Infiniti: World's First Variable Compression Ratio Engine Named in the International Engine + Powertrain of the Year Awards

Press release

Published June 26th, 2019 - 10:22 GMT

INFINITI QX50

Highlights

The VC-Turbo, the world’s first variable compression ratio engine, was recognized with high scores at The International Engine + Powertrain of the Year Awards.

The 272PS (268 horsepower) VC-Turbo was named in two key categories: 250PS to 350PS and Best New Engine, competing with other engines and powertrains the automotive industry has launched this year.

The VC-Turbo engine is able to intelligently switch between compression ratios of 8:1 (for power) and 14:1 (for efficiency) in just over a second. It can also operate at any ratio between the two to suit the demands of the driver and road conditions.

The awards jury is made up of 70 automotive journalists representing 31 countries and many more publications, highlighting the global impact VC-Turbo has made. The engine was first introduced in the 2019 INFINITI QX50 midsize luxury SUV, which also features standout design and unrivaled interior space, all on an entirely new platform. The VC-Turbo engine is seen as a bridge to electrification for INFINITI, as the company moves to revealing an electrified product portfolio within the next few years.

A 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine, the VC-Turbo is the result of more than 20 years of ingenuity and passion within Nissan Motor Co. More than 100 development engines were created in the development process and, at one point, the highly advanced work came to a halt as the computer power needed to finalize the design was not available. When computers caught up with the engineering dream, VC-Turbo became a reality.

Background Information

Al Babtain Group

Al Babtain Group was founded in 1948 to present a model of honesty, integrity and total dedication and to gain bright reputation in Kuwait and the Middle East area. Today Al Babtain Group has licensing rights for some of the world’s leading brands stretching the globe from the USA to the Far East. For 70 years Al Babtain Group has experienced continued success, and large measure of this success came from the Group’s advanced flexible management style and long term vision. These astounding results were achieved due to a versatile strategic formula focusing on growth amongst its sphere of activities; including automotive, technology, investment, information, industrial and Finance. The automotive sector is the main structure of the Al Babtain Group’s business, which owns some of the best selling and demanded brands in Kuwait, in addition to heavy equipments. The Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co. and Trading and Contracting Company is proud to be the authorized agent and distributor of many Japanese, Chinese, and European (French) vehicles in Kuwait such as Nissan, Infiniti, Renault, Citroen.