Power Curve

As part of our development process, we use a certified dynamometer that provides crucial information about our engines. Specifically, this measurement tool delivers a graphical representation of two key aspects in the form of curves: torque, measured in Newton-meters, and power, expressed in horsepower.

As illustrated in the graph, the white curves reflect the vehicle’s original power and torque, while the golden curves represent the values after WOT1 remapping. The continuous lines indicate power, while torque is shown with dashed lines.

The Bicycle Analogy: Power vs. Torque To better understand these curves, let’s take the example of a bicycle. Power can be compared to the speed at which you pedal, indicating how fast you turn the pedals. In other words, the faster you pedal, the more power you generate.

On the other hand, torque represents the force applied to push the pedals. If you exert great force to turn the pedals, you generate high torque. In this perspective, various scenarios can unfold. You can pedal quickly while applying considerable force, or do it slowly with less force.

Engine Evolution and the Introduction of Turbos Returning to the automotive world: before the advent of turbocharged engines, increasing power required increasing engine displacement. This increase was generally linear, with a common ratio of 100 Nm per liter.

The introduction of turbos changed the game by enabling greater torque generation at lower RPMs, resulting in better acceleration and thus enhanced driving comfort. Today, a turbocharged engine offers torque from low RPMs and power at high RPMs. Depending on engine size and turbo choice, the curves can vary significantly.

The Importance of Curve Shape It’s equally important to consider the shape of the curve. A smooth and well-filled (bulging) curve will provide good performance at all RPMs. If you focus solely on the numbers, it’s also possible to achieve the same performance with a peak in torque or power over a short period; however, this would result in something fleeting and not enjoyable for daily use.

Although power curves highlight a vehicle’s power and torque, many factors we work on are not explicitly shown due to the difficulty in measuring them. "Drivability," which defines the vehicle’s behavior in daily use, is one such element. It determines if a vehicle is pleasant to drive. For example, if torque kicks in suddenly with the slightest touch of the accelerator, while noticeable, this can be uncomfortable in everyday driving and potentially harmful to the mechanics.

OEM+ and Performance

That’s why, beyond the displayed performance, WOT operates with an OEM+ (Original Equipment Manufacturer plus) philosophy, aiming to offer the same experience as if the manufacturer had installed a more powerful engine under the hood. We invite you to read our article on this topic: WOT quality in an OEM+ spirit

In summary, power is associated with speed, while torque is related to force. In the automotive context, these two concepts are essential for understanding how an engine works and evaluating its performance. An engine can be powerful if it runs fast, and it can have high torque if it can deliver great force. At WOT, our goal is to optimize efficiency and consistency while adhering to the parameters set by the manufacturer. To achieve this, we strive to reach maximum torque as early as possible and maximum power at a later stage, thus ensuring the broadest possible operating range. This approach results in a vehicle that is both high-performing and remarkably smooth.