Supercharger Performance and Engine Performance Parts

I was browsing my favorite automotive news sites today and three different articles seemed to jump at me. For 2010 three manufacturers have turned up the heat bringing mind boggling performance figures based on the supercharger performance concept.

The first article I ran across was the introduction of the all new Range Rover Sport LR4. I’ve always been a big fan of the range rover as it has traditionally combined all out off-road performance with seemingly contradictory ‘luxury’ amenities. Being also interested in audio equipment, the last Range Rover I’ve been in back in 2007 had the most amazing 10 speaker system I’ve ever heard in an automobile.

The new Range Rover Sport LR4 dons is powered by:

“All-new 5.0 liter supercharged LR-V8 for Range Rover and Range Rover Sport

• 510 bhp and 461 lb.-ft. torque
• Conforms to stringent ULEV2 emissions regulations”
  

What’s even more impressive is that:

“The new 5.0-liter supercharged engine produces 29 percent more power and 12 percent more torque than the outgoing 4.2-liter supercharged engine, yet fuel consumption is not increased.”

I think this new upgrade to the range rover line will be much appreciated by the hundreds of thousands of true brand loyal follower of ranger rover, especially in the presence of steep competition in the luxury SUV markets from the likes of the BMW X6 M-series which is rumored around 555 bhp as well as the Mercedes sport SUV the ML63 coming in at 503 bhp and 465 lb.-ft of torque from a larger 6.3 liter V8 engine.

The other car I ran into was a good old American muscle car from Detroit. Even with all the economic slowdown and stimulus drama going on in the news, Detroit is still able to put out a select number of cars that really keep us passionate about the American Automotive Industry.

For 2010 Roush has raised the bar with their new model Roush mustang:

“For $43,051, you can opt for the Roush 427R Mustang, which uses a Roushcharger (supercharger) to boost the 4.6-liter V-8 engine to 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque from its stock 315/325 figures. Roush engineers have made extensive revisions to their supercharger system, eliminating the long air induction tube, more than doubling the size of the intercooler reservoir, moving that intercooler up and out of the way of road debris and employing molded rubber hoses.”

What’s more enticing for aftermarket performance enthusiasts like myself, is seeing OEM modifiers like Roush using the tricks of the trade that we usually perform on the cars AFTER we buy them from the manufacturer such as the revised intake system, relocated intercooler and better charge piping… These types of modifications are typically the first things on a modders’ ‘to do’ list once he gets a performance car. The fact that the manufacturers are going the extra step to improve the performance of their cars really elevates the quality of the product. Of course we all know a big part of why manufacturers are paying more attention to these details is that they are after higher efficiency, which results in both higher horsepower figures and more importantly to everyone lower power losses and thus better emission and mileage figures.

If you think this ‘win/win’ of power and mileage is some e-blog over-dramatization check this out:

“As the top rung of the Mustang ladder, the GT500 eschews the Mustang GT’s 315-hp 4.6-liter V8 for a supercharged 5.4-liter version. This engine has been around for while, but thanks to less exhaust back pressure, a cold-air intake, and a subtle recalibration, the motor now makes 540 horsepower—30 more than before. Despite the extra power, the GT500 is slightly more fuel efficient, garnering a 2 mpg improvement on the EPA highway cycle, to 22 mpg. For sure, it’s still a thirsty car (The base price includes a $1000 gas-guzzler tax), but this much power doesn’t come for free.”

Again another relative of the base model mustang, using supercharged power to increase performance (per cubic inch of displacement) and using tried and proven tricks of the automotive performance scene with a high flowing intake, exhaust and a matching tune to not only improve horsepower but also reduce fuel consumption (and thus increase mileage and reduce emissions). Very cool J work ford, hats off! At this rate, ford will probably have to re-label this beast as the GT550 in a year or two.

Of course FORD never operatives in Vacuum J. Where there’s innovation from FORD, there’s always a response from GM. So it comes as no surprise to find that Hennessey has announced their 2010 HPE550 Camaro. Just a wild guess that the 550 in HPE550 stands for horsepower figures ?

“At the heart of the beast is a supercharger system added atop the LS3 V8 making 6 psi boost combined with a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system and custom engine management calibration from HPE. This upgrade system results in 562 bhp and 557 lb-ft torque. Rounding out the package, HPE adds a set of light weight 20 inch wheels, Hennessey’s cam-Aero ™ body upgrades include: Rear lip spoiler, carbon side rocker panels and front splitter, Hennessey graphics package and premium floor mats.”

I guess the only thing left to say is here (after picking my jaw up off the floor) is that when I first got interested in cars as a teenager some 13 years ago Lamborghinis used to need all of their 6.5 liter 12 cylinders to make just over 500hp, were barely streetable at those power figures, and got nowhere near 22mpg. To hear about 500+ hp SUV’s running 0-60 times in sub 6 seconds, and to see approachable and definitely purchasable and livable cars like the Camaro and the Mustang being delivered by OEM or OEM affiliated firms as brand new model year cars, backed with OEM warranty, safety, emissions, and quality standards is truly amazing.

2010 Range Rover Sport LR4

2010 Roush Mustang lineup

2010 Mustang Shelby GT500

2010 Limited Edition Hennessey HPE550 Camaro

Technorati Tags: Hennessey, OEM, Range Rover, Roush, Shelby, supercharger performance, Tuners

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