Japan’s IHI develops world's smallest turbocharger
December 31st, 1969
Rising oil prices and a push by governments around the world for tougher emissions standards has got carmakers desperately looking for ways of maintaining performance while reducing fuel consumption. Some of the solutions used already include direct-injection and cylinder-deactivation technologies but one proven method has been around with us for decades and that’s turbocharging.
Carmakers have reignited the love affair with the turbocharger, a technology that was first used by mainstream manufacturers as far back as the 1960s, but the turbo systems of today are markedly different to the units used in the past. Modern turbos are much smaller than their forbearers. Instead of being a performance mod to boost power and torque, modern turbos are there to save fuel. Being small also has the advantage of eliminating dreaded ‘turbo lag,’ the time between the moment you press your foot on the accelerator and the point at which the turbo’s added boost kicks in.
In keeping with that trend, Japan’s IHI Corp has now announced that it has developed the world’s smallest turbocharger for use in cars. The design is about 20% smaller than existing models and will be first used in a range of new Daihatsu minicars. IHI also supplies turbochargers to numerous European carmakers, including BMW and Mercedes, so it won’t be long until we see similar pint-sized blowers in even more cars.
Rising oil prices and a push by governments around the world for tougher emissions standards has got carmakers desperately looking for ways of maintaining performance while reducing fuel consumption. Some of the solutions used already include direct-injection and cylinder-deactivation technologies but one proven method has been around with us for decades and that’s turbocharging.
Carmakers have reignited the love affair with the turbocharger, a technology that was first used by mainstream manufacturers as far back as the 1960s, but the turbo systems of today are markedly different to the units used in the past. Modern turbos are much smaller than their forbearers. Instead of being a performance mod to boost power and torque, modern turbos are there to save fuel. Being small also has the advantage of eliminating dreaded ‘turbo lag,’ the time between the moment you press your foot on the accelerator and the point at which the turbo’s added boost kicks in.
In keeping with that trend, Japan’s IHI Corp has now announced that it has developed the world’s smallest turbocharger for use in cars. The design is about 20% smaller than existing models and will be first used in a range of new Daihatsu minicars. IHI also supplies turbochargers to numerous European carmakers, including BMW and Mercedes, so it won’t be long until we see similar pint-sized blowers in even more cars.
Japan’s IHI develops world's smallest turbocharger
February 4th, 2008
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February 4th, 2008
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February 4th, 2008
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Carmakers have reignited the love affair with the turbocharger, a technology that was first used by mainstream manufacturers as far back as the 1960s, but the turbo systems of today are markedly different to the units used in the past. Modern turbos are much smaller than their forbearers. Instead of being a performance mod to boost power and torque, modern turbos are there to save fuel. Being small also has the advantage of eliminating dreaded ‘turbo lag,’ the time between the moment you press your foot on the accelerator and the point at which the turbo’s added boost kicks in.
In keeping with that trend, Japan’s IHI Corp has now announced that it has developed the world’s smallest turbocharger for use in cars. The design is about 20% smaller than existing models and will be first used in a range of new Daihatsu minicars. IHI also supplies turbochargers to numerous European carmakers, including BMW and Mercedes, so it won’t be long until we see similar pint-sized blowers in even more cars.
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Comments (6 total)
Meet the top commenters on the LeaderboardBy Adam #1, Posted: 2/4/2008
So it's about the size of an average sized orange. Or a lemon or so.
By Johnny #2, Posted: 2/4/2008
How much boost can it put out?
By Jim #3, Posted: 2/5/2008
so the N54 uses these?
By chris #4, Posted: 2/5/2008
man i dont know what all the complaint is about turbo lag, my XR4Ti doesnt get any boost until 3,000 RPM, and thats provided you're flooring it. But let me tell you, there is no feeling like a small RWD car with a straight 4 banger turboing to the point where the whole car shakes.
and yes, i've kicked it at 150kmph. do NOT downshift to pass. DO NOT.
By turbo2 #5, Posted: 2/5/2008
What is the model name of this turbocharger, anybody know?
By ohmy #6, Posted: 2/5/2008
aww chris if you dont, then wheres the fun in taht....haha
small turbos to improve gas....wit my driving style.....um i prolly dont fit into that category
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