Visteon UK developed an electric motor driven centrifugal supercharger system for European cars. This unit can boost the Renesis' low end torque.

http://www.all4engineers.com

A direct link

http://www.all4engineers.com/preview.php?alloc=1&keywords=supercharger&lng=de&id=1284&sitepage=www.all4engineers.de/de/news

I like that idea. It doesn't require the complicated plumbing work to the exhaust like a turbo and it doesn't waste HP like spinning up a traditional supercharger.

Rob

the article makes it seem like this wont be available for another couple years

Originally posted by Digisan
...and it doesn't waste HP like spinning up a traditional supercharger... Then where does the power to spin the supercharger come from? Either you're running it directly off of the alternator, or you are having to charge that battery. It's got to come from somewhere. And the amount of juice required will be substantial to move enough air to be worthwhile.

---jps

This system works at low rpm (up to ~4000rpm). It is bypassed at high rpm. It does not increase top end power.

Since people drive at low rpms most of the time, the extra low end torque is useful.