New Pirelli Edition GTI software update from APR

[kryten2001]

Just got the car back.

Jaysus H Christopher!

OK well what I can tell you is that peak power does not appear to be affected (much). What does feel very very different though is the power/torque delivery.

Maybe it was a DSG thing (limiting power in lower gears perhaps, I dunno), or maybe it was changes done on the level of boost - but this new tune feels like peak power comes in way sooner - or at least isn't constrained by the box as much as it was before.

I used to have lots of surging issues with the TC turned on (power would be on/off). Normally I'd have to drive around with it turned off if I wanted to get full nurries out of the engine.

I couldn't perceive any differences in shift points thenselves, but what I did feel was a much more responsive engine after a shift (no dips in the acceleration curve) and most definately much more wild - particularly in the first two gears (also indicative of removing any torque restrictions maybe?). The sound coming out of the exhaust is also slightly different.

Maybe this boost is due to adjustments in the DSG, or maybe it's making better use of the HPFP.. Without any details I'm only guessing.

No doubt it's angrier though... I'm just waiting for something to go bang now.

The quarter mile beckons!

[Guy_H]

Good stuff Andrew, Glad you are enjoying the upgrade

[kryten2001]

Good stuff Andrew, Glad you are enjoying the upgrade

Where you feel it most is in between 1st and 2nd. There used to be a bit of sag in power in the transition and the first few seconds in 2nd, but now it just keeps pulling.

Not only that, but the power appears much more linear. Before it would come on in waves (huge waves mind you), but now it's much smoother.

The other thing I've noticed which is quite significant, is how the engine reacts when the traction control is turned on. Before it would be on-off-on the power very dramatically as the wheels began to spin. Now the backing off appears much more subtle and the wheels just stay on the edge of traction. Feels much smoother and easier to drive with the TC on.

Anyway you say no more power, and that might be the case - but there's certainly more power being delivered to the wheels - or rather, more power delivered through the entire rev range, particularly around the shift points.

Comparing a before and after power/torque curve would be interesting, as I reckon the power is coming on a lot earlier now as well.

Anyway all happy here. Until I blow something up/melt something.

If I'd owned this car in my youth I would most certainly have killed myself by now.

[Guy_H]

Just had a customer call us with his new software in his Pirelli, he ran 1/2 day sprints on Tuesday with track temperatures in the high 30's (QLD Raceway). Car never missed a beat the entire day & as usual, surprised an awful lot of the track regulars

[kryten2001]

Just had a customer call us with his new software in his Pirelli, he ran 1/2 day sprints on Tuesday with track temperatures in the high 30's (QLD Raceway). Car never missed a beat the entire day & as usual, surprised an awful lot of the track regulars

These crazy volkswagens are just the best....

[DaveToyostar]

Are trials availible for the Pirelli?

[Guy_H]

Sure are Dave,

Just see your local APR dealer!

[tinto]

Guy, are the trials stage 1 only or can those with other supporting mods (downpipe) get a taste of the Stage 2?

[Guy_H]

Tinto,

No problems on a stage 2 trial, only thing is if the car is stock & has a downpipe on it, it probably shouldn't be running stock software!

[tinto]

Good stuff.
Downpipe isn't fitted yet, but this is more of a staged approach by me to see if the grass is as green as it looks!

I would hassle Kryten2001 for a spin in his car, but there are to many other factors (intake, hpfp, full exhaust... intercooler?) that yellow devil has in place that will warp my perspective.

I like the idea of a stock looking engine bay, and not requiring an intake gives me that .
Most other tuners *require* an intake for Stage 2, which narrows the cost margin to APR stage 2 significantly.
My Pirelli already sounds like it has an intake on it from the factory.

My car is also likely to be serviced exclusively by Quattro Motors, so these things tend to fall neatly in to place.

[kryten2001]

Good stuff.
Downpipe isn't fitted yet, but this is more of a staged approach by me to see if the grass is as green as it looks!

I would hassle Kryten2001 for a spin in his car, but there are to many other factors (intake, hpfp, full exhaust... intercooler?) that yellow devil has in place that will warp my perspective.

I like the idea of a stock looking engine bay, and not requiring an intake gives me that .
Most other tuners *require* an intake for Stage 2, which narrows the cost margin to APR stage 2 significantly.
My Pirelli already sounds like it has an intake on it from the factory.

My car is also likely to be serviced exclusively by Quattro Motors, so these things tend to fall neatly in to place.

The grass is very, very green!!!!

That being said, the tune is where most of the gains are. If you purely want a power boost, you can't beat it...

The problem with my car (in terms of comparing) is that it's had so much more than just power gains done... Suspension, brakes, wheels etc etc.. It'll feel very different from a stock Pirelli. It would still give you a good idea of where you're heading though!!!!

As far as engine bay goes, yeah I'm with you. I like the factory look. In fact, other than the wheels, I've pretty much kept mine looking stock. I really don't like bling on cars... Just a waste of money IMHO and degrades the look of a really nicely designed car.

If my car were white it wouldn't get a second look - other than from other volkswagenists.

My take on intakes (and this isn't meant to start another flame war), is that they're generally crap. Put in for sound or looks, of which I require neither.

Even if it gives you an extra kW or two, I wouldn't bother..

As far as servicing at Quattros goes, thumbs up here... I do oil changes myself every 3 months (Mobil1 0w40), otherwise it's to them for the scheduled service.

I wouldn't bother with a demo Tinto, there's zero chance you won't be buying it after trying it - particularly this new tune. I'm half tempted to go completely crazy on this thing (bigger turbo), but I reckon it's where it probably should be so I should just leave it alone now. Power wise it has more than enough, and I can't do much else without ruining it. Saving weight is the next logical move, but I don't wanna strip the poor thing out..

So she's about done.

[chrisgti]

My take on intakes (and this isn't meant to start another flame war), is that they're generally crap. Put in for sound or looks, of which I require neither.

Even if it gives you an extra kW or two, I wouldn't bother..

I personally felt more of a gain from my intake (evoms) than my milltek exhaust.. Others have found the same on the dyno too. Opens up the top end nicely, I wouldnt knock it till you try it.