Dodge’s Hurricane Engine Could Get an Electric Trick to Kill Turbo Lag

Turbo engines can make huge power, although they don't always have that instant punch people love about a big supercharged V8. SRT is now experimenting with a clever way around that problem. Its eBoost Air system adds an electric compressor to the Hurricane inline-six, giving the engine extra boost before the twin turbos have had time to build pressure.

The setup works as a middleman between the driver and the turbos.

Hit the throttle and the electric compressor pushes air into the engine almost immediately. As exhaust flow builds and the conventional turbos take over, the system switches back to the normal intake path. The idea is to make the engine feel stronger and more responsive at low revs while keeping the big-turbo power higher up.

SRT demonstrated the technology using a prototype 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output engine, similar to the unit used in the Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O. That engine already produces 550 hp and 531 lb-ft, with peak boost reaching 30 psi.

An electric compressor could give it a more linear power delivery without forcing Dodge to use smaller turbos and give up some of that top-end muscle.

For now, eBoost Air remains a concept. SRT hasn't said how much extra power it creates, how much electricity it needs, or whether it will actually reach a production Dodge. The technology also brings extra cost, cooling requirements, weight, and complexity.

On paper, eBoost Air sounds clever. What matters is how it feels when you bury the throttle. If that first hit feels properly addictive, Dodge might have something here.