Is FSI really necessary?

[turbo311]

OK, I've read almost every article that exists about the Mk5 GTI. I keep finding the comment that FSI won't be used for its true purpose in this country. The whole point of FSI (in Europe anyway) is to allow for a lean burn fuel/air mix, aka the combustion uses more air and less fuel bc the fuel is directly injected.

The big but here is that this process creates more NOx gases and euro cat converters can handle it, but bc of the high amount of sulfur in US fuel we can't use those cats. So, FSI in this country won't really be set for lean burn. So, what's the point? Obvoiusly, the 1.8t needed a replacement and this 2.0t FSI engine has been reviewed very well (on the euro test car), but is giving up a fifth valve for a fuel injector just a gimick or am I missing something? I really am Interested in buying this car when it finally gets here (I don't mind it being late for arrival if it's going to be built in Germany instead of Mexico), but I'd be kinda disappointed if FSI was brought to the USA just for namesake and not purpose. Is the fuel economy going to be better? I know the horsepower and torque is significantly up, but that can be attributed to 0.2L more of displacement, turbo timing, ecu, anything really. So, I want someone to convince me this 2.0T FSI is a big deal.

I'm also thinking about a Mini Cooper S (a lot fast that you'd expect if you haven't driven one) or possibly waiting for the new R32 with the biturbo FSI 3.2 VR6. But most likely I want this new GTI, it's going to be a long wait for the next R32.

[edspecR]

im not sure, but this is my take on it. since the FSI system is the fuel delivery system on the mark 5s, its not exactly something vw can just pull out without some more major R&D. since the car's pretty dependent on electronics, it would be much easier to detune it via the ecu (instead of taking the entire FSi and its support structure out). not only would that cost much more (R&D), it would also be for a significantly small portion of the global golf market. golfs are the number 1 selling compact car in europe, but in the states, its pretty pitiful. why would vw do all that R&D and lose revenue by taking out an integral part of the engine?

do you get what i mean? i dont think i explained it straight (sounds like circular reasoning :laugh: )

disclaimer: im not basing my views on anything factual, so if it turns out to be wrong, then more power to you

[turbo311]

Yeah, I know that it would be dumb to have a totally different engine for the US cars since they're all made in the same place. I guess it doesn't matter. I think I'm just angry that US fuel quality is soo crappy, thus we get lesser tuned cars. The GTI is one example of this, the Subaru WRX STi Spec C being another.

[edspecR]

not only US fuel, but also different safety standards, emissions regulations, importing laws/taxes/etc. things like that.