VW Plans New Diesel for 2014 Models in U.S.

Volkswagen AG confirms it will replace its current 2.0-liter diesel engine in the U.S. with a cleaner unit beginning in the second half of 2014.

The new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will be offered in the U.S. in 2015 model Beetle, Golf, Jetta and Passat cars due about a year from now. Called the EA288, the powerplant delivers 150 hp, up 10 hp from the current engine. Torque is unchanged at 236 lb-ft.

VW also is introducing a 1.6-liter version of the EA288 in Europe. Both configurations carry over the iron block, aluminum cylinder head and dual overhead camp design of the current 2.0-liter unit. But the company says the new engine shares only its bore spacing with the previous design.

Updates include a close-coupled exhaust aftertreatment system and more sophisticated exhaust gas recirculation that combines high-pressure and cooled low-pressure stages. The exhaust manifold is built into the cylinder head, which brings the engine up to operating temperature faster for lower emissions and faster cabin heating.

The EA288 integrates the EGR valve and water-cooled intercooler with the intake manifold to reduce emissions and improve throttle response. The new engine also boosts fuel efficiency with lower-friction camshaft and balancer shaft bearings, a two-stage oil pump and piston rings with less pre-tension.