V8 power from a V6 engine

FEV Engine Technology is working on the development of a gasoline/E85 turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engine that also features variable compression ratio (VCR).

The engine is being developed in-house, in tandem with several other direct injection engine projects that FEV is working on with various automakers.

The company claims that the engine boasts power similar to a V-8 engine while delivering the fuel economy of a V-6 engine, and avoids many of the traditional drawbacks associated with the use of alternative fuels that typically have lower energy densities.

'This engine is a look at the future evolution of spark ignition engines as manufacturers seek to set a new standard for both power and fuel efficiency, yet face increasingly stiffer emissions requirements.' said Robert Last, vice president of operations and communications for FEV. 

'And by mating the GTDI with variable compression ratio capability, it will allow customization of the engine control strategy to adjust for the use of alternative fuels such as E85 that tolerate combustion without knocking at a higher compression ratios.'