What is a turbocharged engine?

There's been a lot of talk in the news in the past few years regarding the new 2020 Toyota GR Supra. This much-loved sports car originated way back in the late 70s but was then retired in 2002. However, it was recently revived (to the excitement of drivers worldwide) and once again, is bringing a turbocharged engine to the table. However, what is a turbocharged engine and how does it affect your drive time? Toyota of Clermont is here with answers.

First, let's talk about what a turbocharged engine does - basically, it improves your Clermont Toyota's horsepower and fuel efficiency. How? By forced induction, or pushing extra compressed air into the combustion chamber of your car's engine. This causes extra fuel to be shuttled into the combustion chamber too, and this results in a boost of power because the fuel combusts at a faster rate than an engine that uses normal aspiration tactics.

The difference between supercharged and turbocharged engines 

However, turbocharged engines weren't always known as such. They were originally called turbosuperchargers because traditionally, any engine that used forced induction was called a supercharged engine. Today, the two types of engines are considered separate and Toyota of Clermont has a quick breakdown for you:

• Turbocharged engines use a turbine that is powered by the engine's exhaust gases; the turbine forces that extra compressed air into the combustion chamber. 
• Supercharged engines, on the other hand, use mechanical processes to force the compressed air into the combustion chamber. The most common one is a belt attached to a crankshaft. 

But do you want a turbocharger or a supercharger under the hood of your Clermont Toyota? Here are some perceived "drawbacks" of each to keep in mind: 

• Turbochargers have a bit of lag in between when you demand the increased power and when it actually delivers. Why? Because the turbine in these systems is powered by exhaust gases, and it takes a minute for them to build up (especially if you're idling or moving at slow speeds). 
• Superchargers put extra wear and tear on your engine. Remember, they're mechanically-driven by a crankshaft and a belt, so it can also heat things up to a hotter-than-normal temperature. 

Think you want to learn more about turbocharged engines? Want to see one in person? Visit Toyota of Clermont and check out the new Toyota Supra! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.