VW Turning to Electric Superchargers for Big Power Gains
The Volkswagen Group has previewed several engines that will be used in future models and all of them will deliver impressive performance.
Earlier this week, Audi released details on its new 2.0-liter TFSI engine that will be making its debut in the 2016 Audi A4, but there’s more from the Volkswagen Group.
Three new VW engines have been detailed at the Vienna engine symposium and they showcase a future where the German automaker will focus on power and efficiency. While other automakers are turning to hybrids and fuel-cell powertrains, Volkswagen believes its TDI and TSI engines have a bright future, especially with the integration of new technology such as electric superchargers.
For starters, one of the new VW engines will be a 1.0-liter three-cylinder featuring a large single turbo and an electric supercharger to support it. Combined, the powertrain is capable of making 272 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, which is as impressive as it gets when you’re talking about a mill with three cylinders.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Audi A4 2.0L Engine Detailed
VW also detailed a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI, a powerplant that was first announced a couple of years ago. Combining an ultra-high-pressure injection system, two turbochargers and an electric charger, the company envisions its new diesel engine to create 300 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Topping the range will be a next-generation W12 engine that will likely be used in various Bentley models, the next-generation Audi A8 and possibly the Volkswagen Phaeton. VW has combined turbocharging with direct injection for the first time on the W12, generating 600 hp with 664 lb-ft of torque. To ensure it has some fuel economy, the W12 will be capable of cylinder deactivation, operating as a VR6 when needed.
[Source: Car and Driver]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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272 HP from a 1.0 liter engine! I remember when 100 HP in a 1.0 liter engine was high-performance. Still, that's a moot point compared to Stanley Meyer's dune buggy than was fueled with water only. Stanley said he was quietly offered 1 billion in cash to buy his technology so they could bury it. Stanley refused, so they hired an assassin instead for a few hundred thousand or so and simply poisoned him. That way, both Stanley and his technology were buried. 25 years later, we are still using highly polluting gasoline at whatever price they want to charge us, with water still less than a penny per gallon. Isn't progress wonderful?
Great job to VW Group and their outstanding showcase of cars and engines. Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, koda and Volkswagen including motorcycles under the Ducati name. Top that Benz, BMW, GM or any other vehicle manufacturer on the planet.