When you hear the words “technology workshop,” a typical response might be to yawn, or to find something else to talk about, but today we’re telling you to stop and pay attention. That’s because Volkswagen just threw a technology workshop, and in addition to expanding on several technologies first mentioned at the Vienna Motor Symposium—which we covered earlier this year—it launched no fewer than 18 new fuel-saving technologies, including two powertrain advancements that won’t put you to sleep.
Volkswagen’s first hit of ammonium carbonate comes in the form of an ultrapowerful four-cylinder diesel engine. If news of VW’s 240-horsepower twin-turbo four-cylinder TDI already on sale in Europe doesn’t wake you up, the technology workshop revealed that there will be an even more powerful four-cylinder diesel. According to VW, “An intelligent advanced development of this TDI might take the following form: the power of the two-litre engine could be increased to 200 kW / 272 PS [272 horsepower!] by the use of a variable valve train, further optimised gas exchange cycles, and what is known as an electric booster.”
One key takeaway is this: VW doesn’t elaborate on what, exactly, an “electric booster” is, but given that Audi recently debuted a similar-sounding technology in the form of a diesel V-6 with an electric supercharger (and two turbos!), we’re willing to bet that the automaker is referring to an electric turbocharger. While we await a response to our inquiry on the matter with Volkswagen, let us mention that the company could also be referring to some form of hybridization, but either way, 272 horsepower from a four-pot diesel is impressive..
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