Vorsprung Catless Downpipe, Audi EA825 C8 RS6, RS7 & D5 A8, S8 4.0T V8
Built for Real Power, Without the Compromises - Tested and validated to deliver reliable performance without concern for premature failure.
This is the fully catless version of this downpipe — the factory catalytic converters are completely removed for maximum, unrestricted exhaust flow. Need to keep your cats for emissions compliance or a quieter, CEL-free daily driver? See our High-Flow Catted Downpipe instead.
Catless vs. Catted — At a Glance
| This Product: Catless | High-Flow Catted | |
|---|---|---|
| Catalytic converters | None — fully open | 200-cell or 400-cell metallic |
| Check Engine Light | Likely without a supporting tune | Designed to run CEL-free |
| Street legal / emissions | Off-road / competition use only | Built toward Euro 6 / EPA compliance |
| Best for | Track cars, heavily tuned builds | Daily-driven, tuned street cars |
Off-Road / Competition Use: Removing the factory catalytic converters will likely trigger a Check Engine Light without a supporting ECU tune, and takes the vehicle out of compliance with street emissions laws in many states and countries. Please check your local regulations before installing, and pair this downpipe with a tune to manage fueling and CEL codes.
Once you move past a basic tune on the 4.0T, you're asking a lot more from the factory cats, and honestly, they just can’t keep up. We’ve seen it time and time again: stock converters break down under the extra heat and pressure, and when they do, the risk isn’t just poor performance, it’s engine damage.
We decided to build something better. Something we’d actually run on our own cars, and trust over the long haul.
Engineered for Endurance
We understand that a lifetime warranty offers little value if you're frequently dealing with the inconvenience and expense of part replacement and reinstallation labor. At Vorsprung Autowerk, our focus isn't just on warranty duration; it's on product longevity and reliability.
Performance, Reliability, and Thoughtful Design
- Full flow path from top to bottom, with no tapering down to OEM size
- Smooth transition to OEM-style lower flanges for easy fitment
- Vorsprung reinforced flange design
- Precision TIG-welded and back-purged for maximum strength
- Double-walled pipe ends to resist cracking over time
- Extra-thick 10mm stainless flanges, reinforced inside and out to prevent warping and treated for an ultra-smooth mating surface
- Heat shielding included to control temps, reduce heat soak, and protect nearby components
- 304L stainless steel construction (Vorsprung Spec 2.0mm wall thickness) throughout, built to last
Please note: These are made to order. Delivery times are approximately 30 days.
This catless downpipe is built for the Audi EA825 4.0T V8 platform: C8 RS6, C8 RS7, and D5 A8/S8.
Vehicle Fitment
| Make | Model | Chassis | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | RS6 | C8 | EA825 4.0T V8 |
| Audi | RS7 | C8 | EA825 4.0T V8 |
| Audi | A8 | D5 | EA825 4.0T V8 |
| Audi | S8 | D5 | EA825 4.0T V8 |
NOTE: Made to order, current lead time approximately 30 days. This is the fully catless version, intended for off-road/competition use only — confirm your exact trim against the fitment above before ordering.
Catless Downpipe FAQ
What's the difference between this and the High-Flow Catted Downpipe?
This version fully removes the factory catalytic converters for maximum, unrestricted exhaust flow. Our High-Flow Catted Downpipe keeps 200-cell or 400-cell metallic cats in place for a quieter, more street-oriented, CEL-free setup.
Is this legal for street use?
No — this catless downpipe is intended for off-road or competition use only. Removing the factory catalytic converters will likely trigger a Check Engine Light without a supporting ECU tune, and takes the vehicle out of compliance with street emissions laws in many states and countries. Check your local regulations before installing.
Do I need a tune after installing this?
Yes — pair this downpipe with a supporting ECU tune to manage fueling and CEL codes once the factory catalytic converters are removed.
What's this downpipe made from?
304L stainless steel (Vorsprung Spec 2.0mm wall thickness) with precision TIG-welded, back-purged construction, double-walled pipe ends, extra-thick 10mm stainless flanges, and included heat shielding — built to handle sustained heat and pressure without cracking or warping.
How long is the lead time?
These are made to order, with delivery times of approximately 30 days.
Why Buy From Us?
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Enthusiast Designed & Tested: Developed by people who actually drive and modify these cars.
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Tested on Our Own Cars: If we wouldn't run it ourselves, we don't sell it.
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Continuous R&D: We continually develop and improve our products instead of relying on generic catalog parts.
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Supporting Audi Platform Development: Your purchase helps fund continued development of new parts for these chassis.
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Real Enthusiast Support: Get help from people who understand the platform, not ticket bots.
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Small Team, Big Passion: Every order directly supports continued product development and innovation.
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Performance Without the Marketing Fluff: Purpose-built parts designed to perform.
Drive the difference. Drive Vorsprung.