[Henchster]

Agreed. If the money spent on "alternative products" had been spent on internal combustion development, we could have a small supercharged, turbo-diesel inline four cyclinder engine of about 1 litre that when mated to a constant velocity or electronically controlled gearbox, would easily get 100 MPG and provide sufficient power to motivate a medium sized car, or even a small minivan.

It would be reliable, use existing technology, not require an improvement to the power grid or new fueling stations, and could be worked on by existing shops.

As a friend says, it's too godd an idea to ever be implemented.

[wita]

I think one of the big surprises in the racing world is the turbo charged or is it supercharged, can't remember which, Audi diesel race car that won Sebring 12 hour, and Lemans 24 hour races. Never knew a diesel could run like that. How about for airplane use in the small plane category. The uses are unlimited. Develop what makes sense and uses current technology not as in the case of enviro's who want technology before it's time. An oxymoron if ever there was one.

[Rate_Determining_Step]

Superchargers are not a contributor to the goal of efficiency. Turbos are the way to go. There have been very few turbo/supercharger dual forced induction cars and none that were production if I recall correctly.

Diesels generally do well in the torque low-end department so that's another reason a supercharger would be redundant and wasteful. Your 1 liter theoretical engine size does make for a challenge, but you also mention a cv transmission. If you can get 2500-3000 rpm, then a turbo will provide the necessary power.

Bottom line, superchargers are an inferior technology except in two areas. Controlled boost and no holds barred boost. So, you'll see TRD selling superchargers because they won't boost above 8 PSI and not cause significant warranty claims caused by overboosting. And you'll see them in top fuel where the 600HP parasitical drag is acceptable when the hemi engine ends up putting out 3000 HP.