NJRickD

Turbos Get Boost as Gas Prices Rise

Situation
1. Turbochargers being re-examined as offset for climbing US gas prices
2. Already standard on most diesel engines, now being studied for non-diesel vehicles
3. RL Polk data shows 4.1% of all new cars had turbo engines in 2003 -- 317,603 units
4. 43% of all Europe's cars are turbo-ized, mostly for diesels
5. Honeywell Turbo Tech VP Martin Verschoor sees 45 mpg, turbos cut fuel use 10%-20%
6. US automakers wonder if buyers will accept turbos after torque-rich V-8s, large V-6s

Significant Points
1. Latest generation of turbos are quieter, lack "turbo gap" during acceleration
2. Ford powertrain engineer Dan Kapp frowns on turbos, but is rethinking the idea
3. Addition of $300-$500 to cost of smaller car/SUV is anti-turbo factor
4. Use of premium gas grade recommended for turbos is another debit factor
5. GM had turbos back in 1962 w/ Chevy Corvair/Olds Jetfire - used recycled exhaust gas

Sia Bani

Interesting. Especially the part about how we want torque rich v8s. (or chipped biturbos ;-D )