Infiniti has unveiled the world’s first variable compression ratio engine which many auto pundits suggest is one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever conceived.
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The engine will effectively replace the VQ-series of V6 engines, except for the 3.0-litre twin turbo unit debuting in the new Q60.
Variable compression ratios on side-valve engines are nothing new: the system of screwing the cylinder head in and out of the cylinder is so simple it’s not even patented, and it remains the only empirical way to measure the octane rating of a sample of petrol.
The engine’s control logic electronics vary the compression ratio depending on the driving situation.
Infiniti’s VC-T technology allows the engine to raise or lower the height the pistons reach, allowing for the engine’s displacement of the engine to change, and the compression ratio to vary seamlessly between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).
Reports out of Europe say the new engine will debut in Infiniti’s next-generation QX50 SUV – the company’s BMW X3 rival not now sold in Australia – which was previewed by the QX Sport Inspiration concept at the Beijing motor show earlier this year. “This technological breakthrough delivers the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with a high level of efficiency at the same time”.
The first VC-T-powered Infiniti model will be available from 2018 – likely to be the new QX50. Nissan quotes peak power – on decent-quality fuel – at an eyebrow-raising 200kW and 390Nm, from an engine that can be made lighter and more compact than a conventional two-litre turbopetrol four because it has less internal stresses to deal with.
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Further details will be revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, starting September 29.
