16-04-2007 Volkswagen
FAW Engine (Dalian) Co. Ltd., a joint venture between FAW Group and Volkswagen
AG, has announced plans to lower the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of
FAW-Volkswagen produced cars by more than 20 percent by 2010, with the introduction
of an advanced new generation of engines and transmissions. Under
Volkswagen's "China Powertrain Strategy", the company will spend $600
million to introduce its most advanced engines and gearboxes with partner FAW
Group to equip its entire range of car models produced at FAW-Volkswagen. As
the company's first step, Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) started to produce its
1.8-liter turbo FSI, 4-cylinder, 4-valve engine on Friday. The engine produces
a maximum power of 160 horsepower at 5,000 to 6,200rpm, and offers a peak torque
of 250Nm at 1,500 to 4,200rpm. The
engine's sophisticated FSI (fuel straight injection) direct injection technology
increases engine torque and power, while allowing it to operate up to 15 percent
more economically with reduced exhaust emissions. Compared to ordinary intake
manifold injection, FSI engines inject fuel directly into the combustion chambers,
reducing heat loss and fuel consumption while increasing output. The engine's
electronic management system monitors engine load and adjust injection timing,
pressure, quantity parameters, and cylinder air flow. At full load, FSI increases
compression as well as engine efficiency and performance. Initially,
the new engine will equip FAW-Volkswagen's new Magotan (B6 Passat) mid-sized sedan.
The Magotan will enter production in June. The
Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) joint venture, in which Volkswagen and FAW hold
60 and 40 percent stakes respectively, will have an annual production capacity
of 300,000 units by 2011 with a total investment of 1.5 billion Yuan (US $194
million). The plant will assemble 2.0 liter engines in the future, and supply
engines to Volkswagen's markets abroad. Later
this year, Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) will announce more details of its plans
to launch production of other advanced engines and transmissions. Complimenting
the new fuel efficient engines, FAW-Volkswagen plans to use light-weight material
technology in the components of its car range to further reduce fuel consumption
and exhaust emissions.
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