What is a Turbo Engine in Cars, and How Does it Work?

What is a Turbo Engine?

A turbo engine in cars is an internal combustion engine equipped with a turbocharger, a device that boosts engine power by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. Hence, these engines are also known as turbocharged engines. The primary purpose of a turbocharger is to enhance both performance and fuel efficiency. In simple terms, the turbo meaning refers to this forced induction technology that delivers more power without increasing engine size. In the following sections, you’ll learn how a turbo engine works in detail.

How Does a Turbo Engine Work in a Car?

First, it's crucial to understand what a turbo accomplishes to comprehend how a turbo engine operates. Simply put, the device helps the engine burn more fuel and generate more power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber through the turbocharger.

The turbocharger function relies on exhaust gases from the engine to spin a turbine, which then drives a compressor that pushes additional air into the engine. This process boosts engine performance and efficiency without increasing engine size. Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics of how a turbo engine delivers that extra power.

• A turbo comprises two major components: the turbine wheel and the compressor wheel.
   
• A shaft holds together the turbine and compressor wheel.
   
• The components are enclosed in a snail-shaped housing, with an inlet and exhaust port.
   
• The exhaust gases the engine produces enter the turbo’s inlet port at high pressure.
   
• The high-pressure air spins the turbine, and in turn, it spins the compressor wheel.
   
• When the compressor wheel spins, it draws in a large volume of air through the air intake.
   
• The compressed air is fed into the cylinders through a pipe and via an intercooler.
   
• The air will be hot due to the hot exhaust gases. An intercooler cools the air before it reaches the cylinders.
   
• Generally, a turbo has an oil cooling system since it runs at very high speeds.
   
• Some turbo systems also have a wastegate valve to divert excessive gases from the turbocharger if the engine produces too much exhaust gas.
   
• The wastegate valve prevents any damage to the turbine by controlling the rotational speed.

Apart from the turbocharger’s working mechanism, the rest works as a regular internal combustion engine. The only difference between a turbo engine is that it gets additional compressed air from the turbocharger to produce more power and enhanced efficiency.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Turbo Engine

Refer to the table below to understand some of the key advantages and disadvantages of turbo engines in cars, especially when compared to standard engines. This turbo vs naturally aspirated engine comparison will give you a clearer picture of their performance, efficiency, and long-term usability.

Difference Between Turbo Engine and Normal Engine

Now that you understand how a turbo engine in a car works, along with its pros and cons, the next obvious question is, how does it differ from a standard engine? This brings us to comparing a turbo engine vs a normal engine (also known as a naturally aspirated engine). Understanding these differences can help you decide which engine type better suits your driving needs and preferences.

The table below answers your questions related to the turbo engine vs the normal engine:

Turbocharger vs Supercharger: Which Is Better?

Here are some major differences between a turbocharger and a supercharger used in an internal combustion engine.

So, now the question is, which is better, a turbocharger or a supercharger? From a practical perspective, turbochargers are the way to go. They deliver a perfect blend of power and fuel efficiency, which most car buyers seek. Hence, car manufacturers use turbochargers in most modern cars.

On the other hand, superchargers are for outright power that comes at the cost of low fuel efficiency. They are best suited for high-end sports cars with high-capacity engines. In the world of performance/sports cars, fuel efficiency is thrown out the window. Hence, superchargers find a perfect home under the bonnet of such vehicles.

What is a Turbo-Petrol Engine?

A turbo-petrol engine is a petrol internal combustion engine fitted with a turbocharger. One of the main highlights of such engines is that they are more powerful and efficient than larger-capacity naturally aspirated petrol engines.

The turbocharger can draw more air and compress it before it reaches the cylinders. This makes a smaller petrol engine behave like a high-capacity engine due to the more powerful combustion. Hence, a smaller turbo-petrol engine can produce the same or more power than a high-capacity NA petrol engine.

What is a Turbocharged Diesel Engine?

A turbocharged diesel or turbo-diesel is an internal combustion diesel engine with a turbocharger that assists in providing compressed air for better combustion. The more efficient the fuel combustion, the more efficient and powerful the engine.

Hence, turbo-diesel engines produce more power and are also fuel-efficient. Turbochargers also help generate a superior torque curve compared to a naturally aspirated diesel engine.

Turbo Engine Oil and Its Usage

Engine oil in a turbocharged engine is also used to lubricate and cool the turbo. Yes, a turbo operates at very high RPMs and high temperatures. Without lubrication, the turbo could break down due to the high temperature and pressure. Hence, the oil is fed to the turbocharger, acting as a lubricant and coolant.

Lack of oil or any issues with oil supply lines can cause irreparable damage to the turbo. Similarly, any impurities in the engine oil can also damage the turbocharger components. So, one has to pay attention to the engine oil level and the quality of the oil to keep the engine and turbo in perfect condition.

What is a Twin-Turbo Engine, and How Is It Different?

A twin-turbo engine is a car engine with two turbochargers. The basic working of a turbocharger remains the same, except that two of them are working simultaneously to deliver compressed air into the combustion chamber. Twin-turbo engines produce almost double the power of naturally aspirated engines. You can find such setups in high-performance or modified cars.

The following points explain in more detail about a twin-turbo setup in an engine.

• There are two main types of twin-turbocharged engines based on their configuration: sequential and parallel twin-turbo engines.
   
• In a sequential setup, there are two turbochargers of different sizes.
   
• The smaller turbo is responsible for providing a boost at lower RPMs, while the larger turbo works at higher RPMs.
   
• In a sequential twin-turbo engine, one can experience more power lower down the rev range.
   
• In a parallel twin-turbo engine, both turbos are of the same size and operate simultaneously.
   
• Both the turbos perform equally by splitting the cylinders. For example, in a V6 engine, each turbocharger is responsible for three cylinders.
   
• In a parallel twin-turbo engine, there is considerably less turbo lag due to two turbos working simultaneously.

What is Turbo Lag, and How Do You Get Rid of It?

Turbo lag is a slight delay in response after you press the accelerator pedal. It happens because the engine is not producing enough exhaust gas to spin the turbo's turbine wheel fast enough.

Turbo lag occurs only when you drive aggressively or suddenly accelerate from a closed throttle position. So, turbo lag is not a big issue in a modern car, at least for everyday drivers.

Car manufacturers eliminate turbo lag by fitting two turbochargers to the engine. That's why twin-turbo engines are generally free from turbo lag. Another way to get rid of turbo lag is by using a supercharger. Since the engine power drives a supercharger, there is no lag in boost.

Tips to Make Turbo Cars More Efficient

A turbocharged engine is not all about power. Fuel efficiency also matters. Here are a few tips to enhance the fuel efficiency of a turbocharged engine car.

• Always maintain a low and constant speed while driving your turbocharged car. Drive at a comfortable cruising speed and constantly maintain that speed. An engine running at a constant and optimum RPM returns better fuel economy.
   
• Shift the gears early to a higher gear. Turbo engines produce more torque lower down the rev range. Hence, the more the RPM at lower gears, the more the fuel consumption. So, shifting to a higher gear as quickly as possible will help improve fuel efficiency.
   
• Learn to lift and coast while driving your turbo car. It’s nothing but getting off the throttle and allowing the vehicle to roll. The engine braking will slow down the car. You can apply this technique while stopping at a traffic light. But make sure that you anticipate the traffic before lifting and coasting.
   
• You may use high-quality fuel or premium fuel in your turbocharged car to extract the best fuel economy. High-quality fuel results in efficient combustion, and hence, the engine may return better mileage.
   
• Maintain the correct tyre pressure as recommended by the car manufacturer. Tyre pressure is often overlooked, but it impacts fuel efficiency. So, ensure that you maintain the optimum tyre pressure in your car.

What Should You Not Do With a Turbo Engine?

Turbo engines are powerful and efficient. However, the efficiency depends on how you drive your car. The following points explain what not to do while driving a turbo engine-powered car.

• Never turn on the engine and drive straight away. Always warm up the engine before you drive. Warming up allows the engine oil to come to an optimal operating temperature. A well-lubricated engine and turbo are essential for the engine to function efficiently.
   
• Do not shut down the engine immediately after you push the engine to its limits or drive aggressively. Allow some time (a few minutes) to cool down the essential fluids and then swift off the engine.
   
• Avoid lugging the engine by driving at a slower speed in higher gears. It puts a lot of stress on the engine components.
   
• Do not step on the throttle aggressively if there is a turbo lag. If you accelerate suddenly, the turbo will take a few seconds to spool up. But when it spools up, the sudden surge of power may catch you off guard, and you may lose control of the vehicle.
   
• Never use lower octane fuel in a turbocharged engine. Refer to the owner's manual and use the correct octane level fuel.

List of Best Turbo Engine Cars in India

Here’s a list of the best turbo engine cars you can buy in India. It shows the fuel type and price range for each model.

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