Old School Turbo Sports Car

When I hear the word turbo I can think of torque, lag, sudden power and bypass valve puffs. However, turbo engines have changed a lot today. In recent years, attempts have been made to reduce turbo lag to a minimum, in some cases it has even been eliminated (Ferrari 488 GTB), and the progress of modern turbocharged engines can be envied by most aspirated engines. Yet even though these engines are objectively better on paper than in the past, our heart beats fast from the old football turbines in the back.

I shudder at the very thought of them 1 formula late 80s, which developed 1200 hp. in a qualifying configuration with so much turbo lag that it took seconds before the engine started running. I think I spent too much time on YouTube watching videos from Group B rally championship or Japanese tuned cars with thousands of horsepower giving more flames than the AK47.

This is why I decided to compile a list of cars to pay homage to the "old school turbo", cars characterized by turbo lag, harsh traction and wild disposition.

Lotus Esprit

La Lotus spirit it has the stage look of a true supercar: angular, low and menacing, like some others. In 1987, production began on the 2.2 Turbo SE engine, which, thanks to a 0,85 bar Garrett turbine, developed 264 horsepower (280 hp supercharged at 1,05 bar). Lightweight, the Esprit turbo was a real rocket, beating several more powerful and expensive rivals in acceleration.

Maserati Ghibli

La Maserati Ghibli, the one produced in the 90s was a real beast. His general sober appearance concealed a real rebellious temperament. The cup version, powered by a 2.8 Biturbo engine with 330 hp, was the road car with the world's highest horsepower ratio at the time. / liter (165) and was close to 270 km / h. The stab in the back was guaranteed, and to push it to the limit, it took a large handle and big attributes.

Audi Quattro Sports

The queen of turbo lag and release puffs is herAudi Quattro Sports. Its 5-liter inline 2.2-cylinder engine makes one of the most recognizable and epic sounds. Just search "Audi Quattro sound" on YouTube to get an idea. Available in several road-going models, the Quattro Sport was designed to win the Group B Rally Championship. Its KKK turbocharged engine produces 306 hp. at 6.700 rpm and 370 Nm at 3.700 rpm. Crazy push with the right soundtrack.

Porsche 959

Another motorsport legend (originally destined for the Group B Rally Championship) is Porsche 959. Its direct competitor was the Ferrari F40, but unlike the Italian, it had an all-wheel drive system. Under the rear hood is a 6cc 2850-cylinder boxer engine with 450hp twin-turbo for exceptional performance. A top speed of 317 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 3,7 are very respectable numbers today, but in the eighties they were incredible.

Ferrari F40

La Ferrari F40 it doesn't need a little introduction, it's just a superb turbocharged car. Sorry biturbo. The press called it "the noise factory up to 4.000 rpm", the threshold beyond which the F40 throws you into hyperspace like Han Solo's Millennium Falcon. 478 HP - this is a lot today, but some give more than others. Probably one of the best cars in the world, regardless of delivery.

Saab 900 Turbo

In the 80s, front-wheel drive and turbocharging were synonymous with understeer. There Saab 900 Turbo boasted of the geometry of the front shock absorbers, also finalized, but there was nothing to do. That doesn't take away from the fact that the 900 Turbo is a great car. The supercharged 2.0-liter engine produced 145 hp. (later - 175 hp). Of course, today 175 HP is almost smiling, but once upon a time they were even less polite.

Renault 5 Turbo 2

Another queen of rallies. Turbo "Maxi" is a real legend. Unlike the Audi Quattro, Renault 5 Turbo 2 it only had rear-wheel drive, a short wheelbase, and a mid-engine. 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 160 hp and 200 Nm allowed the car to jump from 0 to 100 km / h in 6,5 seconds and touch the 200 km / h mark. A bullet for experienced hands.