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Audi Unveils New 2.0 TFSI for 2016 A4: 190 HP, Consumes Less Than 5 L/100KM

Audi has unveiled a brand new 2.0 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium. It's going into production together with the next generation of A4 sedan (B9) by the end of 2015, being designed for efficiency.
New Audi 2.0 TFSI unveiled for A4 1 photo
Photo: Audi
Rated at only 190 horsepower (140 kW), the unit seems underpowered, especially when considering the 310 PS of the TTS. But using a "ground-breaking new combustion method", the engine will deliver a class-leading fuel efficiency of only 5 l/100 km (47.0 US mpg).

Torque levels are adequate, as not only does it produce 320 Nm (236 lb-ft), but this is available from as low as 1,450 to 4,400 rpm.

A new philosophy: rightsizing, not downsizing

To be honest, we don't think downsizing works as well as it should. In a laboratory or out on a perfect test track, small 3-cylinder turbos seem fine. However, in the real world, you need to rev the engine more, which hurts the economy.

Audi have started a new trend with this engine, what they call "rightsizing". Basically, they take into account the vehicle class and what the everyday use is like. We'll just leave somebody who understands it better to explain it, like the Audi Technical Director:

“Rightsizing thus involves the optimal interplay of vehicle class, displacement, output, torque and efficiency characteristics under everyday conditions. Our new 2.0 TFSI is a prime example of Vorsprung durch Technik.”

At 140 kg (308.6 lb), the new TFSI is relatively light and has been packed with features, such as exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, low friction parts and a controlled cooling system to cut the warm-up time.

However, the major fuel saving advantages come from a new combustion method similar to the Miller cycle. Here are the major factors involved:

  • The intake time has been shortened (140° crank angle (CA) rather than 190 to 200° CA).
  • Owing to a higher boost pressure on the inlet side, the engine attains optimal cylinder charges despite the shorter intake time.
  • The intake valve also closes earlier – well before the bottom dead center is reached. This lowers the medium pressure, allowing a high, efficiency-boosting compression ratio.
  • In the partial load range, an additional injection upstream from the intake valve yields an efficient mixture formation that is already complemented by the direct injection in the intake manifold and in the combustion chamber. (essentially, indirect injection is used)
  • The Audi Valvelift System (AVS) on the inlet side allows a short intake time at partial load and a longer time at higher loads (full load: 170° CA).
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 Download: World premiere at the Vienna Motor Symposium: new high-efficiency engine from Audi (PDF)

About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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