Performance Cold Air Intake System for Audi A6 & A7 (2012–2018) 3.0T Supercharged – Unlock Hidden Performance

The Essential First Upgrade for Your Supercharged Executive Sedan

Your Audi A6 or A7 3.0T comes equipped with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 producing 310 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque —an engine shared with the legendary B8 Audi S4 and S5, though slightly detuned. When paired with ZF's eight-speed automatic transmission , this powertrain delivers refined luxury performance. But here's what Audi doesn't tell you: with proper supporting modifications, the 3.0T platform is capable of producing 426 wheel horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque on 93 octane —significantly more than the factory rating.

Our Performance Cold Air Intake System is the foundational upgrade that begins unlocking this hidden potential. By replacing the restrictive factory intake system with a high-flow design that feeds your supercharger properly, this intake delivers measurable improvements in throttle response, acceleration feel, and induction sound—all while maintaining the daily drivability and refinement that defines the A6 and A7 experience.

Why Your 3.0T Supercharged Engine Needs Better Breathing

The supercharged 3.0T engine uses positive displacement forced induction—meaning every bit of airflow efficiency matters. Unlike turbocharged engines that generate their own pressure, your Eaton supercharger is mechanically driven and relies on unrestricted intake flow to operate at peak efficiency. The factory intake system prioritizes silence and cost reduction over performance, creating unnecessary restriction before air even reaches your supercharger.

This cold air intake eliminates that bottleneck. The integrated heat shield prevents engine bay heat from warming the intake charge—critical for maintaining consistent boost pressure and power output during spirited driving. Proper cooling is essential for the supercharged platform, as heat soak can significantly impact performance . With cooler, denser air feeding your supercharger, you'll experience improved combustion efficiency, sharper throttle response, and the aggressive induction sound this sophisticated engine deserves.

The Modification Path: Where This Intake Fits

The 3.0T platform is extremely receptive to modifications, with Stage 2 calibrations producing up to 524 horsepower with minimal hardware upgrades like an intake, smaller supercharger pulley, and tune . This cold air intake serves as the essential first step in that journey:

Stock + Cold Air Intake: Improved throttle response, better induction sound, reduced intake restriction—the engine breathes properly and feels more responsive in daily driving.

Stage 1 (Intake + Tune): Dyno-proven gains up to 426 wheel horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque on 93 octane —transforming your executive sedan into a legitimate performance machine.

Stage 2 (Intake + Pulley + Tune): Up to 445 wheel horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque on pump gas, or 471 wheel horsepower on E40 ethanol blends —approaching S6 performance levels at a fraction of the cost.

Key Features

• High-Flow Design: Dramatically increases airflow volume to feed your supercharger properly, reducing restriction and improving boost efficiency.
• Integrated Heat Shield: Prevents radiant engine heat from warming intake air—maintaining cooler temperatures for consistent power delivery and preventing heat soak during aggressive driving.
• Superior Filtration: High-performance filter media provides excellent protection while maximizing air velocity—washable and reusable for life.
• Optimized for Supercharging: Engineered specifically for the positive displacement characteristics of the Eaton supercharger used in the 3.0T platform.
• Enhanced Induction Sound: Transforms the engine's acoustic character with a deeper, more aggressive supercharger whine and intake note.
• Direct Bolt-On Installation: No tuning required for immediate results—though this intake truly shines when paired with ECU calibration.
• Foundation for Future Upgrades: Essential supporting modification for Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECU tunes.

Performance Benefits You'll Experience

• Sharper Throttle Response: Reduced intake restriction means your engine reacts more immediately to pedal input—eliminating the slight "lag" feeling present in stock form.
• Improved Acceleration Feel: Better airflow helps your supercharger operate more efficiently, delivering stronger mid-range pull for highway merges and passing maneuvers.
• Consistent Performance: The heat shield maintains lower intake temperatures during extended driving, preventing the power loss associated with heat soak.
• Better Fuel Economy: More efficient combustion can improve fuel economy during normal driving conditions—though you'll probably enjoy the extra performance too much to notice.
• Aggressive Sound Character: Experience the supercharger whine this engine was meant to have—a more visceral connection between driver and machine.
• Modification-Ready Platform: Prepares your engine for future upgrades like ECU tuning, downpipe replacement, or supercharger pulley upgrades.

Vehicle Fitment

Compatible Models:

• 2012–2018 Audi A6 (C7/C7.5 Generation)
• 2012–2018 Audi A7 (C7/C7.5 Generation)
• Engine: 3.0T V6 Supercharged (CGWB/CGXB/CREC Engine Codes)
• Compatible with both Front-Wheel Drive and Quattro All-Wheel Drive variants

⚠️ Important Exclusions

• NOT compatible with 2.0T turbocharged models
• NOT compatible with TDI diesel models
• NOT compatible with naturally aspirated engine variants
• Verify your specific engine type is the 3.0T Supercharged V6 before purchasing
• Check your engine code: CGWB (2012-2015), CGXB (2012-2015), or CREC (2016-2018)

Product Specifications

• Engine Application: 3.0T V6 Supercharged (310 HP factory rating)
• System Type: Cold Air Induction with Integrated Heat Shield
• Filter Type: High-flow washable and reusable performance filter
• Heat Shield: Integrated design prevents engine bay heat soak
• Construction: Durable intake tubing with smooth internal surface for optimal airflow
• Installation: Direct bolt-on—no cutting or permanent modifications required
• Tuning Required: No tune required for immediate benefits, but highly recommended for maximum gains

Complete Package Includes

• High-performance washable air filter
• Performance intake tubing with smooth flow design
• Integrated heat shield assembly
• Heavy-duty silicone couplers and stainless steel clamps
• All required mounting hardware
• Accessories as shown in product photography

Installation

Designed for straightforward installation in the C7/C7.5 chassis. Most enthusiasts complete the install in 1-2 hours using basic hand tools.

Professional Installation Note: While installation is accessible for DIY enthusiasts, professional installation is recommended to ensure all connections are properly sealed and airtight for optimal performance and to prevent any potential check engine light issues.

Installation Tip: Disconnect your battery's NEGATIVE GROUND CABLE before beginning installation. After completing the install, disconnect the ground cable again for at least 60 seconds to allow your vehicle's ECU to adapt to the increased airflow. This reset prevents potential check engine light errors and optimizes the engine's response to the new intake system. Always perform installation on a completely cool engine for safety.

Perfect For:

• Enthusiasts seeking the foundational upgrade before ECU tuning
• Daily drivers who want improved throttle response and sound without compromising refinement
• Performance-minded owners building toward Stage 1 (426 WHP) or Stage 2 (445 WHP) power levels
• Audi owners who appreciate that their "family sedan" shares its DNA with the legendary S4/S5 platform
• Anyone who wants to hear what a proper supercharged V6 should sound like

Recommended Upgrade Path

Maximize your 3.0T's potential with this proven modification sequence:

• Stage 1 Foundation: Cold Air Intake (you're here) → Stage 1 ECU Tune → High-Flow Downpipe → Cat-Back Exhaust
• Stage 2 Performance: All Stage 1 mods → Smaller Supercharger Pulley (57.5mm) → Stage 2 ECU Tune
• Stage 3 Maximum: All Stage 2 mods → Port Injection Upgrade → Intercooler System → Stage 3 ECU Tune

The Bottom Line: The 3.0T supercharged platform is one of Audi's most underrated engines—capable of massive power gains with relatively simple modifications. This cold air intake is where your performance journey begins. Whether you stop here and simply enjoy better throttle response and sound, or continue building toward 400+ wheel horsepower, this intake ensures your supercharger receives the unrestricted airflow it needs to perform at its best. Every modification starts with better breathing, and this is where you start.