APR Audi A8 & A8L 4.0 TFSI V8 ECU Upgrade

Automobile Magazine Review of APR Software

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APR is pleased to present the ultimate ECU Upgrade for the Audi A8 & A8L 4.0 TFSI V8!

After months of long nights and many hours of testing, developing and more testing, we’re pleased to offer you an ECU recalibration that is second to none. APR’s extensive research and development provides you with a powerful ECU upgrade with no loss of drivability or reliability. Expect faster acceleration, improved throttle response and more power across the entire power band.

APR’s 4.0 TFSI V8 ECU Upgrade is an expertly recalibrated engine control strategy that primarily remaps the engine's operating parameters, within the factory ECU, to provide smooth and reliable power as if intended by the OEM.  APR’s ECU Upgrade is developed to work within the OEM and Tier 1 Supplier specifications for engine component stress tolerances and performance specifications. Available in octane-specific variations, APR’s calibrations allow you to take advantage of fuel quality available in your area. APR’s patented EMCS functionality puts the control of your engine’s operation at your fingertips and allows for additional features and options to be installed to your OEM ECU.

APR Stage I ECU Upgrade

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The APR Stage I ECU Upgrade gives you higher peak numbers of 545 HP / 629 FT-LBS on 93 (R+M)/2 octane and up to 578 HP / 679 FT-LBS on 100 (R+M)/2 octane race fuel. As much as +127 HP and +175 FT-LBS of torque are available through the power band! APR’s ECU Upgrade is the best power per dollar modification for the new 4.0 TFSI V8 and gives it just the extra edge these cars lack from the factory without pushing the limits. With factory-like smoothness and drivability, APR’s ECU upgrade will fill the void in an otherwise excellent car.

rabbitAcceleration Enhancements:
Beyond power and torque enhancements, APR’s Calibration Engineers were able to increase the acceleration rate of the A8 & A8L through other calibrations changes. Ignition delay is reduced resulting in a more responsive pedal without altering overall throttle sensitivity. Furthermore, drivability was greatly improved by reducing the throttle lag commonly noticed at slow speeds and while reapplying throttle after decelerating.

ecoIncreased 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 your driving style and fuel quality, you may see better miles per gallon!

vmaxSpeed 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 your fun!

Left Foot BrakingLeft Foot Braking:
APR's Left Foot Braking feature allows more control over the vehicle’s throttle. The factory equipped A8 & A8L’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 A8 & A8L the edge it needs at the track. As is with all features APR adds to the ECU, this feature may be removed upon request.

APR Stage I ECU Upgrade Calibration Report
  Stock
As Reported by Audi
Stock - 93 Octane (R+M)/2
As Measured by APR
91 Octane (R+M)/2
95 Octane RON
93 Octane (R+M)/2
98 Octane RON
100 Octane (R+M)/2
104 Octane RON
*Max increases are based on APR's actual measured stock values and not those reported by Audi.
Rev Limit 6,000 RPM 6,000 RPM 6,000 RPM 6,000 RPM 6,000 RPM
Speed Limit Max Speed Limited Max Speed Limited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Peak Horsepower (HP) 420-435 HP 456 HP 530 HP 545 HP 578 HP
Peak Torque (FT-LBS) 444 TQ 506 TQ 586 TQ 629 TQ 679 TQ
Max Horsepower Increase over Stock*     +75 HP @ 6,000 RPM +90 HP @ 5,250 RPM +127 HP @ 4,900 RPM
Max FT-LBS of Torque Increase over Stock*     +88 TQ @ 3,300 RPM +129 TQ @ 3,200 RPM +175 TQ @ 3,050 RPM
APR Acceleration
APR Acceleration Tests
Program Mode 0-60 MPH 0-62 MPH 0-100 KPH 0-100 MPH 60-120 MPH 62-124 MPH 100-200 KPH 60-130 MPH 30-130 MPH
Data collected at the same location via a Racelogic P-Box with ESP/ASR off, Dynamic mode and Sport mode. May not be comparable to data collected in other locations.
Stock
93 Octane (R+M)/2
4.013 4.214 4.228 9.749 10.389 11.361 11.432 14.409 16.647
APR Stage I
93 Octane (R+M)/2
3.535 3.695 3.707 7.976 7.974 8.661 8.710 10.132 12.025
APR Stage I
100 Octane (R+M)/2
3.378 3.556 3.568 7.590 7.591 8.195 8.235 9.669 11.491
Stock vs APR 93
(Seconds Faster)
0.478 0.519 0.521 1.773 2.416 2.699 2.722 4.277 4.622
Stock vs APR 93
(Percent Faster)
11.91% 12.31% 12.33% 18.18% 23.25% 23.76% 23.81% 29.68% 27.77%
Stock vs APR 100
(Seconds Faster)
0.635 0.658 0.660 2.159 2.798 3.165 3.197 4.740 5.156
Stock vs APR 100
(Percent Faster)
15.83% 15.61% 15.60% 22.15% 26.93% 27.86% 27.97% 32.90% 30.97%

Acceleration Testing

APR EMCS Programs and Features

APR’s patented EMCS, Enhanced Modular Chipping System, brings selectable programs and features to your factory ECU, all without the need to purchase external hardware. Other companies have attempted to imitate EMCS with clumsy external switching devices that only replace or multiply portions of a “base” calibration. However, EMCS has the ability to comple

y rewrite the entire operating map data, giving each map a complete set of calibration changes. APR’s EMCS features and programs modes are activated via your OEM cruise control buttons. Your cruise control will continue to function as normal.

Program SwitchingProgram Switching:
Program switching allows the user to cycle through up to four different engine calibrations and operating modes all without the need for external hardware.

StockStock Mode:
By selecting stock mode, the ECU calibration is reset to the factory calibration. The engine will run exactly as it did before purchasing APR software.

PerformanceAPR Performance Modes:
APR's octane-specific calibrations are available for various premium and race fuels around the world. Each performance mode is a comple

y new calibration, altered specifically for the characteristics of the fuel quality selected.

fault code eraseFault Code Erase:
Fault code erase allows the user to erase and reset engine related trouble codes and ECU adaptation data without using a specialty tool.

security lockoutSecurity Lockout:
Security lockout prevents unauthorized individuals from using APR's EMCS functionality. When enabled, APR's EMCS features will appear comple

y invisible until a user specified 2 to 4-digit security code is entered.

anti theftAnti-Theft:
When activated, Anti-Theft prevents the engine from starting even if the factory key is used. The vehicle will be comple

y immobilized until a user specified 2 to 4-digit security code is entered.

Valet ModeValet Mode:
APR's Valet Mode protects your vehicle from becoming an expensive toy for unauthorized individuals. By enabling Valet Mode, the vehicle's performance is extremely limited. Launch control is uneventful, the vehicles top speed is limited to roughly 40 MPH and the engine's redline is reduced to nearly 5,000 RPM!

APR Mobile

APR Mobile is a simple yet powerful tool designed to enhance the APR tuning experience.

APR Mobile

APR Mobile installs on smart phones, tablets and other devices and provides a wireless connection to the vehicle’s engine control unit or ECU. Once connected, the device can be used to access APR’s EMCS program switching features, read and clear fault codes and data log the ECU at high data rates not found on other commercially available tools. The app can also be used to access APR’s latest news articles, locate dealers in APR’s network and review previously saved data logging sessions.

To learn more about APR Mobile, please visit our product page.

How to use APR EMCS Programs and Features without APR Mobile

A8 & A8L EMCS Program Switching and Features are operated identically to the B8 S4 shown in the video above.

To Enable EMCS:
Turn the ignition and cruise control to the on position. Do not start the engine. Ensure Security Lockout or Anti-Theft is disabled.

To Unlock the ECU or Disable Anti-Theft:
"SPEED+" is used to enter a digit and "SPEED-" is used to register the digit. Enter the first digit of the security code by pressing "SPEED+" the number of times corresponding to the first digit, then use "SPEED-" to register the digit. Repeat this step for each digit in the user defined security code. The check engine light and EPC light will flash to indicate the ECU is unlocked or Anti-Theft is disabled.

To use Security Lockout to Lock the ECU:
Hold "RESUME" on the cruise control stalk. The check engine light will blink in sets of one to three blinks indicating different features. Release "RESUME" when the check engine light is flashing in groups of three blinks per second. The EPC and CEL will blink to indicate the ECU is locked.

To Cycle through APR Programs:
Hold "SET" on the cruise control stalk. The check engine light will blink in sets of one to four blinks to indicate programs one through four. Release "SET" during this sequence to select a program. The EPC light will flash one to four times to indicate the program selected. The vehicle may be started.

To use Fault Code Erase:
Hold "RESUME" on the cruise control stalk. The check engine light will begin to blink. Release "RESUME" when the check engine light is flashing in groups of one blink per second. Fault Codes will be cleared.

To Enable Anti-Theft:
Quickly press "SET, SET, RESUME, RESUME, SET, SET, RESUME and RESUME". The check engine light will begin blinking. The vehicle will no longer start until the user defined security code is entered.

The APR Development Difference

APR ECU ExplorerAPR 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. It’s capable of logging well over 100 variables at once with data rates as high as 100 samples per second. Synchronous data logging is available for fine-tuning.

APR ECU ComposerAPR ECU Composer with APR Live Tuning:
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. ECU Composer takes calibration to a new level on the 4.0T with APR's Live Tuning. APR’s Calibration Engineers can test calibration changes with a single click of a button to instantly monitor the changes, rather than spending several minutes shutting down the vehicle to reflash the ECU. This allows a level of fine-tuning unmatched in the market.

APR ECU AssemblyAPR ECU Assembly:
APR’s Electrical Engineers have the ability to alter the code structure of the ECU to add features not available from the factory. Through code levels changes, APR's Engineers are able to add features designed to protect the gearbox during launch control. Other changes allow higher torque limit 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 allows APR to make Stage III Turbo Upgrades operate as if intended by the OEM. For most 4.0 TFSI owners, the advantage of this ability is the addition of APR’s patented EMCS Functions. EMCS puts the control of the engine’s operation at your fingertips and allows for additional features and options to be installed to your ECU.

Application Guide
Year Vehicle Market Engine Transmission Drivetrain Included Options & Features Price(税別)
A fully loaded ECU includes your choice of 4 APR Programs (Stock, Valet & Octane Specific Performance Modes) and all APR Options (Fault Code Erase, Security Lockout & Anti-Theft).
2012+ Audi D4 A8 ROW 4.0 TFSI V8 Tiptronic Quattro Fully Loaded ECU¹ Please Contact an APR Importer
2012+ Audi D4 A8L ROW 4.0 TFSI V8 Tiptronic Quattro Fully Loaded ECU¹ Please Contact an APR Importer
2012+ Audi D4 A8 North America 4.0 TFSI V8 Tiptronic Quattro Fully Loaded ECU¹  
2012+ Audi D4 A8L North America 4.0 TFSI V8 Tiptronic Quattro Fully Loaded ECU¹  

How to Purchase

APR DealerLocate an APR Dealer:
Use the APR Dealer Locater Tool to find an APR Dealer near you. The APR Dealer should have the ability to upgrade your ECU while you wait. Depending on ECU type, some APR Dealers may not possess the necessary equipment to support on site flashing. In this case, please contact APR for further assistance. Please do not ship ECUs directly to APR at this time.

APR Dealer Locater Tool

APR Tuned

Phone: (092) 883-9222 Fax: (092) 883-9213 Address: 1-18-3-101, Ikinomatsubara, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0055

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