Stellantis is rolling out a new 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, dubbed the Turbo 100, designed to improve fuel efficiency and address past reliability concerns with the PureTech engine family. The new engine, which will debut in Peugeot 208 and 2008 models this spring, represents a significant overhaul of the existing 1.2 PureTech, with approximately 70% of its components redesigned. This move comes as the automotive industry prepares for the stricter Euro 7 emissions standards.
The original 1.2 PureTech engine, introduced by PSA Group in 2014, quickly gained popularity for its high torque output and fuel economy. It powered millions of vehicles across Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel brands, earning four “Engine of the Year” awards. However, early iterations of the engine faced criticism regarding the durability of its timing belt – which ran in an oil bath – and reports of excessive oil consumption. Stellantis, formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has worked to address these issues in subsequent versions of the engine.
Addressing Past Concerns with a New Design
The Turbo 100 isn’t a completely new engine, but rather a substantial evolution of the PureTech platform. While maintaining the same 1,199cc displacement and 74kW (approximately 100 horsepower) output as its predecessor, the new engine features a redesigned cylinder block and a turbocharger with variable geometry. This variable geometry turbo is designed to improve engine responsiveness, particularly at lower speeds, offering a more dynamic driving experience in urban environments and during overtaking maneuvers.
Stellantis engineers have focused on improving efficiency through several key changes. The engine now utilizes fuel injection at pressures up to 350 bar, reducing friction, incorporating variable valve timing, and employing a high compression ratio alongside an Atkinson-Miller cycle. These advancements contribute to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
Enhanced Reliability Through Design Changes and Testing
A major focus of the redesign was to improve the engine’s long-term reliability. In 2023, Stellantis replaced the timing belt with a more durable chain-based system. The new engine features an even more robust chain design with an extended lifespan. New pistons and piston rings have likewise been implemented to reduce oil consumption, a common complaint with earlier PureTech models.
To validate the improvements, Stellantis subjected the Turbo 100 to rigorous testing. The engine underwent 30,000 hours of operation on a test bench simulating real-world driving conditions. Prototype vehicles equipped with the new engine accumulated over three million kilometers of road testing, with some individual vehicles exceeding 200,000 kilometers.
Lower Maintenance Costs and Future Plans
Beyond improved reliability, the Turbo 100 is designed to reduce ownership costs. Stellantis has extended the oil change interval from 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers. The engine will initially be available in Peugeot 208 and 2008 models, with plans to expand its availability to other Stellantis brands, including Citroën and Opel.
Looking ahead, Stellantis intends to offer the Turbo 100 in various power outputs and configurations, including mild-hybrid versions. These mild-hybrid systems will incorporate an electrified gearbox, the e-DCS6, with a 21kW electric motor, further enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The development of this new engine underscores Stellantis’ commitment to refining internal combustion engine technology alongside its growing portfolio of electric vehicles.
The introduction of the Turbo 100 represents a significant step in Stellantis’ efforts to address concerns surrounding the PureTech engine and meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Further details regarding the engine’s performance and availability in other models are expected to be released in the coming months.
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