A supercharger is a forced-induction device that increases an engine’s power by compressing air and forcing it into the combustion chamber, allowing more oxygen to mix with fuel and produce a stronger explosion. Unlike a turbocharger, a supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine itself, typically via a belt connected to the crankshaft, which means it provides immediate boost and improved throttle response with little to no lag. This results in instant power delivery across the rev range, making it popular in performance applications such as the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. However, because it draws power directly from the engine to operate, it can slightly reduce overall efficiency compared to turbocharging.