Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, VW, and Kia are already manufacturing all-electric vehicles (EV), so it would seem that internal combustion engines are old-fashioned in terms of car tech and carbon emissions. However, Nissan claims its new VC-T motor produces the power of a turbo engine, and the fuel efficiency of a diesel or hybrid engine. The Japanese automaker's new power plant is over one-quarter more efficient than today's V-6 gas engines and could replace most diesels.
An internal combustion engine includes a space where fossil fuels are burned. This produces high temperatures and pressure that expand to move engine parts such as pistons, or the entire motor.
The VC-T is a turbo 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. It has about the same power and torque of a 3.5-liter V-6 engine but 27 percent better fuel economy.
The new engine uses "variable compression technology". Nissan engineers explain it gives the engine the ability to choose the best compression ratio to boost power or efficiency.
Nissan's V-6 engine has remained an industry standard for decades. It would be a masterstroke if it could still improve the power and precision of the gas motor.
Kinichi Tanuma is a senior Nissan engineer. The leader of the Infiniti brand's development explained that diesel engines are a trending topic today, and the Nissan engine could replace the industry's newest motors.
Volkswagen is still recovering from its emission cheating scandal. Last year the United States' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found out that VW had installed on-board software that made its diesel vehicles run cleaner during lab tests than road tests.
Nissan's internal combustion engine is set to be introduced at Mondial de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show) in October. It will be featured in a new Infiniti car that hits the market next year, according to Gas 2.0. Nissan will then add the new engine to other vehicles, and could later install it in some Renault cars and trucks.
The VC-T powertrain is cheaper to produce than today's internal combustion engines. It will also meet strict emissions rules in major auto markets including the US, Europe, and Japan.
James Chao is Asia-Pacific managing director at consulting firm IHS. He explained that for the last two decades automakers have been working to make major improvements to gas engines' fuel economy, according to Reuters. Some big issues include small shakes and cost.
The Nissan Motor Company was founded in 1933. It produces Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands, and formed a business partnership with French automaker Renault in 1999.
Here's a first look at the 2017 Nissan GT-R: