Small Turbo Engines Could Be Replaced By Larger Units In Pursuit Of Lower Emissions

Large four-cylinder engines, small V8s and turbocharged three-cylinder donks - all have been trialled over the years as carmakers seek the ultimate compromise between power and economy.

But each has proven to be just that - a compromise - as big 4s were too thirsty and small V8s didn’t produce enough power.

Turbocharging has been seen as the leveller, particularly since around 2010, with some carmakers featuring turbines attached to smaller engines in almost every model.

The move was designed to overcome ever-stricter emissions laws, particularly in Europe, with the smaller engines able to operate ‘below the radar’ in some respects to achieve the necessary numbers while their turbochargers were passive during testing.

But as the laws tighten even further following the Volkswagen emissions scandal and with the likely introduction of ‘real world’ testing in some markets, carmakers may be about to head back-to-the-future with the internal combustion engine.

EVs