What is the model of Nissan's variable compression ratio engine?
2 Answers
Nissan's variable compression ratio engine model is VC-TURBO. The impact of engine compression ratio on automobiles is as follows: Effects of high compression ratio: Compression ratio can be understood as the degree of compression of the air-fuel mixture. The more the mixture is compressed, the longer the expansion stroke during power generation, allowing more work to be done, and correspondingly, the efficiency will be higher. Therefore, it can be inferred that the higher the compression ratio, the better the fuel economy of the engine. Effects of excessively high compression ratio: Increasing the compression ratio can enhance power while also reducing fuel consumption. However, the drawback is significant—it is prone to knocking under high load conditions and requires the use of higher-octane gasoline.
This Nissan variable compression ratio engine model is the KR20DDT, which left a deep impression on me during my last automotive technology research. Based on VC-Turbo design, it uses mechanical arms to adjust piston stroke in real-time, intelligently switching compression ratios between 8:1 and 14:1. When accelerating on highways, it reduces compression ratio to prevent knocking while delivering robust 268 horsepower; during daily city driving, it increases compression ratio for enhanced efficiency and noticeable fuel savings. This model is primarily used in the Infiniti QX50 and select new Nissan models, representing modern engine innovation that combines turbocharged power with naturally aspirated smoothness. I particularly admire its adaptive capability - optimizing performance without any manual intervention, making it feel like the car is automatically learning driving habits.