Driving Modes, Features, and Safety
Driving Modes - Each upgrade offers a host of improvements beyond power alone. Using Porsche’s Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus modes offers varying levels of output while retaining all of the unique characteristics present in each mode. Sport and Sport plus modes give you full power and torque. Normal mode give you modest increase over stock. Optionally quiet mode is available, which keeps the exhaust valves closed in Normal mode, unless driving rapidly. Optionally a “Low Torque” file can be requested that limits torque similarly to normal mode, but retains sport mode like peak power levels. We’ve optimized boost, fueling, ignition, cams, and more to achieve greater power and torque in all scenarios.
Features - In Sport Plus mode we’ve reduced turbo lag during reapplication of the throttle by building boost while off the throttle. We have linearized the pedal maps for a more predictable throttle response curve, which works exceptionally well on the track. We’ve enabled left foot braking, and brake boosting. The speed limiter has been removed. We’ve optimized the software to better handle larger wheels without excessive torque interventions. And finally we’ve inverted the start stop functionality so the vehicle starts with this feature disabled.
Safety - With many customers tracking their Porsche, safety is paramount in our calibration strategy. Through the use of extreme datalogging equipment and additional sensors, thermocouples, and transducers, our engineers were able to fully optimize the ECU for advanced safety routines. This includes implementing several routines not enabled from the factory. The entire thermal management system is optimized to reduce engine bay temperature, and reduce intake air temperature, while also implementing advanced protection routines to prevent oil temperature from achieving unsafe levels. The exhaust crackles disable when temperature thresholds are crossed, and are only enabled in sport mode. Next, we help protect the engine from LSPI by preventing the engine from being lugged out in tall gears. We also protect the turbo from damaging compressor surge, and add in turboshaft overspeed protection. We’ve enabled new temperature protection routines to prevent the engine, exhaust, and other components from overheating, and have implemented temperature management strategies that are fully mindful of the platform’s limited fueling capabilities. We’ve optimized the injection strategy to not only deliver a fatter torque curve and better spool, but to reduce the chances of knock, and torque dips. This is also achieved alongside per cylinder ignition advance and fuel trimming.
The APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications, and produces 454-501 HP with 439-523 FT-LBS of torque, depending on octane. Gains as high as 102-155 HP and 111-195 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band. To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, cooling, or exhaust system. Optionally manual transmission customers can request a lower torque file to help promote longevity on the factory clutch. Sport mode will have similar peak power, but torque will be capped similar to normal mode.
