Mitsubishi Motors Develops Next-generation MIVEC Engine and Improved "Auto Stop&Go" Idle-stop System

Combination will first be applied in Japan to RVR, Galant Fortis, Galant Fortis Sportback models

Tokyo, Oct 2011; Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today the development two new fuel-saving technologies: the "4J10" lightweight and compact 1.8-liter gasoline engine incorporating a new version of the company's MIVEC* variable valve timing system and the latest version of the company's Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) idle-stop technology. The development of these latest technologies is expected to play a big part in achieving MMC's own upcoming fuel and environmental efficiency targets.

The new 4J10 engine/AS&G combination will power the Japan-market RVR (ASX or Outlander Sport in some markets) compact SUV, the Galant Fortis sports sedan (Lancer or Lancer EX in some markets), and Galant Fortis Sportback (Lancer Sportback in some markets) 5-door sports hatchback. With this engine, the three models show an improvement of 12% in fuel efficiency (measured by Japanese 10-15 mode). The RVR will be launched on October 20, and the Galant Fortis models on October 27.

The development of these technologies stems from the Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015 that forms a key part of the company's Jump 2013 mid-term business plan. Targets for achievement by 2015 set forth in the Program include a 25 percent reduction in on-road CO2 emission of new vehicles compared to the global weighted average for the 2005 fiscal year. The Program is the mid-term benchmark for the Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020 which aims for a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emission against the global weighted average for the 2005 fiscal year.

Given these targets, MMC is aggressively moving forward with development of technologies like the new MIVEC and new AS&G systems to improve fuel economy in internal combustion engines, increasing the number of models powered by "clean diesel" engines that meet the latest emissions regulations in Japan and Europe, and further advancing its gasoline engine technology. At the same time, MMC is pushing ahead with development and rollout of electric vehicles, led by the global rollout of the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle (EV), the introduction of the MINICAB-MiEV light commercial EV and plug-in hybrids.

Overview of the 4J10 1.8-liter MIVEC engine and new AS&G

1. New 4J10 MIVEC Engine

The new 4J10 MIVEC engine (1.8-liter, inline 4, 16-valve SOHC) features the use of a next-generation MIVEC system that continuously regulates intake valve lift, opening duration and timing. The new MIVEC system together with improved combustion stability and a reduction in piston friction provide an improvement in fuel economy without any loss in engine performance (output and torque) over the 4B10 MIVEC engine (1.8-liter, inline-4, 16-valve DOHC).

MMC first applied its MIVEC variable valve timing system to an MMC engine in 1992 with the aim of achieving higher engine efficiency at any engine speed. The company has since incorporated MIVEC technology in many of its engines and this has made a major contribution to achieving high levels of both environmental performance (fuel efficiency, lower emissions) and engine performance. To date, the company has employed two types of MIVEC systems. In one, the system switches between different valve lifts and valve opening durations according to engine speed, while in the other (as used in the 4B10 engine) the system varies the valve opening timing on a continuous basis.

The new MIVEC system employed in the new 4J10 engine can do what the previous two systems could do - but at the same time, all the time. This is due to a single mechanism that mechanically couples intake valve lift, opening duration and timing, allowing these three parameters to be varied simultaneously and continuously. As a result, the new system provides ideal valve operation control that also reduces "pumping losses" by using intake valve timing to control intake volume; thereby further improving fuel economy. In addition, the new MIVEC system can be applied to SOHC valvetrains; bringing about a reduction in both engine weight and size due to the reduction in the number of parts.

The new 4J10 MIVEC engine is produced at the Shiga Powertrain Plant and the company plans to sequentially introduce it on other models.

New MIVEC engine specifications

Engine Type                 4J10 MIVEC
Valvetrain/Configuration    16-valve SOHC inline 4-cylinder
Bore x stroke               86.0 mm x 77.4 mm
Displacement                1798 cc
Compression ratio           10.7
Max. output                 102kW [139PS] / 6000 rpm
Max. torque                 172N m [17.5kgf m] / 4200 rpm

2. New Auto Stop & Go

Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) is an idle-stop mechanism that reduces fuel consumption by automatically shutting off the engine when the car is stopped at traffic lights, etc. MMC currently employs this technology on some manual transmission models for the European market, including the ASX (RVR and Outlander Sport in some markets) and the Lancer (Galant Fortis in Japan).

The latest version of MMC's AS&G system has been developed for use on models fitted with continuously variable transmissions (CVT). The addition of a new control unit (the AS&G ECU) to vehicle management systems means that the new AS&G is also integrally controlled along with the engine, CVT, Active Stability Control (ASC) and climate control. Other changes include the use of a more durable 12V battery and a DC/DC converter (to prevent breaks in audio system sound and prevent the in-car navigation from resetting itself when the engine restarts).

Combining AS&G to the new MIVEC engine provides quick engine restart and initial acceleration performance that feels no different from a car without AS&G. In addition, fuel efficiency is improved because the new MIVEC engine allows the engine to restart using less intake air and fuel by keeping a low valve lift at engine restart. The new AS&G also controls brake force from engine stop to restart via the car's integrated control system. This means that the car will remain stopped on inclines until power is applied to the wheels.

*Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was established in 1970 and is one of the few automobile companies in the world that produces a full line of automotive products ranging from 660-cc mini cars and passenger cars to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The company also operates consumer financing services and provides this to its customer base. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com .