What is a Hybrid Turbo?

A hybrid turbocharger combines the quick boost response required at low engine revs, with the extra air-flow capacity needed for more power at higher revs - with excellent reliability.

Hybrid turbochargers are not a new idea. The industry started producing hybrids as long ago as the 1980s. A language has even evolved to describe the components employed in hybrid turbos - words such as cut-back, 360°, screw-down and quick release.

But what does it all mean?

For most road going cars, a standard specification, good quality Service Exchange Turbocharger is sufficient. Hybrid turbos only become necessary when significant performance improvement is required, normally on a modified engine. Most hybrid turbochargers will look identical to standard units from the outside. The changes occur inside, by using different aerodynamic configurations, both in the compressor and turbine housings.

Most turbocharged engines respond well to increased boost pressure, but only if the engine is modified to capitalise on the change. The same can be said of turbochargers. A hybrid turbo on a standard engine may offer a small benefit, but will be more effective on a modified engine. Unfortunately, increasing the boost pressure also increases the internal loading within the turbocharger significantly. In order to compensate for this, a "screwed down" thrust bearing is sometimes used. This prevents the bearing from "lifting" at high load which can lead to oil starvation and component failure.

To continue up the hybrid ladder of performance, a "360°" thrust bearing is used. This is an entirely new bearing, and originally developed for our competition customers, such as Ford Motorsport. It has a greater bearing contact face to withstand the high loads, which would otherwise destroy a standard bearing very quickly.

We will occasionally specify a "cut-back" shaft wheel. This is the main exhaust-driven turbine wheel inside the turbocharger. To limit its speed to acceptable, reliable levels, and to improve the airflow, the blades are "cut back". This is a very high precision machining operation, requiring highly accurate grinding and balancing. The designed and manufactured VSR balancing machine ensures that exact limits are achieved every time, regardless of the vehicle to which the turbo will be fitted, from the humble Mondeo turbo diesel to a full works Group A' Escort Cosworth.

Another way in which a hybrid turbocharger can improve an engine’s performance is by improving response, or reducing turbo lag. By designing a more efficient turbocharger compatible with the engine's characteristics, Turbo Technics offer which can transform a cars driveability.