What happens to engine torque as the RPM increases?

As the RPM (revolutions per minute) of an engine increases, engine torque typically increases as well, up to a certain point. This is due to the design and characteristics of an internal combustion engine. As RPM rises, the engine has more power to generate torque because the fuel-air mixture is being burned more frequently, which produces more energy.

In the lower RPM range, torque tends to be higher because the engine has more time to build pressure and combustion is more effective at lower speeds. However, as RPM continues to increase, the torque will reach a peak value before it begins to decline after a certain RPM, often attributed to factors such as engine design limitations, the air-fuel mixture becoming less efficient, and other mechanical constraints.

Understanding the relationship between engine speed (RPM) and torque is crucial for drivers, especially when operating vehicles with manual transmissions, as it influences gear selection and overall driving performance.