APR 1.8/2.0 TSI/TFSI EA888 Gen 3 MQB Carbon Fiber Intake System

The factory intake design has the foundation for excellent performance, but much of this is sacrificed in an effort to meet other design requirements. With requirements set forth for only supporting factory power output levels, low engine sound levels and long service intervals, there is plenty of room for improvement. The APR Carbon Fiber Intake System increases performance primarily by improving mass airflow through the system while still proving adequate filtration. Expect greater horsepower and torque through the power band with a more direct and responsive feel upon pressing the throttle. Sounds from the engine and turbocharger are enhanced and some may even experience better fuel economy depending on driving style

Filtration

APR’s design requirements called for an intake filter medium that exhibited high flow capabilities, long service life and adequate filtration properties. While traditional paper filters and even some foam filters can achieve one or more of these requirements, only a pleated cotton filter was able to achieve all three. This is due in part to the intake housing’s volute design and turning vanes. With even pressure flow distribution across the entire filter element, the filter is loaded more evenly, retaining performance over time, increasing the length of the maintenance intervals, and increasing the filter's effectiveness.

Improving the Pressure Ratio

In an effort to strive for an ideal pressure ratio (1:1) between the intake’s inlet and outlet, the intake features several key characteristics: Through CFD optimization and flow-bench validation, the intake’s filter housing was shaped into a reducing spiral, or volute, which uses the inertia of the air entering the system to increase pressure on the outside of the filter. This creates an even pressure distribution across the entire face of the filter, rather than only a few key spots, and as such, maximizes utilization of the filtration element. Compared to many other popular intake styles, the APR intake system allows for the use of a small, compact filter with better filter utilization as systems often twice its size. Unlike traditional open element filters, the APR intake design only pulls air from the grille area near the leading edge of the vehicle’s hood. In doing so, it draws air from an area of relatively high pressure. As the vehicle increases in speed, pressure continues to build and ultimately aids in the intake’s effectiveness. By sealing the intake system, pressure created during the ram air effect and volute design is not simply lost within the engine bay. This is contrary to open element filters that pull air from a relatively low pressure region formed within the engine bay

Intake Air Temperature Management

Intake air temperature (IAT) plays a critical role in engine performance, especially on turbocharged engines where the ambient air temperature is raised twice through both compression via the turbocharger, and then again during the engine’s compression stroke. In an effort to maintain the lowest possible starting IAT, the APR Intake system begins by drawing air from the coldest possible location, which is the front end of the vehicle before the radiator. Air travels a short path through the intake system, past the filter and on its way to the turbocharger through a sealed intake design that prevents ingestion of hot, under-hood air. Finally, the intake’s carbon composite design features a thin fiberglass backing, which improves thermal insulative properties. NOTE: Unlike many intake designs with a full frontal scoop, the APR system does NOT block the factory engine cooling duct found on the opposite side of the factory intake system.