Eaton Supercharger-Turbocharger Increases Power and Efficiency; New System Improves 2006 VW Golf GT Fuel Efficiency by 20%
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--Sept. 13, 2005--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has partnered with Volkswagen to help produce the only production-ready combination supercharger and turbocharger system in a passenger car today, allowing VW to deliver an engine on the 2006 Golf GT that improves fuel efficiency by 20 percent.
Unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt and dubbed the "twincharger" by VW, the system combines a half-size, Eaton Roots-type supercharger with a single-stage turbocharger on VW's new TSI 1.4-liter gasoline engine, which replaces the FSI engine previously available on the Golf in Europe. The system boosts the four-cylinder engine to 168 horsepower and 177 lb-feet of torque at an impressive fuel consumption average of 39.2 mpg.
"This system really is a best-of-both-worlds scenario: two technologies carefully crafted into a system that helps Volkswagen answer European consumers' demands for performance and fuel efficiency in one cost-effective package," said Jeffrey Romig, vice president and general manager, Eaton Air Induction and Cylinder Head Systems.
By combining the performance-enhancing elements of supercharging and turbocharging, a customer realizes the benefits of both technologies. The belt-driven supercharger compressor provides high torque at low engine speeds. The turbocharger kicks in to provide added performance at higher rpms. When the turbo system reaches ideal speeds, the supercharger is declutched and an electronically controlled bypass valve directs air to the turbocharger, which delivers high-end power without the "lag" generally associated with turbocharging.
The combination system allows an automaker the option to provide a smaller displacement gasoline engine while improving performance, and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The system is an evolution of Eaton's long history of innovation in engine air management, primarily in supercharging. In addition to boosting performance, automakers are also using superchargers to assist with meeting fuel economy and emission requirements in gasoline engines. In Europe, forecasts show that 70% of gasoline engines will be equal to or less than the 2.0-liter size. These lower displacements will require boosting to maintain performance, drivability, and emissions compliance.
The new system will be supplied from Eaton's facility in Tczew, Poland with production expected to ramp up in September. The 2006 Golf GT goes on sale this fall and Volkswagen will use a variation of the TSI engine in future European models including the Touran compact MPV.
Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.8 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 57,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com
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