Tatsuro Nakagami

MITSUBISHI ORION-MD--A NEW VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE

A 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder variable-displacement engine was developed as an optional powerplant for a subcompact passenger car. In order to maximize its fuel saving effects, incorporated in the engine are unique valve deactivation devices which are electrically controlled and activated by means of engine oil. Several measures were taken to assure smooth cylinder switching and to cope with the problems caused by reducing the number of operating cylinders from 4 to 2. Thus without deteriorating the driveability, nearly 20% reduction of fuel consumption in the Japanese 10-Mode Cycle was achieved by this engine.