Torotrak V-Charge

General Discussion
#1

I was doing my usual browsing and I stumbled on the following:

http://www.automotivedesign.eu.com/articles/43866/Torotrak%20V-Charge.jpg

It’s called the Torotrak V-Charge. It is basically a variable drive supercharger setup (tests configs are using a Rotrex blower). The setup is supposed to provide a good bump in torque down low while keeping the mid to top end performance that centripetal blowers are known for. It is gearless so it operates silently.

More info…

http://www.torotrak.com/pdfs/pr/2012/TOR7544%20V-Charge%20Test%20Success.pdf
http://www.torotrak.com/content/464/V-Charge-Variable-Drive-Supercharging-Exploded-Assembly.aspx
http://www.torotrak.com/content/459/V-Charge-Test-Drive.aspx

#2

interesting. Don’t know enough to say much more than that. It does seem pretty dang big for practical use in a lot applications, and that may be enough to keep it from really getting off the ground and being improved upon. But the idea could certainly be adapted in other ways etc.

#3

I agree with the size comment. From what I have read so far the plan is to use it for factory applications. One of the test cars is a Renault Clio - 2014 is the planned release.