Abstract
For the application of gasoline direct injection concepts in mass production not only fuel economy and emission potential but especially system robustness, stability and durability are decesive.
Due to the complex interaction between the system components, an efficient development has to be performed not as seperated optimization of single components, but as a comprehensive system approach. By application of most sophisticated development tools including optical diagnostic methods both on research engines and especially in real multicylinder engines, a DI gasoline combustion system could be developed meeting these requirements. In a broad part load range its fuel economy is found within the scatter band of Diesel engines. Special emphasis has been concentrated on the optimum adaptation of the combustion system to the limited exhaust gas temperature range of the NOx storage catalyst technology reqired for compliance with future European and US emission legislation. A combination of this DI gasoline concept with turbocharging reveals a high potential especially regarding the transient response of turbocharged gasoline engines.