New layout
The Infiniti engine's layout is the first major change to the system in more than a century. The pistons in the VC-T engine are connected to rods that are attached to one end of an elliptic device Nissan calls a multilink. The multilink is mounted on the crankshaft where the connecting rods normally go.
The other end of the multilink has a short rod that is connected to a shaft. An electrically controlled actuator twists the shaft, causing the multilink to tilt up or down slightly. When the end of the multilink closest to the piston is tilted up, the piston travels to the top of the cylinder. That is high-compression mode, 14.1.
When the multilink tilts down, the piston's travel in the cylinder stops before it reaches the top.
This lowers the compression ratio to 8.1, but because the turbocharger kicks in at the same time, the engine's power output increases. The turbocharger pressurizes each cylinder with a denser mixture of fuel and air, which increases power.
"Variable compression solves the age-old problem of compromise," says analyst Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific, a consulting firm. "Automakers have the task of meeting increasing emissions regulations and tightening fuel economy standards while consumers want more power. They have to dial down the compression to make everyone happy.
"Nissan's variable compression engine should appease the enthusiasts as well as those concerned with fuel economy."
Robust target
Kiga said Nissan has long known that its multilink mechanical system of varying piston travel would not just work but also be robust enough for a production engine. The reason for the 20-year gestation is that engine-control technology was not yet advanced enough to manage the complex system.
"Control technologies helped us accelerate the development," Kiga said.
The engine uses nearly all the advanced technologies found in today's production engines. In addition to the turbocharger, the VC-T has both port and direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and a cooling system with four circuits. All of these systems provide inputs to the engine's computer, which runs a fast-spinning electric motor that operates the actuator arm that changes the piston travel.
The VC-T adds cost but is less expensive than a diesel engine.
The VC-T engine, Kiga says, is about 10 percent more expensive to produce than a regular 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. And although the VC-T has more moving parts than other turbocharged, four-cylinder engines, Kiga says it produces less friction. One reason is because the piston travels straight up and down in the cylinder, eliminating side forces that cause friction.
The current QX50, with its 3.7-liter V-6 engine, has a EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg city, 24 highway and 20 combined. When the new QX50 goes on sale, the combined fuel economy should be around 26 mpg, about what a diesel-powered vehicle of the same size would achieve, but without a lot of the emissions-system complexity.
The VC-T engine will be the only one offered in the QX50, and it will be available with just one transmission, a continuously variable automatic.
'Longer legs'
Although the Infiniti VC-T engine appears to be a significant advancement of the internal combustion engine, it may not have a huge impact, as governments around the world crack down on internal combustion engines and as automakers gear up to sell electrified vehicles.
"The 2.0-liter turbo has essentially replaced the 3.5-liter V-6. It's a very crowded space in which to set yourself apart," said Sullivan. "Combined with the continually variable transmission, the VC-T engine could yield some impressive fuel economy numbers. But with the relative stability of low fuel prices, it may not mean much to QX50 buyers. The immediate impact may not be felt with the QX50. But this technology only gives the internal combustion engine longer legs."
While the VC-T's performance and refinement in the test QX50s were outstanding, perhaps a downside for potential buyers is that the engine requires premium gasoline, which was averaging $3.09 per gallon, according to AAA, 52 cents more per gallon than regular.
