APR ECU Upgrade for the Bentley Continental GT / Flying Spur V8 4.0T
APR is pleased to present the ultimate engine control unit (ECU) upgrade for the 4.0 TFSI engine!
APR’s ECU Upgrades are the best dollar-per-horsepower modification one can make to the 4.0T engine. The upgrades dramatically increase horsepower and torque, making for an exceptionally quicker and more exciting vehicle. This is made possible through APR’s optimization of the factory engine management system to take full advantage of the engine’s capabilities, without needing any end user adjustment. The software loads to the factory ECU through the OBD-II port, resulting in a clean and headache-free install. Furthermore, for those looking for tuning with a limited powertrain warranty, APR Plus has you covered!
APR ECU Upgrade Stages
APR’s ECU Upgrades are available in multiple versions, supporting various octanes both with or without any hardware modifications.
APR Stage I ECU Upgrade
The APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade requires no hardware modifications and is available with 635-721 HP and 668-849 FT-LBS of torque, depending on octane. Gains as high at +96-220 HP and +123-311 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band! Optionally each octane is avaialble with Cylinder on Demand (COD) disableing, which keeps the engine running smoothly in V8 mode all the time.
| Stage | Fuel grade | Max HP | Max TQ | Max HP Gain Over Stock | Max TQ Gain Over Stock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - APR recommends and tuned with Sunoco GT 260 for 100 AKI mode and Sunoco GT 260 Plus for 104 AKI mode. Never use lower octane than specified by the mode. | ||||||
| - Max increases are based on APR's actual measured stock values and not those reported by VAG. | RON = ROW Fuel Grades | AKI = North American (RON+MON)/2 Fuel Grades. | ||||||
| - Reported wheel figures measured using APR's in house Mustang Dyno US Spec Bentley Continental GT V8, using SAEJ1349 correction and an average of multiple runs. Crank figures are estimated based on the measured wheel figures. Results may vary depending upon environmental conditions, vehicle, transmission, vehicle health, operating conditions, temperatures, fuel grade, dyno type, dyno setup, other variables and other modifications. | ||||||
| Stock V8 As Reported by Bentley | 95 RON | 507 PS | 487 FT-LBS | |||
| Stock V8 S As Reported by Bentley | 95 RON | 528 PS | 502 FT-LBS | |||
| Stock As Measured by APR | 98 RON | 564 HP | 556 FT-LBS | |||
| APR Plus | 95 RON | 635 HP | 668 FT-LBS | +96 HP | +123 FT-LBS | |
| APR Stage I | 95 RON | 665 HP | 668 FT-LBS | +96 HP | +123 FT-LBS | |
| APR Stage I | 98 RON | 656 HP | 680 FT-LBS | +116 HP | +138 FT-LBS | |
| APR Stage I | 104 RON | 696 HP | 764 FT-LBS | +160 HP | +227 FT-LBS | |
| APR Stage I | 108 RON | 721 HP | 849 FT-LBS | +220 HP | +311 FT-LBS | |
APR ECU Upgrade Included Features
- World Class Calibration Expertise
- Acceleration Enhancements
- Speed Limiter
- Left Foot Braking
- Fuel Economy
APR World Class Calibration Expertise
Tuning 101:
The 4.0T engine uses a Bosch MED 17 ECU for engine management. Basically, it’s a computer that tells the engine how to operate. Tuning software, like the APR ECU Upgrade, tells the engine how to make more power. It does this by running more boost pressure, optimizing the cam shaft positions, adjusting the air/fuel ratio, advancing ignition timing, and more.
A Better Engine Management System:
The 4.0T’s ECU is incredible. Without the driver knowing otherwise, the ECU makes intelligent adjustments to the engine’s operations to keep it running smoothly. Unlike ECUs found in many other makes and models, when properly tuned, the ECU eliminates the need for custom tuning to maximize output, even when weather conditions change dramatically.
How APR Differs from the Competition:
The ECU is powerful, but extremely difficult to master. Without mastery, the ECU must be simplified, removing what makes it so desirable. The result is an incomplete product that often requires end user adjustment to maximize output in limited scenarios. On the contrary, APR’s Engineers spent the better part of a decade mastering the ECU to unlock its full potential. With complete access to the thousands of maps, tables and variables within, as well as a high-level understanding of how it works, APR’s Engineers were able to take advantage of everything the ECU has to offer. Power is maximized in nearly all scenarios, eliminating the need for end user adjustments. High performance operational modes are enabled and calibrated to deliver smooth daily driving, with a snappy and responsive throttle during moments of spirited driving. Mastery of the boost control system makes for an impressively predictable driving experience as the turbo spools quickly, delivering instant power, while torque-by-gear helps protects the engine from being lugged out in tall gears. Lastly advanced high-output protection routines are enabled, allowing the ECU to make constant adjustments to airflow and fuel to cool and protect the engine, all without the driver knowing otherwise.
Acceleration Enhancements:
Beyond horsepower and torque enhancements, APR’s Calibration Engineers were able to increase the acceleration rate of the vehicle through other calibrations changes. Ignition delay is reduced resulting in a more responsive pedal without altering overall throttle sensitivity. Furthermore, throttle lag commonly noticed at slow speeds and while reapplying throttle has been reduced.
Speed Limiter:
APR’s ECU upgrade increases the vehicle's top speed limiter for blistering sprints around the track or across the Autobahn without the speed limiter shutting down the fun.
Left Foot Braking:
APR's Left Foot Braking feature allows more control over the vehicle’s throttle. The factory equipped vehicle's throttle input is disabled while pressing the accelerator and brake at the same time. Left Foot Braking, a common motorsport driving technique, allows the driver complete control over the vehicle’s throttle and braking system, which may give the vehicle the edge it needs at the track.
Increased Fuel Economy:
APR’s Calibration Engineers paid close attention to several parameters directly related to fuel economy, especially while cruising at highway speeds. Depending on driving style and fuel quality, better miles per gallon may be achieved.
APR ECU Upgrade Optional Features
APR EMCS Programs and Features
APR’s Enhanced Modular Chipping System, (EMCS), brings selectable programs and features to the factory ECU. EMCS has the ability to completely rewrite the entire operating map data within the ECU, giving each program mode a completely different set of calibration changes. On this platform, this is contrary to the industry norm of capping limits, using multipliers, only swapping portions of a base calibration, or relying on knock activity to lower output. APR’s EMCS features and programs modes are activated via APR Mobile.
Program Switching:
Program switching allows the user to cycle through up to four different engine calibrations and operating modes all without the need for external hardware.
Stock Mode: By selecting stock mode, the ECU calibration is reduced to factory load levels, limiting performance.
APR Performance Modes:
APR's octane-specific calibrations are available for various premium and race fuels around the world. Each performance mode is a completely new calibration, altered specifically for the characteristics of the fuel quality selected.
Fault Code Erase:
Fault code erase allows the user to erase and reset engine related trouble codes and ECU adaptation data without using a specialty tool.
Security Lockout:
Security lockout prevents unauthorized individuals from using APR's EMCS functionality. When enabled, APR's EMCS features will appear completely invisible until a user specified 2 to 4-digit security code is entered.
Anti-Theft:
When activated, Anti-Theft prevents normal operation of the engine even if the factory key is used. The vehicle will be completely immobilized until a user specified 2 to 4-digit security code is entered.
Valet Mode:
APR's Valet Mode protects your vehicle from becoming an expensive toy for unauthorized individuals. By enabling Valet Mode, the vehicle's performance is extremely limited.
APR Mobile
APR Mobile is a simple yet powerful tool designed to enhance the APR tuning experience.
APR Mobile installs on smart phones, tablets and other devices and provides a wireless connection to the vehicle’s engine control unit or ECU. Once connected, the device can be used to access APR’s EMCS program switching features, read and clear fault codes and data log the ECU at high data rates not found on other commercially available tools. The app can also be used to access APR’s latest news articles, locate dealers in APR’s network and review previously saved data logging sessions.
To learn more about APR Mobile, please visit our product page.
The APR Difference
APR ECU Explorer
APR’s proprietary ECU Explorer gives APR’s Calibration Engineers unparalleled access to the vehicle’s entire engine management system. Typical commercially available data logging tools, used by most tuners, only allow logging up to 12 engine-operating variables at extremely low data rates. These tools are also limited to a small, specific list of variables. APR’s ECU Explorer is capable of logging every variable found within the ECU with far more variables logged at once, at very high data rates.
APR ECU Composer
APR’s proprietary ECU Composer is used for altering the engine management system. With full access to every table, map and variable within the ECU, APR’s Calibration Engineers are not limited to a handful of maps as is common for most tuning companies.
APR ECU Assembly
APR’s Electrical Engineers have the ability to alter the code structure of the ECU. Through code levels changes, APR's Engineers are able to add features to the ECU. Other changes allow higher torque limits than those achievable through only modifying calibration data or using piggyback devices as is the case for many tuners. This allows APR's engineers to often not require transmission software to meet or exceed advertised gains. On the highly modified end, this often allows APR to make turbo upgrades operate without the need for external manual controllers.
APR Direct Port Programming
APR’s DirectPort Programming is now available! Any APR Dealer in the world, connected to the Internet, has direct access to APR’s latest ECU upgrades for loading directly over the vehicle's OBD-II port. This completely eliminates the need to remove and open the ECU for currently available files and can be uninstalled at any time!
| Vehicle | Market | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Continental GT V8 (Gen 2) | All | 4.0 TFSI | All |
| Bentley Continental GT V8 S (Gen 2) | All | 4.0 TFSI | All |
| Bentley Flying Spur V8 (Gen 2) | All | 4.0 TFSI | All |
| Bentley Flying Spur V8 S (Gen 2) | All | 4.0 TFSI | All |
| Stage | Minimum Requirements | Price Exc. VAT | Price Inc. VAT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMPORTANT PRICING AND AVAILABILITY DETAILS: | ||||
| - Program Switching: A fully loaded ECU includes up to 4 program modes (stock mode, performance modes, valet, etc), as well as fault code erase, security lockout and anti-theft depending on availability and ECU compatibility. | ||||
| - Availability and ECU Compatibility: Stages, programs, and features may not be available for all ECUs. | ||||
| - ECU Revision Notice: Multiple ECU revisions exist for each platform. APR software may be temporarily unavailable when factory updates are applied. An APR dealer can check availability in person, or over the phone if the ECU boxcode/revision is known. | ||||
| - Spark Plugs APR recommends a spark plug gap of .024" +/- .002" for best results. | ||||
| APR Stage I ECU Upgrade | None | £883.14 | £1059.77 | |
| - Add APR EMCS Program Switching (Fully Loaded) | None | Find a Dealer | ||
How to Purchase
Please use the APR Dealer Locater Tool to locate an APR Dealer, confirm availability and schedule an appointment.
Please note 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.
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
All APR ECU Upgrades include a 30-day money back guarantee with no questions asked. If for any reason the owners is dissatisfied with the APR ECU Upgrade, they may return to the place of purchase for a full refund, provided they are within the 30 day period from the time of the initial purchase. Labor or shipping charges are not included in the guarantee and are at the discretion of the place of install.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
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. Labor or shipping charges are not included in the warranty and are at the discretion of the place of install.
