The History of Twin Charging: The Perfect Solution for Turbo Lag

🏁Twin charging, combining supercharging and turbocharging, solves the issue of turbo lag and provides power throughout the entire RPM range.

💪Lancia and Abarth introduced twin charging in the 1980s with their Delta S4 rally car, revolutionizing the Group B era.

🔥Twin charging's benefits include increased power, improved efficiency, and better throttle response.

⚙️However, twin charging adds complexity and introduces potential reliability issues due to the additional components.

🏎️Twin charging's legacy lives on, but modern turbocharger advancements and electronic controls have made it less common in recent years.

What is twin charging?

—Twin charging is a technique that combines supercharging and turbocharging to overcome turbo lag and provide consistent power throughout the RPM range.

Why was twin charging popular in the 1980s?

—Twin charging became popular in the 1980s as it offered a solution to the issue of turbo lag, providing immediate power and improved throttle response.

What are the benefits of twin charging?

—Twin charging offers increased power, improved efficiency, and better throttle response compared to naturally aspirated engines.

Does twin charging have any drawbacks?

—Yes, twin charging adds complexity to the engine and can introduce potential reliability issues due to the additional components involved.

Is twin charging still used in modern cars?

—While twin charging is less common in modern cars, advancements in turbocharger design and electronic controls have made it less necessary.

00:01Turbocharging solves the issue of power loss in high-altitude areas, but it introduces turbo lag. Supercharging provides immediate power but has parasitic loss. Twin charging combines the benefits of both.

00:50Lancia and Abarth introduced twin charging in the 1980s with their Delta S4 rally car. It had a 1.8-liter engine producing over 1000 horsepower and was a pioneer in Group B racing.

02:07Twin charging offers increased power, improved efficiency, and better throttle response. However, it adds complexity to the engine and has potential reliability issues.

06:31The Delta S4 and Nissan March Super Turbo were notable twin charge production cars. Twin charging's popularity declined due to advancements in turbocharger design and electronic controls.

09:59Twin charging was a revolutionary solution to turbo lag in the days before sophisticated electronic controls. Its legacy still lives on, though it is less common in modern cars.