Infiniti VC-T is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine

News from Hong Kong is that Infiniti will present its VC-T (Variable Compression-Turbocharged) as the world’s first production-ready engine with a variable compression ratio.

High or low compression ratio… now you can have both in one engine

Infiniti’s new 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol VC-T engine represents a major breakthrough in internal-combustion powertrain technology.  For years engineers from car engine makers have struggled with a way to optimise an engine, having to go for either a high or low compression ratio.

Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company said: “VC-T technology is a step change for Infiniti.  It is a revolutionary next-step in optimising the efficiency of the internal combustion engine.  This technological breakthrough delivers the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline (petrol) engine with a high level of efficiency at the same time.” 

VC-T technology signifies a new chapter in the story of the internal combustion engine – engines are no longer limited by a fixed compression ratio.  The ingenuity of VC-T engine technology lies in its ability to transform itself and seamlessly raise or lower the height the pistons’ reach.  This determines the compression ratio (the ratio by which the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder combustion chamber is compressed by).

Adjustable engine size

As a consequence, the displacement of the engine changes, and the compression ratio can vary anywhere between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).  Yes, this effectively means an adjustable engine size.

The sophisticated engine control logic automatically applies the optimum ratio, depending on what the driving situation demands. 

What are the benefits?

VC-T technology gives the customer driving benefits:  significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions, greatly reduced noise and vibration levels, and it is also lighter and more compact than comparable conventional engines.

More details on power outputs and efficiency are to follow – Infiniti is to present the engine on 29 September 2016 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.