upgear

verb3

1. •
   To shift to a higher gear

   • The air-cooled two-cylinder engine is less obtrusive than one might expect, thanks to vacuum control which automatically upgears the car and holds down the speed of the 746-cc engine. — 1961
2. •
   To shift to a higher level or standard; upgrade

   • Cam will help but you'd need to upgear a tire size to capitalize on it. — 1981
3. •
   (figurative) To move to an elevated level of activity, performance, or intensity

   • The vicious cycle of repression was upgeared and intensified. — 1987