Stellantis' SRT performance division debuted a new eBoost Air engine powertrain concept on Thursday at its center on Detroit's east side.
The eBoost Air system uses an electric compressor to address turbo lag on the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-6 engine. SRT claims the system 'virtually eliminates' turbo lag.
The electric compressor is placed upstream from the traditional exhaust-fed turbochargers. The system is designed to make the engine's power delivery feel more like a supercharged V8.
The eBoost Air system requires a 48-volt electrical system to function. It utilizes an electronically actuated bypass valve that functions like a throttle body, allowing the electric compressor to disengage and be bypassed once the engine reaches a high enough RPM and the regular turbochargers take over.
Technical specifications and prototype development
The eBoost Air technology moved from an idea to a working prototype in seven weeks. SRT demonstrated the prototype in a Jeep Grand Cherokee featuring a carbon-fiber, cowl-induction hood.
The eBoost Air system differs from Porsche's technology, as Porsche uses an MGU to directly spin the turbo, whereas the SRT device force-feeds air to the turbos.
There is no downside to the system.
A project executive said the prototype eBoost Air system added nearly 100 horsepower. Another project executive stated the prototype system added 90 horsepower, suggesting the 550-hp engine would reach 640 hp.
Current peak boost for Dodge's Hurricane High Output engine
The high-output variant of the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine is cited with varying specifications. Some sources list the engine as producing 550 hp (410 kW) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque, while others list it at 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The eBoost Air compressor remains a concept and is not yet a production-ready design.
