The Rise of the Turbocharged Engine

2011 Chevy Cruze

The turbocharged engine – for many years in the automotive world these were reserved for high-end, on-demand powered vehicles. But today turbocharged engines have finally gone mainstream. While these engines were originally found on vehicles such as the Porsche 911 way back the the 1970′s, many automakers have turned to this growing technology as a source of powerful fuel efficiency.  Turbochargers boost pressure in the engine, increasing torque and horsepower, while dropping fuel consumption. As the price of gasoline dropped and the availability of gasoline increased throughout the ’80′s, turbocharging became an added bonus for expensive vehicle owners who loved driving fast and hard. At this year’s New York International Auto Show, it was clear that the technology isn’t just being used for its get-up-and-go possibilities any more here in the United States, as high-performance turbocharged models were joined on the show floor by much more affordable, turbocharged models from automakers such as Chevrolet.

In fact, the use of the turbocharged engine has changed so much in the last decade that turbocharging could eventually become a standard feature on all gas engines. It may be a more expensive technology than the standard gasoline engine, but it offers customers what they want: more power and better fuel efficiency all together.

The Chevy Cruze might be the best example of where the technology is headed. Everything about this compact is geared towards fuel economy, including the standard Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which gets as estimated, hybrid-like 40 mpg on the highway. Topping out at 138 horsepower, Chevy claims that the power is there when you need it — the Eco delivers 148 lb-ft. torque at just 1800 rpm — but the 4-cylinder fuel efficiency is always there.