Modern turbocharged engines leave considerable room for electronic performance optimization. While hardware upgrades can improve airflow, cooling, and exhaust flow, engine calibration determines how the vehicle makes use of those changes.

RaceChip develops vehicle-specific electronic performance upgrades designed to modify engine parameters and increase power and torque without requiring a traditional ECU flash.

At Extreme Power House, the RaceChip catalog covers a wide range of applications from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, and other manufacturers. Available products include S, RS, GTS 5, and GTS 5 Black tuning modules, along with application-specific solutions for different engines and vehicles.

What Is a RaceChip Tuning Module?

A RaceChip is an electronic tuning module installed between selected vehicle sensors and the engine control system.

Rather than permanently rewriting the vehicle's factory ECU software, the module works with engine-specific parameters to alter the way the engine operates.

RaceChip states that its current GTS 5 and GTS 5 Black systems use vehicle-specific software, multiple fine-tuning mappings, and an Engine Protect System+. The GTS 5 and GTS 5 Black also use an ARM Cortex-M3 processor and can monitor up to seven analogue and digital channels.

This approach provides an alternative to conventional ECU tuning for enthusiasts who want a reversible electronic performance upgrade.

RaceChip GTS 5 and GTS 5 Black

The GTS 5 and GTS 5 Black represent RaceChip's premium tuning modules.

According to RaceChip, the GTS 5 and GTS 5 Black can provide up to 30% more power and torque on applicable vehicles, with the actual increase varying by engine and application. RaceChip also advertises up to 15% fuel savings under its specified conditions.

The modules feature seven fine-tuning mappings, allowing the user to adjust the tuning characteristics rather than being restricted to a single setting.

The GTS 5 Black adds additional features intended for performance-oriented applications, including RaceChip's Smart Warm-Up functionality.

GTS 5 Black for Performance Vehicles

RaceChip positions the GTS 5 Black toward higher-performance applications.

The system incorporates the same general vehicle-specific tuning approach as the GTS 5 while adding additional hardware and software features. RaceChip lists a 2-year engine warranty up to €10,000 for the GTS 5 Black and a 5-year product warranty, subject to the manufacturer's terms.

The XPH catalog currently includes GTS 5 Black applications for vehicles such as the BMW M models, Mercedes-AMG models, Audi RS models, and other performance-oriented vehicles.

Seven Fine-Tuning Maps

One of the defining features of the GTS 5 and GTS 5 Black is their adjustable mapping system.

RaceChip provides seven fine-tuning mappings that allow the module's behavior to be adjusted to the characteristics of the individual engine and the driver's preference.

This is particularly useful because two nominally identical engines can perform somewhat differently due to factors such as manufacturing tolerances, mileage, and fuel quality. RaceChip explains that its fine-tuning mappings are intended to help match the module's calibration to those differences.

Optional Smartphone App Control

Selected RaceChip modules can be paired with RaceChip's smartphone app.

This provides a convenient way to adjust the module without having to physically access the tuning unit.

Depending on the product and vehicle application, the app can provide access to the available performance settings and additional RaceChip functions.

For enthusiasts who regularly switch between different driving conditions, app control provides a more convenient interface for managing the available settings.

RaceChip XLR Throttle Tuning

RaceChip's product ecosystem extends beyond engine performance modules.

The RaceChip XLR is a throttle-response controller designed to alter the vehicle's accelerator response rather than directly increasing engine power.

RaceChip offers seven throttle-response stages, including Sport, Race, and Eco settings. The system can also be returned to the normal setting when throttle tuning is not required.

The XLR can also be combined with a RaceChip engine tuning module. According to RaceChip, the combination is intended to pair the additional engine output from the tuning module with a more immediate throttle response.

BMW RaceChip Applications

BMW represents a significant portion of the RaceChip catalog available at XPH.

Current applications include BMW vehicles ranging from mainstream turbocharged models to M cars and SUVs.

The XPH catalog includes RaceChip modules for vehicles such as:

• BMW M3
• BMW M4
• BMW M340i
• BMW M440i
• BMW M240i
• BMW Z4
• BMW X3
• BMW X4
• BMW X5
• BMW X6
• BMW X7
• BMW 5 Series
• BMW 7 Series

The catalog also includes applications for BMW's modern mild-hybrid powertrains, including the X7 M60i.

As with all RaceChip products, the exact module depends on the vehicle's engine, model year, and factory output.

Mercedes-Benz and AMG Applications

Mercedes-Benz owners also have extensive RaceChip coverage at XPH.

Current XPH listings include modules for vehicles ranging from the SL and S-Class to AMG SUVs and performance models.

Examples include:

• Mercedes-AMG SL 43
• Mercedes-AMG SL 63
• Mercedes-AMG SLC 43
• Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
• Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
• Mercedes-AMG ML 63
• Mercedes-Benz S 580
• Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
• Mercedes-Benz GLC 200

Both RS and GTS 5/GTS 5 Black modules are available for numerous applications, depending on the vehicle.

Audi Performance Applications

RaceChip also covers Audi's turbocharged performance lineup.

One current XPH example is the 2024+ Audi RS3 8Y facelift, where the catalog includes both an RS Tuning Module and a GTS 5 Tuning Module for the 2.5 TFSI RS engine rated at 400 HP / 294 kW from the factory.

This provides RS3 owners with multiple RaceChip options depending on the desired level of tuning and available features.

Ford Applications

The RaceChip range is not limited to German performance vehicles.

XPH currently carries RaceChip products for Ford applications including the 2021+ Ford Bronco 6th Gen with the 2.3T EcoBoost.

Available configurations include:

• S Tuning Module
• RS Tuning Module
• GTS 5 Tuning Module

This demonstrates the breadth of RaceChip's application-specific tuning catalog beyond passenger cars and European performance platforms.

Different Modules for Different Builds

RaceChip offers multiple module levels because not every vehicle requires the same type of tuning solution.

The S and RS modules provide more straightforward tuning options, while the GTS 5 and GTS 5 Black add more advanced features and greater adjustability.

The correct choice depends on:

• Vehicle
• Engine
• Factory power output
• Desired performance increase
• Available tuning features
• App-control requirements
• Intended use

Rather than selecting a module based only on its name, customers should choose the exact RaceChip product listed for their vehicle.

Vehicle-Specific Fitment Matters

RaceChip products are developed around individual vehicle and engine applications.

For example, XPH lists separate modules for different BMW engines and chassis, as well as different Mercedes-Benz powertrains and model generations. The same vehicle name does not necessarily mean that every RaceChip module will fit.

The XPH catalog demonstrates this clearly with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz SL, where different model years and engine outputs have separate RaceChip applications.

Before ordering, verify the:

Year → Make → Model → Engine → Factory Power Output

This is particularly important for vehicles that received multiple engine variants during the same generation.

Reversible Performance Tuning

One of the characteristics of RaceChip's tuning approach is reversibility.

RaceChip states that its performance upgrades can be removed and that the vehicle can be returned to its original configuration. The company also offers one re-programming of eligible modules when changing cars, subject to its terms and conditions.

This can make a tuning module appealing to owners who want an electronic performance upgrade without committing to a permanent ECU calibration.

Smart Features

RaceChip's newer premium systems incorporate additional monitoring and protection-oriented features.

The current GTS 5/GTS 5 Black platform includes Smart Warm-Up, which RaceChip says monitors the vehicle's warm-up process using coolant or oil temperature and only activates the tuning function once the engine is sufficiently warm.

RaceChip also offers Smart Health Check and Smart Installation Check features within its newer ecosystem, including the ability to check installation and identify existing vehicle errors through supported functionality.

RaceChip for Daily Drivers and Performance Builds

Electronic tuning does not have to mean building an all-out track car.

A RaceChip module can be used as a relatively straightforward upgrade for a daily-driven turbocharged vehicle, providing additional power and torque while retaining the vehicle's factory hardware.

At the other end of the spectrum, RaceChip also offers high-level GTS 5 Black applications for performance vehicles such as the BMW M3 Competition and various Mercedes-AMG models. RaceChip publishes vehicle-specific performance data for some applications, including an M3 Competition example showing a manufacturer-rated 510 PS increasing to 612 PS with its GTS 5 Black system.

These figures are manufacturer-published examples, not universal results for every vehicle using the same module.

Build Your Performance Setup

RaceChip can also be incorporated into a larger performance build.

Depending on the vehicle, enthusiasts can combine electronic tuning with supporting modifications such as:

• Intake systems
• Intercoolers
• Charge pipes
• Exhaust systems
• Downpipes
• Cooling upgrades
• Suspension upgrades
• Brake upgrades

The appropriate combination depends on the vehicle and intended power level.

For a relatively stock daily driver, an electronic tuning module may be the primary performance modification. For a heavily modified turbocharged vehicle, tuning can instead become one component of a much larger system.

Shop RaceChip at XPH

Extreme Power House carries a wide selection of RaceChip performance tuning modules for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Ford, Volkswagen, and other applications.

Explore S, RS, GTS 5, and GTS 5 Black tuning modules, along with RaceChip throttle-response products and application-specific solutions for modern turbocharged vehicles.

Because RaceChip products are vehicle-specific, always verify the exact year, make, model, engine, and factory power output before ordering.

Shop RaceChip: https://x-ph.com/racechip/