Valvematic, Valvetronic, MultiAir & more

Next, we change how much, and for how long, the valves stay open. The best way to alter the amount and duration of opening is to do it continuously over a wide range.

A throttle is unnecessary. Instead, if you use the inlet valves to control airflow, by altering how far they open, this removes a major obstruction to airflow.

Carmakers had spent years trying to design systems that can open the valve electronically or hydraulically, free from the camshaft’s limits. They eventually achieved this goal in 2009, creating the MultiAir engine that could pull energetically from low speeds and rev like a racing car without compromising on performance.

Now comes the clever part: an electric solenoid valve bleeds off part of the oil flow in the hydraulic pipe as required, up to 60 times a second, leaving the rest to open the inlet valve. It’s probably the most significant breakthrough in piston engine design in the last 100 years.

Turbocharging

A turbocharger has a turbine that uses waste energy from the flow of exhaust gases to drive an air compressor - it’s as close to a free power boost as you’ll get.? The turbo compresses the air and forces it into the engine, so more can be squeezed into each cylinder for increased power.

Protect it with Shell

The technology we’ve mentioned so far is all to do with managing the four-stroke cycle, but there are many more ways in which modern engines save energy. Friction is the enemy of efficiency, so the easier an engine’s components can move, the better.

Shell oil not only lubricates the engine but also cleans it of harmful deposits thanks to ingenious active cleansing agents. You can check which oil offers your engine the optimum protection using the Shell lube match tool.