Dongfeng Motor has unveiled its self-developed Mach 1.5-litre turbo hybrid petrol engine
This latest Dongfeng hybrid petrol engine has achieved a maximum thermal efficiency of 48.09% and received the “Energy Efficiency Star” certification, according to a local news agency.
This technological breakthrough sets a new industry benchmark for internal combustion engines designed for hybrid systems.
The record was certified by the authoritative CATARC (China Automotive Research Center), which issued the engine with the “Energy Efficiency Star“ certificate. The registered value is 48.09% – a number that was previously considered science fiction in mass automotive construction. To give you an idea, thermal efficiency is the key to economy: it shows how much of the fuel energy is converted into useful work, and not wasted as heat. While conventional gasoline engines typically operate in the 35-40% range, and the best hybrid units barely exceed 41-43%, Dongfeng raises the bar almost to the sky.
Dongfeng engineers explained that this leap is the result of three fundamental technological changes implemented in the new generation of the engine.
First, the team has developed an entirely new, highly efficient combustion system. Through a combination of a high compression ratio (over 15.5), a precise piston stroke to cylinder diameter ratio (over 1.45), direct fuel injection under extremely high pressure of 500 bar, and an ultra-powerful ignition system, they have managed to ensure complete and rapid combustion of every drop of gasoline. It is as if you are forcing the engine to “squeeze” every last joule of energy.
Thanks to this wider “green zone“ of high efficiency, the hybrid system can constantly keep the car in optimal fuel economy. The manufacturer boldly predicts that the new engine will allow for approximately 100 kilometers more on a single tank compared to the previous generation, and the overall fuel economy reaches about 10%.
Key Features and Specifications
Record Thermal Efficiency: The engine’s maximum effective thermal efficiency is 48.09%, certified by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC). This figure surpasses other current production hybrid engines from manufacturers like Toyota and BYD.
Performance and Efficiency Balance: The engine is designed to deliver a balance of low fuel consumption and strong power output across various driving conditions, from urban traffic to highway cruising. Dongfeng claims it can increase the overall driving range by approximately 10% on a single tank compared to the previous generation.
Advanced Technologies: The high efficiency is achieved through a range of innovative technologies:
It has an innovative combustion system with a high compression ratio of over 15.5 and ultra-high 500-bar fuel injection pressure. It also has a hybrid-specific Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and electric Variable Valve Timing (VVT).
There is a significant reduction in mechanical losses through measures like an integrated electric oil pump and thermal-spray coating on the cylinder walls.
This new 1.5T hybrid engine will be installed in upcoming mass-produced Dongfeng models. The previous generation of the Mach hybrid engine was already used in models such as the Dongfeng Aeolus Yixuan MAX and the Dongfeng Haoji (Mage) SUV, which were part of the Mach Hybrid DH-i system.
