Turbocharged engines have become the order of the day, and almost every Indian automotive manufacturer has cars with this engine unit. But how efficient are these? Also, do you know all the turbocharged engine pros and cons?
If youve not been living under a rock, then you must have come across the words - Turbocharged engines. But what are these engines? To put it simply, turbocharged engines use small turbines that force more fresh air to the combustion chamber that creates boost , which in turn produces more power. The boosted air inside the chamber has more pressure than normal atmospheric pressure and that in turn helps produce more power.
Turbocharged engines not only produce more power on paper when compared to naturally aspirated motors but are also much more fuel-efficient. With emission norms becoming more stringent day by day, most automakers are fitting in smaller turbocharged engines to meet the emission requirements. These engines can be availed with all types of cars, including pick-ups.
But just like anything else, even a turbocharged engine comes with its own set of pros and cons:
Pros
Works with all types of fuel
Turbochargers can be fitted to both petrol and diesel engines, which makes them versatile equipment. This helps vehicles of all types and make to have more powerful engines, without compromising on their fuel efficiency. For example, many pick-up truck manufacturers like Ford or Chevrolet now equip their big pick-up trucks with turbocharged V6 engines, besides their naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8s. Even the recently launched new Mahindra XUV 700 gets a 197 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes it one of the strongest in its segment.
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Fuel Efficiency
The advantage of the power that a turbocharged engine comes with, makes it convenient to fit it with smaller capacity engines. This in turn helps the engineers offer a powerful engine with commendable fuel economy figures. The extra power comes from the extra air that the turbochargers suck in, and it is not dependent on the quality or quantity of fuel that is shot into the combustion chamber.
More power without upgrading
Turbochargers primarily work on gases, and it also utilises exhaust gases - gases that would otherwise go to waste. So, theres nothing to lose when you get a car fitted with a turbocharged engine. Thus making this unit a bit environmentally friendly as well.
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Smaller Engine - More Space and Less Weight
Did we mention this before? The additional power that one gets from a turbocharged engine allows automakers to fit it to engines with small capacity or smaller engines. This means that the space a smaller engine takes makes it much more practical and an economical choice, as well, for maintenance cost is significantly lesser than the bigger engines.
Better Power Delivery
Unlike a naturally aspirated engine, which gets a linear power curve, engines with turbochargers deliver much more top-end horsepower and that makes them more powerful at the same time. Thus models fitted with a turbocharged engine have improved quarter-mile timing. So, if youre in the market looking for an i20 Turbo, dont think much. Go for it, you will not be disappointed.
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Cons
Turbochargers are expensive
If you go through the brochure properly, you will notice that turbocharged vehicles are expensive than cars with naturally aspirated engines. This is because of the complicated nature of the build. Moreover, the turbocharged unit also requires some additional equipment that shoots up the prices of these cars.
Inflates Maintenance Cost
Because there are many other components that come along with a turbocharged engine, like the turbine, compressor, and bearing system that supports the turbine system. All these additional equipment shoots up the maintenance cost as well, hence, people with turbocharged cars should be extra cautious when driving a turbocharged engine.
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The Curse of Pre-Ignition
Turbochargers increase the atmospheric pressure inside the combustion chamber, and that runs the risk of a phenomenon called pre-ignition. This happens when raw fuels ignite before the spark plug can do so. When accelerating hard, the engine's pressure spikes up immensely and that increases the chance of pre-ignition. It's the reason why many auto-manufacturers additionally provide knock sensors and software that help prevent pre-ignition by detecting it at early stages and sprays additional fuel which in turn reduces the fuel efficiency.
Need for Premium Fuel
Because of the chances of pre-ignition, many automakers make it a mandate for some cars to only premium fuel. Higher Octane petroleum is more resistant to pre-ignition, and that makes them well-suited in small, engines with high compressions. This is the reason why most modern turbocharged engine only uses premium gasoline.
Driving Behaviour needs changes
If you have bought a car with a turbocharged engine, then chances you would want to accelerate hard. After all, thats what turbocharged vehicles are for. But then again, you will also have to keep in mind, that the extra power is produced from additional air pressure inside the chamber, so there is already added pressure to the engine. Occasional accelerations are okay, but if you abuse this potential then chances are you are going to bring in additional cost and headache.
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So, as exciting as it may seem, a turbocharged engine has both pros and cons. Though most modern turbocharged engines can be classified as fairly reliable, the complexity of the design does raise repair costs. If not maintained and taken care of properly - the engines life will be cut short. So, the next time you want to go for a turbocharged engine make sure you will have the necessary resources to keep up with in later stages.
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