Torotrak announced the latest results of the on-engine V-Charge testing programme conducted by University of Bath in collaboration with a global Tier 1 supplier of engine boosting systems and with the participation of the Ford Motor Company. V-Charge on-engine performance rig tests completed on time and confirm simulation predictions; New testing with specifically tailored turbocharger planned for April completion; Integrated V-Charge solution predicted to outperform other advanced boosting technologies in fuel economy, performance and cost; In vehicle demonstration available in July. The initial simulation phase of the project was successfully completed last year and are pleased to announce that the next phase in the programme (of planned on-engine rig testing of V-Charge with a standard off-the-shelf turbocharger on a 1.0L Ford Ecoboost gasoline engine) has now also been successfully completed in January as planned.

The test results have been independently validated by Bath and confirm that the fuel consumption and performance of V-Charge is highly competitive and in line with expectations. V-Charge successfully achieved the target requirements in boost pressure, mass airflow and power consumption and delivered 'time to torque' (a measure of transient response) delivering 90% of target torque in under 500ms. These results are in line with the simulation models developed by the Company in conjunction with Bath. The test results have been shared with Tier 1 partner and with Ford and opportunities to further improve the performance of V-Charge in a production-intent twin-stage boosting system have been identified.

Working in conjunction with Bath and Tier 1 partner and using validated simulation model, have specified a production turbocharger unit which is optimized to maximize the performance improvements and fuel economy of the V-Charge equipped engine. The partners expect that this revised configuration will demonstrate further benefits from the technology and confirm the full extent of engine downsizing and downspeeding that can be achieved with V-Charge. The Tier 1 partner in the programme has committed to delivering the adapted turbocharger unit in March 2016 and it is anticipated that the results from on-engine testing will be available in April 2016.

The parties expect these results to show that this new V-Charge configuration outperforms other advanced boosting technologies. The partners plan in addition to complete the installation of this twin-stage boosting system of V-Charge and the matched turbocharger in a Ford Focus by July 2016 for demonstration to customers. Drive cycle testing will also be conducted by Bath to NEDC and the new WLTP procedures, further validating the real-world benefits of V-Charge.

The cost study currently being undertaken in conjunction with the Tier 1 indicates that V-Charge will be a lower cost solution than other advanced boosting solutions when integrated into a vehicle.