Which cars have both a supercharger and a turbo?

Several production cars use both a supercharger and a turbocharger—a setup often called “twincharging.” Standout examples include Volkswagen’s 1.4 TSI Twincharger models (such as the Golf and Polo GTI), the 1980s Nissan March/Micra Super Turbo, the Lancia Delta S4 (road-going Group B homologation), and Volvo’s 2.0-liter T6 cars (e.g., XC90 T6). In modern form, some brands use an electric supercharger with a turbo, notably Jaguar Land Rover’s P400 inline-six and Mercedes-AMG 53 models.

Why combine a supercharger and a turbo?

Twincharging aims to deliver the best of both worlds: the instant low‑rpm boost of a supercharger and the high‑rpm efficiency and power of a turbocharger. A mechanical or electric supercharger fills in the torque before the turbo spools, smoothing response and broadening the powerband. Automakers have used it to downsize engines while maintaining performance and drivability.

Notable production cars with a mechanical supercharger and exhaust-driven turbo

This list highlights mainstream, road-legal models that paired a belt-driven (mechanical) supercharger with a conventional exhaust-gas turbocharger from the factory. Availability and specifications vary by market and model year.

• Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI “Twincharger” (mid-2000s–early 2010s, Europe): The Mk5 Golf GT 1.4 TSI and later Mk6 1.4 TSI 160 PS combined a clutchable Eaton supercharger with a turbo for strong midrange torque and surprising efficiency.
• Volkswagen Polo GTI 1.4 TSI (circa 2010–2014, select markets): Hot-hatch application of the twincharged 1.4 TSI; later replaced by larger turbo-only engines.
• Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI (late 2000s–early 2010s, Europe): Offered with the twincharged 160 PS variant.
• SEAT Ibiza Cupra/Bocanegra 1.4 TSI (late 2000s–early 2010s, Europe): VW Group’s twincharged unit in a lightweight package.
• Škoda Fabia vRS (Mk2) 1.4 TSI (circa 2010–2013, Europe): Warm-hatch vRS using the twincharger powertrain and dual-clutch gearbox.
• Audi A1 1.4 TFSI 185 PS (early 2010s, select markets): Premium spin on the VW Group twincharged formula.
• Nissan March/Micra “Super Turbo” (K10, 1988–1991, Japan/limited markets): The MA09ERT 0.93L engine used both chargers for punchy performance in a subcompact icon.
• Lancia Delta S4 Stradale (1985–1986): Road-legal homologation version of the Group B rally car, famed for extreme twincharged performance.
• Volvo T6 “Drive‑E” 2.0L four-cylinder (roughly 2016–early 2020s, varies by market/model): Used in models such as the S60/V60, XC60 and XC90 T6; a supercharger augmented low-end response before the turbo took over. Many markets later shifted to updated mild-hybrid variants.

These vehicles showcased how twincharging could make small engines feel much larger, with strong torque off the line and sustained power at speed—albeit with added complexity and cost.

Motorsport and cult examples

A handful of competition-inspired or low-volume models made twincharging famous, influencing later production engineering and enthusiast culture.

• Lancia Delta S4 (Group B rally, mid-1980s): The archetype of twincharging in motorsport, pairing a supercharger for zero-lag punch with a turbo for top-end power, then detuned for the Stradale road cars.

While rare, these icons cemented twincharging’s reputation for instant response and relentless acceleration, setting a template later adapted for the road.

Modern twist: electric superchargers paired with turbos

Today, several brands use a 48‑volt electric supercharger (also called an electric compressor or auxiliary compressor) alongside a traditional turbo. It plays the same role—boosting low‑rpm response—without a belt drive, reducing parasitic losses and packaging complexity.

• Jaguar Land Rover 3.0L inline‑six “P400” MHEV (circa 2020–present, model/market dependent): Found in Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400, Defender 110/130 P400, Discovery P360/P400, Jaguar F‑PACE P400. Uses an electric supercharger plus a twin‑scroll turbo and 48V mild-hybrid system.
• Mercedes‑AMG “53” models with M256 3.0L inline‑six (2018–present, applications vary by year/market): CLS 53, E 53, GLE 53, among others. Employ an electric auxiliary compressor to boost before the exhaust turbo takes over.
• Audi SQ7/SQ8 4.0 TDI (Europe, 2016–2020 in key markets): Combined an electric compressor with twin turbos to all but eliminate lag; related setups also appeared in certain European S6/S7 TDI models.

Though electrically driven rather than belt-driven, these systems still deliver the core twincharging benefit: near-instant torque that seamlessly hands off to the turbo for sustained power and efficiency.

Buying notes and reliability considerations

If you’re shopping for a twincharged car—classic or modern—there are a few practical considerations to keep ownership smooth and predictable.

• Complexity and maintenance: Two boost devices mean more parts—clutches, bypass valves, intercoolers, and controls. Prioritize complete service history and specialist inspections.
• Volkswagen/Audi 1.4 TSI specifics: Pay attention to cooling system components, supercharger clutches, carbon buildup typical of direct injection, and the condition of the dual‑clutch gearbox where fitted. Software updates and quality fuel matter.
• Volvo T6 Drive‑E: Listen for supercharger-clutch noises and ensure cooling system and PCV service are current. Many markets moved to updated mild-hybrid variants; parts and support remain good through dealers.
• Older rarities (Nissan Super Turbo, Lancia S4 Stradale): Parts sourcing and specialist knowledge can be challenging; consider enthusiast networks and marque specialists.
• Electric‑supercharged moderns (JLR P400, AMG 53): These systems tend to be robust, but 48V components, auxiliary compressors, and battery health add diagnostic complexity; a warranty or certified pre-owned coverage can be worthwhile.

With the right due diligence, twincharged cars can be rewarding daily drivers or prized collectibles, offering characterful performance uncommon in today’s turbo-only landscape.

Summary

Multiple cars have used both a supercharger and a turbocharger. Classic mechanical twinchargers include Volkswagen’s 1.4 TSI models, the Nissan March/Micra Super Turbo, the Lancia Delta S4 Stradale, and Volvo’s 2.0L T6 range. Modern interpretations often pair an electric supercharger with a conventional turbo, as seen in Jaguar Land Rover P400 and Mercedes‑AMG 53 models. The appeal is consistent—instant response with sustained power—delivered through different technologies across decades.

Can you have a turbo and a supercharger together?

Yes. Engines can be turbocharged and supercharged simultaneously. It is known as twincharging.

What is it called when a car has a turbo and a supercharger?

One strategy that makes this possible is twincharging: using both a supercharger for low-end performance and a turbocharger for high-RPM boost.

Which is faster, a turbo or a supercharger?

Neither a turbocharger nor a supercharger is inherently “faster”; instead, they offer different characteristics, with turbos generally providing higher potential power and efficiency but suffering from turbo lag, while superchargers offer instant throttle response and better low-end torque at the cost of some power and efficiency. The choice depends on the desired application, with turbos favoring high-performance, fuel-efficient vehicles and superchargers suited for immediate power delivery in applications like V8s.
 
Turbocharger

• Mechanism: Powered by exhaust gases, which spin a turbine to drive a compressor that forces air into the engine. 
• Pros:
  • Higher potential power: Can generate more power from smaller, more efficient engines. 
  • Better fuel efficiency: Taps into wasted exhaust energy, leading to improved fuel economy in some applications. 
• Cons:
  • Turbo lag: A delay in power delivery occurs as the turbo needs time to spool up to speed. 
  • Mutes exhaust sound: Can diminish the sound of the exhaust note. 

This video explains how turbochargers work: 56sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Jul 25, 2025
Supercharger

• Mechanism: Driven directly by the engine’s crankshaft via a belt or gears, mechanically forcing air into the engine. 
• Pros:
  • Instantaneous response: Provides immediate power and torque, with no lag. 
  • Strong low-end torque: Delivers robust power from low engine speeds. 
• Cons:
  • Parasitic loss: Consumes some of the engine’s power to operate, reducing overall efficiency. 
  • Less efficient: Generally not as efficient as a turbocharger in terms of fuel economy. 

Which is right for you?

• Choose a turbocharger if: Opens in new tabYou prioritize high power from a smaller, fuel-efficient engine and can tolerate some lag for high-altitude or high-speed performance. 
• Choose a supercharger if: Opens in new tabYou need instant throttle response, better low-end torque for immediate acceleration, and a strong, linear power delivery. 

What car has a 6.2 L V8 supercharged?

Cars that have used a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine include the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Charger SRT Hellcat, the Cadillac CTS-V and Escalade V, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and ZR1, and the Ram 1500 TRX. These are high-performance vehicles from brands like Dodge, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Ram, often featuring the supercharged 6.2L V8 as a premium or performance option.
 
You can watch this video to see the Cadillac Escalade V with its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine: 59sTroy PaulYouTube · Jun 11, 2023
Examples of cars with a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine:

• Dodge
  • Challenger SRT Hellcat (6.2L Hemi) 
  • Charger SRT Hellcat (6.2L Hemi) 
  • Durango SRT (6.2L Hemi) 
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (6.2L Hemi) 
  • Ram 1500 TRX (6.2L Hemi) 
• Cadillac
  • CTS-V (supercharged 6.2L) 
  • CT5-V Blackwing (supercharged 6.2L) 
  • Escalade-V (supercharged 6.2L) 
• Chevrolet
  • Corvette C7 Z06 and ZR1 (6.2L LT4 and LT5 engines, respectively) 
  • Camaro ZL1 (LT4)