Ecotune Reflex Is Here! 1.8T/2.0T MQB Flex Fuel, Map Switching, Boost By Gear!
6th May 2024
Ecotune is excited to release our Ecotune Reflex ECU technology for VAG’s EA888.3 platforms. Ecotune Reflex is a brand-new set of engine management technologies developed by our calibrations team for the OEM ECU environment.
Ecotune Reflex introduces many benefits, including full flex-fuel capabilities, live map switching, boost by gear and brand-new engine protections.
With support for most 1.8T/2.0T MQB cars that have the Simos18 ECU and further support on the way, everyone can enjoy the substantial benefits of Ecotune Reflex.
Ecotune REFLEX FLEX FUEL
Ecotune Powermax Stage 2 99RON and E85 on Ecotune Reflex!
Full support for 99RON, E85 and any mixture in between. This is handled on-the fly by our Reflex Flex Fuel technology when fitted with a Flex sensor.
Independent calibrations for 99RON and E85 fuel are dynamically interpolated and blended relative to Ethanol content as measured by a fitted Ethanol sensor.
This approach ensures the perfect ignition angle, optimal direct/port injection split, ideal fuel pump management and perfect fuel trimming at all Ethanol ratios with the added comfort of our Reflex Response safety features. When combined with Ecotune Select, our live map switching option, launch settings, and boost-by-gear settings are available on the fly.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Reflex Flex Fuel
99RON and E85 fuels are not all that similar, with different burn rates, energy densities, octane ratings and temperature characteristics.
The tuning strategy between the two fuel types can be very different, even on the same hardware, a 99RON calibration and an E85 calibration may look completely different.
Some existing approaches to ‘Flex Fuel’ do not adequately respect these key strategy differences and opt to adjust limited variables, not fully leveraging each fuel’s characteristics (becoming even more apparent at mixed content levels); this can result in reduced performance, drivability and economy.
At Ecotune, we believe something is only worth doing if it is done correctly and that philosophy has been executed to the letter with Reflex’s Flex Fuel module.
Our Reflex Flex Fuel approach references two completely independent calibrations for 99RON and E85. Using a live data feed from an installed Flex Fuel sensor, Reflex Flex Fuel interpolates dynamically between the 99RON and E85 calibrations, resulting in a perfectly blended final calibration output that takes FULL advantage of the current fuel makeup. No compromises, no shortcuts. This is the correct approach to a true Flex Fuel solution.
This all happens live and is handled entirely by our Ecotune Reflex technology. Reflex Flex Fuel cooperates with Reflex Response, ensuring maximum power, performance and safety at all ethanol mixtures.
Ecotune REFLEX SELECT
On-the-fly selection between independent calibrations using steering wheel controls. Swap between different power levels, launch settings, boost by gear settings and even enable an engine immobiliser.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Reflex Select
Clearly displayed on your instrument clusters tachometer and easily operated via your built-in cruise control stalk or buttons, Reflex Select offers four individual ECU calibrations at your fingertips alongside a fifth ECU program that activates complete security lockout.
Each map can have independent fuel types, boost-by-gear settings, launch settings, and, most commonly enjoyed, power levels.
The most common arrangement for Reflex Select is:
Map 1: Low Power
Map 2: Medium Power
Map 3: High Power
Map 4: Full Power
Map 5: Immobiliser
In some cases (particularly with FWD cars), we introduce boost-by-gear settings per Reflex Select map depending on vehicle setup and customer request.
These adjustable power levels allow immense flexibility and control over your vehicle’s power output to best suit your driving environment. Best of all, you can do this live as the vehicle is driving.
It is important to note that Ecotune Reflex is also available to non-Flex sensor equipped vehicles. We simply disable Reflex Flex Fuel and offer dedicated 99 or E85 maps, and even both via Reflex Select, depending on the use case and vehicle.
Ecotune REFLEX RESPONSE
Our additional response layer to poor fuel grades or compromised engine hardware helps protect your investment. Our brand-new Reflex Response routines constantly monitor various key safety metrics. If Reflex Response is triggered due to a safety event, the MIL will flash repeatedly and temporarily reduce power output to let the driver know.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Reflex Response
OEM safety enhanced – With cumulative years of high-performance tuning experience amongst the Ecotune team, we collectively agreed on a few dominant reasons for hardware failure; the consequences when they go wrong and how we could protect the customers investment and their vehicle.
Failure in the fuel delivery system or fuel quality issues can cause devastating outcomes. Therefore, any improvement or additional detection implemented with an appropriate protection response in these areas was a priority. Reflex is the solution.
As part of the Reflex firmware, we have implemented the following additional protection triggers and responses.
Triggers
Response
Boost pressure request whilst on throttle is limited to atmospheric pressure, and an indicator lamp will blink on the instrument cluster to notify the driver. This limitation remains active until the throttle pedal is lifted.
The OEM fault detection strategies remain operational. Should a permanent limp response be required, this will be applied in the OEM strategy as expected, and a permanent engine management light will illuminate. If the reduction in throttle request has negated the risk, the car will drive normally, allowing you to visit your local Ecotune dealer for diagnostics.
These Reflex Response safety events provide crucial feedback from your vehicle, ensuring you know what is happening, at all times. The power is in your hands.
REFLEX RESPONSE - OIL TEMPERATURE LIMITER
Power is progressively adjusted based on oil temperature threshold limits. When the car’s oil temperature is cold, Ecotune Reflex reduces power output, steadily increasing power as oil temperature rises to full power at full operating temperature. Power is also adjusted if oil temperature climbs too high.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Reflex Response – Oil Temperature Protections
With our built-in oil protections, we steadily restrain the output of your car based on the oil temperature reported by your engine’s sensors. This means an incremental increase in boost from cold start all the way up to normal operating temperature to avoid harsh conditions and loads for an unready engine.
Under 80*C operating temperature, boost pressure limits start at atmospheric pressure and slowly raise to the full available power output at 80*c oil temperature. This is a fool-proof way to mitigate potential stresses and damages when the engine is in its most vulnerable state.
Ecotune REFLEX BOOST BY GEAR
Specific boost curves and targets relative to gear selection that improves grip in all on-throttle driving. Alternative boost-by-gear settings developed at Ecotune HQ can be applied to each program in Reflex Select for different surface types, dry/wet and street/strip.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Reflex Boost By Gear
This feature allows you to unleash the full potential of your car from a standstill and a roll – easier said than done for FWD owners. With Cupra and GTI owners in mind, we offer a complete and robust boost-by-gear solution that ensures maximum grip and power output. This feature supports both DSG and Manual variants.
Some existing solutions work on a ‘capped’ boost target, meaning that power is still being restrained at a higher road speed where grip is better.
Reflex Boost By Gear provides independent target pressure maps per gear, offering complete control through the entire gear span. Not only have peak target pressures been adjusted, but the entire torque curve and power onset have also been modified. Integrating with Reflex Select, you can have multiple Boost By Gear profiles available!
Ecotune REFLEX SECURE
An effective additional layer of theft deterrent where a Reflex Select Map allocation is appointed to immobilise the engine. Select this mode; the car will not start until you return to the vehicle and disable the feature.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Reflex Secure
Reflex Secure takes up Map 5 on our Reflex Select module. This feature is designed for those that are security conscience or just like the peace of mind knowing their vehicle has an additional layer of safety integrated.
When Reflex Secure (Map 5) is selected via Reflex Select, the vehicle goes into a wholly immobilised state. The vehicle will not start at all until the car is taken out of Map 5. If your vehicle is already adequately protected, Map 5 can be used for an alternate performance map.
Even if the vehicle battery is disconnected and then reconnected, Reflex Secure doesn’t forget; your vehicle is safe.
