Over the air updates can be cool. Your phone can get a new system, you can suddenly have a better game on your PC, or your fridge can get a different note when opened. All available via the Internet, instantaneously, and without any hustle. On the other hand, over the air updates for the cars gave a whole lot of headaches to regulatory bodies all over the world. And now, there is this German tuning company called the G-Power (they do all sort of witchcraft for the BMWs and Mercs AMGs of the world) that offer a simple ECU tuneup over the air that can increase the power of your engine.
G-Power started rolling out this program only recently, and it seems that the process is rather simple.
How Can You Get a G-Power OTA Upgrade Kit And Increase The Power Of Your Engine?
All you need to do is:
-* connect your G-Power OBD cable to the ECU and download original ECU map
-* send that map to G-Power via e-mail
-* wait for the G-Power to create a new map and deliver it to you via e-mail
-* upload the new, updated map to the ECU and bam; your engine has more power
This program works for certain BMWs and Mercedes-AMGs (maybe even Benzes). G-Power remained somewhat tightlipped about the cars it offers OTA tuning for, but I do know about some. Currently, G-Power can send you a new ECU map for the:
-* B58 engine (three-liter, straight-six installed in, more or less, all BMWs larger than the 3 series. It is the engine under the bonnet of the new Toyota Supra too
-* S55 engine (three-liter, straight-six installed in M-cars - M2 Competition, M3, M4, and the M4 GTS)
-* S63 engine (4.4-liter, V-8 installed in large M-cars - M5, M6, M8, X5 M, X6 M)
The best thing is that you can do it all in the comfort of your garage and with a G-Power OBD connector. Obviously, you need to get your hands on that one first.
Can G-Power Tune the 2020 Toyota Supra B58 Engine Over the Air?
This is, more or less, the question I posed to G-Power spokesperson in Germany. See, the 2020 Toyota Supra has a BMW B58 engine under the bonnet, and that is one of the engines G-Power offers its OTA tuning services for. I still haven't received the answer, but as soon as I get it, you will be the first to know.
Now, if the G-Power can actually tune the Supra with its OTA updates, that could be a huge deal in the tuning business.
Conclusion
The problem with the OTA updates for manufacturers in Europe is extensive.
The Whole Vehicle Type Approval limits manufacturers in Europe to offer any OTA updates (save for infotainment). That is why Tesla has problems with its OTA updates in Europe, and in the rest of the world actually. Now, I am not sure that G-Power, as an aftermarket tuner of vehicles, has to conform to these regulations. I did ask G-Power official to comment on the matter, and I will update this article accordingly.
Far more interesting than that is the fact that the OTA tuning actually began. That means that tuning companies such as the G-Power started its adaption process regarding the changing market circumstances. OTA updates will be one of only a few things that tuning companies could do to tune up an electric car. And electric vehicles are coming fast! Can't wait to see how this tech will develop in the future.
Some Crazy Ass G-Power Cars You Have To Know About
G-Power's G6M Hurricane CS
Revealed during the Bugatti Veyron rein, the G6M Hurricane CS was a G-Power attempt to take on the greatest. Based around the M6 E63, the car had an incredible 5.0-liter, V-10 assisted with a big-*ss twin-supercharger system, a titanium exhaust, and improved cooling. The 5.0-liter developed insane 1,001 horsepower and more than 660 pound-feet of torque. That was enough for the G6M Hurricane CS to achieve 60 in just over 4 seconds and top 230 mph. Maybe not as fast as the Veyron, but definitely astonishing.
BMW M5 F90 G-Power
If you want to beat the Ferrari 488 GTB in the straight line, or at least try to do it with a sedan, then you really should try out the BMW M5 F90 massaged by the G-Power. With a G-Power Performance Software and titanium exhaust, this BMWM5 has an engine that develops 800 horsepower. Coupled with the AWD system (something that G6M Hurricane CS did not have), the M5 can do 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and top freaking 208 mph.
Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M5 by G-Power.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon by G-Power
Lately, G-Power started with its magic on the Mercedes-AMG cars. There, I've found that G-Power has some sense of humor. This is the fantastic AMG E60 S Wagon touched up by the German company. With upgrades such as G-Power Performance Software V1, new turbos, stainless steel downpipes, and stainless steel exhaust, the E63 S Wagon engine develops astounding 800 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. It is a lot!
This way, the E63 S Wagon can reach 60 mph in strikingly low 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 211 mph.
Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon by G-Power