Honeywell Addressing Growth in Turbochargers for Small-Displacement Engines

PARIS, FR. October 2, 2008 - VNT 3rd Generation for Diesel and New Gasoline Technologies Enable Engine Downsizing

Honeywell has announced that it is scheduled to launch turbo applications that will be fitted on over 200 small engine vehicles in the next two years. The focus on small engines reflects a market trend that sees small turbo engines growing from 33% of all turbocharged engines in 2008 to over 50% by 2013.

In the small engine segment, the Honeywell turbos are designed to be equipped on engines ranging from 1.2L to 1.7L, and feature the latest VNT 3rd generation technology for diesel and the new Modern Gasoline Turbo technology. They are fitted on cars from manufacturers such as Fiat (1.6L), Toyota (1.4L), and Hyundai (1.6L).

"The strategies to meet stringent emissions and fuel economy standards may vary according to regional needs, but the goal is the same around the world -- get more for less, whatever the powertrain," says Alex Ismail, President of Passenger Vehicles at Honeywell Turbo Technologies. "To do that, automakers are adopting a strategy to downsize engines to maximize fuel efficiency. Turbocharging allows them to do so without sacrificing performance by delivering superior power density that is especially important for small-displacement engines."

In recent years, Honeywell has significantly enhanced its R&D resources devoted to technologies for smaller engines, increasing the number of engineers working in this area by five times over the last three years.

The requirement for small engines to deliver high power density demands more of the turbo inside. In diesel engines, the Honeywell solution is its completely customized VNT technology coupled with the latest bearing systems that are stable at higher speeds and optimized for minimal mechanical loss.

"Our latest VNT 3rd generation technology for diesel delivers 10% higher efficiency, and does this while achieving a 10% reduction in wheel size that enables superior packaging flexibility and reduction in inertia," says Alex Ismail.

In gasoline engines, the company's Modern Gasoline Turbo technology will soon be launched in the small-engine segment and will be followed by a new range of micro wastegate turbos that will create new standards of performance and value as a result of significant advances in aerodynamics, materials and system integration. This will culminate with the future launch of variable geometry technology designed specifically to meet the requirements of next generation gasoline powertrains. For customers, this translates into gasoline turbo solutions for every displacement -- from 1L 3-cylinder engines through mid-range engines as well as those beyond 4L.