dcn@ihuxl.UUCP (Dave Newkirk) (02/24/84)
It is true that many turbocharged cars have poor low-end torque, but this is not directly the fault of the turbo. In the case of my 1980 Saab Turbo, the compression ratio was reduced to prevent knocking under boost, so the low-end torque suffered compared to the non-turbo engine. The recent application of knock-detection and Saab's APC system optimize the amount of boost from the turbo, lowering it when knocking is detected, and raising it when high- octane gas is used. Better engine designs (DOHC) will soon be introduced that will further improve the low-end torque and the overall performance and economy of turbocharged cars. Dave Newkirk, ihnp4!ihuxl!dcn