Tsinghua team explores strategies to reduce Li-S battery self-discharge
Catalytic conversion of isophorone to jet-fuel range hydrocarbons

New PSA 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbo takes International Engine of Year category award

PSA Peugeot Citroën’s new 1.2-liter 3-cylinder Turbo PureTech engine (earlier post) was named best in the 1.0-liter to 1.4-liter category International Engine of the Year 2015 earlier this month. Some 100,000 units of the engine, which displaced the reigning category champion Volkswagen Group 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger (2014-2006) by 69 points, have already rolled off the production line at the Française de Mécanique plant in Douvrin, France.

The PureTech family of 3-cylinder engines offers high levels of performance, cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by an average of 18% compared with its predecessors. The 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter naturally aspirated versions have been manufactured since 2012 at the French Trémery plant, which has an annual production capacity of 640,000 units. The 1.2-liter turbo versions have been split since 2014 between the Française de Mécanique plant and the Xiangyang plant in China, which have respective annual production capacities of 320,000 and 200,000 units.

The new PureTech engine from PSA is a revelation in terms of refinement, performance and efficiency. Just like Ford, PSA shows what’s possible with only three cylinders.

—German journalist Thomas Imhof, a judge for the International Engine of the Year 2015

In March 2015 at an event attended by French President François Hollande, PSA Peugeot Citroën announced that it would increase the Trémery plant’s production capacity by 200,000 units. The announcement followed a surge in demand for the Turbo PureTech engine, which equips the car manufacturer’s mid-range models.

P13138091

The PureTech family of engines is fitted on the Peugeot 108, 208, 308, 2008, 3008 and 5008, the Citroën C1, C3, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Cactus and C4 Picasso, the DS 3 and DS 4 and also the Dongfeng Peugeot 308S and 408.

With overall average emissions of 110.3 grams per kilometer, PSA leads the European market on the CO2 front. This prestigious prize for our 3-cylinder Turbo PureTech engine rewards the Group’s engineering expertise in petrol engines. It is wonderful recognition of the technological progress we’ve made through R&D as part of our ongoing drive to lower fuel consumption.

—Christian Chapelle, Vice President Powertrain and Chassis Engineering

Designed and produced in France, the 130 ps (96 kW, 128 hp) engine features a new-generation, high-yield turbo (240,000 rpm), with 95% of torque available from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Compression ratio in the 1,199cc engine is 11:1, bore x stroke is 75mm x 90.5mm. 40% of the engine components are taken from the normally-aspirated unit.

The combustion system was honed to fully capitalize on the engine’s technologies, including the adoption of centrally positioned, high-pressure 200 bar direct injection. The position of the injector, the shape of the spray (due to laser technology), the management of injection pulses (up to three injections per combustion) and the injection pressure (up to 200 bar) ensure optimal spraying in the combustion chamber, the result being optimal combustion. Fuel consumption and pollutant gas emissions were cut drastically by optimizing the internal aerodynamics of the combustion chamber and using a variable intake and exhaust timing system.

The engine architecture and technologies feature the tried-and-tested choices used on the normally-aspirated EB model that set a new standard in the segment. One of the key objectives was to limit mechanical losses through friction, which account for roughly 20% of the power consumed. This objective was met by adjusting the size of the crankshaft, offsetting the cylinders and using a lubricated timing belt.

A diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating was used on the piston pins, rings and push rods to reduce friction. The oil pump is controlled electronically to provide the optimal amount of lubrication. As a result, friction is a full 30% lower than on the top competing engine.

At the time of the launch of the engine, PSA Peugeot Citroën had invested a total €893 million (US$1 billion) in the EB PureTech engine family as a whole:

  • €455 million (US$517 million) in R&D;
  • €438 million (US$497 million) in industrial investment in France.

Comments

Davemart

The normally aspirated 1.2 Puretech is what I have in my Peugeot 208.
A very sweet little engine.

The turbo version should be pretty peppy, although I was not bothered as the one I have cruises fine on the motorway and in UK city traffic where rarely the speed limit is not 30 or even 20 miles per hour, you would in any case only be arriving at the next traffic jam or traffic light a fraction sooner.

GasperG

11:1 is exceptionally high CR for a turbo petrol.

Davemart

I've been averaging around 9 miles/litre, with a lot of that driving short runs in city traffic, as well as motorway.

The comments to this entry are closed.