Engine Downsizing - When Smaller Is Better

The recent trend in the automotive industry is engine downsizing. Engine downsizing is, as the name suggests, using smaller engines that provide equal or greater power than larger engines. Through the use of newer technologies automobile manufacturers are attempting to provide more efficient vehicles without compromising driving experience.

 It started with the Volkswagen Group replacing their 1.6 and 2.0 litre gasoline engines with the 1.4 litre TSI engine. Launched at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 125 kW version presented used both a turbocharger and a supercharger. Although far from the first 3 cylinder engine, the TSI producing more power than the 2.0 FSI with 5% better fuel efficiency created quite a stir. Volkswagen recently unveiled the high performance 1.0 litre 3 cylinder TSI, based on the EA211 engine, at the Vienna Motor Symposium. The new engine can produce 268hp and 199lb-ft of torque courtesy of its monoscroll turbocharger and e-booster.

Many car makers have embraced the downsizing trend, reducing engine capacity and number of cylinders. Other makes and models of cars powered by 3 cylinder engines are; Smart Fortwo (1998), Smart Crossblade (2002), Honda Insight (2003), Smart Crossblade (2003), Smart Roadster Coupe (2003), Smart Roadster (2003), Smart Forfour (2004), Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2005), Smart Fortwo Coupe (2005), Honda Insight (2005), Brabus Smart Fortwo Ultimate 101 (2005), Citroen C1 5door (2006), Citroen C1 3door (2006), Smart Fortwo Micro Hybrid Drive (2007), Melkus RS1000 Limited Edition (2007), and Smart Fortwo Coupe (2007) to name a few.

Initially, many auto industry pundits weren't convinced that reducing engine size translated into a more efficient car. However, with the passing of time it has become obvious that by adding a turbocharger, supercharger, variable-cam timing, and/or direct injection technology, smaller engines can produce comparable performance with better efficiency.

With performance and efficiency doubts put to rest, the trend towards smaller engines will continue. Car makers have no option but to meet corporate average fuel economy standards that are likely to be 54.5 mpg by the 2025 model year. More fuel efficient, emission reduced, lighter weight engines will help meet this requirement.

Mid-sized sedans that usually feature V6 engines are being subjected to engine downsizing. Hyundai, Audi and General Motors are all rolling out mid sized sedans with downsized engines. Pickup trucks too are being equipped with downsized engines. According to Ford, approximately 57% of F-150 pickups sold recently are equipped with the EcoBoost V-6 that offers performance comparable to the V-8, but at a reduction of 4 mpg.

Engine downsizing is a trend today but will no doubt be the standard a decade from now. We're likely to see technological advances that have smaller engines producing more horsepower than a V8 engine can manage today, but at improved efficiency and with less emission.