Skoda to lead small IC-engine development for VW Group

The first four-cylinder EA211 engine developed by Skoda will debut on the upcoming new-gen Volkswagen Passat.

Skoda Auto recently announced that it had been tasked to develop smaller engines for the VW Group. Reports state that the Czech carmaker will specifically work on the EA211 series of three & four-cylinder petrol engines, which power almost 50 models across 7 brands under the Volkswagen Group.

Volkswagen's EA211 series of engines has been used across various models since 2011 and is offered in a multitude of configurations. This ranges from a naturally-aspirated 1.0 MPI on the cheapest car to some TSI versions, including the 1.4 TSI offered on some plug-in hybrids and the 1.5 TSI. The EA211 engine series offers power output ranging from 64 BHP to 154 BHP, depending on the variant.

Skoda will continue to work on both the naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of the EA211 series. The EA211 series is available globally, with some international markets even getting the engines to run on CNG or paired to a mild-hybrid system. The Czech carmaker has already hired nearly 150 employees for its technical development department to work on the engines. Skoda says that the goal is to improve the power output from the small engines while also generating lower emissions.

The first four-cylinder EA211 engine developed by Skoda will debut on the upcoming new-gen Volkswagen Passat. The car will be offered exclusively in a station wagon body style and is expected to arrive in markets sometime around September this year. The Passat will be followed by its sister model, the new Skoda Superb, also scheduled to arrive by the year's end.

Source: Motor1