Editing MIVEC

{{Short description|Automobile variable valve timing technology}}
[[File:2007 Mitsubishi Galant Fortis 4B11 engine.jpg|thumb|4B11 MIVEC engine]]
'''MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system)'''<ref>[http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/about_us/technology/performance/e/mivec.html "Latest MMC technologies and near-future goals"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719193400/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/about_us/technology/performance/e/mivec.html |date=2006-07-19 }}, Mitsubishi Motors website</ref> is the [[brand name]] of a [[variable valve timing]] (VVT)  [[Internal combustion engine|engine]] technology developed by [[Mitsubishi Motors]]. MIVEC, as with other similar systems, varies the timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts which increases the power and torque output over a broad engine speed range while also being able to help spool a turbocharger more quickly and accurately.

MIVEC was first introduced in 1992 in their ''[[Mitsubishi 4G9 engine|4G92]]'' powerplant, a 1,597&nbsp;cc [[naturally aspirated]] [[DOHC]] 16 valve [[straight-4]].<ref>[http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/museum/history/1990/e/index.html History of Mitsubishi, 1990-1999] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118205916/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/museum/history/1990/e/index.html |date=2007-01-18 }}, Mitsubishi Motors website</ref> At the time, the first generation of the system was named ''Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control''.<ref name="africa"/> The first cars to use this were the [[Mitsubishi Mirage]] [[hatchback]] and the [[Mitsubishi Lancer]] [[sedan (car)|sedan]]. While the conventional ''4G92'' engine provided {{Convert|145|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} at 7000&nbsp;[[Revolutions per minute|rpm]],<ref>[http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/mirage/1992_10/18901/ 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer RS specifications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131134733/http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/mirage/1992_10/18901/ |date=2009-01-31 }}, English.auto.vl.ru</ref> the MIVEC-equipped engine could achieve {{Convert|175|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} at 7500&nbsp;rpm.<ref>[http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/mirage/1992_10/18913/ 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Cyborg specifications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131134808/http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/mirage/1992_10/18913/ |date=2009-01-31 }}, English.auto.vl.ru</ref> Similar improvements were seen when the technology was applied to the 1994 [[Mitsubishi FTO]], whose top-spec GPX variant had a ''[[Mitsubishi 6A1 engine|6A12]]'' 1997&nbsp;cc [[DOHC]] 24 valve [[V6]] with peak power of {{Convert|200|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 7500&nbsp;rpm.<ref>[http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/fto/1994_10/15651/ 1994 Mitsubishi FTO GPX specifications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131134727/http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/fto/1994_10/15651/ |date=2009-01-31 }}, English.auto.vl.ru</ref> The GR model, whose otherwise identical powerplant was not MIVEC-equipped, produced {{Convert|170|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 7000&nbsp;rpm by comparison.<ref>[http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/fto/1994_10/15649/ 1994 Mitsubishi FTO GR specifications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131134722/http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/mitsubishi/fto/1994_10/15649/ |date=2009-01-31 }}, English.auto.vl.ru</ref>

Although initially designed to enhance performance, the system has subsequently been developed to improve [[Fuel economy in automobiles|economy]] and emissions, and has been introduced across Mitsubishi's range of vehicles, from the [[Mitsubishi i]] [[kei car]] to the high-performance [[Lancer Evolution]] sedan to the [[Mitsubishi Mirage|Mirage/Space Star]] global economy car.

Newest developments have led to MIVEC system being evolved into a [[continuous variable valve timing]] and also being the first VVT system to be used into a passenger car [[diesel engine]].

==Operation==

Variable valve control systems optimize more power and torque by varying valve opening times and/or duration. Some of these valve control systems optimize performance at low and mid-range engine speeds, while others focus on enhancing only high-rpm power. The MIVEC system provides both of these benefits by controlling valve timing and lift. The basic operation of the MIVEC system is altering the cam profiles and thus tailoring engine performance in response to driver input.<ref name="outlander">[http://media.mitsubishicars.com/detail?mid=MIT2006083039843&mime=ASC "2007 Mitsubishi Outlander Debuts New-Generation V-6 Engine And Segment-Exclusive Six-Speed Sportronic(R) Transmission"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008061013/http://media.mitsubishicars.com/detail?mid=MIT2006083039843&mime=ASC |date=2007-10-08 }}, Mitsubishi Motors North America press release</ref>

In essence, MIVEC serves the same function as "swapping cams", something that car racers might do when modifying older-design engines to produce more power. However, such swaps come with a compromise - generally yielding either greater low-end torque or more high-end horsepower, but not both. MIVEC achieves both goals. With MIVEC, the "cam swap" occurs automatically at a fixed [[revolutions per minute|engine speed]]. The [[Cam Switch]] operation is transparent to the driver, who is simply rewarded with a smooth flow of power.<ref name="outlander"/>

Two distinct cam profiles are used to provide two engine modes: a low-speed mode, consisting of low-lift cam profiles; and a high-speed mode. The low-lift cams and rocker arms - which drive separate intake valves - are positioned on either side of a centrally located high-lift cam. Each of the intake valves is operated by a low-lift cam and rocker arm, while placing a T-lever between them allows the valves to follow the action of the high-lift cam.<ref name="outlander"/>

At low speeds, The T-lever's wing section floats freely, enabling the low-lift cams to operate the valves. The intake rocker arms contain internal pistons, which are retained by springs in a lowered position while the engine speed is below the MIVEC switchover point, to avoid contacting the high-lift T-shaped levers. At high speeds, hydraulic pressure elevates the hydraulic pistons, causing the T-lever to push against the rocker arm, which in turn makes the high-lift cam operate the valves.<ref name="outlander"/>

MIVEC switches to the higher cam profile as engine speed increases, and drops back to the lower cam profile as engine speed decreases. The reduced valve overlap in low-speed mode provides stable idling, while accelerated timing of the intake valve's closing reduces backflow to improve volumetric efficiency, which helps increase engine output as well as reduce lift friction. High-speed mode takes advantage of the pulsating intake effect created by the mode's high lift and retarded timing of intake valve closure. The resulting reduced pumping loss of the larger valve overlap yields higher power output and a reduction in friction. The low- and high-speed modes overlap for a brief period, boosting torque.<ref name="outlander"/>

From the ''[[Mitsubishi 4B1 engine|4B1]]'' engine family onward, MIVEC has evolved into a [[continuous variable valve timing]] (CVVT) system (dual VVT on intake and exhaust valves).<ref name="newgen">[http://media.mitsubishicars.com/detail?mid=MIT2007010850689&mime=ASC "All-New 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Delivers Driven-To-Thrill Performance from New 152-HP Engine and Optional CVT"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022122334/http://media.mitsubishicars.com/detail?mid=MIT2007010850689&mime=ASC |date=2007-10-22 }}, Mitsubishi Motors North America press release</ref> Many older implementations only vary the valve timing (the amount of time per engine revolution that the intake port is open) and not the lift. Timing is continuously independently controlled to provide four optimized engine-operating modes:<ref name="newgen"/>
*Under most conditions, to ensure highest [[fuel efficiency]], valve overlap is increased to reduce pumping losses. The exhaust valve opening timing is retarded for higher expansion ratio, enhancing fuel economy.
*When maximum power is demanded (high engine speed and load), intake valve closing timing is retarded to synchronize the intake air pulsations for larger air volume.
*Under low-speed, high load, MIVEC ensures optimal torque delivery with the intake valve closing timing advanced to ensure sufficient air volume. At the same time, the exhaust valve opening timing is retarded to provide a higher expansion ratio and improved efficiency.
*At idle, valve overlap is eliminated to stabilize combustion.

Mitsubishi's ''[[Mitsubishi 4N1 engine|4N1]]'' engine family is the world's first to feature a [[variable valve timing]] system applied to passenger car [[diesel engines]].<ref>Mitsubishi Motors UK Geneva motor show 2010 presskit</ref>

==MIVEC-MD==

In the early years of developing its MIVEC technology, Mitsubishi also introduced a variant dubbed MIVEC-MD (Modulated Displacement),<ref name="africa">[http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za/featuresites/mm_history/GDI.asp "Mitsubishi Motors History - Engine Technology"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125232459/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za/featuresites/mm_history/GDI.asp |date=2007-01-25 }}, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa website</ref><ref name="mountain">{{ cite magazine | url = http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_2651/article.html | title = Mountain of MIVECs | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070505233011/http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_2651/article.html | archive-date = 2007-05-05 | first = Michael | last = Knowling | magazine = AutoSpeed | issue = 346 | date = September 3, 2005 }}</ref> a form of [[variable displacement]]. Under a light throttle load, the intake and exhaust valves in two of the cylinders would remain closed, and the reduced pumping losses gave a claimed 10–20 percent improvement in fuel economy. Modulated Displacement was dropped around 1996.<ref name="mountain"/>

==Current implementations==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center" 
|-
! style="width:15em" | Engine code
! style="width:15em" | Capacity
! style="width:15em" | Configuration
! style="width:15em" | Year
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 3A9 engine|3A90]]''
| 999&nbsp;cc
| [[Straight-three engine|Straight-3]]
| (2012–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 3A9 engine|3A92]]''
| 1193&nbsp;cc
| Straight-3
| (2012–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 3B2 engine|3B20]]''
| 659&nbsp;cc
| Straight-3
| (2005–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4A9 engine|4A90]]''
| 1332&nbsp;cc
| [[Straight-four engine|Straight-4]]
| (2003–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4A9 engine|4A91]]''
| 1499&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2003–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4A9 engine|4A92]]''
| 1590&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2010–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4B1 engine#4B10|4B10]]''
| 1798&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2007–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4B1 engine#4B11|4B11]]''
| 1998&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2007–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4B1 engine#4B12|4B12]]''
| 2359&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2007–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi Orion engine|4G15]]''
| 1468&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2003–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi Sirius engine|4G69]]''
| 2378&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2003–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4N1 engine|4N13]]''
| 1798&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4 diesel
| (2010–present)
|-
|''[[Mitsubishi 4N1 engine|4N14]]''
| 2268&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4 diesel
| (2010-present)
|-
|''[[Mitsubishi 4N1 engine|4N15]]''
| 2442&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4 diesel
| (2015-present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 6B3 engine|6B31]]''
| 2998&nbsp;cc
| [[V6]]
| (2006–present)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 6G7 engine|6G75]]''
| 3828&nbsp;cc
| V6
| (2005–present)
|-
|}

==Past implementations==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center" 
|-
! style="width:15em" | Engine code
! style="width:15em" | Capacity
! style="width:15em" | Configuration
! style="width:15em" | Year
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi Orion engine|4G19]]''
| 1343&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2002–06)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 4G9 engine|4G92]]''
| 1597&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (1992–99)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi Sirius engine|4G63T]]''
| 1997&nbsp;cc
| Straight-4
| (2005–07)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 6A1 engine|6A12]]''
| 1998&nbsp;cc
| V6
| (1993–2000)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 6G7 engine|6G72]]''
| 2972&nbsp;cc
| V6
| (1995–97)
|-
| ''[[Mitsubishi 6G7 engine|6G74]]''
| 3497&nbsp;cc
| V6
| (1997–2000)
|-
|}

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

{{Mitsubishi Motors technologies}}

[[Category:1992 establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:Variable valve timing]]
[[Category:Mitsubishi Motors technologies]]