Increased horsepower and torque

The DSG transmission found in the new 2022+ Volkswagen Golf R, GTI, and Audi S3 is nothing short of amazing. It's incredibly fast and capable and requires no hardware upgrades to hold dramatically more torque than what's possible on other transmissions. However, from the factory the transmission tells the engine to limit power and torque. Our engineers fix this by recalibrating the system to maximize torque capacity and clutch pressure to avoided transmission slipping and damage, and in doing so allows the engine to dramatically increase horsepower and torque! We also have stages, at no additional charge, that match our stock and upgraded turbo tunes. On a torque capped MK8 GTI we saw +25-32 WHP and +34-44 WFT-LBS of torque simply by adding our TCU upgrade on top of our ECU Upgrade, and +34-63 WHP and +39-62 WFT-LBS of torque on top of our Stage 3 OEM ECU Upgrade. On a torque capped MK8 Golf R we saw +18-55 AWHP and +23-64 AWFT-LBS of torque by doing the same. This and other changes make the TCU upgrade a substantial upgrade on any tuned vehicle!

Maximum transmission torque capacity, clutch pressure, and safety

We’ve recalibrated transmission limiters to allow the transmission to see more torque, and to prevent clutch, we’ve also recalibrated clutch pressure. This relationship is dynamic. As the transmission sees more torque, pressure is increased progressively as to not overstress the system or create harsh shifting. Furthermore the system is expertly recalibrated to the physical limits of the system. Too much pressure can blow out physical seals, and too much current can damage electrical components. We don’t simply turn off the limits and crank pressure to the maximum as a finely tuned balance is necessary for component safety.

Optimized wide open throttle shift points

The factory wide open throttle shift points were designed to match the factory output of the vehicle. With tuning, they can be optimized future to improve acceleration times. For the best results our ECU and TCU upgrade must be used together.

Optimized launch control strategies

From the factory launch control is heavily regulated and limited resulting in a muddy launch as the transmission and engine fight to control torque. This is completely contrary to other DSG transmissions of the past and is a constant complaint on both tuned and stock vehicles as the factory method overlimits torque causing slow launches and slow 60-ft times. We’ve recalibrated the system to allow for a faster and more consistent launch, and ensured the clutches lock up to eliminate excessive clutch slip on the launch.

Optimized shift times

Shift timers are optimized to deliver the fastest possible shifts allowable by the transmission. Furthermore, artificial delays between requesting a manual shift and receiving one have been reduced as much as possible.

Who we are - We’re a global automotive engineering firm nestled in Opelika, Alabama. Our 80,000ft² state-of-the-art facility is home to some of the best engineers in the industry, who have mastered hundreds of engine management systems. We have multiple engine and chassis dynos, and the resources necessary to create our TCU Upgrades in-house, from the ground up! We're not a new company either. We've been around since the 90's and we have a strong financial backing to ensure we'll be here to support you for decades to come!

What we do - We optimize everything to make your transmission more capable. We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t take risks. We do it the right way.

How we differ - With our proprietary calibration and direct ram access data logging tools and operating system code changes, we’re able to make some of the best TCU upgrades, without needing costly end user adjustments.

Purchasing, Guarantee, and Updates

Purchasing Options¹: Locate an APR Dealer. They will physically install software on your vehicle at their location. Alternatively with the APR Remote Tuning Service (RTS) you'll purchase an APR Tuning Cable and we, or a participating dealer, will remotely install software on your vehicle†.

Money-Back Guarantee: Try our Software Upgrades for up to 30 days, risk free! If you are not satisfied, have it removed and refunded.²

Free Updates: If we make an update, add a standard feature, or if the manufacturer issues an update, you are entitled to a free update.³

1. Availability: APR Software may not be available for all vehicles. Stages, programs, and features may not be available for all ECUs.

2. Money Back Guarantee: Excludes some Software Upgrades, such as those included with a hardware purchase. Labor charges are at the discretion of the installer.

3. Free updates: Subject to availability. Labor charges are at the discretion of the installer. Applicable to the original purchaser. Second hand owners may inquire with an APR Dealer about a software license transfer fee.

†. Remote flashing: Excludes APR Plus. Excludes some platforms. Dealer participation will vary. Visit our product page for details.