Volkswagen develops new 268bhp diesel engine

Volkswagen has developed an improvised 268bhp version of its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder (EA288) diesel engine. This engine is expected to help Volkswagen meet the tough CO2 emission targets that are part of the new EU regulations applicable in 2020. The new engine was showcased during a presentation at the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The new engine, which is a variation of the existing EA288 used across the Volkswagen line-up in different states of tune, is claimed to deliver a 14 percent improvement in power and economy over the 237bhp version recently unveiled in the eighth-gen Volkswagen Passat. At 237bhp, it is currently the most powerful variant of the EA288 in production.

A two-stage electrically operated turbocharger, a piezo valve common rail injection system that operates at pressures of up to 2500bar, and a newly engineered variable valve timing system help achieve the improvisations in this new motor. Torque figures have not been confirmed, but it is reportedly similar to the 237bhp variant, which boasts 51.01kgm.

This engine will possibly be mated to the new 10-speed dual-shift gearbox (DSG), that Volkswagen revealed at the Vienna motor symposium earlier this year. This gearbox is expected to go into production in 2016, and will be instrumental in further improvement of fuel economy and reduction in emissions throughout the Volkswagen line-up. Codenamed DQ511, the new gearbox has been developed for high-torque applications, up to 56kgm.

The 10-speed DSG also features a coasting function and an improved brake energy recuperation system. The coasting function helps fuel efficiency by switching off the engine on trailing throttle and restarting automatically later.