Volkswagen introduces new EA211 modular gasoline engines that also run on ethanol and natural gas - 54-148 horsepower

Volkswagen introduced a new modular engine family called EA211 which encompasses three cylinder and four cylinder motors. The four cylinder motor is the world's first with cylinder deactivation meaning it is able to run on 2 cylinders to save fuel. The motors range in spec from 54 horsepower to 148 horsepower with the range topping 1.4 liter four cylinder direct injected turbo. The 1.4 liter turbo delivers 184 lb-ft of torque from just 1400 rpm.

To further reduce emissions and increase efficiency the intake camshaft is variable. The block itself is lighter being aluminum replacing the iron EA111 series saving 22 kilograms. The engine is also available in natural gas and ethanol versions. The natural gas versions of the motor can be specced with an additional tank on cars to extend range from 261 to 808 miles depending on size and use.

We likely will not see this motor or any variants in the USA as it will likely go into the Up! and Polo which are not currently US models. It is simply awesome from a technological standpoint to see the way Volkswagen is approaching green internal combustion motors as well as alternate fuels.