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

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.