Chipping (a nerds theory)

[adzy]

From what I have found over the years, when we see a diferent model come out with 10 - 30 more kw than it's predecessor, the gains are acheived most of the time by comprehensive hardware upgrades to the engine and rarely just 'software' updates alone.
For example; look at the F6 Typhoon vs the XR6T or the GTI vs the Pirelli. You could easily acheive the higher numbers of torque and power with tuning and extra psi, though the manafacturers will upgrade rods, compressor and turbine housing A/R ratios, valve springs etc. as the engine must still be reliable over the long term.
However I have (rarely) seen the opposite, mainly with models which make more power over seas and they are then suffocated for our market mainly due to our emmisions laws. In this case the simple software update releasses the cork from the cars backside with no hardware needed in order to maintain reliability.

[gldgti]

Another local example is the Alfa Romeo Brera. It's V6 engine is identical to the Holden HFv6 engine but it's piston stroke is reduced to give it a higher redline and it's (i think) 3.2L capacity.

On of the guy's in my office was one of the powertrain engineers at Holden during the development of this engine and just before he left, they were getting figures around the 290kW mark, naturally aspirated and with stock internals with good reliability figures. This was a 60kW increase on software alone, the other 40kW came from a freer breathing head design they bolted on.

Remember that car manufacturers are working on the cars right now that will reach the market in 5yrs time, so with the same engine internals etc, would the consumer be happy with the same power as 5 yrs ago?? Look at HSV and that LS1 engine and how it started life at 250kW and finished at 300kW on software alone.....

just a point of interest - the LS1 started at 220kw and finished at 270kw. the LS1 in the GTS 300 has different heads, cams, valves, pistons and runs a MAF-less tune.

[adzy]

just a point of interest - the LS1 started at 220kw and finished at 270kw. the LS1 in the GTS 300 has different heads, cams, valves, pistons and runs a MAF-less tune.

Exactly