Why Are All Cars Now Turbocharged?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons for adopting turbocharging: 1. From the basic principle of exhaust gas turbocharging technology, it uses the kinetic energy of exhaust emissions to increase intake air pressure, achieving greater power output based on a smaller cylinder volume. Modern engines with turbos maintain power without reduction while decreasing displacement, and smaller displacement also reduces friction losses from components like pistons and valves. 2. Higher power output from smaller displacement leads to slightly lower fuel consumption. Replacing mediocre naturally aspirated engines with turbocharged ones brings improvements and can also increase sales prices and after-sales profits. 3. Policies. Policies are an objective reality; under the global warming environment, it is inevitable for countries to introduce fuel consumption-related regulations. 4. Displacement tax.
I guess you're curious why naturally aspirated engines are rarely seen in new cars these days? It's mainly due to increasingly strict emission regulations worldwide. I checked the data recently and found that the EU requires new cars to have CO2 emissions below 95g/km. Small-displacement turbocharged engines happen to maintain power while reducing displacement. For example, a car that originally used a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine can now achieve 180 horsepower with a 1.5T engine, while reducing fuel consumption by about 15%. Automakers have to do this to meet standards, otherwise they'd face hefty environmental fines. Of course, turbo lag is still somewhat annoying, but current twin-scroll technology has improved it significantly.
