Turbo lag refers to the delay between the time the driver presses the accelerator and the time the turbocharger kicks in to supply the extra air pressure needed for the engine to produce more power. This delay can be significant and can affect the car’s overall performance in several ways.
Firstly, the delay can reduce acceleration performance, making the car feel sluggish and unresponsive until the turbo kicks in. Secondly, it can affect the engine’s overall efficiency and fuel economy, as the engine may need to work harder to compensate for the delay. Finally, turbo lag can also affect the car’s handling, as the delay in power delivery can cause unpredictable behavior when accelerating out of corners or when changing lanes.
To reduce turbo lag, some manufacturers have implemented turbocharger systems with smaller turbines or twin-scroll designs that reduce the delay in power delivery. Additionally, some car manufacturers use other technologies such as superchargers, electric motors, or hybrid powertrains to reduce the lag and provide instant power delivery.