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EIA: trends in downsized engine design leading to increased demand for higher-octane gasoline

Green Car Congress

Since 2013, the share of premium gasoline in total motor gasoline sales in the US has steadily increased to 11.3% One significant trend is engine downsizing coupled with turbocharging. The octane rating of gasoline is an indicator of its resistance to spontaneous combustion. of new gasoline-fueled LDV sales.

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Volvo to concentrate on hybrids and downsized engines for US

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Volvo Car Corporation will rely on a powertrain strategy based on its new downsized 4-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine platform ( earlier post ) and hybrids for the US market, said John Maloney, recently appointed President of Volvo Cars, US, in an interview at the Detroit Auto Show. Earlier post.) Earlier post.)

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Ford researchers suggest using higher ethanol blends to boost the minimum octane number of regular-grade gasoline

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Using higher volume blends of ethanol to leverage the alcohol’s inherent high octane rating to produce ethanol-gasoline blends with higher octane numbers could yield “substantial societal benefits”, according to a team of researchers from Ford Motor Company. Wallington (2010) Octane Numbers of Ethanol? 2012.03.017. Anderson, U.

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Delphi Powertrain Study Concludes 3-Cylinder Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection Engine Offers a High-Value NOx and CO2 Solution for Cost-Sensitive Vehicle Segments

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compacts under 1,400 kg in weight—a stoichiometric 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine offers an optimal combination of cost, lower emissions and reductions in fuel consumption, according to an analysis by Delphi Powertrain presented at the recent SAE 2010 World Congress. Earlier post.). Source: Kirwan et al.

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Peugeot Launches New Marque Plan with Downsizing, Hybrids and Plug-ins for Two-, Three- and Four-Wheeled Vehicles; Unveils SR1 Hybrid Concept

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To achieve its goals, Peugeot is relying on a new products strategy that includes electric propulsion (the i0n i-MiEV-derived electric car) and E-Vivacity scooter from 2010; diesel hybrid in the 3008 from 2011 ( earlier post) ; e-HDi (microhybrid) from 2011 on the entire diesel range; and a plug-in diesel hybrid in 2012. Earlier post.).

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Mazdas new SKYACTIV gasoline and diesel engines are steps on the road to its Ideal Engine; focus on compression ratio

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However, while Mazda plans to offer hybrid vehicles in the medium-term, its engineers are pushing hard to increase the efficiencies of both the gasoline and diesel platforms, moving toward what they call “the ideal Internal Combustion Engine.” Extreme compression ratio rather than downsizing. Although downsizing—i.e.,

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Renault 2010 Environment Workshop, Part 1: Combustion Engine Technology and Product Plans

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Renault held a “2010 Environment Workshop” last week to showcase its progress across its range of vehicles’ full lifecycle through the Renault eco² program. The downsizing process involved shortening the piston stroke by reducing the size of the crank pin and conrod assembly. New TCe gasoline engine family. Select Engines.