Infiniti's VC-T Engine: Major Breakthrough In Internal Combustion Technology

Nissan-owned luxury car maker Infiniti has officially unveiled the world's first production-ready turbo-charged variable compression ratio engine at the 2016 Paris Auto Expo. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is claimed to deliver unmatched fuel efficiency along with incredible performance, as both were often realised as antonymous in the history of internal combustion technology so far. This technology also renders turbo-diesels obsolete in this regard.

Infiniti claims that the new VC-T technology is a major breakthrough in optimising fuel efficiency in internal combustion engines. Since the fixed compression ratio mechanism is totally gone, the new engine enables to transform itself and seamlessly raise or lower the height of the piston reach. This affects the amount of fuel and air is let into the cylinder case before the mixture is lit by spark plug.

Also Read: Volvo's PulsePower Technology Eliminates Turbo Diesel Lag 

Further, the displacement of the engine also changes, while the compression ratio can vary anywhere between 8:1 for max performance and 14:1 for optimum fuel efficiency. Depending on the driving situation at any given time, the computer controlled fully-automated ECU decides the optimum compression ratio.

PETROL FIGHTS BACK: The VC-Turbo tech puts turbo-charged diesel engines on shame, in terms of both performance and fuel economy 

Infiniti claims that the new 4-cylinder VC-T engine brings out 27 per cent better fuel economy than the existing 3.5-liter V6 engine it replaces. The company also claims that turbo-charged engine is lighter and more compact than conventional petrol engines, and also better conforms to strict emissions regulation, with significant reduction in NVH (Noise-Vibration-Harshness) levels. The new-generation VC-T petrol engines will debut in the upcoming Infiniti models, and Nissan has plans to introduce the technology in its other cars subsequently.

Also Read: Nissan's Roadmap For Zero-Emission Autonomous Driving

This technological development is significant since the whole auto industry appears tainted with rampant emission norm violations by a majority of car markers, mostly luxury brands, across the globe. The turbo-charged diesel engines that are at the centre of this controversy are promoted as 'clean' and 'efficient' against conventional petrol engines, thanks to the diesel's higher mileage and improved performance.

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