Volkswagen Shows Off Its New Gasoline-Powered Gas Engine That Runs on Gas

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Diesel? What’s that?

Volkswagen is embracing a far less controversial type of fuel with its new 1.5-liter TSI engine, unveiled yesterday at the Vienna Motor Symposium.

The ultra-efficient four-cylinder uses variable turbine geometry (VTG) in its turbocharger to generate peak torque at a low 1,300 rpm, then maintain a flat torque curve until about 4,500 rpm. This leads to fuel economy gains and a better driving experience.

Used previously by Porsche, VTG technology alters the turbocharger turbine guide vane position to optimize compressor speed for a given speed and load. This helps build up boost in a hurry at low engine speeds and manages it better at higher speeds.

Volkswagen’s new direct-injection engine uses the Miller combustion cycle and has a compression ratio of 12.5:1. This technology, plus cylinder deactivation, a friction package and a VTG turbocharger, lowers fuel consumption to 10 percent below that of its well-regarded 1.4-liter TSI engine.

That particular engine makes 39 miles per gallon on the highway in a Jetta with an automatic transmission, so it’s an impressive achievement.

“An important aspect here is that the improvements in fuel economy take effect across a wide range of the engine map,” the automaker said in a statement. “Consequently, they do not merely apply under test bench conditions but also have a distinct impact on the customer’s everyday driving.”

The automaker showed off two versions of its 1.5-liter in Vienna — a 130 hp version and a higher-output 150 hp, with the lower-end engine making 147 pounds-feet of torque. No applications are listed, but Volkwagen said it plans to start offering the 1.5-liter in its lineup later this year.

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • NoGoYo NoGoYo on Apr 29, 2016

    150 is the best they can do? Honda's fairly conservative (you seriously can't get over 300 hp from a 3.7 V6, Honda?) and they still managed 170 from their 1.5 turbo.

    • See 2 previous
    • Hummer Hummer on Apr 30, 2016

      @derekson They need to focus on the Brayton cycle, maybe then they can finally make something interesting, and at least the high repair costs would be justified.

  • GST GST on Apr 30, 2016

    For the record, our family considers these engines to be bullet proof. My daughter has a 2003 VW Jetta with over 150,000 miles and no engine problems. My son has a 2005 Audi Q4 with about the same miles and I drive a 2001 Audi TT with over 150,000 miles. All with no engine problems to date. (assuming Audi 1.8's are the same as VW).

  • Drw1926 Drw1926 on May 01, 2016

    "Volkswagen Shows Off its New Gasoline-Powered Gas Engine That Runs on Gas" TTAC is becoming more like Jalopnik every day. (hint: that isn't a compliment).

  • RHD RHD on May 02, 2016

    "Effiency!" demanded Engineer Dieter. "But how?" asked the Resident Cheater. "Don't do anything drastic, cover the engine with plastic, and add more miles on the odo-meter!"

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