The EA888 engine has developed a brand-new cylinder head, which integrates the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head. This allows for exhaust gas recirculation cooling to take place within the cylinder head, with the exhaust gas flowing through it. Both the intake and exhaust camshafts feature variable valve timing. The exhaust camshaft also incorporates a valve lift switching function, enabling the valves to open and close on two distinct cam profiles.
Volkswagen/Audi's variable valve lift technology primarily optimizes the control of gas exchange in each cylinder through valve lift switching on the electronic valves of the exhaust camshaft, as well as variable timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The engine's electronic control unit determines which cam to use based on the current engine load. The smaller cam is utilized solely at low RPMs.
Thermal energy management is an intelligent cold start and warm-up program for engines and transmissions, enabling targeted control of coolant flow. The core component of the thermal energy management system is the rotary valve assembly with a coolant pump. This assembly comprises a coolant pump, two rotary valves, an emergency mode thermostat, an engine temperature regulating actuator, and a gear with a steering angle sensor.
Starting from the 3rd generation, the EA888 engine incorporates dual fuel injection technology, combining high-pressure direct injection (FSI) within the cylinder with multi-point injection (MPI) in the intake manifold.
The third-generation Volkswagen EA888 engine features a design with a cast iron block and an aluminum alloy cylinder head, a configuration used across many Volkswagen and Audi models. This combination not only offers technical advantages but also provides strong power output and good vibration damping. Specifically, the cast iron block delivers high strength and durability, while the aluminum alloy cylinder head, known for its light weight and high thermal conductivity, helps optimize engine performance and efficiency. This design is utilized in models like the Volkswagen Passat, Magotan, and CC, reflecting its broad application and market recognition.
Additionally, the choice of aluminum alloy for the cylinder head is due to its high strength, rigidity, and excellent stability. Aluminum alloy also boasts superior oxidation resistance and rust prevention, reducing overall weight and ensuring the engine delivers robust power and effective vibration damping. This design not only enhances engine performance but also contributes to improved overall vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
The EA888 engine is the main model for mid-to-high-end vehicles of the Volkswagen Group, including two displacements of 1.8L and 2.0L. It integrates a series of advanced technologies such as direct injection in the cylinder, turbocharging, and variable valve timing. With sufficient low-speed torque, good fuel economy and first-class reliability, it has been widely recognized in the market.
The original intention of Volkswagen to launch the EA888 engine was to replace the somewhat outdated EA113 engine. The EA113 engine has only eight exhaust valves, and the 4-cylinder can only achieve single intake and single exhaust. Moreover, the somewhat clumsy cast iron cylinder block made the Golf, Bora and other hot hatchback models that emphasized handling at that time unable to perform. And with a single overhead camshaft, it was also unable to change the timing of intake and exhaust. Therefore, due to technical bottlenecks, the EA113 was doomed to be unable to be tuned to a large horsepower.
Compared with the EA113, the EA888 mainly upgraded the 16-valve and double overhead camshaft technologies. The double intake and double exhaust intake valves have relatively stable airflow under high-speed working conditions, and the support of the double overhead camshaft technology also enables the EA888 to achieve variable valve timing, ensuring a powerful horsepower output. In addition, direct injection in the cylinder and turbocharging technologies have also been added to this engine. The more accurate fuel injection system and higher intake pressure optimize fuel economy while ensuring a powerful power output. And the EA888 also successfully won the Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2009 relying on these advanced technologies.
English
