Tuning specialists Unitronic are stepping up vehicle security with the launch of UniLOCK, a new immobilizer feature built directly into the UAF Control App for iOS and Android.

Designed as an extra layer of theft protection, UniLOCK lets users quickly disable their vehicle right from their phone. Once activated, the system prevents the engine from starting, giving owners more control and peace of mind wherever they park. When it’s time to hit the road again, unlocking the car is just as quick through the app.

The feature is part of Unitronic’s growing lineup of Advanced Features and is available at no additional cost for existing UAF customers with compatible ECU tunes. It works seamlessly with the brand’s ecosystem, including tools like UniCONNECT+ and the FeatureBox, allowing drivers to manage performance settings and vehicle functions all in one place.

Currently, UniLOCK is supported on select models like the Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Golf R, and Audi S3, with support for the Audi RS3 expected soon. As Unitronic continues to expand its software capabilities, features like UniLOCK show how modern tuning is evolving beyond just performance—bringing convenience and security into the mix.

Unitronic has officially released its Unlocked DQ501 TCU Solution along with Stage 1 TCU Performance Software for the 8Y Audi RS3 (2022–2024) equipped with the 7-speed DSG transmission—and it’s a big upgrade for owners looking to unlock more performance and drivability.

Designed to pair perfectly with Unitronic Stage 1, Stage 1+, and Stage 2 ECU tunes, this new TCU calibration completely transforms how the RS3 drives. Whether it’s your daily commuter or weekend track weapon, the Stage 1 TCU tune delivers quicker, smarter shifts with a more connected feel behind the wheel. Expect optimized shift points in both D and S modes, reduced clutch slippage, and gear changes that are up to 70% faster than stock.

The Unlocked DQ501 TCU comes pre-flashed with Unitronic’s TCU Performance Software and is fully end-user programmable using UniCONNECT+. That means you can reflash your TCU from your home garage in about a minute—no dealership visits required. Installation is straightforward, and for added convenience, Unitronic also offers an optional Service Kit that includes all required fluids and hardware. While you’re in there, upgrading the factory plastic oil tubes to Unitronic’s CNC-machined aluminum oil tubes is a smart reliability move.

For European and RoW vehicles, Sailing Mode is disabled to keep the drivetrain fully engaged during coasting, giving the RS3 a more performance-oriented driving feel. North American cars already come without this feature from the factory.

Unitronic also confirms that Stage 2 and Stage 3 TCU calibrations are in development, setting the stage for future Stage 3 ECU tuning.

For drivers looking to maximize drivetrain stability, Unitronic’s Street or Race Dogbone Engine Mounts are also available, reducing wheel hop and improving shift feel without sacrificing daily comfort.

Designed for cars like the 8Y RS3, MK8 GTI / Golf R, and 8Y S3, the FeatureBox connects through a simple plug-and-play harness—no cutting or wiring needed. Once installed, it links to the UAF Control app on iOS or Android using Bluetooth.

With this setup, you can:

• Adjust launch control boost and RPM limits

• Tune traction control settings

• Enable rolling launch control

• Customize pops and bangs

• Change exhaust valve behavior

• Use no-lift-shift and standing launch (for manual cars)

Everything works through an easy app interface, giving you real-time control and updates through over-the-air (OTA) software.

To unlock all features, you’ll need the UAF Software Add-On ($250), available from Unitronic or your local dealer.

Price: $139.99 CAD
Includes: Unitronic FeatureBox and plug-and-play wiring harness

Machined from high-quality billet aluminum and available in either a clear or black anodized finish, these oil fill necks are a direct upgrade from the factory plastic piece. The sleek design not only improves the look under the hood but also adds a premium performance touch.

What really sets Unitronic’s oil fill neck apart is the integrated crankcase pressure port. This feature gives performance enthusiasts and tuners the ability to easily monitor crankcase pressure — a key diagnostic tool for high-horsepower builds.

Whether you're dialing in your setup or simply want a cleaner engine bay, this new piece from Unitronic is a small but smart upgrade.

For more info, check out .

LIQUI MOLY is ready for the new API SQ engine oil standard, which took effect on May 31, 2025. Several oils in their Special Tec AA and Molygen New Generation lines now meet the updated spec—designed for better fuel economy, cleaner engines, and improved protection.

API SQ builds on the previous API SP standard with stricter tests, including a new one for LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition) in used oil. LIQUI MOLY products passed this test, ensuring better long-term engine protection—especially in modern turbocharged engines.

The new spec also reduces ash buildup, helping protect gas particulate filters (GPF) in newer vehicles. Cold-weather performance is improved too.

Updated viscosities include:

• Special Tec AA: 0W-16, 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30

• Molygen New Generation: 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30

These also meet the ILSAC GF-7 standard introduced earlier this year. More API SQ-compliant oils from LIQUI MOLY are on the way.

Bag Riders, a leader in air suspension solutions, is proud to introduce the new PRO Control System—a high-performance, cost-effective air management system designed for drivers who demand speed, precision, and reliability without breaking the bank.

The PRO Control System features the fastest response time in its class and industry-leading accuracy, ensuring that your vehicle hits preset pressures quickly and consistently. With its plug-and-play setup, the system is ready to use right out of the box—no calibration required—making it ideal for both first-time users and experienced builders.

Built for durability and clean aesthetics, the system includes an aircraft-grade aluminum controller housing a vivid color digital display with real-time pressure and voltage readings. Backlit tactile buttons provide intuitive control, day or night.

At the heart of the system is a robust 8-valve aluminum manifold, featuring filtered ports that block debris and protect internal components. Installation is hassle-free, thanks to a loomed, labeled harness and G-thread fittings that require no thread tape.

Compatible with virtually any air suspension setup, the PRO Control System delivers premium features at a competitive price—bringing professional-grade control to more drivers than ever before.

Now available exclusively at:
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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Feb. 16, 2022) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. unveiled the third generation AlpineF#1Status System in a Tesla Model S during an exclusive event with AlpineF#1Status Authorized Dealers and Alpine Executive Management at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

The AlpineF#1Status system is the first complete premium car audio system to achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system. This is Alpine Electronics of America’s first complete vehicle install of the third-generation sound system.

Complete, High-Resolution Sound System

AlpineF#1Status was designed with one goal in mind: to bring recording studio-level sound performance into the challenging vehicle interior environment and reproduce the ultimate, high-resolution sound.

Comprised of six components – the HDS-7909 Head Unit Commander, DAP-7909 Digital Audio Player, HDP-H900 Digital Signal Processor, two HDA-F900 4-Channel Amplifiers, and HDZ-9000 4-Way Speakers including an HDZ-9000SW 11-inch Subwoofer – the entire system was designed in perfect synchronization to handle the ultra-Hi-Res audio files.

To maintain the High-Resolution Audio Playback spec, the system’s signal path uses custom connectivity, including XLR cables and A2B, making AlpineF#1Status a fully integrated, complete system, and includes RCA connections with up to six channels of high-level input to integrate the factory head unit or aftermarket head unit into the system.

Custom Build for Premium Performance

To demonstrate a premium listening and driving experience, Alpine chose a 2018 Tesla Model S P100D to showcase this ultra-high-resolution sound system. A near-silent Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrain, coupled with the large EV battery bank, made the Tesla Model S an optimal acoustical choice to house and power the AlpineF#1Status system. Additionally, the interior design of the Tesla enabled a custom, recording studio-like interior build.

Built in-house by Alpine’s Detroit Fabrication Team, the Tesla Model S boasts a complete custom dashboard, center console, and trunk fabrication built from scratch. The top plane of the dash was lowered over three inches to install custom, on-axis speaker housings that host the 3-inch midrange speakers and 2.5-inch tweeters. This location was not only ideal to showcase the premium speaker design, but also serves as an optimal listening position for a true front passenger center stage sound experience.

To showcase the system’s ability to retain a factory radio, the build retains the original Tesla 17-inch touchscreen, which controls most of the car’s functions including media, backup camera, interior vehicle controls, and more. Housed underneath the massive screen is the AlpineF#1Status Head Unit Commander, which dons the iconic Alpine green chiclets and controls the media on the Digital Audio Player. A custom, motorized mechanism located at the top center of the dash reveals the factory instrument cluster panel for monitoring speed.

The front door panels house the 7-inch mid-bass speakers that replaced the Tesla factory speakers, with the lower portion fabricated from scratch. From the tweeters to the woofers, all AlpineF#1Status speakers are made from the same high-performance cone material, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and feature Alpine proprietary technology including DDDrive, DDLinear, and Dual Emission for a completely unified, 4-way system that produces a true stereo image.

The true showstopper of the build is in the rear trunk, which was designed in perfect symmetry to represent the balance of the sound system. The factory panels were removed to utilize the entire cabin space for this premium system. A combination of wood and fiberglass custom panels were added to the sides of the trunk, where the dual 11-inch subwoofers are housed in 1.5 cu ft sealed enclosures for optimal performance.

Multiple levels were added to the bottom of the trunk to showcase the workhorse of the sound system: the Digital Signal Processor and dual, 4-channel amplifiers. A replication Alpine amplifier is featured at the crown of the install as a homage to the Alpine power indicator’s unique design.

Drawing inspiration from the heritage of the third-generation system, aesthetic touches to the front cabin include custom wood paneling and LED lights fixed around the inside of the vehicle, for an “old-school” meets “new-school” design. The wood is authentic Makore veneer (African species of wood) with a clear coat and polish. Premium black leather surrounds the trunk for a modern, clean finish.

The system was meticulously tuned by Alpine’s Detroit Fabrication Team using a specialized, High-Resolution Tuning Kit. The result is a perfectly balanced system that reproduces hair-raising details only found in this ultra-high-resolution system.

Following the unveiling ceremony, the AlpineF#1Status demo vehicle will begin a country-wide tour of the U.S. starting on the West Coast in Spring 2022, where it will be featured at local AlpineF#1Status Authorized Dealers. Details of the vehicle’s journey can be found on .

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About Alps Alpine

Alps Alpine, a leading manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems, has brought the world numerous “First 1” and “Number 1” products since its founding in 1948. The Alps Alpine Group currently operates 110 bases in 26 countries and regions, supplying roughly 40,000 different products and solutions to around 2,000 companies worldwide. Those offerings include devices such as switches, sensors, data communication modules, touch input panels, actuators, and power inductors; electronic shifters, remote keyless entry systems and other automotive units; consumer electronics like car navigation and audio-visual systems; and systems and services such as digital keys based on a smartphone app and blockchain technology, and remote monitoring. For more information: .