Continental’s New RAAX Technology Based Turbocharger To Boost Audi A3

Continental Tyres, world’s fourth largest tyre maker, which also specializes in numerous automotive manufacturing, has developed a turbocharger with innovative RAAX turbine technology. The turbocharger is first supplied to the Audi A3, powered by the latest 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (2L TFSI EA888, generation 3B). RAAX technology combined with A3’s petrol turbocharger is claimed to take efficiency, performance and robust design to a new level. The Hanover-headquartered company stated that this new product will fortify its turbocharger business. If things move as per the plan the production of this turbocharger will commence next year in China and in North America in 2018.

The most unique aspect of RAAX, the name stands for ‘radial-axial’, is its bespoke turbine design. As per the firm, its latest turbocharger has a radial-axial (semi-radial / semi-axial) inlet path. The significant lessening of about 40 percent in the rotational moment of turbine wheels inertia is caused by the attached special blade design, which lets the turbocharger respond more rapidly to the engine load variations, facilitating the increased pressure to develop faster leading to a reduction in turbo lag. Another important feature RAAX technology imbibes is that it leads to a 3 percent of upward efficiency in the working of the engine besides a decent cut-down in emissions.

Mr. Udo Schwerdel, Head, Turbocharger Product Line at Continental stated that RAAX turbocharger today have set the benchmark for thermodynamics and transient response. At present, the new turbocharger is being produced by the Continental’s only manufacturing facility in Trutnov, Czech Republic. Moreover, another manufacturing unit will soon be operational in China.

Mr. Wolfgang Breuer, Head, Engine Systems Business Unit, Continental, asserted that the demand for the turbochargers across the world is set to go up swiftly, especially, in the petrol engine segment. The company is positioned very well in this market and is pleased to serve Audi with its pioneering and robust solutions. The in-production RAAX technology-based engine platform for Audi A3 will certainly boost Continental’s market position, said Mr. Breuer.

Author: Ankit verma

My need for speed began at a very early age and I realised this as soon as I got my first bicycle at the age of 8. When all the other kids would break downhill I would pedal harder just to go faster and enjoy the thrill. Adding to my interest for speed, I grew engrossed in the working mechanics of two wheelers thanks to my father as he is a hydraulic mechanic and would take me along with him on his repair sessions. Eventually I became familiar with the tools and basic technical concepts of two wheelers.Super sport and sport tourers are more of my liking and the sparks to these flames were ignited the first time I experienced the maddening power of a Yamaha YZF R1. I was just 14 years old at the time and got to ride as a pillion with an older acquaintance. This one short ride influenced my every decision in terms of the bikes I want to own. As of today I’m 26 years old and a proud owner of a Yamaha Fz15 version 2.0 and a Kawasaki Ninja 650 2014 model having clocked a decent 30k Kms only while touring, waiting to clock 1000s more as riding makes me feel whole again after enduring the dismal routines of life. Read more