Combustion engine

Supercharger project BMW Alpina B5 / B6 / B7:

Our company was responsible for installing a customized high-performance compressor in the BMW Alpina B5, B6, and B7 models. The radial turbo-supercharger used reaches speeds of over 100,000 rpm and enables legendary performance with high efficiency.

Particularly noteworthy is the successful fulfillment of exclusive customer requirements in terms of quality, delivery reliability, and durability. The project was implemented consistently throughout the entire series production period and confirms our expertise in the reliable series production of sophisticated high-performance compressor solutions for premium OEMs.

Technical data:

ASA supercharging technology in Caterpillar C8.7 & C12.9 – power available instantly

In close cooperation with FPT Industrial (formerly Iveco) and Caterpillar Marine, ASA played a key role in the development of two modern high-performance engines: the C8.7 (8.7 L) and the C12.9 (12.9 L). Both diesel platforms use a novel combined boosting system—based on turbocharger stage(s) plus our electrically engageable ASA high-speed radial supercharger.

ASA – from concept to series production

ASA was not only a supercharger supplier; we contributed significantly to the mechanical integration of both engines. The first functional interface of our unit was engineered, manufactured, and successfully tested by ASA and later served as the basis for the series layout. This close technical cooperation with FPT/Caterpillar highlights our ability to co-develop and integrate boosting systems, not just deliver components.

As a recognized Tier-1 supplier, ASA delivers directly to FPT/Caterpillar production lines—clear proof of our engineering competence and manufacturing depth.

Turbo lag? Not with ASA

Marine relevance – why these benefits matter on the water
In marine applications, the engine typically operates along the propeller curve and is exposed to frequent load steps (manoeuvring, docking, acceleration to plane, and wave-induced load variations). With an ASA supplementary supercharger, boost is available immediately at low engine speed—before the turbocharger reaches its effective operating range. This results in three decisive advantages:

1. Improved emissions & calibration robustness
   Cleaner load acceptance with reduced smoke peaks and more stable air–fuel ratio control. This supports NOx compliance by avoiding rich excursions while keeping EGT under control during acceleration and propeller-load changes.

2. Naturally aspirated driving feel (lag-free load response)
   Immediate boost availability delivers instant throttle/load response and linear torque build-up—ideal for manoeuvring, docking, and rapid transitions without “waiting for the turbo”.

3. Superior transient performance on the propeller curve
   Faster boost and air-mass ramp with controlled dynamics (minimal overshoot/undershoot), improved torque rise, and reliable EGT management across real-world transients (e.g., hole-shot / planing transition and wave-induced load variations).

At low engine speeds, the ASA supercharger builds boost pressure before the turbocharger responds. This delivers immediate load acceptance, reduces classic turbo engine transient issues, and provides significantly more stable operating conditions across the load range. As a positive side effect, the ECU can meter fuel more precisely—improving combustion quality and reducing emissions even under demanding conditions.

The result: best possible compliance with modern emission standards (IMO II, EPA Tier 3, RCD, etc.).

And best of all:
No turbo lag, instant response, strong acceleration—the driving feel resembles a large naturally aspirated engine, while efficiency remains closer to a smaller-displacement engine. With ASA supercharging, performance and fuel consumption no longer have to be a trade-off.

Performance on the water – noticeably better

Both engines deliver strong pulling power and instant response previously associated with larger engines:

ASA – System supplier with responsibility

Our role in this project shows that ASA not only supplies components, but also takes responsibility for development. Those who use our compressors benefit from:

• decades of experience in the high-performance sector
• In-house mechanical design, manufacturing, assembly, and series production expertise
• Proactive support with integration and adaptation
• a solution that has been tried and tested in demanding OEM projects worldwide

Mahle has developed a supercharging system for its engine in close collaboration with ASA. Known for its high-quality pistons, Mahle wants to demonstrate that its business areas now cover all components of engine technology. ASA was found to be the ideal partner for supercharging its innovative three-cylinder engine. The ASA compressor, in combination with the powerful Mahle engine, has enabled the development of a compact and lightweight unit.

Displacement:   608 cm³
Power:                74 kW/100 PS bei 9500 1/min
Torque:              >95 Nm
Weight:              < 40kg

In order to accelerate the dynamic torque build-up of diesel-powered off-highway machines, the customer requested an ASA compressor that could be integrated into the existing engine’s belt drive.

Engine type: 6R diesel 9l displacement SCR, 320 kW

ASA is implementing the project from the initial sketch to the functional demonstrator. Measurements taken at the customer’s premises showed a 50% increase in torque with improved exhaust emissions in transient engine operation.

The resilience and reliability of ASA compressors was impressively demonstrated in 2014 by the successful participation of the Alpina B6 GT3 in the legendary 24-hour race.

Compressor kit for the BMW N52 – ASA Development work – industrial expertise as the basis for maximum quality and stability

We develop customized charging systems for many of our industrial customers that go far beyond compressor itself. In numerous projects, we are fully responsible for the entire mechanical integration on the engine. This includes the design and construction of the belt drive, the positioning of the compressor, the air ducting, the integration of heat exchangers, and other components relevant to function and installation space. Our aim is to understand the charging system as a holistic mechanical system and to design it accordingly.

Development always begins with a detailed analysis of the series engine and its actual operating behavior. In addition to mechanical constraints, thermal load cases, speed ranges, installation space limitations, and interaction with existing units are systematically recorded. Based on this, the relevant interfaces are reverse engineered. Series components are precisely measured, digitized, and replicated in CAD to ensure accurate and reproducible integration of new components.

The design is completely three-dimensional and is developed iteratively in-house. Function, assembly, service accessibility, and durability are evaluated equally and critically examined in team discussions. Initial components are produced using 3D printing in order to verify installation space, fit, and assembly sequences at an early stage. Components close to series production are then manufactured with high precision: CNC turned and milled parts, sheet metal components, and functionally critical assemblies are produced according to tight tolerance specifications. Quality assurance is carried out by means of targeted measurements and testing of relevant functional surfaces.

Testing takes place both in the laboratory and in the vehicle. Test drives provide insights into thermodynamics, acoustics, response behavior, and continuous load. At the same time, the engine control system is adjusted, including on our own roller test bench, to ensure that the interaction between the mechanics and the ECU is clean, reproducible, and gentle on the engine.

We consistently transfer the expertise gained in industrial projects to our compressor kits for series engines. The method, development processes, and quality standards remain the same—only the application framework is adapted. This is precisely what sets us apart from many other solutions on the market in terms of design and quality: our compressor kits are the result of holistic mechanical system development rather than retroactive adaptation or pure performance optimization. The result is technically cleanly designed, durable, and reproducible charging systems that stand out from comparable products on the market in terms of design and quality.