What is the primary function of a turbocharger in a performance vehicle?

The primary function of a turbocharger in a performance vehicle is to increase engine power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This is achieved through the turbocharger's design, which uses the exhaust gases produced by the engine to spin a turbine. As the turbine spins, it drives a compressor that draws in and compresses more air than would naturally enter the engine.

By introducing more air into the combustion chamber, the turbocharger allows for a larger amount of fuel to be burned during the combustion process. This combination of increased air and fuel leads to a more powerful explosion within the cylinder, significantly boosting the engine's overall horsepower and torque output. Consequently, turbocharging is a widely used technique in performance vehicles to enhance their power and responsiveness without the need for a larger engine displacement.

While improving fuel economy and reducing emissions can also be beneficial side effects of turbocharging due to enhanced combustion efficiency, these are not its primary purposes. Similarly, cooling the engine is not a function related to the turbocharger itself; rather, cooling is managed through different systems within the vehicle.