Powerful
and Efficient

Come and get acquainted with the new heart driving several ŠKODA automobiles. The 1.0 TSI engine is a state-of-the-art three-cylinder powertrain boasting a large number of innovative solutions.

7. 9. 2017 Škoda World Innovation & technology

Minimal weight is a crucial factor in designing modern cars, and all the more so in designing engines. That is not only because the engine is one of the heaviest parts of the vehicle, but also because it contains a number of rotating and otherwise moving parts.

The main objectives for the designers of the brand new three-cylinder 1.0 TSI engine were to achieve low weight, minimal internal friction and losses, and the smallest possible mounting dimensions. The result is a compact design that maximizes use of aluminium alloys, thereby allowing the designers to achieve a standard engine weight of a mere 93 kg. That is 10 kg less than that of the previously used 1.2 TSI engine even though the performance is comparable.

“The engine has a higher output, greater torque, lower weight, lower fuel consumption, and therefore lower CO₂ emissions. It has excellent acoustic and vibration properties due to a clever solution we implemented in this engine,” describes Dr Martin Hrdlička, head of chassis and powertrain development at ŠKODA.

“Of course, it was not easy to achieve these parameters,” says Hrdlička, who points out such innovative solutions as, for example, better materials for the turbocharger to withstand higher temperatures and improved alloys for the cylinder heads. He also points out that the oil pump can fine‑tune the oil system pressure and that due to the two-circuit engine cooling the cylinder heads are cooled to a lower temperature than is the engine block.

Engine balancing has been resolved in a very imaginative way that effectively allows getting by without the rather heavy balancing shaft customary in three-cylinder engines. A variable displacement oil pump, direct fuel injection with pressure up to 250 bars, and a turbocharger with electric intake pressure control (up to 1.6 bars) and very refined temperature control, as well as a compact intake manifold with integrated pressurized air intercooler ensure maximum user friendliness in all modes plus high fuel-efficiency.

Engine block

The engine block is constructed from pressure-cast aluminium with an open cooling area facilitating better heat transfer away from the most stressed upper part of the cylinders. That ensures, among other things, long piston ring life. Among other advantages, the grey cast iron cylinder sleeves provide high rigidity to the block. Aluminium pressure casting has a uniquely long, almost 55-year tradition in Mladá Boleslav. The foundry processes more than 20,000 tons of aluminium alloys every year.