The VW Group’s new engine range keeps gas-burners relevant with power and efficiency

By Miles Branman May 10, 2015

At this year’s Vienna engine symposium (don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of it — it’s not the most well-publicized of automotive events), the VW Group revealed it is working on some big changes for its engine lineup.

As a broad brushstroke regarding what’s to come, Heinz-Jakob Neusser stated that TDI and TSI engines, paired with dual-clutch transmissions, will continue to be staples in the VW Group’s range for the foreseeable future.

One of the most interesting new engines will be a firecracker of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder mated to a large single turbo and an electric supercharger, which puts out 272 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque.

On the more efficient end of things, a new 2.0-liter TFSI will replace the current 1.8-liter, making similar power but with far better fuel economy. The new Audi A4 is slated to be the first model to use the new powertrain.

Moving up the ladder, a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI with high-pressure direct injection, dual turbochargers, and variable turbine geometry develops 300 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Efficient low displacement engines accounted for — how about the big boys?

The next generation W-12 engine was revealed with a mashup of turbocharging and direct injection that makes 600 hp and 664 lb-ft of das torque. The W-12 TSI features cylinder deactivation tech as well, so it can function as a VR6 when you don’t need to reverse the spin of the earth.

As for where the new W-12 will reside, VW said the new engine has been optimized for off-road purposes (guess that means you, Bentley Bentayga), but it will also power models that can top 186 mph (most likely the next generation Bentley Continental, Audi A8, and VW Phaeton). In sedan bodies, VW claimed the W-12 TSI will average 22 miles per gallon on the European cycle.

The VW Group apparently still has faith in the gas-powered motivator, and this new range of powerful-yet-efficient engines looks solid.

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