Volvo's new engine: Turbocharger? Supercharger? What is this thing?

Valeo calls its device, left, an electric supercharger. It uses an electric motor -- not exhaust gasses -- to spin the impeller. A traditional supercharger looks like the one from Eaton, middle. It is driven by a fan belt connected to the front of the engine. Turbocharges like the one made by Honeywell, right, have an exhaust gas driven turbine on one side and an impeller on the other.

October 14, 2014 05:00 AM

BLOG06_150139987_V1_-1_NKQUWBQJUVAD.jpg Richard Truett covers engineering for Automotive News

Perhaps you saw the news last week about an experimental engine under development at Volvo. It’s a 2.0-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder that cranks out an amazing 450 horsepower.

Featured Stories

Pre-tariff stampede delivers double-digit retail gains in March

Top 150 dealership groups continue to grow strategically and consolidate the industry

Here’s our list of the 2025 Top 150 dealership groups

Detroit 3 executives press Trump to temper tariffs as deadline approaches

Latest News

Toyota buyers said to face long waits amid hybrid boom

Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor and Changan Auto hold merger talks

HYUNDAI-GENESIS Q1: Sales up 11% on demand for crossovers, mix of powertrains

Subaru Q1 sales up 9.1% with March the brand’s best month ever

Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.

See More in Columns

Dealership groups on 2025 top 150 list compete, consolidate and grow together

Column: Forecast calls for another cruel April in the auto industry

Guest commentary: How Trump tariffs would destroy 60 years of auto-industry progress in three countries

Column: The auto industry discovers Trump is serious about tariffs after all

Staying current is easy with newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.