RaceChip performance tuning?
I believe a lot of the manufacturers tune down engines for various reasons:
- maximize MPG
- stifle top speed since the roads the vehicles drive on have speed limits
- maximize engine efficiency
- allow the same engine to be used across different models but with different output for differentiation
Since the IS200T and RC200T have similar performance output as the NX I am guessing that the engine is not tuned down or Toyota is using a similar tuning configuration across all 3 vehicles.
For BMW vehicles there are a lot of tuning chips that basically transform the x28 engine to perform like the x35 engine.
For Teslas we have heard of the Insane mode / Ludicrous mode
I believe a lot of the manufacturers tune down engines for various reasons:
- maximize MPG
- stifle top speed since the roads the vehicles drive on have speed limits
- maximize engine efficiency
- allow the same engine to be used across different models but with different output for differentiation
Since the IS200T and RC200T have similar performance output as the NX I am guessing that the engine is not tuned down or Toyota is using a similar tuning configuration across all 3 vehicles.
For BMW vehicles there are a lot of tuning chips that basically transform the x28 engine to perform like the x35 engine.
For Teslas we have heard of the Insane mode / Ludicrous mode
1. Yes, by turning the boost down and lowering power levels, yes, the car is more efficient on MPG.
2. However, that is not to be confused with efficiency. The motor is a very rich running motor. This guarantees cooler engine temps, but make the engine LESS efficient.
3. Detuning an engine will extend engine life. A motor pushed toward its limits will run hotter, make more power, and have a shorter life. Toyota would rather you sacrifice 50hp and have a car that last 200,000 miles with ease.
4. Toyota is giving same power numbers because they dont' want to cannibalize their own sales. If the RC turbo is getting 270hp and the IS turbo is getting 240hp, which will most people choose?
5. There is little concern about speed limits. Gears are what determines a cars speed more than the engine. My Camaro currently has 3.45 gears, which limit me to about 165mph, if I go to 3.23 gears, my same engine could do 185mph. Also, there are federal laws on speed limiters (limiter on my Camaro is 156mph before I had it removed), so car companies probably don't really care for the average family suv.
As for chips, they are hacks and blindly utilize factory components to make power. If you want performance done right, you tune the car.
Also, 328s are 230hp boosted inline 4s, while 335is are boosted inline 6s. Any person that says a chip can compensate either has no idea what they are talking about, or has a crazy butt dyno and no car sense.
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Everyone want the Lexus to have as much power as that BMW/MB/Audi/Caddy/Buick, and at a significant price advantage from the Germans at least. Nothing comes for free. If you can have only 3 of Luxury, Reliability, Power or Price. Lexus provides Luxury, Reliability and Price. The others give up at least one or even more of those attributes.
250T would be a 2.5L Turbo, and it better be making more than 300 hp lol
Everyone want the Lexus to have as much power as that BMW/MB/Audi/Caddy/Buick, and at a significant price advantage from the Germans at least. Nothing comes for free. If you can have only 3 of Luxury, Reliability, Power or Price. Lexus provides Luxury, Reliability and Price. The others give up at least one or even more of those attributes.
And you're right, with power comes issues. One will always follow the other.
As for the pair of 3, I'm not sure it applies to all. With Cadillac, you only get Power and Price, I've never seen a Cadillac I felt was "luxury".






