PSA could have a production-ready variable compression ratio system to help its vehicles meet future emissions targets by next year. Together with the engineering firm Gomecsys, the OEM has been working on a variable compression ratio (VCR) concept since 2011 that would not require downsizing but could reduce CO_2 emissions produced by its gasoline engines. Being able to raise the compression ratio in part-load conditions increases thermodynamic efficiency, while reducing the ratio at full load reduces knocking - increasing the efficiency of the engine as a result. The potential benefits of VCR have been well-known within the industry for the past 20 years but engineers have struggled to develop an affordable solution that limits unwanted friction.
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