Maximum torque was increased slightly, but more important, that torque became available at lower engine speeds.
This gearing, combined with the broad torque band -- the motor produces its maximum torque all the way from 2,500 to 4,000 r.p.m. -- gives the car exceptional elasticity in second gear.
Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors achieve maximum torque almost instantly.
Electric motors produce maximum torque from a standing start, which can mean great performance.
An internal-combustion engine, by contrast, produces maximum torque only at certain speeds.
And the torque curve is approximately flat (maximum torque is at just 4,000 r.p.m ., so the XR1200 pulls willingly from just above idle all the way up to the engine's redline.
The SHO's maximum torque is available at only 1,500 r.p.m., so acceleration is strong and instantaneous.
More important, the modern little engine -- it has five valves for each cylinder -- produces maximum torque (162 foot-pounds) at a surprisingly low 2,200 r.p.m.
Adding a turbocharger to the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine raises the horsepower to 178, from 142, and the maximum torque to 166 pounds-feet, from 125.
The greater displacement, complemented by improvements in both the air-intake system and the electronics, also raised the maximum torque by 25percentto to a hefty 225 foot-pounds.
