wheel speed exceeds roughly 19 mph (30 kph), the system automatically re-engages full all-wheel drive to maintain stability and prevent accidental misuse during normal driving.
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