The swirl chamber Diesel engine of the Volkswagen Rabbit has set standards as far as fuel economy is concerned. The introduction of direct fuel injection in passenger car Diesel engines constitutes another step in the same direction.
For installation in the “Auto 2000” prototype developed by Volkswagen Research, an engine was made which shows a number of new technologies designed for compliance with future exhaust emission standards as well as further improvement in fuel economy.
From the 1.6-1 Rabbit Diesel engine was formed with direct fuel injection, an electronically controlled fuel injection pump and a turbocharging system.
A 3-cylinder engine is advantageous in that it requires less space and is lighter. Furthermore, a low -volume (1.21) Diesel engine will be able to run in the low-consumption areas in the engine map in both the US and the ECE-tests since it will be exposed to a relatively high load.
Direct fuel injection, in turn, offers better thermal efficiency, so that a reduction in specific fuel consumption of about 15 % might reasonably be expected.
An electronic fuel injection pump Facilitates optimum adjustment of a number of engine parameters, especially injection timing and full-load behavior.
A supercharging system offers a higher power output as well as more torque and better fuel economy at an increased BMEP.
This report presents data obtained on engine test beds and roads using a turbocharger (TC) and a Comprex pressure wave supercharger (CX). Further conclusions with respect to road performance are shown. The development potential of neither supercharging system has been fully exhausted during the work covered by this report.