The FEV Group and Hilite International are partnering to develop and manufacture a two-stage, variable compression ratio (VCR) connecting rod. The partners say the goal of this collaboration is to leverage synergies in the development of the product and devise a cost-efficient solution for serial production.
The VCR technology meets the challenges of downsizing and the associated increase in combustion pressure by enabling optimal adjustment of the compression ratio at any time. FEV says the two-stage VCR connecting rod it developed is already being used in multiple demonstration vehicles. The company says it also has prototypes for heavy-duty and large engines.