Direct-injection, turbo'd motors to reproduce like bunnies

[Alx]

According to the folks at BorgWarner, the number of turbocharged, direct-injection engines will increase four-fold by 2011. In 2006, approximately 500,000 vehicles were equipped with the technological duo, and based on their market projections, over two million such engines will be on the road in the next four years. A good chunk of this expansion will occur in Europe, however, Japan, China and those of us in North America stand to benefit from the highly efficient, power-producing setup.

The report also goes on to say that the variable turbine geometry employed in the new Porsche 911 Turbo, and developed by BorgWarner, will come down in cost, allowing the cash-strapped among us to ditch our wastegate, all the while gaining power throughout the RPM range.

[Source: SEMA/BorgWarner via Jalopnik]

[EnI]

Yes, small displacement (multi)turbo engines with direct injection are the future trend. And so are dual-clutch transmissions. And other additional fuel saving tech (eg. Brakie energy Regeneration, automatic Stop & Start functions etc).

Legislation worldwide (gas emissions & fuel economy) is getting much stricter - forcing automotive industry to rationalize internal combustion engines & other drivetrain components (gearbox) as much as possible.

Also there can be done a lot in tire development field: designing tires with much smaller resistance.

Also aerodynamics can be approved a lot.

And usage of weight saving materials can contribute a lot: eg composite plastic materials & alloys.

Also HVAC can be much more efficient & economical etc.

...

We will see a lot of fuel saving solutions in future cars soon - not only the hybrid ones, yet also in classic cars with IC engines.