A supercharger is an engine-driven blower that boosts an engine's power output.
The supercharger is an engine-driven pump that usually sits atop the engine's intake. As the engine speed increases, the supercharger pumps in more air than would normally be drawn in by the action of the pistons alone. The additional air can then be mixed with more fuel to provide more power.
A supercharger performs the same function as a turbocharger; however, since the supercharger is engine-driven (rather than exhaust-driven like a turbocharger), the supercharger produces power immediately. However, unlike a turbocharger, the supercharger consumes some of the engine's power in order to be kept spinning. Superchargers often produce a distinctive whine, especially at higher RPMs with heavy accelerator pressure.
Examples of supercharged cars:
- Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
- Ford Shelby GT500
