AEI 2006 Tech Awards

The editors of Automotive Engineering International highlight some of the more innovative new products and technologies on display at the SAE 2006 World Congress, based on the latest information provided by exhibiting companies.

The TurboDISI engine from FEV is a 1.8-L turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine that offers impressive low-end torque and a fuel economy typically associated only with diesel engines. The engine, which can replace larger, heavier naturally aspirated engines, also promises reduced emissions compared to naturally aspirated and port-fuel-injected turbocharged engines. Compared to the larger 2.6-L naturally aspirated engine that it replaces, the TurboDISI engine produces the same peak torque and power, but reaches peak torque more quickly while offering better specific fuel consumption throughout the engine map. It minimizes the traditional turbo-lag drawback experienced by conventional turbocharged engines, which is characterized by a delay in the torque rise during acceleration, and applies technologies such as variable valve timing, an integrated charge air cooler in the intake manifold, and advanced charge air devices.