New on Endangered Species List: Turbo Lag

Believe it or not, there are some people reading this who have a penchant for turbo lag. To all three of you, prepare to feel your upper lips tremble, for you will soon say goodbye to your beloved boost kick-in.

Over the years, internal-combustion engines have become more efficient. Efficient engines mean low exhaust energy, especially at idle. To compensate for this, Audi is developing a system in which an electric turbo spools during low-exhaust-pressure operation. Once engine revs and exhaust pressure increase, the electric turbo shuts off, and the exhaust-powered turbo takes over. The end result is an internal-combustion engine that mimics the instant-torque feel you get in electric vehicles.

Car Magazine has tested this system in an Audi A6, and they say it gives the unassuming mid-sizer the off-the-line acceleration of an R8. Audi says their electric bi-turbo 3.0L TDI V6 engine prototype is good for 420 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque; no wonder that A6 feels like an R8.

Expect to see this electric bi-turbo system powering Audis within about five years.

via [Car Magazine]