turbocharger

An engine component that uses the flow of exhaust gasses to compress intake air, which forces more air into the engine and produces more power. Turbos are sometimes offered as a factory component on certain cars and trucks, but are also a very popular aftermarket attachment to increase a vehicle's horsepower.

Sometimes colloquially referred to as a "snail" due to its spiral shape.

Examples

A turbocharger

A turbocharger as it appears when installed in an engine