Report: Volkswagen rules out 2-cylinder engine for Up!
Having been on the forefront of engine downsizing technology, VW R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg says that he believes downsizing has reached its limits, and ruled out using a two-cylinder engine in its Up city car due out next year.
“Improvements can now only be made in performance and economy, not in making the engines any smaller,” he said. Instead, the Up will make use of three-cylinder engines that “will really advance the technology and make strong use of it”.
Jetta tech boss Michael Hinz admits that the company has experimented with two-cylinder technology, but says that the company’s current three-cylinder technology still needs refinement before delving into smaller engines. VW has seen two-cylinder engines running, but not from a standpoint sufficient for production.
Sales of the Up! are scheduled to start in 2011 with prices starting around $14,000.
– By: Stephen Calogera
Source: AutoCar
