Turbochargers have been used on various petrol engines since 1962, in order to obtain greater power or torque output for a given engine displacement.
Most turbocharged petrol engines use a single turbocharger; however, twin-turbo configurations are also often used.
In motor racing, turbochargers were used in various forms of motorsport in the 1970s and 1980s. Since the mid-2010s, turbocharging has returned to several motor racing categories, such as Formula One and the World Rally Championship.
Several motorcycles in the late 1970s and early 1980s were produced with turbocharged engines.