Suzuki recently revealed plans to develop a new direct-injection turbocharged (DITC) engine for growth markets, including India, as part of its ‘Technology Strategy 2026: Looking 10 Years Ahead’ roadmap. The manufacturer has also revealed specifications for a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine prototype in Japan, which is being developed for compatibility with E100, CNG (compressed natural gas) and CBG (compressed biomethane gas). While not confirmed by the manufacturer, this engine is likely to eventually be offered in India.
- 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine prototype produces up to 126hp and 230Nm
- This engine is being developed to achieve up to 50 percent thermal fuel efficiency by 2035
Alongside the turbo-petrol engine, Suzuki has also showcased a series-hybrid powertrain based on the Z12E 3-cylinder engine and a smaller 0.66-litre engine for kei cars. Specifications of a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine were also revealed.
Suzuki’s new engine prototypes: More details
1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is based on Z12E, as per a media report
The showcased prototype is a 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, aimed at producing up to 126hp and 230Nm, with thermal fuel efficiency targeted at up to 40 percent at launch and up to 50 percent by 2035. The engine is being developed for compatibility with E100 (100 percent ethanol), CNG and CBG.
According to a report by Japan’s MotorFan, the engine is based on Suzuki’s Z12E 3-cylinder unit and features a variable-geometry (VG) turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. The Z12E is offered in a naturally aspirated avatar in the Swift, Baleno and Dzire. While not confirmed by the manufacturer, the new turbocharged engine could eventually be offered in sub-4m cars in India.
Z12E engine to also form the basis of a series-hybrid powertrain
Suzuki is also developing the 1.2-litre Z12E 3-cylinder engine for use in a series-hybrid powertrain. In this setup, the engine generates electricity, while an electric motor drives the wheels. The system uses two motors – one for generating electricity and another for driving the wheels. In this application, the Z12E engine produces up to 82hp and 108Nm, while the generator motor has a maximum output of 83hp, and the drive motor produces up to 88hp. The system uses a 0.6kWh battery.
Suzuki is also considering combining this series-hybrid system with its new 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine in a future plug-in hybrid setup. The proposed combination could deliver a total system output of up to 177hp.
1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 0.66-litre engine (for kei cars) also in development
As per Autocar Japan, Suzuki is also developing a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder mill, aimed at producing up to 160hp and 280Nm. Like the smaller 1.2-litre engine, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is being developed for compatibility with E100, CNG and CBG.
Suzuki also showcased a smaller 0.66-litre 3-cylinder engine in Japan. The engine is being developed in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms for kei cars.
Notably, all the engines showcased by Suzuki are designed for transverse-mounted, front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, with no mention of powertrains for longitudinally mounted, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models such as the Jimny. However, powertrains for RWD models are also understood to be under development and could be revealed at a later date.
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