Lighter materials, low-rolling resistance tyres and even the removal of wing mirrors can all help to boost the efficiency of a vehicle – and now you can add another feature to the list: thermal coating.
Zircotec has used its ceramic thermal coating on Litchfield’s new Subaru Impreza STI Type-20. Its enhanced heat management helps the cars twin-scroll turbo spool up to speed 500-750rpm quicker than usual.
The thermal coating has several other benefits, too. It reduces under-bonnet temperatures and creates a crisper throttle response. In addition, durability tests indicated 100,000 miles of road car protection are achievable.
According to managing director Ian Litchfield, there is an array of positives to take from the thermal coating.
“For minimal cost and maximum gain we have been very impressed with Zircotec’s coating and how it protects and manages the heat around our new twinscroll turbocharger,” he said. “With the coating applied to the turbo’s double exhaust ports, more heat is retained in the system. As a result the turbo spools faster and lag is reduced.
” As the turbo is sited underneath the intercooler, heat is retained in the turbocharger and does not affect the operation of the intercooler and other components.”
The Type-20 is based on a Subaru Impreza STI with a 400PS 2.0 litre turbocharged engine. Litchfield’s design is available as a bolt-on replacement for new Japanese based imports and for 2003 model year Subaru Imprezas onwards.
