APR Expands Porsche 911 Performance Tuning With New Stage 1 ECU and PDK2 Software

OPELIKA, ALA. — APR, the world-renowned performance brand delivering precision tuning and engineering solutions for European vehicles, announces new Stage 1 ECU and PDK2 transmission software for the 992.1 Porsche 911. The North American lineup introduces a combined Stage 1 ECU and PDK2 transmission calibration package for supported 2021-25 911 Turbo S, alongside a new PDK2 transmission upgrade for the 2019-24 Carrera, Carrera T, Carrera S and Carrera GTS. Developed to complement the increased power output of APR Stage 1 ECU software, the new transmission programming creates a more complete and cohesive powertrain package for supported Porsche 911 models.

APR’s PDK2 tuning recalibrates dynamic clutch pressure, transmission torque management, Sport and Sport Plus upshift strategy, launch behavior and automatic shift logic to match APR’s Stage 1 power curves. The result is stronger torque transfer and more decisive performance under load while preserving smooth, factory-like behavior during normal driving.

The calibration retains factory driving modes, diagnostics, controller communication and protection strategies. It flashes the factory transmission controller directly, requiring no piggyback modules or auxiliary controllers.

“Adding engine power is only half the story. We developed this PDK2 calibration so the transmission responds as if it were engineered around our added Stage 1 performance gains from the beginning,” said Chris Keefe, APR Product Manager. “By bringing clutch capacity, torque management, shift strategy and launch behavior together with APR Stage 1 ECU software, we can deliver stronger, more repeatable performance without sacrificing the refinement Porsche owners expect.”

For the 2021-25 Porsche 992.1 911 Turbo S, APR introduces a comprehensive Stage 1 ECU and PDK2 TCU software package designed to maximize performance while retaining factory refinement. On 100-octane fuel, the combined calibration produces up to 742 horsepower and 652 lb-ft of torque measured at the wheels. Peak wheel horsepower increased by 141 horsepower over stock, while torque gains reached up to 149 lb-ft at specific engine speeds, rather than peak-to-peak. APR also recorded a best 0-60 mph time of 2.39 seconds on 100-octane fuel, on a street surface at 4,100 ft density altitude. Some late-2025 Turbo S vehicles use a new transmission controller that is not yet supported.

Central to these performance gains is the PDK2 upgrade, which increases clutch capacity to support APR’s High Torque ECU calibrations. Without PDK2, 93- and 100-octane customers select a Low Torque calibration to protect the factory clutches. The 91-octane calibration is available in High Torque only. The Stage 1 ECU upgrade also optimizes boost control, fueling, ignition and torque management while introducing enhanced exhaust flap control, Sport-mode pops and burbles, automatic start-stop memory, and left-foot braking and brake boosting. The PDK2 tune also enables a 6,000-rpm free-rev limit in Park.

For the 2019-24 Porsche 992.1 911 Carrera, Carrera T, Carrera S and Carrera GTS, APR introduces a dedicated Stage 1 PDK2 TCU tune designed to complement its existing ECU performance software. The calibration increases clutch torque capacity across supported transmission control units, addressing variations in factory torque limits that can contribute to clutch slip. The upgrade allows the transmission to more effectively handle the additional output of APR’s ECU calibrations.

The Carrera PDK2 upgrade also optimizes wide-open-throttle shift points, revises Sport and Sport Plus upshift strategies, and improves shift behavior under high loads. During development, a rear-wheel-drive 992.1 Carrera GTS equipped with APR Stage 1 ECU and PDK2 software recorded a 0-60 mph time of 2.74 seconds, averaging approximately 2.8 seconds on E85 fuel with an APR intake, factory exhaust and factory tires.

Both North American programs support APR Ultralink software delivery, allowing customers to install and update calibrations from home or through an authorized APR dealer. The Turbo S Stage 1 ECU upgrade can be flashed directly through the vehicle’s OBD-II port, while PDK2 applications require a one-time mail-in bench unlock of the transmission control unit before at-home flashing is available. APR provides the initial unlock at no charge, with typical same-day turnaround once the controller is received.

APR’s new Stage 1 ECU and PDK2 software is available now in North America for supported Porsche 992.1 911 applications. Customers can visit https://www.goapr.com/ or contact an authorized APR dealer for additional product information, vehicle compatibility and installation details.