[Infiniti Q30 News]

It may be a bit early to discuss the Q30’s future, but Infiniti’s new Variable Compression-Turbo (VC-T) 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine just brings out the dreamers in us.

Pressure to reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency by governments worldwide is forcing some automakers to downsize to four-cylinder turbocharged engines. Not necessarily a horrible development unless you’re a die-hard V8 or V6 fan.

We’ve already touched on this a few months ago, but we weren't really given any hard numbers. After two decades of research and development along with filing around 300 patents, Infiniti has come out with a VC-T 2.0-liter four. What’s so special about the VC-T is its ability to provide any compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1.

For optimal fuel efficiency while cruising, the engine’s flexible multilink system relaxes and the compression ratio will be bumped up to 14:1. When the throttle is depressed, that system will compress and the ratio will drop to provide more boost while avoiding detonation. The VC-Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder is said to produce a respectable 268 horsepower whilst being as fuel efficient as a four-cylinder.

Of course, there’s the issue of reliability when a crankcase is filled with links and levers. Infiniti has not addressed this problem yet and we really don’t know when the automaker will put the engine into a production model.

So hypothetically, would you be interested in a Q30 with a VC-T 2.0-liter four and do you think this combination is possible?

 

[Answer42]

The QX30 with the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo has 208hp, the new VC-T would be an imprvement but the main factor is the cost of the engine. May as well get the red sport if there isn't much of a price difference.

 

[InfiniteClass]

I feel like those looking for great efficiency aren't that worried about power, and vice versa. That, and what @Answer42 said... if the pricing is right, it will be interesting.. if it's overpriced then it's not worth it at all.

In regards to if it's possible ? Of course it is. Theoretically the engine, in it's utter-basics, has been operating the same way for an extremely long time. It is possible, it's just getting it tested and tried to see how reliable it can be and go back to the drawing boards and make adjustments. Innovation is everywhere and with the technology available now, nearly anything is possible.

 

[infinite]

The only real concern for power is how it gets off the line on the street, how it over takes other vehicles, etc. and dealing with a vehicle like this the answer is almost obvious. Plus anyone looking for more in terms of power and even efficiency can wait for a tune but right out of the box it will suit most buyers needs and even wants.

 

[Zeus]

Engine tuning now-ah-days settles everything. You can tune it to cater and deliver power exactly where you want it through the gears. If you're really picky about it, definitely go for it from the get-go, it's not even that expensive considering everything you're going to get out of it. Best bang for your buck in terms of additional performance any day.

 

[Answer42]

Engine tuning is cheap and a great way to squeeze more out of your Q30, but it could void your warranty if the dealership is really stingy about it.

 

[Indiana Jones]

Wouldn't tuning an engine reduce its reliability? But then again, Infiniti's VC-T may not be all that reliable either and have a short engine lifespan.

 

[InfiniteClass]

The VC-T engine is completely foreign to everyone. So tuning it will come with some trials and errors. If you take it to a good tuner, he'll know how to handle it accordingly and not overstep some boundaries. You can get power out of any engine and still have it reliable, Manufacturers have to play it extremely safe which is why there's so much open room to maximize.

That being said I'm not saying to go and squeeze every horsepower out of it, but you have play room.