Honeywell’s new DualBoost turbo tech helps Team to 1-2 finish at Le Mans

Honeywell Transportation Systems, the leading global developer of automotive turbochargers, has reported that its new Gasoline DualBoost turbo technology helped boost Porsche to a record win at the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans race earlier this month.

Honeywell products helped the Porsche 919 Hybrids as well as perennial favourite Audi with its R18 e-tron quattro race cars earn the top five positions at Le Mans in the top Le Mans Prototype 1 category (LMP1) and six of the top seven spots overall. In total, Honeywell turbos were used on all boosted engines in the LMP1 class (12 of the 14 entries) for the famed endurance race.

The new Gasoline DualBoost turbo technology used by Porsche was developed using best practices in aerodynamics and material sciences from Honeywell Aerospace as well as from existing DualBoost diesel applications enhancing production vehicles. Gasoline DualBoost technology provides 20 to 30 percent better response for improved acceleration out of corners and more steady state engine power from higher turbo efficiency. This is achieved in an overall lighter weight package that is 10 to 20 percent smaller than an equivalent standard gasoline turbo.

"As the supplier of choice for so many entrants, the competitive environment at 24 Hours of Le Mans is truly a test of the reliability and performance capabilities of our turbo portfolio," said Gavin Donkin, vice-president of product development for Honeywell Transportation Systems. "Porsche's success with all three of its cars finishing in the top 5 is a strong proof point supporting DualBoost technology for gas. This is just the starting point for this technology, which we are developing for future production vehicle applications."

DualBoost turbochargers use axial turbines more commonly seen in aerospace applications. Also, by using a dual-sided compressor, the new gasoline technology vastly improves time-to-torque and increases steady-state performance with a smaller footprint and a much lighter form factor.

Honeywell also helped Audi secure third, fourth and seventh place finishes using Honeywell variable geometry turbochargers (VNT) which help provide consistent power and fuel economy for diesel engines.

"As the world's auto manufacturers continue revealing their plans for future production vehicles, it becomes more evident that turbocharged engines are a key component in the search for performance, fuel economy and the reduction of emissions," Donkin said. "Using lighter, more robust components developed in motorsports helps save space and weight while delivering the top-flight performance that consumers and manufacturers demand."