HSV working on LPG system

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Auto Trader NZ
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Published 3 September 2020

HSV told Australia’s Drive that the new LPG system is called ‘liquid propane injection’, or LPi.

LPG releases less carbon dioxide emissions when burning and has a higher octane rating than petrol.

Still under development, LPi is an extra eight injectors fitted to the inlet manifold near a V8 engine’s inlet ports. A pump inside the LPG tank pressurizes the fuel and sends it to the injectors where it enters the engine still in its liquid form.

Current LPG systems inject the fuel in a gaseous state, making it more difficult to mix with air in the correct ratio.

HSV’s LPi system also includes a separate fuel return line to send unburnt fuel back to the LPG tank, eradicating the gaseous smell often associated with an LPG conversion.

HSV is working with a partner to develop the injectors which, as yet, are themselves in their prototype stage and are not used by any other manufacturer.

HSV reportedly has the prototype system configured to switch back to petrol whenever the engine reaches 4800rpm or is under high load, such as when the driver floors the throttle to overtake or when towing a heavy load up a hill.

On the flip side, LPG doesn’t have the calorific (energy) value of petrol and mileage is generally worse than petrol.

For now though, HSV is focused on delivering the system to Australian consumers first, though no information on cost or release date has been announced.