The APR S4 Development Car is Here!

[Arin@APR]

We picked up a B9 S4 a few months back and have been working on some new hardware products and working on getting into the ECU. It's going to be a challenge, but we're up to the task!

So far we've lowered it on some prototype springs, and cut a set of APR forged wheels.



UPDATE



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We're excited to announce our Engine Control Unit (ECU) Upgrades are now available for the Audi S4, S5, and SQ5 (B9) 3.0 TFSI engine with the Bosch MG1 ECU! Expect massive gains with up to 431-480 HP and 467-549 FT-LBS of torque on tap, depending on octane, from this simple software upgrade. Additionally APR Plus is available with 431 HP and 467 FT-LBS and comes with a factory term limit matching limited powertrain warranty!

Our new suite of MG1 ECU software comes after months of extensive research and development that is typically absent from the aftermarket. Our upgrade makes the engine more powerful and more exciting. We’ve extensively calibrated the system to work flawlessly on the track, while retaining safety routines to protect your engine in the most demanding scenarios. This was all made possible by our engineering team's pursuit of perfection. Development vehicles were outfitted with additional sensors, including turbo shaft speed sensors, thermocouples, transducers, and more, along with our high speed direct RAM logging equipment, to feed valuable data to the team for analysis. After thousands of hours of testing and tuning we created new calibrations that are fine tuned for several octanes, including ethanol, and contain hundreds of map changes, with a vast array of safety features built in.


Features and Benefits:

• Delivers up to 431-480 HP with 467-549 FT-LBS depending on octane
  
• Max gains of +123 HP and +179 FT-LBS on E85
  
• Supports 91 AKI, 93 AKI, 100 AKI, 104 AKI, and E60-E85 Ethanol fuel grades
  
• Quicker acceleration
  
• Speed limiter removed
  
• Left-foot braking / brake boosting added
  
• Auto Start/Stop defaulted to “off”
  
• Properly rescaled boost gauge
  
• Optimized thermal management and protection
  
• No hardware required (Software only)
  
• Supports standard bolt on modifications
  
• Eliminated the need for a TCU upgrade to achieve full torque
  
• Optional limited powertrain warranty
  
• Free lifetime updates
  
• 30 day money back guarantee

Power and Torque

397 HP / 395 FTLBS - Stock
431 HP / 467 FTLBS - APR Plus with a Limited Powertrain Warranty
431 HP / 467 FTLBS - APR Stage 1 91 AKI
441 HP / 483 FTLBS - APR Stage 1 93 AKI
450 HP / 509 FTLBS - APR Stage 1 100 AKI
458 HP / 537 FTLBS - APR Stage 1 104 AKI
480 HP / 549 FTLBS - APR Stage 1 E60-E85 Ethanol

APR Stage 1 91 AKI & APR Plus



APR Stage 1 93 AKI



APR Stage 1 100 AKI



APR Stage 1 104 AKI



APR Stage 1 E60-E85



Available Applications

• Audi S4 (B9) 3.0T (North America and Rest of World)
• Audi S4 (B9.5) 3.0T (North America)
• Audi S5 (B9) 3.0T (North America and and Rest of World)
• Audi S5 Sportback (B9) 3.0T (North America and and Rest of World)
• Audi SQ5 (B9) 3.0T (North America)

Note: Other 3.0T Models to come!

Engines

• 3.0 TFSI

Note: Excludes later European/ROW GPF models at this time

Transmissions

• 8 Speed ZF8

Note: A TCU tune is NOT required for full torque delivery.

Stages

• APR Plus
• APR Stage 1

Note: Other stages to follow.

Octanes

APR Plus

• 91 AKI

APR Stage 1 (NAR)

• 91 AKI
• 93 AKI
• 100 AKI
• 104 AKI
• E60-E85 Ethanol

APR Stage 1 (ROW)

• 95 RON
• 98 RON
• 104 RON
• 108 RON
• E60-E85 Ethanol

Note: Always follow our fuel guide.

Boxcodes

• 8W0907559H S0005
• 8W0907559H S0007
• 8W0907559H S0008
• 8W0907559M S0001
• 80A907559C S0005
• 80A907559C S0007
• 80A907559C S0008
• 80A907559J S0001

Note: If you have a 3.0 TFSI boxcode or revision not on the list, we can extract and unlock the ECU and make you aware of the next steps. This list will internally expand and the codes above are just the ones listed at the initial launch.

Hardware Requirements

• None required, however, an APR Intercooler is highly recommended.

Prices

• $1,299.99 USD Retail (APR Stage 1)
• $2,299.99 USD Retail (APR Plus with limited powertrain warranty)

Other Notes:

The factory intercooler is tiny. We highly recommend upgrading to the APR Intercooler System. Also, for this reason, dynoing on a dyno with an undersized fan will cause the ecu to dial back power to protect the engine. The ZF8 HP typically takes several dyno pulls to get up to temp and deliver proper power figures (stock and tuned). Lastly, in freezing weather E85 may require more cranks before starting.

How to Purchase

This ECU must first be unlocked before software can be installed either by APR or an APR Dealer.

If the ECU is locked, you have two options:

Option 1: Send us your ECU

Send us your ECU. We’ll unlock it, install APR software, and ship it back. The unlock process is free. Ground shipping to the continental USA is free. Follow these steps and watch the video for details on how to remove the ECU.

Step 1: Purchase the ECU Upgrade.

Step 2: Fill out this unlock form and select VW/Audi MG1 under unlock type.

Step 3: Mail your ECU to APR, 4800 U.S. Hwy 280 W, Opelika, AL 36801, USA, and include the last 6 of your VIN on the outside of the box.



Option 2: Visit an APR dealer

Visit an APR Dealer and purchase the APR ECU Upgrade. They will remove and mail the ECU to APR. We'll unlock the ECU, ship it back. They'll reinstall the ECU, and install the software.

Please note

At no time during the unlocking process is the ECU opened or physically modified. If the ECU is flashed back to stock, it will need to be unlocked again. If the ECU currently has APR software, and there is an update, a new stage, new feature, or you want to switch octanes, software can be installed by an APR Dealer. Also, 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 or by contacting APR.


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[jlai81]

In


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[GTburn]

Need this now!

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[OverBoosted]

Didn't APR have a white S4 back in October? I remember seeing pics of the turbo taken off, are you saying the ECU development project is just starting?

[Jimmy ny]

What's the timeline for ECU?


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[Okan509]

needs more rake and more offset in the rear.

[Arin@APR]

Didn't APR have a white S4 back in October? I remember seeing pics of the turbo taken off, are you saying the ECU development project is just starting?

At APR Germany, yes. The red one is our US vehicle.

- - - Updated - - -

What's the timeline for ECU?


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Hard to say. It's a process of trying till we get in (kinda like picking a lock).

[Vectors2Final]

Sub'd

[Da_Big_Sweed]

Any plans for a tcm flash too? Idk might just be me but feels like the trans hangs at high rpm at times

CFI Desgins #cfidesigns twin turbo everything

[Arin@APR]

yes

[zoomzoom!]

Looks MUCH better lowered. The stock wheel gap is crazy.

[Da_Big_Sweed]

yes

Awesome... like waiting for Christmas

CFI Desgins #cfidesigns twin turbo everything

[mystik4l06]

Will the ECU and TCU tune be released together or naw?


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[James cole]

B9 S4s have a new more sophisticated ECU which also happens to be more secure against tampering, hope you guys are up for it!

[aj6]

I know I will eventually give in to this.

[Arin@APR]

Will the ECU and TCU tune be released together or naw?


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No idea yet. Working on it though!

[Audi-S4-Girl]

Need tune now!

I'm sure it's much too early to tell, but do you guys have any guesstimates on what the B9 S4 will put down?

[mystik4l06]

Piggybacks are getting 408hp and 453ft lbs of torque without full system adjustments just boost and fuel. So I would have to guesstimate about 420hp and 470ft lbs from a stage 1 at a minimum.

https://www.chiptuning.com/us/audi/a..._from_store=us


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[Jimmy ny]

Aron, can you explain what are some of the differences between a full ECU tune and a piggyback ?


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[Arin@APR]

An ECU tune tells the engine exactly how to run, as if intended by the manufacturer. We alter air fuel ratios, ignition advance, air flow through more boost from the turbo, and so on. We even do other fun things like removing speed limiters.

A piggyback, in the simplest form, is a resistor that plugs into the map sensor to mess up the readings. The ECU thinks it sees less boost, and runs more.

[mystik4l06]

An ECU tune tells the engine exactly how to run, as if intended by the manufacturer. We alter air fuel ratios, ignition advance, air flow through more boost from the turbo, and so on. We even do other fun things like removing speed limiters.

A piggyback, in the simplest form, is a resistor that plugs into the map sensor to mess up the readings. The ECU thinks it sees less boost, and runs more.

Will the S4 tune have an option to retard timing a bit more to hear more pops from the exhaust? I know a new exhaust will make it more pronounce but what if I just want more. Don’t judge me


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[Twowheelsgood]

Arin, does the Miller cycle valvetrain mode under light loads complicate APR's job or make it easier? I imagine it could help retain highway fuel economy despite the added peak torque you will extract from the motor. On the other hand it might make the transition from low to high power feel abrupt. I had a Honda motorcycle with VTEC and didn't like the non-linear way that the power ramped up.

[Arin@APR]

No idea. We haven't tuned it yet.

[Vectors2Final]

Will the S4 tune have an option to retard timing a bit more to hear more pops from the exhaust? I know a new exhaust will make it more pronounce but what if I just want more. Don’t judge me


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Ehh, it's a thing that comes stock on the comp pack F8X platform. It's gaining traction for sure.

Arin, does the Miller cycle valvetrain mode under light loads complicate APR's job or make it easier? I imagine it could help retain highway fuel economy despite the added peak torque you will extract from the motor. On the other hand it might make the transition from low to high power feel abrupt. I had a Honda motorcycle with VTEC and didn't like the non-linear way that the power ramped up.

They seem to be doing a great job tuning the EA888 Gen3 with the modified Miller just fine. I'd expect the same with this platform.

[MilesM]

Would love the option on a tune to have it dump some fuel off throttle for the pops

Good luck!

[Arin@APR]

That's already there from the factory, but we may enhance it a bit further.

[05blacks4]

can't wait to see this

[LINDW4LL]

That's already there from the factory, but we may enhance it a bit further.

Have you thrown it on the dyno yet for a baseline?

[UkuRiSh]

Have you thrown it on the dyno yet for a baseline?

+1

[Arin@APR]

We haven't

[Stankia]

No idea yet. Working on it though!

No idea. We haven't tuned it yet.

We haven't

Great thread.

[James cole]

Great thread.

Hey Man! Be nice! They did have time to put wheels and stickers on it...

[Loe]

when I had my JB4 on my 335i (N54), I would set the wastegate value to "0" at light throttle loads to fully dump the boost, this resulted in 36-37mpg (no joke...), but also like a 3-4 second delay in boost build up, which I didn't care because that milage was great on the highway going 70mph. The car had plenty of power in "N/A" mode though, just an idea to think about ...maybe tie the wastegate function based on the drive select mode in ECO/Efficiency.

[Rez90]

IFL

[Twowheelsgood]

I've been driving my new S4 for a week now and while there is much I like about the car, I find the initial throttle tip-in is too soft and the transmission takes too long to drop down multiple gears. Not sure if turbo lag is a contributing factor but it feels like throttle and tranny are the chief culprits. If I'm not paying attention, it's easy to bog the car at moments you asking for rapid acceleration. Not good! Working the paddles helps quite a bit. In one week I've used the paddles on the 2018 S4 more than I did in 7 years with my 2010 S4 with the dual clutch tranny.

I hope that APR can address this weakness in the B9. The soft throttle/delayed power response really hurt the character of the car. Putting my B8 S4 into Dynamic totally transformed the driving experience but I'm not getting the feeling from the B9 even though it is surely a faster vehicle.

[05blacks4]

I've been driving my new S4 for a week now and while there is much I like about the car, I find the initial throttle tip-in is too soft and the transmission takes too long to drop down multiple gears. Not sure if turbo lag is a contributing factor but it feels like throttle and tranny are the chief culprits. If I'm not paying attention, it's easy to bog the car at moments you asking for rapid acceleration. Not good! Working the paddles helps quite a bit. In one week I've used the paddles on the 2018 S4 more than I did in 7 years with my 2010 S4 with the dual clutch tranny.

I hope that APR can address this weakness in the B9. The soft throttle/delayed power response really hurt the character of the car. Putting my B8 S4 into Dynamic totally transformed the driving experience but I'm not getting the feeling from the B9 even though it is surely a faster vehicle.

agreed 110%

[WaterLogged]

I've been driving my new S4 for a week now and while there is much I like about the car, I find the initial throttle tip-in is too soft and the transmission takes too long to drop down multiple gears. Not sure if turbo lag is a contributing factor but it feels like throttle and tranny are the chief culprits. If I'm not paying attention, it's easy to bog the car at moments you asking for rapid acceleration. Not good! Working the paddles helps quite a bit. In one week I've used the paddles on the 2018 S4 more than I did in 7 years with my 2010 S4 with the dual clutch tranny.

I hope that APR can address this weakness in the B9. The soft throttle/delayed power response really hurt the character of the car. Putting my B8 S4 into Dynamic totally transformed the driving experience but I'm not getting the feeling from the B9 even though it is surely a faster vehicle.

Giving the shifter a quick bump to throw her in "S" solves the issues with hesitation of throttle response for me. I usually run in dynamic and "S" around town when there will be more acceleration and shifting, then back to "D" when cruising on the freeway for more MPG. Contrary to what others have said on the forums here, I have yet to see the car shift to 8th gear when in "S" mode.

[Twowheelsgood]

Giving the shifter a quick bump to throw her in "S" solves the issues with hesitation of throttle response for me. I usually run in dynamic and "S" around town when there will be more acceleration and shifting, then back to "D" when cruising on the freeway for more MPG. Contrary to what others have said on the forums here, I have yet to see the car shift to 8th gear when in "S" mode.

I've been driving in Dynamic but still find that it gets caught flat footed at times unless also in S. It also holds onto higher gears sometimes when not needed. Usually it's the other way around so I'm not complaining about that. Anyway I sort of like doing more paddle shifting car. Almost like having a manual (not!).

[Jimmy ny]

I have a S5. I totally feel the flat power curve around town. I don't do much highway driving. Maybe the car needs a nice run sometimes to change the tranny character. In Sport or Dynamic, typical Audi fashion it downshifts a little to hard and does use noticeable more fuel. Audi needs to get their powertrains in order. Just for the correct drivability if nothing else.


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[OverBoosted]

Does the B9 S4 have the same Continental Simos 18 ECU as found in the B9 A4?