USP Motorsports is proud to offer products from the global leader in performance aftermarket products, APR. APR develops and manufactures hardware, software, calibration & data-logging tools for engine and transmission controllers, including intakes, exhaust systems, intercoolers, turbocharger systems, suspension, brake systems, wheels, and more.
APR is pleased to present the ultimate engine control unit (ECU) upgrade for the 4.0 TFSI engine!
APR’s ECU Upgrades are the best dollar-per-horsepower modification one can make to the 4.0T engine. The upgrades dramatically increase horsepower and torque, making for an exceptionally quicker and more exciting vehicle. This is made possible 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. Furthermore, for those looking for tuning with a limited powertrain warranty, APR Plus has you covered!
At Home APR Flashing - How does it work?
1. Purchase the software applicable to your vehicle (this page)
2. Purchase the required hardware (APR Cheetah Cable) - Links below
3. Complete the form that will be emailed to you after checkout. This will arrange all the necessary steps to complete the flashing process.
Required Hardware: APR Software Flashing Cheetah Cable (Get Up to 80% back of what you paid for this*)
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, supporting various octanes both with or without any hardware modifications. All stages are fully compatible with an upgraded intake, cooling system, catback exhaust, or other minor bolt on modifications. APR Stage II software is available for a high flow Race DP exhaust system and Stage III software is available for use with upgraded RS6 and RS7 turbos.
The APR Stage I ECU Upgrade requires no hardware modifications and is available with 553-578 HP and 588-635 FT-LBS of torque, depending on octane. Gains as high at +108-138 HP and +155-198 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band!
The APR Stage II ECU Upgrade requires a high flow Race DP exhaust system and is available with 575-614 HP and 669-717 FT-LBS torque, depending on octane. Gains as high as +164-284 HP and +236-207 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band! This software must be used with a high flow Race DP exhaust system.
This ECU Upgrade requires the factory turbochargers from the RS6 and RS7. Full details can be found on our product page. Expect 599-707 HP with 617-714 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 140-224 HP and 178-224 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band.
The APR Plus ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power, and it includes our limited powertrain warranty. This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications, and produces 553 HP with 588 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 108 HP and 155 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band, making the vehicle exceptionally quicker in all scenarios.
The APR Plus ECU Upgrade matches the performance of our Stage 1 ECU Upgrade (91 octane version). To get even more power, you can add any of our other Stage 1 compatible products and still be covered under the APR Plus warranty! To learn more about APR Plus, please visit the APR Plus website.
APR World Class Calibration Expertise
The 4.0T 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.
The 4.0T’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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’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’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’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’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!
Concerned with Warranty? APR also offers the APR Plus Tune (with Powertrain warrranty)... See below
APR PLUS - Powertrain Warranty Included: APR Plus ECU Stage 1 Tune For Audi S6/S7 & A8 4.0 TFSI
Need to go back to stock? We have solutions for that as well... (Click below)