INFINITI’s VC-Turbo Engine Wins 2019 AJAC Best Green Innovation Award
INFINITI’s variable compression ratio engine (VC-Turbo engine) has won the 2019 Innovation Award for Best Green Innovation, from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). AJAC at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS).
“We are honoured to receive this award from some of Canada’s top automotive journalists, all of whom have been on this judging panel for several years, with particular expertise in evaluating the best new automotive technology for the Canadian customer,” said Adam Paterson, managing director, INFINITI Canada. “We are proud to offer our customers the VC-Turbo engine, which is another world’s first technology from INFINITI. This accolade from AJAC recognizes all of the VC-Turbo benefits and its overall significance – not only for our brand and our customers, but for the industry.”
The AJAC Best New Innovation Awards evaluate a technology feature’s impact on the marketplace; adaptability potential for other vehicles; benefits to the consumer, and overall consumer appeal.
“AJAC recognizes the significance of INFINITI’s new VC-Turbo engine by presenting it with this year’s Innovation Award for the best new Green technology. Just like computerized engine controls in the ‘80’s, variable camshaft timing in the ‘90’s and direct fuel injection in the past decade, the variable compression engine design revolutionizes the operation of gasoline engines and brings to the consumer the advantages of fuel economy, superior performance and low emissions,” said Jim Kerr, chair of the AJAC Innovation Awards. This VC (variable compression) design has the potential to influence how other manufacturers build gasoline engines in the future.”
The INFINITI VC-Turbo is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine and has been in development for more than 20 years. It debuted on the 2019 QX50 luxury crossover, which launched in Canada last spring.
The 2.0-litre VC-Turbo engine adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency. The VC-Turbo engine changes its compression ratio seamlessly with an advanced multi-link system, continuously raising or lowering the pistons’ reach.
