Infiniti’s New Turbo Four-Cylinder Engine Has a Trick Up its Sleeve

Infiniti is showcasing the future of its engines today with the announcement of its new variable compression-turbocharged (VC-T) engine. 

Infiniti will officially reveal the powerplant on September 29 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The Japanese brand says that this engine, which is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, has been in the works for 20 years.

The four-cylinder engine is able to change its compression ratio from 8:1 for maximum performance up to 14:1 for high efficiency. To accommodate this, the pistons are able to change their stroke height seamlessly as the compression ratio changes.

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Though Infiniti hasn’t offered up any specifications on the engine just yet, the brand says that this technology should reduce fuel consumption and emissions while retaining its performance.

“VC-T technology is a step change for Infiniti,” said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company. “It is a revolutionary next-step in optimizing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. 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 engine is expected to make it into a production vehicle by 2018. More information will be released on September 29. Check back to AutoGuide.com for live coverage from the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

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