Skip advert
Advertisement

New tech to boost petrol efficiency

Delphi engineers have found a way of using direct injection on petrol engines, and the breakthrough could revolutionise engine efficiency

New tech to boost petrol efficiency

The next generation of petrol engines will offer the same fuel economy as hybrids without the extra weight and cost. So say engineers at US technology company Delphi, who’ve worked out how to incorporate the direct-injection method of ignition used in diesels into petrol engines. And the potential benefit is staggering.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Harry Husted, Delphi’s chief engineer for advanced powertrain development, told Auto Express: “The results of initial simulation work show this technology could improve engine efficiency by up to 50 per cent.”

In conventional petrol engines, a spark ignites the mixture of fuel and air. But in diesel engines, it’s the heat of compression that ignites the fuel and air mixture without the need for a spark. This allows the fuel to burn faster and more efficiently.

Until now, though, engineers have been unable to use the direct-injection method with petrol, because it’s too volatile to effectively control.

Delphi’s gasoline direct-injection compression ignition system overcomes this problem by using sophisticated valve timing, intake and exhaust tech to inject petrol in precisely controlled bursts. The company has successfully developed and tested a single-cylinder engine prototype and is already working on a more advanced system.

Husted added: “A multi-cylinder engine is being developed and will be ready to test later this year. It’s going to be a very torquey engine, with a similar feel to a diesel.”

And the new engine will have an immediate advantage over a diesel – and extra appeal to manufacturers: as unleaded fuel burns more cleanly than diesel, petrol engines don’t need an expensive and highly complex particulate filter. The new engine could be on sale by 2020.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025