11 Most Interesting Turbocharged Cars

Photo by mangopulp2008

4. Mercedes-Benz 300SD (1978)

The Mercedes-Benz 300SD is credited with launching a “mini-revolution” when it comes to turbocharged cars in the late 1970s. Prior to the company’s release of the 300SD, there had been widespread use of turbocharging engines on more industrial-sized diesel vehicles. The general assumption across industry was that the current diesels used in consumer automobiles would not be able to withstand the added stress of being turbocharged. Mercedes took a hard look at the engineering and through carefully controlling the combustion process of their 3.0 liter inline five by using precise fuel metering and fuel injection, they were able to create a turbo version of the engine to use in the 300SD. This engine was capable of 110 horsepower, stayed quiet, and also included a refined wastegate control of the turbo. The engine was a huge success, and this design has become the basis from which all light-duty diesel engines have been based on since 1978.