Naturally Aspirated W12s Engine and Transmission Tunes
Engines: Generation 2 CEJA 6.3 FSI W12 from 2012-2015 and Generation 1 6.0 W12 from 2004-2011
Transmissions: ZF8 and ZF6 Automatic Transmissions

Software Options Included
Tuning Software
Tuning Cable
Overview Description
Introducing the Oakes Performance Solutions Tuning for the Naturally Aspirated 6.3 FSI liter and 6.0 liter W12 Engines along with the corresponding ZF8 and ZF6 Transmissions.
These are real tunes that were designed on our 2012 Audi A8L W12 and 2005 Audi A8L W12 shop cars. We think the W and VR6 configured engines are amazing so we purchased these A8Ls in addition to the three different generations of the Bentleys with the twin turbocharged W12s and the VR6 VW Atlas/Audi A3. Plus we have tuned a bunch of customers' W16 quad turbocharged Bugattis. This was all in a huge effort to support these wonderful engines and vehicles for our amazing customers.
The Naturally Aspirated W12 engine equipped vehicles that we support with tuning include:
2012-2015 Audi A8L D4
2004-2011 Audi A8L D3
Required Hardware, Software, and Steps for Downloading Our Tunes
All of our ECU/Engine and TCU/Transmission tunes are downloaded via the vehicle's OBD2 Port with our proprietary tuning cable. The requirements to download our tunes are:
1. Oakes Performance Solutions proprietary tuning cable.
Our tuning cable is proprietary to our firmware with the Custom Code Flashing Application so no other companies' tuning cable works with the flashing application. We are asked regularly if a VCDS from Ross-Tech, an Alienware cable, or any other company's tuner box can be used and unfortunately they are not compatible. Due to the fact that we have an entire drawer of different tuning cables from other companies that James has personally used to download tunes for different vehicles over the years, we decided to offer the option to buy the cable or rent it. Most TDI customers decide to buy the tuning cable since it can be used to download tunes on multiple vehicles and for Data Logging values at an insanely high resolution rate of up to 200 data points per second. A low percentage of customers will rent the tuning cable so that the tunes can be downloaded and then they ship the tuning cable back since they are not going to be using it again.
2. Windows based computer with a USB port and ideally Windows 10
Other versions of Windows such as Vista, 7, and 11 have been successfully used. However Apple computers like MacBooks and certain Chromebook are not compatible with the Custom Code Flashing Application. All third-party spam, spyware, and/or firewalls will need to be disabled while downloading the Custom Code flashing application, installing the flashing application along with all the respective drivers to the computer, and while downloading the tunes.
3. Stable internet connection via an ethernet cable connection or over WiFi.
Hardwired ethernet connection is ideal but we understand that a lot of laptops and tablets are not offered with ethernet connection ports. So most of our customers use WiFi to download their tunes. Worst case we have had customers use a WiFi Mobile Hotspot from their phone but this is never recommended due to the inconsistent internet signal and slow data transfer rates for the large files especially the ECU files.
4. Hood open with a battery charger or jumper cables to another running vehicle connected to the battery jump points to keep the battery voltage high enough while downloading the tunes.
Most customers use a stand up style battery charger that is commercially available from places like Harbor Freight or Midtronics. Another effective and simple solution is to hook up Jumper Cables to another running vehicle the entire time while downloading the tunes. Typically the VWs/Audis need at least 12.6 volts and around 20 amps as the Porsche Cayennes need at least 14 volts with around 30 amps. We do not recommend using a battery jump box because they don't provide a consistent stable supply of voltage to the battery.
5. The Hazard Lights need to be Flashing while downloading the tunes.
The Hazard Lights flashing keeps the computers awake while downloading the tunes. This step is even required by the OEMs like VW, Audi, and Porsche.
Below is a Private YouTube video that is only available from our website below and is also emailed with extremely detailed typed instructions to our customers after purchasing tunes as a visual guide for the process of downloading our tunes to familiarize customers.
Stage 1.1 ECU/Engine and TCU/Transmission Tuning
Our Engine and Transmission Control Units tuning is paired for the best increase in performance, reliability, and enjoyment. Currently we are only offering our Stage 1.1 ECU and TCU tuning together because we found that the Transmission tuning is required to get the best performance from the Engine.
These Tunes make the W12 drive the way that it should have from the factory with much better throttle response while still being completely smooth gear changes. So you can float along at a quicker rate when accelerating away from a stop and then get better fuel economy when cruising. We have included every safety step to prolong the life of the components as possible from a software perspective thus making the miles roll by in bliss.
Engine crankshaft horsepower and torque
| Engine | Stock | Stage 1.1 ECU/TCU | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.3 FSI W12 | 500 CHP / 463 Ft-Lbs | 550 CHP / 499 Ft-Lbs | 50 CHP / 36 Ft-Lbs |
| 6.0 W12 | 450 CHP / 428 Ft-Lbs | 488 CHP / 463 Ft-Lbs | 38 CHP / 35 Ft-Lbs |
Acceleration is the most important improvement for us and so our Audi A8Ls had these acceleration improvements:
| Vehicle | Stock 0–60 MPH | Stage 1.1 0–60 MPH | Stock 1/4 mile | Stage 1.1 1/4 mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Audi A8L 6.3 FSI W12 | 4.63 seconds | 3.75 seconds | 12.8 seconds @ 109.87 mph | 11.9 seconds @ 116.97 mph |
| 2005 Audi A8L 6.0 W12 | 5.0 seconds | 4.3 seconds | 13.6 seconds @ 105 mph | 12.9 seconds @ 108 mph |
Our tunes adjust the following systems as necessary:
- Exhaust flaps at cold start
- Engine auto start/stop
- E85 tuning
- Better throttle response
- Smoother, quicker, and better shifting
- Torque tables
- Launch Control
- AMAX Quickest Shifting