What does the term “supercharging” mean in automotive performance?

The term "supercharging" in automotive performance refers to a method of increasing an engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This process involves compressing the air that enters the engine, allowing for a higher density of air-fuel mixture. The result is a greater amount of oxygen available for combustion, which leads to a more powerful explosion during the combustion process. This ultimately increases horsepower and torque, enhancing the overall performance of the vehicle.

In contrast, the other options provide different automotive concepts that do not define supercharging. Improving fuel efficiency is not a direct goal of supercharging; instead, it typically results in increased fuel consumption due to the added power output. Reducing emissions focuses on limiting the pollutants released into the atmosphere, which is generally not associated with the supercharging process. Enhancing braking performance pertains to systems designed to improve a vehicle’s stopping power, unrelated to how air enters the engine for fuel combustion. Thus, the definition centered on increasing power output through air compression accurately captures the essence of supercharging in automotive engineering.