APR 2.5L ECU Upgrade
APR's tuning program for the Rabbit, Beetle and Jetta 2.5l presents new technologies and features found for the first time in APR's calibration program. APR's Engineering Team has spent numerous hours disseminating the Motronic Engine Management System to unlock new features in ECU customization and provide new options to further enhance the driving experience.
New Features Include:
- Maximum Engine Speed Limit Raised to 6500 RPM
- Left-Foot Braking Enabled for Simultaneous Throttle and Accelerator Input
- Idle Raised to 750 RPM for Smoother Idle and Easier Initial Acceleration
- Raised Standing Engine Speed Limit To 6500 RPM
- Recalibrated Engine Braking Assist to Remove Overrun Hang
- Speed Limiter Removed
- Air-Fuel Ratio Calibrated for Maximum Power and Torque Delivery at Wide Open Throttle and Calibrated for Maximum Fuel Economy during Part Throttle Operation
Software Functions
- APR's Patented DirectPort Programming Technology
- APR's EMCS Functionality
- Fault Code Erase/Throttle Body Alignment
- Security Lockout
- Anti-theft
Calibrations
- Exact OEM Calibration Stock Mode
- 91 Octane Performance Mode
- 93 Octane Performance Mode
- Valet Mode
Dyno Performance
93 Octane Performance
| Octane | Peak HP | Peak TQ | Peak HP Gain | Peak TQ Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 Octane | 180 HP | 201 TQ | 10 HP @ 6000 RPM | 12 TQ @ 4000 RPM |
| 93 Octane | 181 HP | 204 TQ | 12.4 HP @ 4250 RPM | 15.3 TQ @ 4250 RPM |
APR's ECU Upgrade is developed to work within the OEM and Tier 1 Supplier specifications for engine component stress tolerances and performance specifications. APR's ECU Upgrades are available in octane specific versions to allow you to take full advantage of the fuel quality available in your area. APR's patented EMCS functionality puts the control of the engine's operation at your finger tips and allows for additional features and options to be installed to your OEM ECU.
Stages, Requirements, and Recommendations
Click a stage for more information
Stage I ECU Upgrade
| Free Trial Software | Yes |
|---|---|
| Calibrations | Stock, 91 Octane, 93 Octane and Valet |
| Required Hardware | None to Meet Advertised Results |
| Recommended Hardware | APR/Carbonio Intake |
Stage II ECU Upgrade
| Free Trial Software | Yes |
|---|---|
| Upgrade Incentives | Existing APR ECU Upgraded Customers may Upgrade for Free |
| Calibrations | Stock, 91 Octane, 93 Octane and Valet |
| Required Hardware | Testpipe or High Flow Catalytic Converter |
| Recommended Hardware | APR/Carbonio Intake |
| Year | Vehicle | Engine | Option | 91 Octane Chipped | 93 Octane Chipped | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¹Some 2006 models. Due to many ECU variations, check with APR about software availability. | |||||||
| ²Primarily 170HP 2.5L engine with MAF sensor. Some 150hp models are applicable. Due to many ECU variations, check with APR about software availability. | |||||||
| 2006 - 2008¹ | VW Rabbit | 2.5L² | Fully Loaded ECU | 180HP / 201FT-LBS | 181HP / 204FT-LBS | $599.00 | Buy One Now |
| 2006 - 2008¹ | VW Rabbit | 2.5L² | Single Program | 180HP / 201FT-LBS | 181HP / 204FT-LBS | $349.00 | Buy One Now |
| 2006 - 2008¹ | VW Jetta | 2.5L² | Fully Loaded ECU | 180HP / 201FT-LBS | 181HP / 204FT-LBS | $599.00 | Buy One Now |
| 2006 - 2008¹ | VW Jetta | 2.5L² | Single Program | 180HP / 201FT-LBS | 181HP / 204FT-LBS | $349.00 | Buy One Now |
| 2006 - 2008¹ | VW Beetle | 2.5L² | Fully Loaded ECU | 180HP / 201FT-LBS | 181HP / 204FT-LBS | $599.00 | Buy One Now |
| 2006 - 2008¹ | VW Beetle | 2.5L² | Single Program | 180HP / 201FT-LBS | 181HP / 204FT-LBS | $349.00 | Buy One Now |
All of the options below are included with the purchase of a Fully Loaded ECU, however they may be added a la carte when only purchasing a single program.
| Options | Pricing |
|---|---|
| ¹Prices applicable to the North American market only. | |
| ²Due to many variations between ECU's some programs/options may unavailable. | |
| For a total of 2 programs (i.e. - Stock and Chipped)² | $149¹ |
| For a total of 3 programs² | $219¹ |
| For a total of 4 programs² | $289¹ |
| Options | Pricing |
|---|---|
| ¹Prices applicable to the North American market only. | |
| ²Due to many variations between ECU's some programs/options may unavailable. | |
| Security Lockout² | $59¹ |
| Fault Code Erase/Throttle Body Alignment (FCE/TBA)² | $59¹ |
| Anti-Theft System² | $199¹ |
EMCS
EMCS is APR's revolutionary patented Enhanced Modular Chipping System. EMCS is an industry leading technology that brings many new features to the automotive enthusiast. This technology was developed exclusively by Audi Performance & Racing, LLC and demonstrates APR's continued commitment to lead the industry with the most technologically advanced products available.
Want chipped mode? Want to be able to switch back to your stock settings? Want a race mode to run 100 octane fuel at the track? How about a valet mode that limits power? EMCS is the lone technology on the market that can give you all of these options. No changing of the chip or ECU is required. These programs are available at the touch of a button.
Other companies have attempted to imitate EMCS with clumsy external switching devices that only replace portions of a "base" calibration. EMCS is still the only Bosch Motronic Engine Management System enhancement that gives the ECU the ability to completely rewrite the entire operating map data when selecting different programming options. This allows for completely new and independent calibrations for each program selected giving you the best, most powerful and complete Stock Modes, 91, 93 and 100 octane Performance Modes and Valet Modes.
APR's EMCS features and program modes are activated via your OEM cruise control buttons for ease of use and stealth. Your cruise control will continue to function as normal, but will give you the ability to scroll through the programs you have purchased with your APR ECU Upgrade. The procedure is simple and involves only two steps.
How EMCS Works
Step 1
Press and hold the "set" button on your cruise control. After approximately five seconds, the "check engine" light on your dash will begin to blink once per second. This will tell you that you are activating program one. This blinking sequence will continue for approximately five seconds.
After this five second interval, the "check engine" light will begin blinking twice per second. This will indicate that you have activated the second program. This process is continued to access any remaining programs you may have purchased. (three blinks = program three, four blinks = program four).
Step 2
Once you have activated the desired program, simply release the "set" button. The "check engine" light will stop flashing. Turn the ignition key off for 10 seconds, turn the key back on, and you will be locked in that program until you change it again.
It's that simple.
Available Features
APR's EMCS is a truly modular system that allows for future enhancements and features to be added as they are developed without the need for additional hardware. EMCS makes the following advanced features possible:
- Program Switching Enables you to swap between two or more engine programs using the cruise control stalk. All cars have stock and standard chipped program versions available. Valet, race-gas, and other specialty programs are available for most models.
- Fault Code Erase/Throttle Body Alignment (FCE/TBA) Fault Code Erase allows you to erase and reset engine related trouble codes without having to use a specialty tool. Throttle Body Alignment allows you to manually perform throttle-body adaptation.
- Security Lockout Prevents unauthorized personnel from accessing EMCS functions. The user may select any 2 to 4 digit security code. The security code is entered using the cruise control buttons.
- Anti-Theft You can render your car immobile to thieves, even if there is an attempt to start the car with your own key! For more information about Anti-Theft, click here.
Installation Options
APR's ECU Upgrade is able to be installed by APR's professional dealer network or by APR directly. Most late model applications are available to be installed via DirectPort programming without removing your ECU or even opening the hood. DirectPort Programming is not available for all models and in these rare cases EMCS Modules are able to be soldered to the ECU. In the event there is not an APR dealer near, you also have the option to remove your ECU and send it to APR Headquarters for installation.
DirectPort Programming
DirectPort Programming is another industry first brought to you by APR. DirectPort Programming is also referred to as "flashing" the ECU with the new operating software contained in APR's ECU Upgrade. No more soldering additional hardware to expensive and delicate factory electronics. DirectPort Programming facilitates ease of installation and offers new features to give you even more flexibility with your OEM ECU. DirectPort Programming is only available by bringing your car to an APR dealer or by mailing your ECU to APR directly.
Demonstration Software
All APR ECU Upgrades installed via Directport Programming are eligible for a 6 hour free trial. This means you can experience the performance of the APR ECU Upgrade for your vehicle at no cost to you for 6 hours of driving time! To receive a free trial, please inquire with your APR Dealer of choice.
How to Purchase
APR provides two easy and painless methods to purchase your ECU Upgrade. You may visit any APR Dealer for local installation while you wait or you can remove your ECU and send it directly to APR Headquarters for installation. Typically your ECU is returned the same day we receive it. For ECU removal instructions see our Customer Support page.
If you're sending your ECU in to us, please print out and complete the order form below. Be sure to indicate which programs you would like to purchase, as well as the other information requested. For information on the program options, see above under the EMCS heading.
APR ECU Modification Order Form (119K pdf)
Security, Warranty and Money Back Guarantee
All APR ECU Upgrades are fully encrypted to prevent theft of our valuable and proprietary coding information by lesser companies and to provide protection to our clients by keeping the upgrade undetectable to a dealership's VAG diagnostic tool.
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. Installation may be additional and is not included in the warranty.
All APR ECU Upgrades offer a 30 day money back guarantee with no questions asked. If for any reason you are unhappy with your APR ECU Upgrade you may return the upgrade to your place of purchase for a full refund provided you are within a 30 day period from your time of initial purchase. Installation is not included in the guarantee and is at the discretion of the place of install.
testimonials
- Chris D - I ran the 93 octane program for most of the weekend. First thing I noticed it was a lot smoother at idle, and had a slightly rougher engine sound. Definitely pulled more at lower RPM's, and I noticed a slight increase in gas mileage (about 2mpg more). It is still very drive-able for every day use, but has a bit more of a kick when accelerating. Throttle Hang is gone, completely, and the engine is much more responsive to variations in the throttle(try jamming your foot down and then take it off in less than a sec in stock and it will barely react). Last night on my way home from work I decided to switch back to stock to see if I could tell the difference, pretty much it felt like I was driving my girlfriends Civic, it was pretty gutless at low revs and the engine felt like it was sleeping and had a delayed response.
- Russell B - I love it, noticeable difference and I can definitely notice a longer power band in the higher rmp's.
- William L - What an amazing transformation, paired with the Carbonio intake the 93 ECU upgrade has made a dramatic difference. Better throttle response, smoother acceleration...pulls harder at mid and upper ranges.....really happy I did it! Thanks APR!!
