Lotus and Siemens VDO introduce a new engine that promises to have very low CO2 emissions
Lotus and Siemens have announced that they will introduce a new engine, called Low CO2, before this year ends. The 3-cylinder 1.5 liter pressure-charged engine will feature the latest technologies from both partners to achieve an engine which can potentially beat hybrids in CO2 emissions.
Siemens' part of the deal consists in a new high pressure fuel pump and centrally-mounted gasoline injectors while Lotus brings in an integrated exhaust manifold design and a cam profile switching system and a turbocompressor. This is called a hybrid engine, according to the press release (included after the jump). The technology will be displayed at the Frankfurt International Autoshow and showcased in a vehicle at the end of this year.
The objective of this new engine is lowering CO2 emissions while "maintaining an engaging driving engine from an affordable set of technologies." The car will also feature weight-saving techniques as well the downsizing trend some automakers are adopting.
[Source: Lotus]
Low CO2 – efficient solutions for the future
Lotus Engineering, the engineering consultancy division of Group Lotus Plc, and Siemens VDO are collaborating on a research and development programme to reduce the CO2 emissions of future gasoline vehicles. In advance of the full unveiling of the Low CO2 engine in a demonstrator vehicle towards the end of the year, the final cylinder head design with a number of integrated technologies, will feature on the Siemens VDO stand at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September.
The Low CO2 exhibit will showcase key features from the newly-designed 1.5-litre, pressure charged, three-cylinder downsized hybrid engine. The display will include Lotus' unique integrated exhaust manifold design and its cam profile switching system, and will also feature Siemens VDO's new high pressure fuel pump and centrally-mounted gasoline injectors.
The primary objectives of the Low CO2 project are to deliver greatly reduced emissions while maintaining an engaging driving experience from an affordable set of technologies. The solution employs a cleverly integrated set of powertrain systems within a low mass, downsized overall package. Ultimately, the technology and know-how will be used by both partners to support vehicle manufacturers' efforts to reduce fleet average CO2 emissions in next generation products.
Lotus Engineering is contributing its powertrain design, downsizing and systems integration expertise along with a number of advanced technologies. Siemens VDO is supplying its extensive experience in powertrain management and control systems and a number of new technologies.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, is extremely pleased at the progress of this highly professional research co-operation: "It is very appropriate that some of the key features of this Low CO2 project will be on display at one of the world's foremost automotive exhibitions. I am delighted that we are working with Siemens VDO on this very special project. Both LotusEngineering and Siemens VDO are recognised as world experts in cutting-edge powertrain technologies and I look forward in the coming months to sharing with you the results of this incredible combination of complementary skills and technological leadership. This project is a prime example of how Lotus Engineering's research activities, often in conjunction with globally recognised partners, are contributing to bringing to fruition a number of efficient powertrain and automotive advanced technology solutions for the future."
Siemens VDO Group Vice President Dr. Klaus Egger stated that "The cooperation with our partner, Lotus Engineering, shows once again, that there is still a lot of potential for further innovation and development within the internal combustion engine. The combination of direct injection and turbo charging means noticeably better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions for the Gasoline engine, without compromising driving fun. With our advanced expertise in low CO2 know-how we see clear benefits for our customers and will further strengthen and improve our role as systems integration experts."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
T2 1:40PM (9/08/2007)
Lotus describes this 1.5L engine as a three-cylinder downsized hybrid engine but coming from Lotus their idea and my idea of downsizing are probably two different things.
Compare for instance with the 1.5L engine from the Toyota Yaris. This is also a 1.5L engine and is 43cm in length of which its four 75mm bores alone absorb 30cm. So, in that light the three bores in the Lotus engine, on their legacy, could easily be of 100mm diameter and similarly also occupy 30cm of engine length. In which case this downsized engine could possibly be the exact same size as a conventional engine. : =) and when you come to think of it, the swept volume is a very small part of the total volumetric capacity from engine cover to oil pan anyway.
Yes friends, it was a dark day for me six months ago when I took physical examination of a 600cc inline four motorcycle engine at the local powersports recycler and discovered that it was almost the same size as the aforementioned Yaris mill, well its bores at 67mm each were 90% of the Toyota's should have been a clue. I said are you sure this is a 600cc because that head gasket laying over there looks like something off a 1.8L car engine. Nope that's how big a 600 piston gets -- when it only has a 42.5mm stroke. It was just that the 1500 to 600 ratio resounded a 2.5 ratio in my mind. OK the cube root then. But that's still 1.357, say 1.4, or a forty per cent increase in all three dimensions, that is the ball park one would be expecting if one didn't know any better. It was then I had an epiphany (I'm taking the medication) , that horsepower must be proportional to piston area because both engines make the same power. OK the 600cc makes a little more because its allowed a higher piston speed. I did several calculations afterwards, making comparisons between other normally aspirated engines and when extrapolating for equal piston speeds I found a remarkable correlation between horsepower and cylinder diameter.
I hope I didn't waste your collective time with this salient fact, but it is not stated specifically in any thermodynamic textbook I've seen. The reason I put down this diatribe is to inform that we know very little from quoting engine capacities but we absolutely need to know that bore diameter metric in order we can appreciate the power and size of any engine including this Lotus design.
T2
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rgseidl 3:54PM (9/08/2007)
@T2 -
"downsizing" is a technical term that refers to a reduction in total engine displacement while at least maintaining rated torque and power. The displacement reduction (typically, at least 25%) can be achieved via smaller bore, shorter stroke or reduced cylinder count. To compensate, single- or two-stage turbocharging is used, though a single pressure wave supercharger (a.k.a. wave rotor) would also be an option. A key objective is to provide at least 90% of rated torque starting at 1500-2000 RPM.
Downsizing as used by European engine developers has no immediate bearing on the physical dimensions of the engine, shrinking those is more of a welcome by-product.
The related term "downspeeding" refers to the use of longer gear ratios and earlier shift points, which force the engine to operate at higher load and lower RPM. This is how most of the fuel economy gains associated with downsizing are actually achieved.
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