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APR

APR - Performance TCU Software - 8 Speed Tiptronic (AL551 ZF 8HP55) (B8/C7/D4 3.0T Supercharged)

APR - Performance TCU Software - 8 Speed Tiptronic (AL551 ZF 8HP55) (B8/C7/D4 3.0T Supercharged)

$599.95 USD
$599.95 USD $599.95 USD
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TCU-AL551

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OVERVIEW

The APR TCU Upgrade unlocks a significant power increase for the 3.0T supercharged engine, boosting horsepower by an impressive 25-35 HP. By raising shift points by up to 1,000 RPM, this upgrade fully optimizes the engine's powerband. Faster upshifts and downshifts are now achievable in all driving modes, with the added benefit of AMAX (Maximum Acceleration) mode, which maximizes torque output between shifts during vehicle launches. Launch control is also optimized, allowing for increased torque off the line and faster acceleration. The upgrade increases clamping pressure and torque capacity, ensuring the transmission delivers peak performance, even under extreme conditions such as high-grip launches and consecutive AMAX shifts. Additionally, torque cuts between shifts are refined to deliver a sportier, more responsive driving experience by eliminating the sluggishness often associated with this transmission compared to sportier dual-clutch systems. We've also focused on improving overall drivability, smoothing out the usual quirks and complaints to provide a seamless driving experience. Each TCU upgrade is tailored to your specific ECU stage, and we offer free stage transitions, ensuring the upgrade evolves with your setup. The installation is straightforward, loading the software directly to the factory TCU through the OBD-II port for a clean, hassle-free process.

Features:

  • Increased Horsepower: Gain an additional 25-35 HP with enhanced shift points.
  • Optimized Powerband Usage: Maximizes engine potential with up to 1,000 RPM higher shift points.
  • Faster Shifting: Accelerates upshifts and downshifts across all driving modes.
  • AMAX Mode: Delivers maximum torque output between shifts for faster vehicle acceleration.
  • Improved Launch Control: Generates more torque off the line for quicker acceleration.
  • Enhanced Clamping Pressure and Torque Capacity: Ensures superior performance in high-demand conditions.
  • Refined Driving Experience: Reduces sluggishness for a sportier, more responsive feel.
  • Tailored Upgrades: Customized for your ECU stage with no additional cost for future stage transitions.
  • Easy Installation: Simple software loading via the OBD-II port ensures a smooth, clean install.
  • Removable: Can be easily reverted to stock without affecting the flash counter.
  • Lifetime Updates and 30-Day Guarantee: Free software updates for life and a 30-day money-back guarantee for confidence in tuning.

Maximum Transmission Torque Capacity (Clutch Pressure/Current)

To minimize clutch slip and protect the factory clutches from excessive wear, we have increased the transmission’s torque capacity to its physical limits. Clutch slip, which can occur during gear shifts or transient responses, is particularly common in high-powered vehicles with substantial grip and can lead to clutch damage. Our upgrade dynamically adjusts clutch pressure to prevent unnecessary strain; it only increases pressure as needed, rather than running at maximum allowable levels continuously.

Optimized Wide Open Throttle Shift Points

The factory wide open throttle (WOT) shift points are calibrated for the stock vehicle output. However, with tuning, these shift points can be optimized to improve acceleration. The supercharged 3.0T engine reaches peak power roughly 1,000 RPM higher than the factory shift points. To maximize performance, we recommend using our ECU and TCU upgrades together, with tailored maps for both stock and upgraded pulleys, including ultracharger setups.

Optimized Shift Strategies

Our TCU upgrade fine-tunes the transmission’s shifting behavior based on the vehicle’s driving mode, whether you’re braking, accelerating, or shifting under different torque loads. For everyday driving, we’ve smoothed shifts at part throttle and low torque for enhanced comfort. In contrast, during high-torque, high-RPM scenarios—ideal for track driving—shifts become more aggressive. Shift speeds are significantly improved, and maximum acceleration modes (AMAX) are enabled across gears for peak performance.

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

Enable / Disable Auto Upshift in Manual Mode

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. Please Note: Each vehicle's year, make, and model may have multiple factory engine or transmission controller software part numbers, known as box codes, each with unique revisions. Manufacturers periodically release software updates that alter this information, which can only be determined by scanning the controller and is not publicly provided. Due to the variety of codes, some stages, octane levels, features, or options may not be available for specific codes. Therefore, our website provides a general guide based on general info such as Year, Make, and Model. Our system allows you to request unavailable software, and we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.