Audi A3 Build Giveaway Takes Shape

The TeamSpeed forums are great for a lot of reasons. Not the least of which is your chance to win this Audi A3!

For enthusiasts such as ourselves, the internet is an amazing resource. From ordering parts to keeping up with events around the world to meeting up with like-minded folks, you can simply do it all in this digital wonderland. All of which, coincidentally, applies to the TeamSpeed forums. But aside from all of those great benefits, did you know you can also win a built Audi A3 just by following its progress?

Our pals at ECS Tuning are doing exactly that. You can watch as this formerly mild-mannered A3 is transformed into something worthy of a magazine feature. Because ECS has documented the build process in this thread.

A logical starting point for the build, of course, was the suspension. A new set of coilovers give the car not only improved handling, but they also eliminate that ugly OEM fender gap. According to the thread:

“Well, we decided the stock 4×4 esk ride height just wasn’t going to work, and the spring rates and dampening could use a little tweaking. Lucky for us our partner Bilstein was able to supply us with a B16 (PSS10) Coilover Kit, and with that, the transformation from stock to stunner begins.”

BCS didn’t stop there. To further enhance handling and road feel, they installed an 034 Motorsport adjustable rear sway bar, sway bar end links, and drivetrain inserts. Wrapping things up underneath is an ECS heavy duty front strut, along with pendulum, engine, and transmission mounts.

While the car was in the air, BCS went ahead and upgraded the stock brakes as well. The thread continues:

“We’re turning our A3 into a real driver. With the plans of power in the near future, we decided to go ahead and upgrade Project A3s brakes with a massive StopTech 6 Piston 355mmx32mm Big Brake Kit up front and upgraded pads, rotors, lines in the rear.”

Many of these types of builds often eschew performance for looks, but that isn’t the case here. ECS upped the output from the Audi’s 2.0-liter powerplant with an 034 Motorsport stage 1 performance software upgrade. Next, they installed a Wagner Tuning intercooler, Milltek sport cat back exhaust and a Kohlefaser Luft-Technik carbon fiber intake system.

Then, it was time to begin work on the car’s bland appearance. 19″ Rotiform LAS-R wheels really fill up the wheel wells and transform the look of the car. A host of carbon fiber bits gives the car a much more dynamic appearance. They include a front lip spoiler, mirror caps, trunk spoiler, and even the battery tray and engine cover. Topping it all off nicely is an ECS RS3 mesh grille and custom graphics.

Inside, a P3 multigauge helps the driver keep tabs on important stuff while sacrificing just one air vent. A new shift boot, knob, and brighter LED lighting add a splash of color to the formerly drab cabin.

The end result is a car that looks and drives significantly better than the original. And the best part? It can be yours! Every time you spend fifty bucks at ECS, you’ll be entered once. But act quickly: The contest ends November 3, so you’ll want to do it soon. Even if you miss out, remember: You can find plenty of other awesome giveaways and priceless tips on the forums!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.