Booster Online

US: Heading for a Turbocharged Future

Posted 01.09.2011

• 
• 
• • 
  • Share this on:
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • Facebook
  • delicious
  • reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • MySpace!
  • Twitter
  

The rapid adoption of turbo technology among automotive manufacturers for vehicles destined for the US is being driven by tighter CAFE standards and by a changing consumer mindset that demands cars to combine the best of both worlds – better fuel economy and great fun-to-drive responsiveness.

Turbocharging is one of the most important advanced technologies now at the disposal of engine design teams – specified around the world, and particularly across Europe, for its ability to convert otherwise wasted exhaust gas into energy that can be used to enhance performance on the road, improve fuel economy and control emissions.

As a result, turbo penetration in the US is set to grow from 5% today to 20% of all new cars over the next five years, led by a rapid uptake in new generation turbo gasoline powertrains. Longer term, this figure will likely reach around 80%, as turbo-hybrids and modern clean turbodiesels also gain traction.

The tell-tale signs of this turbo revolution are clear to see – notably at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where a whole new cohort of exciting turbocharged passenger cars are lining up to capture the imagination of American consumers.

“Auto manufacturers increasingly see turbocharging as an effective, proven and cost competitive solution for delivering downsized engines that improve fuel efficiency without any compromise in performance,” says David Paja, Vice President, Global Marketing for Honeywell Turbo Technologies. “The future for turbo gasoline and diesel engines in the US has never been brighter.”

Indeed Ford, which launched the groundbreaking Honeywell turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine two years ago, says that 90% of its entire future vehicles will benefit from the turbo advantage. At the same time, Chevy, Mercedes and BMW are all contributing to the turbo boom in the US by showcasing turbo gasoline vehicles – and turbo gasoline hybrids – at the Detroit Auto Show.

What’s surprising many industry and media pundits is the fact that turbocharged passenger cars can actually outperform their hybrid counterparts when it comes to fuel efficiency…as well as exhibiting better responsiveness on the road. For example, the Cruze Eco – equipped with the first 1.4L engine tooled by GM in the US – delivers class-leading 42 mpg highway rating from the EPA with the help of Honeywell gasoline turbo technology. Critically, it significantly outpaces several midsized hybrid sedans in highway fuel economy ratings – and at lower cost.

Honeywell is in prime position to support the US gas turbo boom with a strong manufacturing footprint and full engineering capabilities in North America.

Today, the company is working with the broadest range of carmakers marketing turbocharged gasoline cars to American consumers, including BMW, Daimler, Ford, and GM. At the same time, Honeywell’s collaboration with other key OEMs is expected to bring more gasoline turbo vehicles to the US – such as the Honeywell-boosted Fiat 1.4 MultiAir engine, which Fiat is planning to introduce in the US in the near future.

Following the launch of Honeywell’s first generation gasoline turbo technology, the company is ready to release its next generation technologies over the next three years. The latest gas turbo innovations from Honeywell will deliver step improvement in fuel efficiency, materials, bearings and other advanced concepts.

“We are very excited about the promising turbo prospect in the US and about playing a key part in this growing trend,” says David Paja. “You can say that we’re bringing turbo back to where it all began…and now it’s truly in step with the future.”