APR

APR TCU Upgrade - 7 Speed DSG and S-Tronic - 2022+ VW/Audi (2.0T)

Fits 2022+ Volkswagen GTI, Golf R, and Audi S3

Part # TCU-DQ381-MQB-EVO Be the first to write a review

APR TCU Upgrade - 7 Speed DSG and S-Tronic - 2022+ VW/Audi (2.0T)

5

Emissions

This part is legal for sale or use on Emissions Controlled Vehicles, Uncontrolled (Non-Emissions Controlled) Vehicles, and Racing Use Only Vehicles because it does not affect vehicle emissions and is not covered by emissions regulations.

See Emissions Details
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! On the 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. On the 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!

Features:

  • Increases horsepower and torque on tuned vehicles
  • +25-32 WHP and +34-44 WFT-LBS of torque (MK8 GTI w/ APR ECU)
  • +18-55 AWHP and +23-64 AWFT-LBS of torque (MK8 Golf R w/ APR ECU)
  • Maximizes the torque capacity of the transmission
  • Increases clutch pressure to avoid clutch slipping and damage
  • Optimized wide open throttle shift points
  • Optimized launch control strategies
  • Optimized shift times
  • Protection routines and limits prevent overpressuring physical seals
  • Protection routines and limits prevent overpowering electrical components
  • Fully compatible with APR Plus
  • Free lifetime updates
  • Direct OBDII port flash (No TCU removal)
  • 30 day money back guarantee
Brand APR
Emission Code5
Product TypeECU Upgrade
Transmission Gears7
Transmission OrientationTransverse
Transmission TypeDual Clutch
Part NumberTCU-DQ381-MQB-EVO
5

This part is legal for sale or use on Emissions Controlled Vehicles, Uncontrolled (Non-Emissions Controlled) Vehicles, and Racing Use Only Vehicles because it does not affect vehicle emissions and is not covered by emissions regulations.
Find your boxcode and revision
Find your boxcode and revision
Performance notes: When updating the TCU, always check for and update to the latest ECU version, if available. We have only validated our TCU upgrades while using our ECU upgrades. When not using both in combination, various behaviors and features may not be predictable or as described. To get maximum torque/power, run the TCU with normal or high torque ECU files (not the low torque files). Compatibility notes: Most vehicles with a build date of 01/2022+ are not currently compatible due to a locked TCU.

Have a question about this product?

  • Question

    Is there an estimated time for when this will be available for vehicles built after 1/2022?

    By Alexander Elstun on April 6, 2023

    Answer
    No ETA at the moment.
    Helpful?
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Increased horsepower and torque

From the factory the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) tells the Engine Control unit (ECU) to reduce torque to prescribed factory limits, which greatly impacts the horsepower and torque gains from our ECU upgrade. We increase these limits and make other critical changes to ensure the transmission can withstand the increased output to allow the engine to achieve more power and torque! On our MK8 GTI we dyno tested the vehicle with each octane with our ECU upgrade and no other hardware. We saw an additional +25-32 WHP and +34-44 WFT-LBS of torque simply by adding our TCU Upgrade. We did a similar test on the Golf R and tested it both with and without hardware, and every octane. There we saw +18-55 AWHP and +23-64 AWFT-LBS of torque with the TCU upgrade! The TCU upgrade transforms the vehicle and makes it significantly more fun to drive. It’s almost like getting tuned all over again!

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.

The APR Difference

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

How to Purchase - APR Software Upgrades are only available through Authorized APR Dealers. The dealer will connect to your vehicle, and install the update.¹


Money-Back Guarantee - Try our Software Upgrades for up to 30 days, risk free! If you are not satisfied, return to an APR Dealer to 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. APR Software may not be available for all vehicles. Stages, programs, and features may not be available for all TCUs.
2. Excludes some Software Upgrades, such as those included with a hardware purchase. Labor charges are at the discretion of the installer.
3. 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.
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