The automotive landscape isn’t
one to remain stagnant, but the
current rate at which vehicular
technology is being developed
is astonishing by any industry
standard. Whether it’s safety,
comfort and convenience, or
futuristic self-driving capabilities,
none of them are evolving faster than one specific
category: fuel-saving technology.
Despite being ruthless competitors among
themselves, all automotive giants seem to agree that
new fuel-saving technologies must be pioneered. Engine
electrification, variable compression, and even hydrogen
fuel-cells are just a few examples of how different
manufacturers are tackling this massive challenge.
Whether in the United States, Germany, or Japan, the
urgency to maximize fuel efficiency is palpable.
Living proof of this is Infiniti’s new VC-Turbo engine,
a technological masterpiece that’s taken 20 years
to perfect and bring to market. As the world’s first
variable compression turbocharged engine, the VC-
Turbo promises to deliver diesel-like performance and
efficiency without the pesky emissions. The magic
lies in its ability to alter the distance the pistons travel
inside the cylinder depending
on the driver’s input and
driving scenario.
All modern internal
combustion engines, naturally
aspirated or force-inducted,
feature a fixed compression
ratio —meaning that
the piston’s stroke never
fluctuates. The VC-Turbo
employs what Infiniti calls
a multilink, which is a sort
of pivot mounted on the
crankshaft that’s controlled by an electric actuator that
can tilt up and down. When that happens, the multilink
increases or decreases the compression ratio between
14:1 and 8:1 — delivering increased fuel-efficiency
during highway cruising, but boosting power during
heavy acceleration. The VC-Turbo engine will make its
debut in the 2019 Infiniti QX50.
In Detroit, Michigan, Ram has launched another
cutting-edge technology in the all-new Ram 1500 that’s
bound to impact the pickup truck segment as a whole.
It’s called the eTorque mild hybrid system, and it will be a
standard feature in the new-generation 3.6-liter Pentastar
V6, and optional in the iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The new
systemwill provide a seamless start/stop function, short-
duration torque upon acceleration and other driving
scenarios, as well as brake energy regeneration.
The eTorque mild hybrid system replaces the
traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor
generator that works in conjunction with a 48-
volt battery pack, which should result in lower fuel
consumption, higher responsiveness, and boosted
overall efficiency.
Meanwhile, in Stuttgart, Germany, Mercedes-Benz
has embarked on its own quest to uncover the benefits
of a 48-volt electrical system, electric water pumps, and
dealing with fewer belts and overall components under
the hood.
The higher-output electrical system delivers in
more than just one front, as it impacts fuel efficiency,
acceleration, and also allows engineers to rethink
just how efficient an internal combustion engine can
be. The brand’s new-generation engines aren’t only
beltless thanks to the 48-volt setup, but also feature
an electric air-conditioning compressor, water pump,
an integrated starter-alternator, and a revolutionary
electric supercharger in addition to a conventional
turbocharger.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class already benefits
from the new technology, which aims to please
consumers looking
for fuel savings and
higher performance
alike. Characteristics like
regenerative braking
and a smoother stop-
start experience give
way to more exciting
qualities like increased
power, torque, and three different stages of boost. The
majority of the added horsepower comes courtesy of
the integrated starter-alternator working in conjunction
with the electric compressor.
Who wins? The consumer. Regardless if you’re a pickup
truck fanatic, a sports car enthusiast, or a luxury car
connoisseur, some form of fuel-saving technology will
eventually be at your fingertips. It’s only a matter of time.
By Jerry Perez
Automotive Journalist
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CHICAGO AUTO SHOW 2018
22
FUEL-SAVING TECHNOLOGY
SOARS IN 2018
