AIRTEC Motorsport Intercooler Upgrade for MQB EA888.3 Platform – VW Golf Mk7, Audi S3, Seat Leon Cupra

Unlock the full potential of your MQB EA888.3-powered car with the AIRTEC Motorsport Intercooler Upgrade. Developed in-house in the UK, this direct replacement front-mount intercooler is engineered to dramatically improve cooling efficiency, reduce intake air temperatures (IATs), and deliver consistent performance on both road and track.

Proven Performance Gains

The OEM intercooler is limited by its small capacity and restrictive design, leading to excessive heat soak during spirited driving or repeated pulls. AIRTEC Motorsport’s uprated intercooler solves this by utilising a 63mm bar-and-plate core with high-flow cast end tanks, offering a huge 80% increase in capacity compared to standard.

• Dyno Testing Results (AmD Tuning rolling road):

  • Stock intercooler: Peak 336.1 bhp / 350.9 lb ft, IATs up to 68°C

  • AIRTEC intercooler: Peak 371.8 bhp / 352.9 lb ft, IATs reduced by up to 26°C, keeping temperatures close to ambient even after multiple runs.

The result is more reliable power delivery, improved throttle response, and reduced heat soak — exactly what’s needed for tuned MQB cars running Stage 1, Stage 2, or big turbo setups.

Designed for Direct Fitment

Despite its larger core and increased volume, the AIRTEC Motorsport intercooler is a direct-fit upgrade:

• Fits neatly behind the stock bumper.

• No cutting or trimming required.

• Supplied with Pro Hoses silicone boost pipes, stainless fixtures, and a detailed fitting guide.

• Finished in a durable black powder coat for a stealth OEM+ look.

Vehicle Applications

Compatible with the following MQB EA888.3 models:

• Volkswagen Golf Mk7/Mk7.5 R – 2.0 TSI

• Volkswagen Golf Mk7/Mk7.5 GTI incl. Clubsport & Clubsport S – 2.0 TSI

• SEAT Leon Cupra 265/280/300 – 2.0 TSI

• SEAT Leon – 1.9 / 2.0 TSI

• Audi S3 8V (Hatchback & Saloon, incl. facelift) – 2.0 TSI

• Audi TTS 8S – 2.0 TSI

• Audi TT 8S – 1.8 / 2.0 TSI

• Audi A3 8V – 1.8 / 2.0 TSI

• Skoda Octavia vRS – 2.0 TSI

Technical Specifications

• OEM intercooler: 619mm x 409mm x 36mm, 9.1L capacity, 25,320cm² frontal area

• AIRTEC intercooler: 620mm x 420mm x 63mm, 16.4L capacity, 26,000cm² frontal area

• Capacity Increase: 80% greater than OEM

• Core Design: 63mm bar-and-plate with cast end tanks

• Finish: Powder-coated black

Key Features

• Specifically designed for the MQB EA888.3 platform

• 80% increase in capacity for maximum cooling performance

• High-flow one-piece cast end tanks for durability and efficiency

• Supplied with Pro Hoses silicone boost pipes

• Direct bolt-on fitment – no cutting required

• Developed and tested extensively in the UK, including Nürburgring and track use

• Includes all fixtures, fittings, and detailed fitting guide