After checkout, you will receive an email from USP Motorsports with instructions on how your ECU can be flashed. 

NOTE: This software must be purchased along with a required APR Software Flashing Cheetah Cable. (Note: We highly recommend getting the complete APR At Home ECU/TCU Flashing Kit to avoid any potential issues during the flashing process)

APR’s ECU Upgrades are available in multiple stages and torque levels, supporting various octanes both with or without any hardware or transmission modifications. APR Plus software is available featuring a factory matching limited powertrain warranty. Specific software is available for use with a high flow Race DP exhaust system, while all stages are fully compatible with an upgraded intake, intercooler, catback exhaust, or other minor bolt on modifications. Each stage is offered with special “Low Torque” software, designed to limit peak torque for use with an unmodified factory manual clutch, or DSG transmission. Finally, the auto start-stop feature is now disabled by default, and can be enabled by clicking the button!

APR Stage I ECU Upgrade

The APR Stage I ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications and produces 357-381 HP with 349-392 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 66-93 HP and 68-109 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band, making the vehicle exceptionally quicker in all scenarios.

The upgrade is offered in both high and low torque versions and is available for various fuel grades. The high torque upgrade may require an upgraded clutch on manual transmission vehicles, or APR's TCU Upgrade on 6 Speed DQ250 DSG/S Tronic vehicles to avoid clutch slip, so low torque software is available, offering an impressive 349-366 FT-LBS of torque.

To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, intercooler, catback exhaust, and other small modifications without requiring any new modification to the ECU. For those looking for even more power, check out our Stage 1 ECU upgrade. APR recommends using colder heat-range spark plugs (Ex: NGK-R7437-9), properly gapped to a tighter gap (Ex: 0.024" ±0.002" or 0.6mm ±0.05mm), properly installed and torqued (Ex: Per the manufacturer's specifications), and maintained with a shorter change interval (Ex: 10,000-15,000 mi or 16,000-24,000 km).

Race Fuel Information: Higher octane fuel typically allows APR’s engineers to create more power and torque by achieving greater ignition advance. However, on this application, APR’s engineers were able to achieve MBT, or minimum spark timing for best torque, on 93 AKI fuel at Stage II power levels. MBT is essentially the point where greater ignition advance no longer results in more power and torque.

APR ECU Upgrade Optional Stage 2 Feature

APR Exhaust Crackle:

Enhance your exhaust note just like Audi’s latest RS models! The APR Exhaust Crackle, lovingly called “pops and bangs” by many, adds a distinct crackle to the exhaust note upon lifting off the throttle, gear changes on a manual, decelerating, or while free revving at a stand standstill. This optional feature is available at no cost, at the time of flashing, for most compatible ECUs at stage 2 and higher stages. For convenience, the feature is only enabled when the vehicle is placed into sport/race mode. Lastly, for safety, this feature has built in hardware protection limits, and will only function when it’s considered safe to do so. We offer this in both a "soft" and "aggresive" mode as illustrated below with our 2019 Golf R featuring a full APR Valved Catback Exhaust System.

Stage 2 Options: Click on the options below 

Stock to Stage 2: APR ECU Stage 2 Software Tune For VW MK7 Golf R & Audi S3 2.0T TSI

Stage 1 to Stage 2: APR ECU Stage 2 Upgrade: APR ECU Stage 2 Upgrade Tune For VW MK7 GTI & Audi A3 2.0T TSI

APR World Class Calibration Expertise

Tuning 101:

The 2.0T engine uses a Continental Simos 18 ECU for engine management. Basically, it’s a computer that tells the engine how to operate. Tuning software, like the APR ECU Upgrade, tells the engine how to make more power. It does this by running more boost pressure, optimizing the cam shaft positions, valve lift actuation, adjusting the air/fuel ratio, advancing ignition timing, and more.

A Better Engine Management System:

The 2.0T’s ECU is incredible. Without the driver knowing otherwise, the ECU makes intelligent adjustments to the engine’s operations to keep it running smoothly. Unlike ECUs found in many other makes and models, when properly tuned, the ECU eliminates the need for custom tuning to maximize output, even when weather conditions change dramatically.

How APR Differs from the Competition:

The ECU is powerful but extremely difficult to master. Without mastery, the ECU must be simplified, removing what makes it so desirable. The result is an incomplete product that often requires end user adjustment to maximize output in limited scenarios. On the contrary, APR’s Engineers spent years mastering the ECU to unlock its full potential. With complete access to the thousands of maps, tables, and variables within, as well as a high-level understanding of how it works, APR’s Engineers were able to take advantage of everything the ECU has to offer. Power is maximized in nearly all scenarios, eliminating the need for end-user adjustments. High-performance operational modes are enabled and calibrated to deliver smooth daily driving, with a snappy and responsive throttle during moments of spirited driving. Mastery of the boost control system makes for an impressively predictable driving experience as the turbo spools quickly, delivering instant power, while torque-by-gear helps with traction control and protects the engine from being lugged out in tall gears. Lastly, advanced high-output protection routines are enabled, allowing the ECU to make constant adjustments to airflow and fuel to cool and protect the engine, all without the driver knowing otherwise.

Acceleration Enhancements:

Beyond horsepower and torque enhancements, APR’s Calibration Engineers were able to increase the acceleration rate of the vehicle through other calibrations changes. Ignition delay is reduced resulting in a more responsive pedal without altering overall throttle sensitivity. Furthermore, throttle lag commonly noticed at slow speeds and while reapplying throttle has been reduced.

Speed Limiter:

APR’s ECU upgrade increases the vehicle's top speed limiter for blistering sprints around the track or across the Autobahn without the speed limiter shutting down the fun.

Left Foot Braking:

APR's Left Foot Braking feature allows more control over the vehicle’s throttle. The factory equipped vehicle's throttle input is disabled while pressing the accelerator and brake at the same time. Left Foot Braking, a common motorsport driving technique, allows the driver complete control over the vehicle’s throttle and braking system, which may give the vehicle the edge it needs at the track.

Motorsport Rev Limiter:

APR’s Motorsport Rev Limiter allows the engine to reach max RPM without the ECU slowing down acceleration nearly 150 RPM earlier. The result is more power to redline and a definable redline feeling as seen on Audi Quattro GMBH vehicles such as the RS4, RS5, and R8.

Increased Fuel Economy:

APR’s Calibration Engineers paid close attention to several parameters directly related to fuel economy, especially while cruising at highway speeds. Depending on driving style and fuel quality, better miles per gallon may be achieved.

APR ECU Explorer

APR’s proprietary ECU Explorer gives APR’s Calibration Engineers unparalleled access to the vehicle’s entire engine management system. Typical commercially available data logging tools, used by most tuners, only allow logging up to 12 engine-operating variables at extremely low data rates. These tools are also limited to a small, specific list of variables. APR’s ECU Explorer is capable of logging every variable found within the ECU with far more variables logged at once, at very high data rates.

APR ECU Composer

APR’s proprietary ECU Composer is used for altering the engine management system. With full access to every table, map, and variable within the ECU, APR’s Calibration Engineers are not limited to a handful of maps as is common for most tuning companies.

APR ECU Assembly

APR’s Electrical Engineers have the ability to alter the code structure of the ECU. Through code levels changes, APR's Engineers are able to add features to the ECU. Other changes allow higher torque limits than those achievable through only modifying calibration data or using piggyback devices as is the case for many tuners. On the highly modified end, this often allows APR to make turbo upgrades operate without the need for external manual controllers.

APR Direct Port Programming

APR’s DirectPort Programming is now available! Any APR Dealer in the world, connected to the Internet, has direct access to APR’s latest ECU upgrades for loading directly over the vehicle's OBD-II port. This completely eliminates the need to remove and open the ECU for currently available files and can be uninstalled at any time!