For a while now, engine downsizing appeared to be the way forward, particularly towards meeting emissions regulations. However, it is a trend that has peaked, according to Volkswagen brand chief Herbert Diess. “The reduction in the number of cylinders has achieved its goals. Whether it is moving from four cylinders to three or six to four, then we have achieved efficiency benefits while retaining the qualities of drivability,” he said.
“That trend made a lot of sense — but it comes to an end now. If we go smaller, we will run into emissions and cost problems,” he added. The cost of developing diesel engines to meet new emissions regulations – estimated at around 1,000 euro (RM4,809.18) per car – also mean new buyers of these cars won’t accept the increased price of admission for the newfound gains, Diess said.
Where powertrains are concerned, 48V hybrid systems are likely to gradually replace diesels in city cars and superminis as they can offer the same efficiency for less money, according to Diess. “The internal combustion engine has a long life ahead of it yet, but as we hit the limits of thermo-dynamics, then the cost of hybridisation will be less than that of pursuing gains without them,” he said.
To that end, the company has indicated its approach with concepts shown at this year’s annual Wörthersee gathering, including a commemorative GTI concept with all-wheel drive and 410 PS.
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We’re moving into the electric era now obviously
Market force is moving towards electrification. No point putting in more money on something that is not going to be as efficient as the washing machine. How long did you last service your washing machine? Need to add oil? Spin so fast, need how many gears?
I like washing machine!
Me too. Superb handling and very fuel economy
Downsizing is still much welcomed in Malaysia, due to our tax system that penalized higher-capacity engines.
Agreed. If cost permits, i always prefer downsized turbo diesels due to superior fuel economy and good low end torque.
We saw this coming. Mazda Skyactiv berjaya!
Seriously? Skyactiv at 2-liter capacity engine?
so after this very hard to get parts for smaller CC audi and volkswagen la
I reckon what they meant is that engines won’t be downsized FURTHER. i.e. what we have today has met it’s peak efficiency where internal combustion is concerned and will remain for a long time to come, however; moving forward will see pairing electrification with these internal combustion configurations.
when u hit limit, try harder …
VW thumbs down
But some of the Japs and Korean has just started to pump turbo-engine into their production line. Wish that they can skip turbo and go into any kind of hybrid or EV the soonest.
don’t but the VW 1.4 TSI downsizing car
it’s a premature failure product
what it means is that they will keep the current engine sizes and combine it with the marvels of electricity…it’s not that they’re gonna revert to 1.8/2.0/larger engines.
long story short, a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo with cylinder deactivation is as tiny as it will go…and will be aided by electrification…which isn’t all that surprising.