Infiniti announced plans to show their VC-T (Variable Compression-Turbocharged) production-ready variable compression ratio engine on September 29, 2016 at the Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile).  Touted as a major breakthrough in internal-combustion powertrain technology, Infiniti’s four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline VC-T engine took more than 20 years to develop.

Lighter and more compact than comparable conventional engines, VC-T technology enables the engine to seamlessly raise or lower the height the pistons reach, allowing the engine displacement to change and the compression ratio to vary between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).  Advanced engine control logic automatically employs the optimum ratio based on driving demands, reducing fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and vibration.

“VC-T technology is a step change for INFINITI,” said Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI Motor Company. “It is a revolutionary next-step in optimizing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. This technological breakthrough delivers the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with a high level of efficiency at the same time.”