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 2.5T GTS engine!
APR’s ECU Upgrades are the best dollar-per-horsepower modification one can make to the 2.5T 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.
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 support various octanes both with or without any hardware modifications. Each stage is fully compatible with an upgraded intake, intercooler, exhaust, or other minor bolt on modifications. Unlike many platforms, no “Stage 2” or additional software tweaks are required to properly utilize a high flow race DP exhaust system as the factory system poses minimal restriction.
Each upgrade offers a host of improvements beyond power alone. Using Porsche’s Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus modes offers varying levels of output while retaining all of the unique characteristics present in each mode. Sport and Sport plus modes give you full power and torque. Normal mode gives you a modest increase over stock but focuses on economy and comfort. We’ve optimized boost, fueling, ignition, cams, and more to achieve greater power and torque in all scenarios.
In Sport Plus mode we’ve reduced turbo lag during reapplication of the throttle by building boost while off the throttle. We have linearized the pedal maps for a more predictable throttle response curve, which works exceptionally well on the track. We’ve enabled left-foot braking, and brake boosting. The speed limiter has been removed. We’ve optimized the software to better handle larger wheels without excessive torque interventions. And finally, we’ve inverted the start-stop functionality so the vehicle starts with this feature disabled.
With many customers tracking their Porsche, safety is paramount in our calibration strategy. Through the use of extreme data logging equipment and additional sensors, thermocouples, and transducers, our engineers were able to fully optimize the ECU for advanced safety routines. This includes implementing several routines not enabled from the factory. The entire thermal management system is optimized to reduce engine bay temperature, and reduce intake air temperature, while also implementing advanced protection routines to prevent oil temperature from achieving unsafe levels. The exhaust crackles disable when temperature thresholds are crossed and are only enabled in sport mode. Next, we help protect the engine from LSPI by preventing the engine from being lugged out in tall gears. We also protect the turbo from damaging compressor surge and add in turboshaft Overspeed protection. We’ve enabled new temperature protection routines to prevent the engine, exhaust, and other components from overheating, and have implemented temperature management strategies that are fully mindful of the platform’s limited fueling capabilities. We’ve optimized the injection strategy to not only deliver a fatter torque curve and better spool, but to reduce the chances of knock, and torque dips. This is also achieved alongside per cylinder ignition advance and fuel trimming.
The APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications, and produces 420-458 HP with 393-448 FT-LBS of torque, depending on octane. Gains as high as 42-81 HP and 52-106 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band. To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, cooling, or exhaust system. No "Stage 2" software is required to use a high flow Race DP exhaust system.
APR Stage 1 is available for 91 AKI, 93 AKI, 100 AKI, and 104 AKI fuel grades in North America, and 95 RON, 98 RON, 104 RON, and 108 RON in the Rest of the World.
The 2.5T engine uses a Continental SDI 21 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, adjusting the air/fuel ratio, advancing ignition timing, and more.
The 2.5T’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 the better part of a decade 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.
*The Cheetah cable can be shipped back to USP within 60 days of your purchase for a refund of up to 80% of what you paid for this cable. The final amount will be determined based on the condition in which the cable is returned (A fully functional cable without scratches or blemishes will qualify for the 80% refund to the original payment source).