The Infiniti VC-T is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine

Infiniti will present VC-T(Variable Compression-Turbocharged), the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine on 29 September at the 2016 Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile). The new four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline VC-T engine has been in development for more than 20 years. Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company said, “VC-T technology is a step change for Infiniti. 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 VC-T technology signifies that engines are no longer limited by a fixed compression ratio.  The technology provides the internal combustion engine an ability to transform itself by seamlessly raising or lowering the height the pistons reach. As a consequence, the displacement of the engine changes and the compression ratio can vary anywhere between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The sophisticated engine control logic automatically applies the optimum ratio, depending on what the driving situation demands.

VC-T technology is claimed to deliver multiple benefits including significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions, greatly reduced noise and vibration levels; it is also said to be lighter and more compact than comparable conventional engines. More information on the world-first VC-T engine will be presented by INFINITI at Mondial de l’Automobile on 29 September, with the company’s press conference taking place at 12:30.