upgrading

Upgrading, in its simplest terms, means to improve something or move it to a higher rank or position. This can apply to making a service better, such as a restaurant improving its customer service, or to a person's status, like being promoted to a supervisor.1

In the context of engineering, particularly in automotive design, upgrading refers to the continuous improvement of systems like the engine, chassis, and emission controls. These advancements are driven by factors such as technological breakthroughs, safety legislation, and market competition. For example, mandated safety and emission-control requirements have led to increased costs for new cars due to the addition of complex components like catalytic converters.2