How Volvo is eliminating turbo lag

PowerPulse, Superchargers, and Electric Motors Kill Turbo Lag

From The Volvo Press Kit:
"Turbo lag. If the term is unfamiliar, there’s a high chance you have still encountered this common powertrain affliction.

This is the experience with many turbocharged engines, when there’s a delay between the driver pressing the throttle and the engine responding as it waits for the turbine to supply its performance boost.

Volvo’s D5 twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, however, features an ingenious solution. It combines an electrically driven compressor and a pressurised air tank to ensure immediate, on-demand acceleration.

When the driver requests rapid momentum by pressing harder on the throttle pedal, compressed air from the tank is released into the exhaust system feeding the turbo to quicken response.

And because Volvo’s Drive-E powertrains are engineered to deliver efficient power, the PowerPulse technology is a performance benefit that doesn’t come at the expense of fuel consumption.

The D5 twin-turbo diesel engine with PowerPulse is currently available on Volvo’s 90-series models, including the XC90, S90, and forthcoming V90 Cross Country."