What's the news?
We've had variable valve timing, downsizing with turbos, part-electric hybrids, cars which can shut off half of their cylinders for given periods of time, and even engines that can switch from the Otto to the more efficient Atkinson Cycle - all in the name of saving fuel. Well, now Infiniti is claiming a world first: this is the Variable Compression-Turbocharged (VC-T) four-cylinder petrol, that can change its compression ratio at will.
The luxury arm of Nissan claims that VC-T has been in development for more than two decades, so it clearly believes it is onto a winner here. Doing away with the fixed compression ratio, the VC-T can raise or lower the height the pistons reach, effectively altering the stroke and thus the displacement of the engine at will, according to throttle demands.
Infiniti says the VC-T can go from 8:1 for maximum power, right the way out to 14:1 where it is only sipping at unleaded. Engine management does all the hard work of figuring out which of these extremes the drivers needs at a given moment.
Infiniti claims that VC-T not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions, but it also reduces noise and vibration levels, and it's lighter and more compact than comparable conventional internal combustion engines.
Roland Krueger, Infiniti's president, said: "VC-T technology is a step change for Infiniti. It is a revolutionary next-step in optimising the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. This technological breakthrough delivers the power of a high-performance 2.0-litre turbo gasoline engine with a high level of efficiency at the same time."
Anything else?
Infiniti will show off the VC-T technology at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September, running into October, ahead of the unit arriving in its cars some time in 2017.