Suzuki Reveals New 1.2-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine With 126 HP & 230 Nm

Suzuki has disclosed specifications of a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine prototype in Japan. The engine is being developed for markets such as India and is designed to operate on multiple fuel types, including petrol, E100 ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG) and compressed biomethane gas (CBG).

The prototype is part of Suzuki’s broader powertrain development roadmap, outlined under its ‘Technology Strategy 2026: Looking 10 Years Ahead’ initiative. The company is targeting improved thermal efficiency while exploring different engine and electrification technologies.

Although Suzuki has not confirmed an India launch for the new engine, its development for growth markets could make it relevant to the company’s future Indian lineup.

Suzuki 1.2-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine: Specifications and Technology

The new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is designed to produce up to 126 HP and 230 Nm of torque. According to a report by Japan’s MotorFan, the prototype is based on Suzuki’s Z12E three-cylinder engine, which is currently used in naturally aspirated form in models such as the Swift, Baleno and Dzire.

The turbocharged version reportedly features a variable-geometry turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. These components are intended to improve the engine’s performance and efficiency across different operating conditions.

Suzuki is targeting thermal efficiency of up to 40 percent at launch, with a longer-term goal of reaching 50 percent by 2035. These figures are development targets rather than independently verified real-world performance results.

The engine is also being developed for compatibility with E100, CNG and CBG, potentially allowing it to serve markets with different fuel infrastructure and energy requirements.

Suzuki Z12E Series-Hybrid Powertrain: How It Works

Alongside the turbocharged engine, Suzuki has showcased a series-hybrid powertrain based on the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre Z12E engine.

In this configuration, the petrol engine drives a generator to produce electricity, while a separate electric motor powers the wheels. The system also includes a battery pack with a capacity of 0.6kWh.

The engine is rated to produce up to 82hp and 108Nm, while the generator motor has a maximum output of 83hp. The electric drive motor produces up to 88hp.

Unlike a conventional hybrid system in which the engine can directly drive the wheels, a series-hybrid setup relies on the electric motor for propulsion. The engine primarily acts as an electricity generator.

Suzuki is also considering combining this series-hybrid arrangement with the new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine for a potential plug-in hybrid application. The proposed system could deliver a combined output of up to 177hp, although the company has not announced a production timeline.

Suzuki 1.5-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine Under Development

Suzuki has also revealed details of a larger 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine prototype. The engine is being developed to deliver up to 160 HP and 280 Nm of torque.

Like the smaller 1.2-litre unit, the 1.5-litre engine is being designed to support E100 ethanol, CNG and CBG.

The larger engine could potentially serve vehicles requiring higher power and torque, although Suzuki has not disclosed the models or markets in which it could be introduced.

Suzuki Developing New 0.66-Litre Engine for Kei Cars

Suzuki has also showcased a new 0.66-litre, three-cylinder engine intended for kei cars in Japan. The engine is being developed in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged configurations.

Kei cars are designed around Japan’s specific vehicle regulations, which include restrictions on engine displacement and vehicle dimensions. The smaller engine is therefore aimed primarily at this market.

Suzuki has not disclosed detailed performance figures or a production timeline for the new 0.66-litre engine.

Will Suzuki’s New Turbo-Petrol Engine Come to India?

The new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine could potentially find applications in Suzuki’s Indian lineup, particularly in compact cars and sub-4-metre vehicles. However, the company has not confirmed an India launch or identified any specific models that could receive the powertrain.

The engines showcased so far are designed for transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive vehicles. Suzuki has not disclosed details of a corresponding powertrain for longitudinally mounted, rear-wheel-drive models such as the Jimny.

The company is understood to be developing powertrains for rear-wheel-drive applications as well, but further details have not been announced.

The new engine family, series-hybrid technology and alternative-fuel compatibility reflect Suzuki’s efforts to develop multiple powertrain solutions for different markets. Whether these technologies will make their way into production vehicles in India will depend on future product plans and market requirements.

The post Suzuki Reveals New 1.2-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine With 126 HP & 230 Nm appeared first on MotorBeam.