[Infiniti QX50 News]

We’ve already talked about Infiniti’s new Variable Compression-Turbocharged (VC-T) engine but what wasn’t mentioned was the model it’ll debut in. We’re here to tell everyone that the world's first production ready variable-compression-ratio engine will be used exclusively in the upcoming 2018 QX50 crossover, at least for the near future.

According to Automobile, Infiniti claims the 2.0-liter VC-T engine will deliver more power and torque than the 3.5-liter V-6 inside the QX6, meaning the new QX50 could be packing more than 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque while getting a 27% fuel economy boost. Like the QX60 and other front wheel derive Nissan models, the VC-T will probably be mounted traverse in the QX50 and offer us some kind of all-wheel drive powertrain. We can also expect to see it paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

If the spec numbers are somewhat accurate, the QX50 with a VC-T engine could offer more power and torque than its rivals with a standard 2,0-liter turbo four engine including models from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Yes, there are turbo engines around this size out there that can produce more power than the VC-T, but cars like the Honda Civic Type-R, Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and GLA45 AMG, etc, won’t have the same combination of fuel efficiency and performance that the VC-T has.

Actually, the variable-compression-ratio engine can be used with other four-cylinder engine sizes but not the V6 and V8. So we could see it in the Q60 later on, after its initial debut in the QX50.

 

[RHA]

They say that now but if you think about it, millions probably went into the development of this. So I just take this news as the engine launches in the QX50 initially... meaning there will be more models to come with this engine, just not right now. Car makers almost always use one component like this in multiple vehicles.