Bosch, Ricardo Collaborate on High Performance Gasoline Direct Injection Concept
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., July 17 -- Robert Bosch Corporation and Ricardo plc have joined engineering forces to develop an advanced turbo- charged, direct injection gasoline engine system. The prototype system, DI BOOST, will offer superior performance and fuel economy while also being capable of achieving super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) standards.
"With global fuel prices at record levels, Bosch is pleased to partner with Ricardo to advance technologies that deliver improved fuel efficiency of gasoline engines," said John Moulton, president, powertrain division, Robert Bosch Corporation. "The DI BOOST concept is a viable solution that by downsizing engine displacement dramatically improves fuel consumption and performance in gasoline vehicles."
Two prototype DI BOOST engines are in development and combine the performance enhancing capabilities of modern valve actuation and turbo charging with the improved fuel efficiency and low emissions of gasoline direct injection. The engines are based on GM's global high-feature 3.6L V6 engine. A premium sport brand vehicle is employed as the demonstrator platform.
"The DI BOOST concept has clear advantages for automakers in offering dramatically improved fuel consumption in parallel with a more rewarding driving experience for the customer and SULEV emissions levels to benefit the environment," said Jeremy W. Holt, president of Ricardo, Inc. and executive director of Ricardo plc. "Ricardo is pleased to continue its partnership with Bosch in developing a vehicle based demonstration of this highly promising gasoline engine technology."
The first phase of DI BOOST, the design and procurement of prototype engines, was completed in January 2006. The next phase, which started in March 2006, concentrates on base engine calibration for best efficiency and driveability. In parallel, vehicle integration is nearing completion. Future phases will focus on achieving SULEV emissions levels via high-pressure start capability and split injection.
Bosch is providing the complete DI Motronic engine management system including the new, second generation direct-injection fuel system as well as ignition, air and exhaust control. Ricardo has contributed to the study using its expertise for prototype powertrain integration and providing base engine calibration work on modern engine dynamometers in Belleville, Mich.
About Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2005, some 251,000 associates generated sales of 41.5 billion euros, or $51.7 billion USD. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of some 280 subsidiaries and more than 12,000 service centers in over 140 countries.
In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs 22,700 associates in more than 80 primary and 20 associated facilities throughout the region with reported sales of $8.4 billion in 2005. This year marks Bosch's 100th year of operating in the U.S. For more information on the company and the Centennial, visit http://www.bosch.us/ .
About Ricardo
With technical centers in the UK, USA, Germany and the Czech Republic, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world's automotive industries. The company's engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world's major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers and leading motorsport teams. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 percent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of 159.9 million pounds Sterling in fiscal year 2005 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index -- a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
