The world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine

INFINITI’s new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. Promising to be one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created, VC-Turbo technology combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain – without the equivalent emissions.

"The pioneering new VC-Turbo powertrain represents a leap forward for engine development. Vehicle engineers believe the breakthrough in internal combustion technology would come from mastering the variable compression ratio. This new technology will be available in new INFINITI models from 2018."
– Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI Motor Company.

Comparison of VC-Turbo technology in high and low compression ratios

  • When a change in compression ratio is needed, the Harmonic Drive turns and moves the actuator arm.
  • The actuator arm rotates the control shaft.
  • As the control shaft rotates, it acts upon the lower-link, which changes the angle of the multi-link
  • The multi-link adjusts the height the piston can reach within the cylinder, this changing the compression ratio.

WORLD’S FIRST TECHNOLOGY

INFINITI VC-TURBO ENGINE

Transforming on demand, INFINITI’s VC-Turbo technology uses an advanced multi-link system to seamlessly raise or lower the reach of the pistons, detecting the car’s driving condition and driver inputs, and instantly selecting the most suitable compression ratio. The engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).

INFINITI’s VC-Turbo technology marks a significant leap forward for the internal combustion engine, joining other renowned powertrain innovations such as liquid-cooling, fuel injection, catalytic convertors, and turbocharging. The arrival of the variable compression ratio engine will establish new benchmarks – for power, efficiency and emissions – against which future powertrains will be measured.

Currently Available On
The All-New 2019 QX50

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Beaverton INFINITI 38.315630, -105.241400.