Mitsubishi is launching two new engine technologies that promise to boost fuel economy by as much as 12 percent. The technologies will first bow in Japan, but could eventually make it to the United States.
Set to launch on the Outlander Sport, Lancer sedan and Lacer Sportback by the end of the month, the new technologies will improve the fuel efficiency of Mitsubishi’s 1.8L gas engine. Mitsubishi doesn’t offer its 1.8L engine in North America, but the automaker could transfer the improvements to its 2.0L and 2.4L engines.
The biggest improvement of the new 1.8L, internally known as the 4J10, is the blending of Mitsubishi’s two valve-timing systems. Mitsubishi previously employed one system to handle valve lift and valve opening duration and another to control varied valve opening timing, but the new engine uses a single technology to control all valve functions. The 1.8L also switches from a DOHC to a SOHC setup, reduce engine weight and complexity.
The new engine also allows Mitsubishi to pair an automatic start-stop system with its CVT transmission. Mitsubishi currently offers a start-stop system in Europe, but it is only available when mated to a manual transmission.
Mitsubishi is aiming significantly boost its fuel economy over the next decade, so it should be only a matter of time before these new technologies reach the North American market.
References
1.’New Mitsubishi engine…’ view
