VW has become the first auto manufacturer to introduce cylinder shut-off technology for TSI engines.
The system is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption by shutting off two cylinders in a four-cylinder engine when under low or medium load. The latest technology will be introduced in VW's 1.4 litre TSI engine next year and is the first of its kind in a mass-produced TSI engine.
VW's cylinder shut-off system Image: Volkswagen UK |
The shut-off system has been shown to reduce fuel use by 0.4l per 100km across the driving cycle, with savings of as much as one litre per 100km at a constant 50km/h. However, the engine is designed to remain smooth when the cylinders are shut down to ensure driver and passenger comfort.
The systems activates shut-off of cylinders two and three when the engine is turning at between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm or with torque between 25 and 75 Nm - which is generally around 70% of normal driving conditions. Under acceleration, the cylinders immediately restart using information from the accelerator pedal sensor.