Grail exhaust system suitable for Audi S3 Convertible 8V – valved exhaust system

The only open-top S3 deserves a sound you can actually hear

The Audi S3 Cabriolet 8V is a genuine rarity in the S3 family - the only convertible Audi ever built on the A3 platform under the S badge. If you drive with the roof down, you want to hear the engine; that is the whole point. Yet this is exactly where Audi held back from the factory: the standard system mutes the 2.0 TFSI so heavily that even with the roof down little of the four-cylinder turbo's character comes through. The GRAIL valved exhaust system brings back precisely what open-top drivers are looking for - a sporty sound that turns driving with the roof down into a completely new experience.

Made entirely from L304 stainless steel, hand-made in Germany. ECE type approval - so no registration is required on any EU vehicle with standard type approval. Ready to drive as soon as it is fitted.

Why the system is made specifically for the convertible

The S3 Cabriolet has its own rear end with a different geometry from the saloon or Sportback - a shorter overhang, different mounting points underneath and a different rear bumper. GRAIL therefore makes a separate, precisely matched system for each of the three body styles. If you drive a saloon or a Sportback, you will find the appropriate version as a separate product in the shop.

Two valves in series - a wide range between quiet and loud

Particularly relevant on the convertible: GRAIL fitstwo valves one behind the other, in series. That makes the range between cruising and full load noticeably wider than on standard systems. Why does that matter especially on a convertible?

• Valves closed:Both valves block the exhaust flow completely. You can drive through residential areas or 20 mph zones with the roof down without the neighbourhood noticing what is under the bonnet. Fully ECE-compliant.
• Valves open:Both valves open the exhaust flow - a sporty, full 2.0 TFSI sound with pops on the overrun. With the roof down the effect is a level more intense than in a closed coupé or saloon.

Valve control via the Audi driving modes

Both valves are controlled by the factory Audi valve control of your S3 Cabriolet. You operate them as usual:

• Dynamic mode: both valves open - the full GRAIL sound
• Comfort or Efficiency: both valves closed - restrained and ECE-compliant

Open-air sound with the roof down

Anyone who has driven a classic convertible with an open exhaust knows that the sound with the roof down is a completely different experience from a closed car. The sound waves are not filtered by a roof or tailgate but reach the driver's ears directly from the rear. The GRAIL system delivers exactly the right sound for that - sporty, full-bodied and with the typical 2.0 TFSI character. With the roof up the noise level inside stays comfortable, because the valves follow the driving modes.

Selection in the configurator

Before ordering you choose the following options:

• Downpipe connection:To the standard downpipe or an HJS downpipe
• Exhaust tip version:Five designs to choose from

Downpipe connection - standard or HJS

• To the standard downpipe:The standard choice for an S3 Cabriolet without a modified downpipe. Connects directly to the factory downpipe.
• To an HJS downpipe:For drivers with an HJS downpipe fitted (common on Stage 2 / Stage 3 set-ups). The GRAIL system is made with the matching interface for HJS.

Exhaust tip versions - five designs to choose from

Twin oval (165 × 100 mm):

• Brushed stainless steel - classic and sporty, a near-factory look with more presence
• Black - an understated look that works well with a dark roof

Quad round (100 mm):

• Brushed stainless steel - four round tips for a sportier stance
• Black - a matt black quad-tip look
• Carbon - the top version, with a genuine carbon outer sleeve

Material and workmanship

Made entirely from L304 stainless steel, with CNC-machined components. The silencers and both valves are tuned in the GRAIL sound lab specifically for the 2.0 TFSI in the convertible - taking into account the particular acoustics with the roof down. Flow-optimised pipe routing minimises back pressure when the valves are open. Both valves are machined from solid stainless steel, switch precisely and are designed for continuous use. The carbon version of the tips uses genuine carbon sleeves - no imitation.

Highlights

• Specifically suitable for Audi S3 Convertible 8V
• Two valves in series - a wide acoustic range between quiet and loud
• ECE type approval - no registration required within the EU
• Valve control via the factory Audi driving modes
• Five exhaust tip versions - oval, quad round, carbon

Ordering with fitting at FLOW DOWN®

FLOW DOWN® is an official GRAIL partner in the Ruhr region. When you order with fitting, you get our fair deposit model:

• 50 % deposit when you place the order - we then order the system from GRAIL
• As soon as the system arrives at our workshop, we arrange the fitting appointment with you
• You pay the balance only after fitting has been completed - not before

Important:The deposit model applies only when fitting is booked and is possible by advance payment / bank transfer only. PayPal and other payment methods are not accepted for this.

Swiss suitability certificate

On request you can obtain a Swiss suitability certificate for the GRAIL system for a surcharge. If you are interested, simply contact our support team.

Compatible vehicles

• Audi S3 Cabriolet 8V

Not suitable for: Audi S3 Saloon 8V (different body, with its own system in the shop), Audi S3 Sportback 8V (different body, with its own system), Audi A3 Cabriolet 8V (not an S3, different engine and exhaust system). No convertible successor to the S3 was offered with the 8Y - which makes the S3 8V Cabriolet the only open-top S3 there has ever been.

Scope of delivery

• GRAIL valved exhaust system suitable for Audi S3 Convertible 8V (in deiner gewählten Konfiguration)
• Two integrated valves in series
• Exhaust tips as selected (twin oval 165 × 100 mm or quad round 100 mm in stainless steel, black or carbon)
• Mounting hardware
• ECE type approval as documentation to keep in the car

Road-legality notes

No registration required thanks to ECE type approval - valid for all EU vehicles with standard type approval. For imported cars with a different operating permit, please check the registration requirements before ordering. The ECE type approval belongs in the car's glovebox.

All brands, model designations and manufacturers named in this shop, such as AUDI, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, VW, Tesla, serve solely to describe the compatibility of our products. They have no connection with the respective brand owners, and unless expressly stated otherwise these are not original parts from those manufacturers.

FLOW DOWN® is an independent supplier of tuning and accessory parts. The brand names are used purely for orientation and imply no cooperation, licensing or approval by the respective rights holders. All trademark and naming rights remain with their respective owners.