A turbocharger works (traditionally) by using engine exhaust to spin up a turbine, which in turn compresses intake air, resulting in more thorough combustion and more power. But this means that at low speeds, there isn't enough exhaust speed to power the turbo. So when you punch the accelerator, there's a delay before the turbo spins up and the extra compression begins to kick in. Modern turbochargers are looking to minimize this delay by making the turbines lighter and more responsive, and by using electronically controlled timing to make the process more efficient. In the meantime, there's turbo lag, which makes Jeremy Clarkson grumpy (not that it takes much, really).
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Turbo Lag
A turbocharger works (traditionally) by using engine exhaust to spin up a turbine, which in turn compresses intake air, resulting in more thorough combustion and more power. But this means that at low speeds, there isn't enough exhaust speed to power the turbo. So when you punch the accelerator, there's a delay before the turbo spins up and the extra compression begins to kick in. Modern turbochargers are looking to minimize this delay by making the turbines lighter and more responsive, and by using electronically controlled timing to make the process more efficient. In the meantime, there's turbo lag, which makes Jeremy Clarkson grumpy (not that it takes much, really).
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You could always add an afterburner....
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