The VC-Turbo, the world’s first variable compression ratio engine, was recognized with high scores at The International Engine + Powertrain of the Year Awards.
The 272PS (268 horsepower) VC-Turbo was named in two key categories: 250PS to 350PS and Best New Engine, competing with other engines and powertrains the automotive industry has launched this year.
The VC-Turbo engine is able to intelligently switch between compression ratios of 8:1 (for power) and 14:1 (for efficiency) in just over a second. It can also operate at any ratio between the two to suit the demands of the driver and road conditions.
“Aside from gaining a big advantage over rival brands with this technology, INFINITI and Nissan might just have saved the internal combustion engine as we know it,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the awards. “And in doing so, it has secured their own future too, because innovation brings success.”
The awards jury is made up of 70 automotive journalists representing 31 countries and many more publications, highlighting the global impact VC-Turbo has made.
“Variable compression ratio technology represents a breakthrough in powertrain development,” said Michael Colleran, deputy chairman of INFINITI Motor Company. “The QX50, powered by the VC-Turbo, is the first production vehicle ever to give drivers an engine that transforms on demand, setting a new benchmark for powertrain capability and refinement, so customers can have the best combination of power and efficiency.” The QX50 is a stunning midsize SUV with technology and utility that customers around the world appreciate.”
The engine was first introduced in the 2019 INFINITI QX50 midsize luxury SUV, which also features standout design and unrivaled interior space, all on an entirely new platform. The VC-Turbo engine is seen as a bridge to electrification for INFINITI, as the company moves to revealing an electrified product portfolio within the next few years.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine, the VC-Turbo is the result of more than 20 years of ingenuity and passion within Nissan Motor Co. More than 100 development engines were created in the development process and, at one point, the highly advanced work came to a halt as the computer power needed to finalize the design was not available. When computers caught up with the engineering dream, VC-Turbo became a reality.
Please click here to view the full press release.
SOURCE: INFINITI
