Turbólag

Turbólag, also known as turbo lag, is a phenomenon encountered in internal combustion engines equipped with a turbocharger. It refers to the delay between the driver's input, such as pressing the accelerator pedal, and the turbocharger delivering a significant increase in engine power. This delay occurs because the turbocharger relies on exhaust gases to spin its turbine. When the engine is at low RPM or the throttle is suddenly opened, there may not be enough exhaust gas flow to spool the turbine up to its effective operating speed quickly. Consequently, the engine responds with a noticeable pause before the turbocharger provides its full boost, leading to a less immediate acceleration.

Several factors contribute to turbólag. The inertia of the turbocharger's rotating assembly (turbine and compressor wheels) needs to be overcome. The size of the turbocharger also plays a role; larger turbos generally produce more power but take longer to spool up. Exhaust manifold design and the engine's exhaust gas volume at low engine speeds are also critical. Modern engine management systems and turbocharger technologies, such as variable geometry turbochargers (VGT) and twin-scroll turbos, have been developed to minimize turbólag. These technologies aim to improve exhaust gas flow to the turbine at lower engine speeds, reduce rotational inertia, or use smaller, faster-spinning turbos in conjunction with larger ones to provide boost across a wider RPM range. Despite advancements, some degree of turbólag can still be present in many turbocharged vehicles.