How does a turbocharger increase engine performance?

A turbocharger significantly enhances engine performance by utilizing exhaust gas energy to compress the intake air. When an engine operates, it produces exhaust gases as a byproduct of burning fuel. A turbocharger captures these exhaust gases and channels them to a turbine, which spins and drives a compressor. The compressor increases the pressure of the intake air before it enters the combustion chamber.

This process results in a denser air mixture containing more oxygen, allowing the engine to burn more fuel more efficiently. Consequently, the engine can produce more power without increasing engine displacement. The overall effect is improved horsepower and efficiency, making turbocharged engines popular in both performance and fuel-efficient applications. Thus, the key mechanism behind enhanced performance lies in the ability of the turbocharger to leverage exhaust energy to compress intake air.