A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, electric machine, turbocharger, and turbo lag reduction assembly that includes an auxiliary compressor and pressure tank, which are coupled to a clutch driven by a driveshaft powered by vehicle wheel rotation. A controller engages the clutch in response to a braking signal, until the auxiliary compressor recharges the pressure tank. The controller also disengages the clutch in response to one of termination of the braking signal and the pressure tank being recharged with compressed air. Additionally, the controller responds to an engine torque demand signal and discharges compressed air from the pressure tank to an intake manifold of the engine. Further, the controller may discharge a volume of compressed air from the pressure tank to the intake manifold of the engine, until a turbo charge limit signal is received that indicates the turbocharger reached an operating speed.