What is a supercharger?

Before we start, we’re not talking about Tesla’s supercharging network that took the world by storm. A supercharger is a device used to increase the pressure of the air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine. The results point towards greater performance and efficiency. It’s typically powered by a belt from the engine’s crankshaft.

Is a supercharger good?

Well, it depends on what you’re comparing with. Turbochargers are often compared to superchargers, and in this regard superchargers offer a more direct solution to performance, as there is no power lag compared to turbocharging. It’s comparatively more reliable than turbocharging, too.

But because there is no wastegate (a valve that controls exhaust flow), it’ll often emit more carbon than a turbocharged equivalent. Some might not like the “hissing”, more abrasive sound of a supercharger too, as compared to a turbo’s spooling, “whooshing” sound.

What cars come with a supercharger?

A host of modern cars from the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) fraternity come equipped with big motors paired with a side of supercharger. The Range Rover Sport, Velar options have V6 and V8 supercharged selections, sold alongside less potent turbo 4 cylinders. Similar story for Jaguar’s F-Pace and F-Type that can house supercharged V8 ranger-toppers.

Volvo’s twin charging technique (utilising a turbocharger and supercharger) works a treat in the XC60, XC90, S90 and V90 wagon - but they won’t hang around for much longer with the brand aiming to sell only EVs by 2030.

We can’t mention superchargers without including American muscle - the Dodge Challenger and Charger’s supercharged V8 are always refreshing alternatives to German brutes. And of course the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with an ARF-unfriendly 5.2-litre V8 rounds off this list of memorable supercharged flagships.

What supercharged cars can I buy in Singapore?

Thankfully, JLR representation is still rather strong for a small volume market like Singapore, with plenty to choose from on Carousell’s used car classifieds. A Jaguar F-Type coupe powered by a supercharged V6 gives its V8 sibling a good run for its money, while the bonkers Range Rover Sport SVR in all its supercharged glory shows us how it's done when the shackles are off. Manual-loving enthusiasts can opt for the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 Lotus Emira First Edition. Cue the mouth-watering depreciation, but then they’ll be resigned to history books soon…

Not all supercharged cars are built to set your pants on fire…

Superchargers supply a no nonsense way to extract power while improving efficiency, which is why some brands deploy them for commuter cars. Volkswagen had a go with the Scirocco and Golf with a 1.4-litre twincharged TSI, but only a handful remain in Singapore, including this 2009 Mk5 Golf GT. More modern Volvos, like this twincharged XC90 T6, remain excellent choices. They too are heading towards extinction, paving the way for full electrification. More wallet-friendly options exist too, like this 1 owner 1.2-litre supercharged Nissan Note DIG-S.

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