3-Cyl. Passat Illustrates ‘Extreme Downsizing’

[Daox]

If only it were to ever get into production... Heck, I wouldn't mind a 1.2L in my way smaller Paseo!

Here at Bosch’s test track, an ’09 Volkswagen Passat “Extreme Downsizing” demonstration vehicle has a new 1.2L 3-cyl. engine from Mahle Powertrain with a single-stage turbocharger from the JV.

And despite its diminutive size, the engine performs remarkably well in powering the spacious 5-passenger Passat wagon around Bosch’s high-speed oval at more than 112 mph (180 km/h).

With a manual transmission, the engine is a bit hesitant at launch, but throttle response is excellent at mid-range and high engine speeds, with a fat torque curve that peaks at 210 lb.-ft. (285 Nm) from 1,600 to 3,500 rpm.

...

A casual driver would be unlikely to guess such a small engine is underhood.

The 1.2L engine is rated at an astounding 161 hp at 5,000 rpm, compared with 121 hp in the production engine it replaces, a 1.4L TSI direct-injection gasoline 4-cyl.

And mileage isn’t bad, either. Bosch pegs fuel consumption at 40 mpg (5.9L/100 km), based on the European driving cycle.

Maximum boost pressure of the demonstration single-stage turbocharger is 36 psi (2.5 bar). The prototype engine also integrates cam phasing on both intake and exhaust sides of the valvetrain.

...

Bosch officials say the engine installation in the Passat is merely a coincidence and is not intended to suggest Volkswagen is the first light-vehicle customer for the new turbochargers.

3-Cyl. Passat Illustrates ‘Extreme Downsizing’

[bwilson4web]

My understanding is maximum ICE efficiency requires a single cylinder engine but they have power impulse and associated vibration issues. One of the nice things about reducing the number of cylinders is the improved ratio of combustion volume to piston ring drag. The volume increases by the cube while the piston-ring surface increases by the square.

[TomO]

Wow, it's basically a diesel engine that runs on gasoline. It makes more torque than HP, has direct fuel injection, and runs megamuss amounts of boost.

Hmm, maybe a swap project in the future for a certain small Honda Hatchback perhaps?

[Angmaar]

That almost has more boost pressure than tire pressure.

[jamesqf]

"Extreme downsizing", yet it's a "spacious" five-passenger wagon? Excuse me, but aren't they missing a point? Put that engine in something about the size of a CRX or Mini.

[gone-ot]

...small cid + high CR + turboboost + Direct Injection + E85 = gasoline-powered DIESEL economy engine!

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

"Extreme downsizing", yet it's a "spacious" five-passenger wagon? Excuse me, but aren't they missing a point? Put that engine in something about the size of a CRX or Mini.

Extreme ENGINE downsizing. That is all.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

"Extreme downsizing", yet it's a "spacious" five-passenger wagon? Excuse me, but aren't they missing a point? Put that engine in something about the size of a CRX or Mini.

Looks like it's the VW 1.2L 3 cylinder gasoline engine that's already in the small VW Polo (60-75 HP, think Golf II size).
I seem to recall it's a gas version of the VW 1.2 L TDi.
It makes sense to put in in another VW product to avoid serious fitting issues.
And obviously to prove the downsizing point.

VW already puts 1.4 L / 122-160 HP gas engines in the big Passat and other cars in their range.

[jamesqf]

[QUOTE=euromodder;246536]Looks like it's the VW 1.2L 3 cylinder gasoline engine that's already in the small VW Polo (60-75 HP, think Golf II size). /QUOTE]

The quote did say that it's a new engine. But either way, downsize the car, too.

[katiep]

Originally Posted by Daox

If only it were to ever get into production... Heck, I wouldn't mind a 1.2L in my way smaller Paseo!

And mileage isn’t bad, either. Bosch pegs fuel consumption at 40 mpg (5.9L/100 km), based on the European driving cycle.

Let me preface this with how I think 40mpg is awesome and great since it's a HUGE improvement over most of the cars on the road!!

Now, keep in mind I'm not very engine savvy, but when I hear about these kinds of cars with small engines and they're supposed to be more efficient..... I think of my 2000 Toyota Echo that got 40-42 mpg when driving efficiency wasn't on my radar yet (I was a teen in a hurry all the time, lead foot). Isn't this 3 cylinder 1.2L engine not as efficient, then, as my 1.5L 4 cylinder in that Echo?

I know other parts of the car come into play here. I believe the Echo is lighter, for example. It's about 2,000 lbs, while I think the Passats are around 3,000. Both cars have about the same Cd of 0.3. Well, in other words, I guess I'm asking this: would putting that same 3 cylinder 1.2L engine in the 2000 Toyota Echo result in better than 40mpg, if the Echo gets 40mpg while having its current engine?