On March 3, Derive Efficiency hosted a track day for public and private fleets and the media, showing the differences in performance between a stock vehicle and one calibrated for optimum efficiency. The event took place at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

Attendees first learned how to calibrate a vehicle in 15 minutes, showing reduced engine RPM during idling. This was followed by road tests comparing calibrated and uncalibrated vehicles to solve problems of idling, speeding, harsh shifting, and jackrabbit acceleration.

The quarter-mile acceleration test on Ford Explorers and Chevrolet Tahoes showed how the vehicles can be calibrated to improve acceleration for law enforcement vehicles. Side-by-side, the calibrated vehicles consistently accelerated faster.

The road course had drivers taking Ford Taurus sedans down a demo route. The vehicle with optimized shift points showed improved drivability and responsiveness for police officers, without increasing horsepower and torque.

The payload test and speed limiter demo had a Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 each hauling 1,000 lbs. of sand. One vehicle was calibrated for a lower acceleration rate and speed limit of 40 mph. This demo showed the ability to limit jackrabbit starts without compromising overall power for improved fuel efficiency.

Public agencies that have used the software on their police fleets include the City of Orlando, Fla.; Port of St. Lucie, Fla.; and the City of Lakeland, Fla.