What does supercharging primarily increase in an engine?

Supercharging primarily increases the power output of an engine. This is achieved by forcing more air into the combustion chamber than would normally be drawn in through natural aspiration. When more air is available, the engine can ingest more fuel as well, leading to a denser air-fuel mixture. This denser mixture allows for a more powerful combustion process, ultimately resulting in greater power output.

While supercharging can have an impact on aspects like torque and fuel efficiency, the primary purpose of a supercharger is to boost the engine's power capability. This is particularly important in various applications, such as performance vehicles, where increased horsepower is desired for better acceleration and overall performance. Though additional torque can be a benefit of increased power, the fundamental role of a supercharger is to augment the power produced by the engine. In contrast, engine lifespan is not directly enhanced by supercharging; in fact, if not properly managed, supercharging can impose additional stress on engine components, potentially affecting longevity.