Dongfeng Motor Corporation has introduced the Mach 1.5T gasoline engine, which has set a new world record for thermal efficiency for production hybrid power plants. Its thermal efficiency reached 48.09%, which is officially confirmed and certified by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC).
Thermal efficiency shows what part of the fuel energy is converted into useful mechanical work. An increase in this indicator directly reduces fuel consumption and increases the overall efficiency of the car. Until now, such values were considered unattainable for gasoline engines in the mass segment.
The record was made possible thanks to a set of engineering solutions. The Mach 1.5T is based on a highly efficient combustion chamber, an intake system with minimal resistance, and a whole range of technologies to reduce internal losses. The engine received a compression ratio of more than 15.5, a direct fuel injection system with a pressure of 500 bar, a valve mechanism without traditional seats, and electronically controlled gas distribution phases.
The engineers paid special attention to combating friction. In the design, more than ten solutions are used, including an electric oil pump and plasma spraying on the cylinder walls, which significantly reduces mechanical losses and increases energy output.