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Supercharger

Car culture term

Supercharger
Photo: Robbie Sproule from Montreal, Canada / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

What is Supercharger?

A supercharger uses engine power (via a belt) to drive a compressor, forcing more air into the engine. Faster response than turbo but less efficient.

Supercharger is a forced induction device driven by engine power (typically through a belt off the crankshaft) rather than by exhaust gas. The supercharger compresses air and forces it into the engine intake, similar to a turbocharger, but the mechanical drive provides immediate response with no lag. The trade-off is reduced efficiency (the engine is using its own power to drive the supercharger) compared to turbocharging.

Supercharger types include Roots-style (compact, high airflow at low speeds, common on muscle cars and pickup trucks), twin-screw (more efficient than Roots, used in many modern factory applications), and centrifugal (looks similar to a turbocharger but is belt-driven, common in aftermarket kits). Each type has different characteristics suited to specific engine and use cases.

Notable supercharged production cars include the Dodge Hellcat (Hellcat Hemi 6.2 supercharged V8), Ford Mustang GT500 (5.2 V8 with supercharger), Cadillac CTS-V (LSA and LT4 supercharged V8s), Jaguar F-Type R (5.0 supercharged V8), and Range Rover Sport SVR (5.0 supercharged V8). Older Mercedes-Benz Kompressor (M113K supercharged V8) and Audi 3.0T (V6 supercharged) extended the formula across European luxury and performance brands.

Related terms

TurboNaturally aspiratedBOV

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between turbo and supercharger?
Both compress intake air for more power. Turbocharger is exhaust-driven and parasitic on exhaust energy; supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine. Turbos are more efficient (use otherwise-wasted exhaust energy) but have lag. Superchargers respond immediately but consume engine power.
Why do American muscle cars often use superchargers?
Cultural and engineering reasons. American V8s benefit from supercharger immediate response. The fitment of a Roots-style supercharger on top of a V8 has become a visual signature. Cost can also favor superchargers for low-volume applications (no exhaust manifold engineering required as for a turbo).
Are supercharged engines reliable?
Modern factory superchargers are generally reliable. Common maintenance includes the supercharger nose drive (a known wear item on Hellcat Hemi engines), the supercharger belt, and the intercooler system. Aftermarket supercharger kits can have additional concerns related to installation quality.
Can you have both a turbo and a supercharger?
Yes. Twincharger configurations (one supercharger plus one turbocharger) exist in some production cars. The supercharger provides low-rpm boost without lag; the turbocharger provides high-rpm boost more efficiently. Volkswagen 1.4 TSI Twincharger and the original Lancia Delta S4 are examples. The complexity is significant.
How much power does a supercharger add?
Similar range to turbocharging: typically 30-100% over the same engine naturally aspirated. The Hellcat 6.2 V8 makes 717-797 horsepower with the supercharger, versus around 450-470 in similar naturally aspirated tunes. Aftermarket supercharger kits typically add 100-200 horsepower depending on application.

Supercharger on the blog

Every Koenigsegg model in order, from six CC8S cars to the CCGT1
Every Koenigsegg model in order, from six CC8S cars to the CCGT1

Koenigsegg's road cars run from the six-car CC8S of 2002 to the CCGT1 of 2026. Here is every model in order, with production counts and engines from Koenigsegg itself, covering the CCX, Agera, One:1, Regera, Jesko, Gemera, CC850, and Sadair's Spear.

The supercharged Hellcat V8 is reportedly coming back to the Dodge Charger
The supercharged Hellcat V8 is reportedly coming back to the Dodge Charger

Reports from Automotive News and Mopar Insiders say Dodge plans a Charger SRT Hellcat with the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi for the 2028 model year, built from late 2027 in two-door and four-door form. Dodge says it doesn't comment on future products.

Did the Lotus Elise have a Toyota engine?
Did the Lotus Elise have a Toyota engine?

Yes. Lotus started putting Toyota engines in the Elise in 2004, and Toyota power stayed until production ended in December 2021. The first Elises used a Rover K-Series. Here are the Toyota engines Lotus used, the Toyotas they came from, and why the switch happened.

Doug DeMuro's Ford GT is up for auction, and bidding has hit $500,000
Doug DeMuro's Ford GT is up for auction, and bidding has hit $500,000

Doug DeMuro has listed a Midnight Blue 2005 Ford GT on Cars & Bids with no reserve. Bidding hit $500,000 within days, and the auction ends live at Willow Springs on October 17. DeMuro says the plan is to buy a 2006 Ford GT Heritage next.

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