When it comes to customizing Volkswagens and Audis, Brian McCauley is a seasoned vet. In the years we’ve known him, his garage has completely evolved. From his first project in the late 90’s, a 97 GTI VR6, to a ground breaking 2015 A3 Sedan, Brian has had no less than 12 other cars to bestow his styling and performance touch on.
In light of this “early adopter” mentality, you can imagine our enthusiasm when Brian chose Parts Score to collaborate on his Fourtitude sponsored Project A3 Sedan with the likes of Audi, fifteen52, Michelin and Solo-Werks.
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”marginBottom: 0px”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”marginBottom: 0px”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” padding_top=”10px”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]Brian McCauley and His New 2015 A3 quattro Sport Sedan (Stock)
Audi Brand Specialist at Audi North Scottsdale, Volkswagen/Audi Enthusiast, Metal Head, All Around Good Guy
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/2″ fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px”]
[vc_row_inner no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” inner_container=”true”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]2015 A3 quattro Sport Sedan (Stock Front View)
Pictured here in Brilliant Red, the new A3 asserts its tagline: “Stay Uncompromised”
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px”]
[vc_row_inner no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” inner_container=”true”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]2015 A3 quattro Sport Sedan (Stock Rear View)
The Audi Connect feature makes the A3 the world’s first car with 4G LTE connectivity.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
At the time of the build, the 2015 Audi A3 Sedan was so new that a direct bolt on coilover kit was unavailable. This meant that a solution would need to be developed, test fitted, and re-developed. An initial trial kit was quickly dispatched by Solo-Werks. Upon installation, it became clear that a special part was needed to accommodate the recent changes Audi made to the upper strut mount. Parts Score was in a position to relay valuable measurement data to Solo-Werks, and work began on the new part to make a coilover kit that would be a direct replacement.
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”marginBottom: 0px”][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” padding_top=”10px”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]The Stock Suspension Removal
Upon installation, it became clear that a special part was needed to accommodate the recent changes Audi made to the upper strut mount.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” padding_top=”10px”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]The Trial S1 Coilover Kit Compared to the Stock Suspension
Parts Score was in a position to relay valuable measurement data to Solo-Werks, and work began on the new part to make a coilover kit that would be a direct replacement.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]The finished product is truly a sight to behold. It was with great pleasure and pride that Parts Score embarked on the build of this project that involved so many high profile players in the industry.[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
Brian’s resourcefulness allowed him to acquire an OEM TT RS Big Brake Kit. This Brembo produced kit consists of 4 piston calipers with the Audi RS badge emblazoned upon them, substantial 380mm 2-piece floating rotors and performance brake pads. While being an OEM part of the same family, the question remained regarding the feasibility of adding a TT RS BBK to the new A3. After a round of testing, we verified that it was indeed possible without modifications to the kit itself and replacing the brake lines would complete the install. The fitment of the stock 18 in wheels over the massive calipers and rotors presented another problem that would soon be remedied by Brian’s wheel choice.
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/2″ fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px”]
[vc_row_inner no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” inner_container=”true”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]The OEM TT RS Big Brake Kit
This Brembo produced kit consists of 4 piston calipers with the Audi RS badge emblazoned upon them, substantial 380mm 2-piece floating rotors and performance brake pads.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px”]
[vc_row_inner no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” inner_container=”true”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]OEM TT RS BBK Installed
After a round of testing, we verified that it was indeed possible without modifications to the kit itself and replacing the brake lines would complete the install.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
Not satisfied with going for a conventional pre-manufactured wheel, Brian selected a special, built to order wheel from fifteen52. Chosen after only seeing a 3D rendering, The Touren SC wheel became yet another “world’s first” in this project. Sculpted from an aluminum block, this unique wheel face had a throwback feel while being an entirely new design. The “raised” face is unlike any other and serendipitously lends itself to accommodate the muscular TT RS BBK. The 19 x 9 in wheels were finished in Pearl Grey and mated to a stepped polished lip via 40 chrome bolts, half of which were hidden behind the face for a cleaner appearance.
Wheels of this caliber deserved to be embraced by the best tire technology, and thus Michelin’s ultra high performance Pilot Super Sport in 235/35/19 were chosen.
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”marginBottom: 0px”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” padding_top=”10px”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]fifteen52’s Touren SC Wheel, Sporting a Pearl Grey Finish
Chosen after only seeing a 3D rendering, The Touren SC wheel became yet another “world’s first” in this project.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
Now that the major performance modifications had been taken care of, we focused on the finishing style touches. Audi North America provided a set of genuine Carbon Fiber Side Rear View Mirror Housings and a Carbon Fiber Trunk Lip Spoiler. Not all carbon fiber parts are created equal, and since these are of the Genuine Audi Parts variety, the fitment, weave and finish were impeccable. Brian also sourced a race inspired flat bottom OEM Audi TT S-line steering wheel, of which we swapped the air bag assembly into and installed in place of the stock steering wheel.
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]Audi Genuine Parts Carbon Fiber Mirror Housings & Trunk Lip Spoiler
Not all carbon fiber parts are created equal, and since these are of the Genuine Audi Parts variety, the fitment, weave and finish were impeccable.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]OEM Audi TT S-line Flat Bottom Steering Wheel Compared to Stock
Brian also sourced a race inspired flat bottom OEM Audi TT S-line steering wheel, of which we swapped the air bag assembly into and installed in place of the stock steering wheel.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”marginBottom: 0px”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal” padding_top=”10px”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]Perfectionism is Not Optional…It’s the Only Way!
Attention to detail is ingrained in our DNA. This philosophy permeates through everything we do.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]Audi Genuine Parts Carbon Fiber Side Rear View Mirror Housings Installed
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[vc_row_inner inner_container=”true” no_margin=”true” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”20px” border=”horizontal”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]OEM Audi TT S-Line Flat Bottom Steering Wheel Installed
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
The finished product is truly a sight to behold. It was with great pleasure and pride that Parts Score embarked on the build of this project that involved so many high profile players in the industry. We await, with bated breath, the next project Brian will undertake. With his extensive track record as an Audi/Volkswagen enthusiast, we have a good suspicion that it will be sooner rather than later. For now though, we can all bask in the glory that is the Project A3 Sedan.
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”marginBottom: 0px”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row border=”all” bg_color=”#ededed” inner_container=”true” padding_top=”40px” padding_bottom=”40px”][vc_column width=”1/1″]
Project A3 Sedan
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]Performance
Style
Originality
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″]Share this Post