For the first time in almost 16 years, Suzuki has developed a brand-new engine for its minicar lineup. This 660cc mill is equipped with stop/start technology and is expected to deliver a fuel efficiency rating of nearly 63.5 miles per gallon (U.S.), – a boost of approximately 20 percent versus the automaker’s current three-cylinder, 660cc engine. The addition of this high-tech engine would position Suzuki’s minicars to achieve a fuel economy rating comparable to that of Daihatsu‘s Move, which hit the Japanese market last month.
Suzuki will invest a total of 20 billion yen ($246 million U.S. at the current exchange rate) over the course of the next three years to ready its Sagara factory in Shizuoka Prefecture for mass production of the all-new 660cc engine. The automaker plans on equipping all of its minicars, including the Wagon R and the Alto, with the stop/start-capable engine. Suzuki’s MR Wagon, slated to hit the market later this month, will be the automaker’s first vehicle to feature this new mill.
[Source: Green Car Congress]