WLTP: Engine/exhaust changes & tuning

[Lmbarrett83]

Thought I'd start a new thread as I thought this may get lost in the "who's ordered thread"

May seem like a silly question but I thought I'd ask as others may have the same question.

Has anyone considered how the "homologations" on the Cupra 300 affect the future tuning possibilities in the short term?

VW have said that new models will have engines designed which incorporate GPF filters. The next generation hot hatches like the MK8 Golf R are speculated to be hybrids, probably to get around this issue.

So far all I'm hearing is that the current 300, VW R and likely the S3 are being detuned. No actual technical details have been released. Only the following:

A VW spokesman told Autocar: “In the context of new homologations, there are adaptions for the exhaust gas treatment and for the power output. From now on, all Golf R models will feature a 300PS [296bhp] engine.” (the same has been said for the CUPRA)

What could the adaptations be if not a GPF? And how would this affect the current tuning options for all the new Cupra 290 owners?


The pic was taken from a VW forum

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[matt_s]

It could be a more restrictive NOx catalyst. At the moment I'd be surprised if VW lied about emissions in any way at all. I'd be surprised if they put in a GPF as a stop gap, look at the mess they made of putting a DPF on the PD diesel engine.

 

[Lmbarrett83]

It could be a more restrictive NOx catalyst. At the moment I'd be surprised if VW lied about emissions in any way at all. I'd be surprised if they put in a GPF as a stop gap, look at the mess they made of putting a DPF on the PD diesel engine.

That's essentially what I'm worried about.
I had a FR 170 PD before going petrol.
When I had problems I looked into it and like you say it was more of an afterthought on that engine. Caused problems.

Best move I made was getting it removed.

This seems like a stop GAP to fix the mk3 CUPRA as it's going end of life to make way for the next gen under a new brand.

I originally thought they could just go back to the 290 build but I'm guessing the figures for that would be off too



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[Deleted member 103408]

But the ST is keeping the 300 engine, I did see somebody say that it was the extra weight made the engine work harder / more efficiently and for VW the quick fix on the Cupra / Golf/ S3 was to go back to lower tune engines to meet these emmisions.

With regards to tuning and the Exhaust I am guessing the new rules only apply to new cars after whatever date the rules come into force.

That being the case the tuning companies will have to start looking at how they tune more power on the new cars and keep it clean.

Further when does anybody find out you have a bad car - its MOT so thats at least 3 years down the road which is when all the fun starts and we find out if the cars are still good to go

 

[xyz]

It could be a more restrictive NOx catalyst. At the moment I'd be surprised if VW lied about emissions in any way at all. I'd be surprised if they put in a GPF as a stop gap, look at the mess they made of putting a DPF on the PD diesel engine.

This shouldn’t be a problem as I think GPFs and DPFs work in different ways.


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[Cupra Belfast]

If they switched to a less restrictive metal catalyst, then adding a GPF could be done without adding much restriction, or even lower it a touch. The problem being that's an expensive solution to the problem, so detuned engines, (on paper for testing anyway) is a cheap option until the MK4 Cupra/MK8 R/next S3 is rolled out. Adding hybrid technology could then be utilised to boost power, as opposed to making up for lost power. Perhaps a small motor & battery combined to the rear only could be used to remove lag, whilst giving a more naturally aspirated feel, without too much of a weight penalty? Ditching the current 4wd setup is a possibility in that instance. Presently the tuners largely dial up the engines to the potential output they're designed to, to be detuned from, to meet emissions regulations.