Infiniti Introduces First Production-Ready Variable Compression Engine

Throughout INFINITI’s history, the automaker has been at the forefront of automobile innovation. That tradition continues later this month. INFINITI will officially unveil the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine on September 29th at the Paris Motor Show.

This new engine is a game-changer for small turbo motors and it’s a step forward in boosting efficiency for internal-combustion engines. Since the engine’s output is automatically adjusted based on driving situation, efficiency is boosted, without having to sacrifice performance. A few quick benefits of the INFINITI Variable Compression Ratio engine include:

• Greatly reduced fuel consumption
• Reduced emissions
• A reduction in noise and vibration
• Lighter, reduced curbside weight

The team at Sawgrass INFINITI is excited about this release. Not only does the INFINITI VC-T engine boost efficiency by up to 27 percent (according to INFINITI’s estimates), but it ensures you still receive that same great performance. VC-T engines were first be introduced in the 2019 production of the mid-sized QX50 SUV.

How Does the INFINITI Variable Compression Ratio Engine Work?

Although the technology behind the INFINITI VC-T (also known as Variable Compression Turbo) engine is very complex, there are a few keys that can help you understand how it works. Essentially, the engine is able to adjust piston height higher or lower, which enables the volume of the combustion chamber to adjust based on the driving dynamics. Unlike fixed compression ratio engines, the engine has an adjustable compression ratio, ranging between 8:1 for high performance and 14:1 for optimized efficiency. In fact, INFINITI says the 2.0L VC-T engine will deliver performance comparable to a naturally aspirated V6.

Simply put, the engine can optimize outputs on the fly to maximize driver benefit. On the highway, or when accelerating, you might need more power from the turbo engine, while in city driving, reduced displacement can cut down on wasted fuel. The result is a vehicle that delivers significantly improved fuel economy and high-output turbo performance.

Right now, INFINITI is utilizing the technology for their 2.0L turbo engines, and the automaker has said this technology can be used for other small four-cylinder engines. Yet, it’s not yet ready for larger V6 and V8 engines.

When Will The VC-T Engines Become Available in Florida?

The good news: You don’t have to wait long to test drive or purchase an INFINITI equipped with VC-T. It will be in the 2019 QX50.

Yet, the VC-T is sure to a star in the line-up. Delivering better numbers than a 3.5L V6, the QX50’s 2.0L turbocharged in-line 4 will put out 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. That’s very impressive for a four-cylinder engine, and the Sawgrass INFINITI team is super excited with the news.

INFINITI hasn’t yet said what the plans are beyond the QX50, but there’s a good chance INFINITI vehicles with four-cylinder engines will have this option moving forward. If you’d like to learn more about INFINITI VC-T, visit Sawgrass INFINITI today.

Tags: QX50, Variable Compressions, VC-T
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