APR Presents the B9 A4 2.0 TFSI ECU Upgrade!

[Arin@APR]

Product Page

APR is pleased to present the ultimate engine control unit (ECU) upgrade for the 2.0T EA888 Gen 3 engine!



APR’s ECU Upgrades are the best dollar-per-horsepower modification one can make to the 2.0T engine. The upgrades dramatically increase horsepower and torque, making for an exceptionally quicker and more exciting vehicle. This is made possibly through APR’s optimization of the factory engine management system to take full advantage of the engine’s capabilities, without needing any end user adjustment. The software loads to the factory ECU through the OBD-II port, resulting in a clean and headache-free install.


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APR Stage I ECU Upgrade

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The APR Stage I ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications, and produces 306-314 HP with 367-388 FT-LBS of torque depending on fuel grade. Gains as high as 61-68 HP and 100-111 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band, depending on fuel grade and factory output, making the vehicle exceptionally quicker in all scenarios.


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APR Dyno Testing Results

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More charts are listed on our Product Page.

248 HP 273 FT-LBS Stock As Reported by Audi
260 HP 278 FT-LBS Stock As Measured by APR
306 HP 376 FT-LBS +61 HP @ 3,350 RPM +100 FT-LBS @ 3,100 RPM - APR Stage I 91 AKI
314 HP 388 FT-LBS +68 HP @ 3,350 RPM +111 FT-LBS @ 3,100 RPM - APR Stage I 93 AKI

- Max increases are based on APR's actual measured stock values and not those reported by VAG. | RON = ROW Fuel Grades | AKI = North American (RON+MON)/2 Fuel Grades.
- Reported wheel figures measured on APR's in house Dynapack Dynamometer with a US Spec 2017 B9 A4, S Tronic, Quattro, using SAEJ1349 correction and an average of multiple runs. Crank figures are estimated based on the measured wheel figures. Results may vary depending upon environmental conditions, vehicle, transmission, vehicle health, operating conditions, temperatures, fuel grade, dyno type, dyno setup, other variables and other modifications.


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APR ECU Upgrade Included Features

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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.

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.


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The APR Difference

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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!


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Application Guide and Pricing

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Vehicle: Audi A4 (B9 / Typ 8W) - All Markets - 2.0 TFSI Ea888 Gen 3 - S Tronic

Price: $699.99

IMPORTANT PRICING AND AVAILABILITY DETAILS:
- Pricing: Please contact an APR Importer for pricing outside the USA.
- Availability and ECU Compatibility: Stages, programs, and features may not be available for all ECUs.
- ECU Revision Notice: Multiple ECU revisions exist for each platform. APR software may be temporarily unavailable when factory updates are applied. An APR dealer can check availability in person, or over the phone if the ECU boxcode/revision is known.


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Purchase, Guarantee and Warranty info

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How to Purchase



Please use the APR Dealer Locater Tool to locate an APR Dealer, confirm availability and schedule an appointment.

Please note vehicle manufacturers issue many ECU part numbers and revisions throughout their vehicle lineup. As such, some ECUs may be temporarily unavailable as new parts and/or revisions are released. If the vehicle’s ECU part number and revision is known, availability can be checked at any APR Dealer.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee



All APR ECU Upgrades include a 30-day money back guarantee with no questions asked. If for any reason the owners is dissatisfied with the APR ECU Upgrade, they may return to the place of purchase for a full refund, provided they are within the 30 day period from the time of the initial purchase. Labor or shipping charges are not included in the guarantee and are at the discretion of the place of install.

Limited Lifetime Warranty



All APR ECU Upgrades include a limited lifetime warranty against defects in the software, and to provide free updates and reflashes as they become available. Labor or shipping charges are not included in the warranty and are at the discretion of the place of install.

[dannydc24]

Awesome news! Is the full release any different from the beta?

[Arin@APR]

Nope. Same file. :)

[kevinnijjar23]

YESSSSS!
Can't wait to get this done next week and can't wait til stage 2+

Great job guys


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[dbuxton13]

Nice presentation. Looking forward to the S4 3.0 TFSI ECU Upgrade in what, about 12 months? :)

[Arin@APR]

YESSSSS!
Can't wait to get this done next week and can't wait til stage 2+

Great job guys


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you! Just to clarify, we only have stage 1 at this point. Our downpipe is in development. When finished, we'll write stage 2. It's highly unrecommended to run stage 1 with a downpipe due to the fact it changes the VE model of the engine and requires a recalibration as the engine's ECU is speed density.

[Arin@APR]

Nice presentation. Looking forward to the S4 3.0 TFSI ECU Upgrade in what, about 12 months? :)

It's on a totally new ECU architecture so we'll have to crack it first.

[mshl1979]

Is this available in Australia now?

[Lostinvt]

Already reached out to Eurotech...:)

[mshl1979]

Already reached out to Eurotech...:)

Lets us know how you go?

But looking at the APR website it looks to be just a North America release for now...

[JD23]

367-388 FT-LBS of torque

Is there going to be a downgraded version for the Allroad?

[Arin@APR]

Is this available in Australia now?

We've only tuned this engine in the B8.5 chassis in markets outside the USA. We will be tuning the new on shortly.

[hyperunion]

367-388 FT-LBS of torque

Is there going to be a downgraded version for the Allroad?

Thought about that since that 360lbs torque limitation.. that's if all allroads will have the ultra quattro option in the states... But if true, I see a possible low torque file... But of course apr will have to have one for development first.

[Arin@APR]

I see this question popup a lot. I wouldn't speculate too hard on the Allroad yet.

Even stock, in first gear the AWD system will see far more than 500nm (which is ~367 FT-LBS of torque). It would be in the 1000's of nm if I'm not mistaken. After first gear, it would be FAR less. So, this even further leads me to believe this is just like transmissions and other things in vag's lineup. They typically will say "The transmission is good for 500nm" and then will only use it on applications that make 500nm, or less. It doesn't break when you go over that value or they wouldn't apply a 500nm system to an engine making 500nm, it's just the limit to which they apply the particular transmission or driveline component. Essentially, it's their "500nm" model.

Now, as we've all seen, there's WAY more headroom in nearly everything we've ever tested. But, like with everything, if there's actually a reason to limit torque for component safety, we can easily do that.

[Ze_Nardo6]

My wife's A4 comes in next month. I'm very interested in the tune but also interested in keeping the warranty as it is a brand new car. Very familiar with tuning and TD1 but what is APR's stance on the assurance that these tunes will not cause a car to get flagged if properly flashed back to stock be an APR dealer? Is it 100% Because if it is, I'm in.

And even though I could easily flash it back to stock myself, I'd be willing to go get it done by one of your dealers strictly for the assurance that it won't get flagged.

[Arin@APR]

Stance: If you violate the terms of your limited powertrain warranty, it's possible you'll lose the limited powertrain warranty. We make no claims otherwise.

[hyperunion]

My wife's A4 comes in next month. I'm very interested in the tune but also interested in keeping the warranty as it is a brand new car. Very familiar with tuning and TD1 but what is APR's stance on the assurance that these tunes will not cause a car to get flagged if properly flashed back to stock be an APR dealer? Is it 100% Because if it is, I'm in.

And even though I could easily flash it back to stock myself, I'd be willing to go get it done by one of your dealers strictly for the assurance that it won't get flagged.

Can't really see you flashing to car back to stock.. the switch to the stock mode program will not work... Have to take it back to the dealer...
I'm planning to possibly purchase a b9 in addition to my current stg2 b8.5 and this tune is really tempting.. can't imagine what numbers a downpipe stg 2 will look like!...

[Ze_Nardo6]

Can't really see you flashing to car back to stock.. the switch to the stock mode program will not work...

Huh?

[Ze_Nardo6]

Stance: If you violate the terms of your limited powertrain warranty, it's possible you'll lose the limited powertrain warranty. We make no claims otherwise.

So no assurance we won't get flagged even if we have an APR dealer flash us back to stock?

[hyperunion]

Huh?

The tune may have the optional switch to stock mode that we can perform.. this will not work when the dealership should happen to check.. the tune has to be completely removed by the provider of the software.

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[Tom/APR]

So no assurance we won't get flagged even if we have an APR dealer flash us back to stock?

We simply can't say that, as VAG may change what they are looking for to see if the car is flashed. There is more to it than just flashing the stock binary on the car. For a while, they were looking at the ECU flash counter, so we made our software rewrite the flash counter to what it was before we flashed it. Then they were looking at flash dates, and we did the same thing. No company can simply guarantee that you are not going to get flagged as they can change their process.

Also, and maybe more importantly, the dealer can flag your car even without connecting the car to the factory scanner... If they suspect the car is flashed, it is their discretion and they can flag the car manually if they want. So even if you leave your car 100% stock, but paint your engine cover red and put red flex loom on everything under the hood, the dealer might suspect you have been flashed at some point and can flag you. (Kind of a corny example, but it has happened and is not easily reversible.)

Software makes a huge difference in the car, and makes it so much more enjoyable that to most people it is worth the risk of getting it. Find a dealer that is mod friendly and be open/honest about it. More often than not, they will work with you when you go in for normal maintenance or minor problems. Most dealers also realize that there ARE factory issues that happen, and will overlook the fact that you have software to deal with the real issue.

[Ze_Nardo6]

We simply can't say that, as VAG may change what they are looking for to see if the car is flashed. There is more to it than just flashing the stock binary on the car. For a while, they were looking at the ECU flash counter, so we made our software rewrite the flash counter to what it was before we flashed it. Then they were looking at flash dates, and we did the same thing. No company can simply guarantee that you are not going to get flagged as they can change their process.

Also, and maybe more importantly, the dealer can flag your car even without connecting the car to the factory scanner... If they suspect the car is flashed, it is their discretion and they can flag the car manually if they want. So even if you leave your car 100% stock, but paint your engine cover red and put red flex loom on everything under the hood, the dealer might suspect you have been flashed at some point and can flag you. (Kind of a corny example, but it has happened and is not easily reversible.)

Software makes a huge difference in the car, and makes it so much more enjoyable that to most people it is worth the risk of getting it. Find a dealer that is mod friendly and be open/honest about it. More often than not, they will work with you when you go in for normal maintenance or minor problems. Most dealers also realize that there ARE factory issues that happen, and will overlook the fact that you have software to deal with the real issue.

Thank you, Tom. Great explanation.

[RudyH]

now patiently wait for the 6MT due later this year / next and it looks like I have a replacement for the B8 if anything happens to it, before I am willing to part.

Great job APR! Looking forward to Stage II gains!

[Lostinvt]

Just got back from Eurotech. I had a tune previously on my A3 and it was nice but this absolutely is a totally different car. The A4 was a good driver before, don't get me wrong, but it's a huge change. Throttle response is a big difference. Tap the throttle and you get instant response. And the acceleration is like a rocket. I hopped on the highway and my normal merge had me over 80 MPH before I knew it. Lastly the mileage, which I know is the last thing on people's minds, is greatly improved. The drive home from Eurotech averaged over 40 MPG which blew me away.

[bob marino]

Just got back from Eurotech. I had a tune previously on my A3 and it was nice but this absolutely is a totally different car. The A4 was a good driver before, don't get me wrong, but it's a huge change. Throttle response is a big difference. Tap the throttle and you get instant response. And the acceleration is like a rocket. I hopped on the highway and my normal merge had me over 80 MPH before I knew it. Lastly the mileage, which I know is the last thing on people's minds, is greatly improved. The drive home from Eurotech averaged over 40 MPG which blew me away.

What tune did you get at Eurotech? I get the improvement thing, but how is mileage improved by the tune?

[emnahum]

What tune did you get at Eurotech? I get the improvement thing, but how is mileage improved by the tune?

Does APR have any comment on emissions post tune?

[Nikoman]

Just for the tune yesterday at GRD Tuned. What can I say? Faster at all speeds. Other than the initial turbo lag, it feels faster than my old 04 S4 and 08 335 Xdrive.

Definitely worth the spend.

[Lostinvt]

What tune did you get at Eurotech? I get the improvement thing, but how is mileage improved by the tune?

Same tune as everyone else. APR states that it may improve fuel economy which is did a bit before on my A3. Ill see if it remains or changes. My drive to work this morning showed about a 10% increase in MPG.

But regardless, the drive was a lot more fun!

[Arin@APR]

Does APR have any comment on emissions post tune?

We don't have CARB approval yet, but we are in the process of getting it for many of our products. However, the tune does not modify any of the emissions controls. So, just so long as all of your hardware is working correctly (like the factory catalyst) emissions readiness tests will all run, and pass, just like they would if the car was unmodified.

[BaysideS4]

So no assurance we won't get flagged even if we have an APR dealer flash us back to stock?

I think those days are over.

[AllroadCorbin]

now patiently wait for the 6MT due later this year / next and it looks like I have a replacement for the B8 if anything happens to it, before I am willing to part.

Great job APR! Looking forward to Stage II gains!

Hold up. 6MT? If you're not full of shit speak now. Tell me your sources. Don't get me excited for nothing man haha. I'm counting on you here


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[4ringnut]

So no assurance we won't get flagged even if we have an APR dealer flash us back to stock?

Are you serious?

[Bio][azard]

Is it possible to purchase a 2nd ecu and swap ecu'?

[hyperunion]

Is it possible to purchase a 2nd ecu and swap ecu'?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Ze_Nardo6]

Are you serious?

Yes, I'm serious. I'm spending $45k on a new car, I'd like to try my best to increase the fun factor while maintaining warranty. And when APR says to use their dealers to flash back to stock rather than to do it ourselves for a better chance of not getting flagged TD1, I think it's appropriate to question what assurances we have there.

Do you even own a B9? Troll elsewhere.

[Lostinvt]

Yes, I'm serious. I'm spending $45k on a new car, I'd like to try my best to increase the fun factor while maintaining warranty. And when APR says to use their dealers to flash back to stock rather than to do it ourselves for a better chance of not getting flagged TD1, I think it's appropriate to question what assurances we have there.

Do you even own a B9? Troll elsewhere.

So...I think the short version is "no".
I'm sure others will chime in, but besides it just not being practical or financially feasable, I don't think you will be able to get one and just swap back and forth. They are very ingrained in every system in the car, and it's a little more involved than swapping a hard drive in a computer or a set of summer tires for all seasons.
He wasn't trolling, but it's just a very odd question to ask. It's just very not practical, and if you're concerned about warranty, I think self-swapping the ECU would probably kill it. If you are concerned about increasing the fun factor, and you aren't happy with what the A4 comes with, you need to wait for an S4. Basically, the only 100% way to stay under warranty 100% is to never ever modify the car.

If you're looking for more, you either need to make a decision to risk warranty or find a different car.

[hyperunion]

Yes, I'm serious. I'm spending $45k on a new car, I'd like to try my best to increase the fun factor while maintaining warranty. And when APR says to use their dealers to flash back to stock rather than to do it ourselves for a better chance of not getting flagged TD1, I think it's appropriate to question what assurances we have there.

Do you even own a B9? Troll elsewhere.

You simply can not flash the vehicle back to stock or in other words remove the tune yourself! Has to be taken back to the apr installer...

You own a b8 s4... So tuning should be pretty familiar, and the idea of dealerships checking for software tuning is a pretty familiar one... As the apr rep said their are constant changes in how audi is able to detect. And impossible for any tuning company to know first hand what methods are being used.

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[emnahum]

You own a b8 s4... So tuning should be pretty familiar, and the idea of dealerships checking for software tuning is a pretty familiar one... As the apr rep said their are constant changes in how audi is able to detect. And impossible for any tuning company to know first hand what methods are being used.

That 2011 S4 is not under (factory) warranty, probably. If it was, the Roc-Euro intake would make it TD1...

[Ze_Nardo6]

So...I think the short version is "no".
I'm sure others will chime in, but besides it just not being practical or financially feasable, I don't think you will be able to get one and just swap back and forth. They are very ingrained in every system in the car, and it's a little more involved than swapping a hard drive in a computer or a set of summer tires for all seasons.
He wasn't trolling, but it's just a very odd question to ask. It's just very not practical, and if you're concerned about warranty, I think self-swapping the ECU would probably kill it. If you are concerned about increasing the fun factor, and you aren't happy with what the A4 comes with, you need to wait for an S4. Basically, the only 100% way to stay under warranty 100% is to never ever modify the car.

If you're looking for more, you either need to make a decision to risk warranty or find a different car.

Based on your response, I don't think you understand how tuning these cars works. You don't swap out the ECU every time you flash these cars, it's done via flashing software through the OBD port. It's extremely simple and quick. They charge you a decent amount for it though.

Gauging a tuning company as to their assurances and/or insight as to maintaining a warranty while using their tuning software is an odd question? Seriously? Where the hell am I right now. Read above, APR provided a great explanation as to my question/concern, which is anything but odd. In fact, I'd be willing to bet APR, or any tuner for that matter, receives more questions about warranty than almost anything else.

I've owned a B8 S4 for 3 years, I know all about TD1 issues, tuning while attempting to maintain warranty, etc. But every new generation of Audi is unique, both in how they're tuned and how they can be flagged. I am fully aware that a tech at Audi can manually flag your car for just about anything. I was specifically wondering what APR's actions would be if you purchased their tune, went back to one of the dealers who flashed you back to stock, you went in for service and you were specifically flagged for flashing outside software. That's absolutely a valid concern for any new car owner. They responded above basically stating that they cannot guarantee this but have been successful 100% of the time in doing so...that is enough for me.

[Ze_Nardo6]

You simply can not flash the vehicle back to stock or in other words remove the tune yourself! Has to be taken back to the apr installer...

Funny because I just flashed my car back to stock in my garage yesterday. APR is one of the few tuners left who do not offer this user ability. Hopefully they can adjust to the times like most of the other tuners offering software.