SuperTurbo

[SilverJester]

Not really sure if this is the right forum to post this in, if not feel free to move it:

New VW engine packs a One-Two Punch; 2006 Golf gets SuperTurbo system

Posted Date: 8/23/05

Volkswagen will reach into the past for a combined supercharger-turbocharger system to boost power and fuel economy in its small gasoline engines.

The system, dubbed SuperTurbo Compounding by supercharger supplier Eaton, eliminates turbo lag while boosting overall power and fuel economy by 15 to 20 percent. Eaton, the apparent supplier of the supercharger for the engine, says a car fitted with the system will likely be shown at the upcoming Frankfurt show.

Engineers have combined superchargers and turbochargers in the past, most notably in World War II-era aircraft to avoid engine power losses at higher altitudes. Automotive applications have been limited, but include an Abarth-developed system used on the 1985 Lancia Delta S4 rally car.

Today’s computers make the complex induction system seamless in the new application, which uses a mechanical supercharger operating at low engine speeds to increase low-end torque, and a turbocharger engaging at middling revs to provide added muscle up high. Once the turbo reaches sufficient speed to provide boost, a clutch disengages the supercharger and an induction valve closes, bypassing the supercharger.

VW’s plans call for widespread use of the system, starting with a 1.4-liter direct-injection engine that is expected to debut in the 2006 Golf before heading into other VW models.

Two different versions of the 1.4-liter engine are planned. In standard guise the four-valve-per-cylinder unit kicks out 140 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with a more performance-oriented variant producing 170 hp and 199 lb-ft. By comparison, VW’s existing 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 150 hp and 148 lb-ft.

Also under way at VW are more powerful 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter versions of the supercharged/turbocharged engine with a rumored 195 hp and 240 hp, respectively.

Eaton officials said the system will initially appear on cars in Europe where it is expected to compete with turbodiesel engines. The system also could be fitted to diesels, but its future in the North American market could depend on fuel prices and demands for bigger engines.

“In the U.S., displacement is still king,” said one Eaton exec.

[trythefly]

now thats going to be an interesting setup for people to play with

[Spyder]

now thats going to be an interesting setup for people to play with

there have been a few cars like that, even here in the US. when people upgrade them they simply remove the supercharger and go from there with a larger turbo, there comes a point where it doesnt help anymore..

[IndianStig]

Old. I knew this along time ago. I have a great design for something like this, just need to test it. Any really good engine makers on IA???

[HiPSI]

there have been a few cars like that, even here in the US. when people upgrade them they simply remove the supercharger and go from there with a larger turbo, there comes a point where it doesnt help anymore..

well, the system they talked about in the article was a bit more advanced than the usual "twincharging" that people have done. this one at least uses a bypass for the supercharger up high, so in essence you could still keep the supercharger stock to aid in low-end power and replace the turbo for a larger one to make more power on the changeover, but it sounds like it would be a bit odd getting it to changeover right and all that crap.

[99SI]

Dave Coleman discussed this very theory in SCC not too long ago. It doesn't seem to provide enough of an advantage to merit it. Maybe those crazy Germans can make it worthwhile. It seems though that with the advancements in turbo and supercharger technology and design that one or the other would be good enough.

[2rudelude]

My brother actually told me about this his friend that stay there in Colorado up in the mountains. Supposidly he has a 04 Evo with a SuperTurbo on it, he was saying simply because the air is different up in the mountains the lag on the turbo is crazy. But since he got the (im not sure of the name) lets say SuperTurbo theres no lag because the supercharger will run untill the turbo kicks in. I havent really researched into it but I could imagine what quality of Boost that'll push out