| Manufacturer | BMW PSA Group |
|---|---|
| Production | 2004– |
| Predecessor | Tritec engine PSA TU engine |
Prince is the codename for a family of modern automobile straight-4 engines developed jointly by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën. It is a compact engine family of 1.4–1.6 L in displacement and includes most modern features including gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing.
For BMW, the engines replace the Tritec engine family in the Mini. PSA has started to use the Prince family in place of their TU family — the Peugeot 207 being the first car to receive it.
The engines’ components will be produced by PSA at their Douvrin, France, facility, with Mini engine construction at Hams Hall in Birmingham, England. The joint venture was announced on 23 July 2002 with the first engines produced in 2005. The Prince engine project is not related to the Prince Motor Company.
In late 2006, an extension of the cooperation between the two groups was announced,[1] promising new four-cylinder engines, without further details.
On 29 September 2010, it was announced[2][3] that the 1.6T version of the Prince engine would be supplied from 2012 to Saab for use in forthcoming models, primarily the 9-3.
In Geneva auto show 2011, Saab unveiled their latest concept vehicle Saab PhoeniX with BMW Prince Engine 1.6T 200 hp [4]
Contents |
The Prince family shares its basic block dimensions with the previous PSA TU engine family, but with bore and stroke measurements identical to the Tritec engine family. Some of the engineering was provided by BMW, including their Valvetronic variable valve lift system on the intake side. Other features include on-demand oil and water pumps. Gasoline direct injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger will be optional.[1]
All Prince engines will share 84 mm (3.3 in) cylinder spacing and a 77 mm (3 in) bore. The engine features a two-piece "bedplate" aluminum crankcase for extra stiffness.
The 1.4 L PSA EP3 and EP3C[5] is the smallest member of the Prince family with a stroke measuring 75 mm (2.9 in) and total capacity of 1397 cc. Depending on application, power output varies from 90 PS to 95 PS while torque can range between 100–103 lb-ft (136–140 N·m).
Applications:
The 1.6 L engine is used in the second-generation MINI and various Peugeot 207 models. It has a 85.8 mm (3.4 in) stroke for a total of 1598 cc of displacement.
The naturally aspirated variant (EP6, EP6C[5]) has conventional fuel injection and lost-foam cast heads. Its high 11:1 compression ratio creates an output of 120 PS (118 hp/88 kW) at 6000 rpm with a redline of 6500 rpm. Torque is 118 lb-ft (160 N·m) at 4250 rpm.[6]
Applications:
The turbocharged 1.6 L unit adds gasoline direct injection and has special low-pressure die-cast heads.
At first, there were two versions on offer - the THP150 and THP175, also known as the EP6DT and EP6DTS respectively within Peugeot. The first was later updated as EP6CDT.[5]
For the THP150 maximum torque is 177 lb-ft (240 N·m) at 1400 rpm, remaining flat to 5000 rpm. Power output is 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) at 5500 rpm.
Applications:
For the THP175 maximum torque is 178 lb-ft (247 N·m) at 1600 rpm, remaining flat to 5000 rpm. Power output is 175 PS (173 hp/128 kW) at 5500 rpm. An overboost function is available which temporarily increases torque to 192 lb-ft (260 N·m) between 1700 rpm and 4500 rpm in gears 3 to 5.
Applications:
In 2010 Peugeot released 1.6 THP engine (EP6CDTX[5])with 200 hp at 5500 RPM, maximum torque 275 @ 1700 RPM.
Applications: