Bosch equips Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI with gasoline-saving direct injection technology

The highlight of Bosch's new gasoline-saving technology is the fast-switching piezo injectors, which are being fitted in a series-produced car for the first time. The fuel these injectors spray into the combustion chamber is so finely atomized that it can be ignited directly without mixing in the combustion chamber, a process known as spray-guided combustion. Another important feature of direct injection is the powerful engine management system.

"Reducing gasoline consumption has assumed more importance today than ever before, given the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the roads. Bosch has been concentrating its efforts on developing technology that helps bring down the consumption of gasoline, and the innovative gasoline direct injection technology is a result of our sustained focus on Research & Development," said Oleg Riabstev, General Manager, Middle East Operation, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket (Bosch AA).

"Bosch's new gasoline direct injection with piezo injectors reduces consumption by up to 15 per cent compared with today's port fuel injection. We expect that by 2010, annual production of gasoline engines equipped with direct injection will top three million,"

Riabstev added.

In 2005, researchers and developers from Bosch and Siemens VDO who worked independently on piezo technology for gasoline and diesel engines were jointly awarded the German President's "Zukunftspreis," the award for innovation and advanced technology. Bosch is now the first company to embark on mass production of a piezo-controlled gasoline injection system.

Bosch has also developed the second generation DI-Motronic with solenoid-controlled injection valves, which combines direct injunction with turbocharging. It features greater revving range and the engines develop higher torque in the lower speed range. Bosch is gearing up to launch the second generation DI-Motronic later this year, in a 1.6-litre engine jointly developed by BMW and PSA and destined for use in the Mini, among others.