Innovations GreenWire: New engine research project gets funding boost from TSB

The consortium includes engineering experts, a premium automotive manufacturer, innovative suppliers, academics and an oil company. The Ultra Boost engine will use a novel pressure charging technique and advanced combustion system to enable a downsized engine concept that returns diesel-like fuel economy with gasoline levels of engine refinement.

The £2.2 million Technology Strategy Board (TSB) funding, which will be supplemented by the consortium partners to a total value of £4.2 million, is part of the Integrated Delivery Programme (IDP) Competition for Low Carbon Vehicles. The Ultra Boost consortium is led by Jaguar Land Rover and includes partners Lotus Engineering, GE Precision Engineering, CD-adapco, University of Leeds, Imperial College London, University of Bath and Shell.

Over the next three years the partners will utilise their collective skills and expertise in engineering, design, combustion modelling, fuel and lubricants to develop the highly pressure charged, downsized engine concept that will deliver an expected 35 per cent CO2 tailpipe reduction compared to a V8 5.0 litre naturally aspirated engine whilst maintaining performance, emissions and transient response, and improving fuel efficiency. It is anticipated the first demonstrator engine will be available in 2011.

Malcolm Sandford, chief engineer of Engines at lead partner Jaguar Land Rover, said: "This hugely challenging project will help provide a range of technologies that will form the core of our engine downsizing, down-cylindering and down-speeding strategy. The successful deployment of this technology will help support our wider strategic goals to deliver class-leading sustainability performance, emissions and fuel economy."

The project is being funded as part of the second competition run under the TSB’s Integrated Delivery Programme, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from road-based vehicles and accelerate the introduction of low carbon vehicles onto the roads for the overall benefit of the UK auto sector.