Infiniti launches 'revolutionary' variable compression petrol engine

A “revolutionary” Infiniti petrol engine that offers V6 power and diesel economy has been launched in Paris.

The new 2.0-litre turbochared engine uses variable compression to offer a wide breadth of performance to suit different driving conditions. Infiniti says by continually adjusting the engine's compression ratio, the unit can offer the high fuel economy and torque of a diesel or the power of a larger capacity petrol.

The engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for maximum performance) and 14:1 (for maximum efficiency). Peak power output is 268bhp and torque 288lb ft.

Infiniti hasn't confirmed what model this new unit will be introduced in, but its arrival in Paris suggests it'll make production next year.

Infiniti Q50 facelift and QX Sport Inspiration

Alongside its new engine, Infiniti also showed its 2017 Q50 ahead of sales commencing later this year, as well as its QX Sport Inspiration, which returned to the spotlight for the first time since Beijing.

The Q50 has been lightly updated for the next model year, with a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 300bhp and 295lb ft the biggest change added to the European line-up.

The QX Sport Inspiration arrives as the influencer for a new medium-sized global SUV — a replacement for the ageing QX50 that will arrive sometime in 2018.

More models

Infiniti intends to roll out ever greater levels of driver assistance and autonomy on its full range of vehicles between now and the end of decade. Brand sources claim that Infiniti has long led the industry in driver assistance, being the first to launch Lane Keep Assist (in 2001) and Lane Departure Warning (in 2004), as well as the autonomy-friendly ‘steer by wire’ set-up in 2014.