The Torque Dip.
 

Why is it there? What is the reasoning behind it's existence?

What I want to know is why I don't feel it that intensely. Everyone says it's so bad but I don't see it that way. I have some bolt ons which helps but still never thought it was drastic. Maybe I'm just a noob? It is my first rwd sports car

Goddamnit...

Punch it at 3k in like 4th.. It will feel sluggish until you hit 4.5k, when you exclaim.. Oh, there it is. If you don't go wide open throttle you may not notice it.

What is Air, and why do we breath it?

That thread is old, surely the community has learned more about the causes of it by now.

My conspiracy theory is that this car is meant to be driven in "high rev", and by coming out of the "torque dip" around 4k rpm, it pulls harder, thus feeling like a V kicking in.

I have the BRZedit tune on my car, so it pulls even harder from 4K, and I purposely hang around 3.5k RPM, then slowly punch it out to 4k RPM to get that extra "jolt" for fun.

Flame away...

But I compare our motor to like Honda Vtecs. They're gutless until vtec activates. Seems as though after 4500rpm, the "vtec" or "direct injection for more power" is activated to really bring the power on. The flat spot seems to be the transitioning period.

I'm just talking outta my ass but that's what I'm thinking this all may be...

$0.02

My conspiracy theory is better corporate CAFE numbers and stimulation of the aftermarket economy (TRD, STI, etc.) plus leaving room for the more powerful upgrade in 2015.

The fact that people can add parts and/or tune it out shows it's not a problem inherent to the engine's design. That tells me it was put there on purpose.

Well my conspiracy theory is that the torque dip exists due to the presence of fairies in your engine.

Just get a good header then tune your car properly and this won't be an issue. If you aren't going to do that, then you really shouldn't be worrying about any torque dip.

It has been discussed many times. A search will reveal lengthy discussions on the topic. Short answer, the stock header is shit and kills scavenging in the dip area.

Because throttle mapping. With throttle angles less than WOT the dip is masked by the dbw system requesting more throttle open angle in the dip area. Go WOT before or in the middle of the dip and you will feel it.