Changan Automobile officially unveiled its BlueCore Super Engine in Chongqing yesterday, introducing a new mild-hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology. This system, which was announced earlier this month, aims to deliver fuel economy, robust power, and better Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance, without requiring drivers to change their conventional gasoline vehicle habits.

According to Changan, this technology can bring the urban fuel consumption of SUV models into the 3L/100km range, and sedans into the 2L/100km range. Changan is offering a lifetime warranty on core hybrid system components for the first non-commercial owners of Blue Core Super Engine hybrid models.

At the core of the BlueCore Super Engine lies the iDE-H (Intelligent Deep Electrification Hybrid Architecture), which features a P1+P3 motor layout. This system primarily employs electric drive for low to medium urban speeds, with the engine acting as a series generator. At medium to high speeds, the engine transitions to direct or parallel drive. The P3 motor also boasts high kinetic energy recovery efficiency during coasting, further enhancing overall efficiency.

The system incorporates a world-first 500bar ultra-high-pressure direct injection hybrid engine. This engineering marvel achieves a peak thermal efficiency of 44.28% and an average thermal efficiency of 40.9%, with its high-efficiency operating range covering 56.3%. The engine also features a high compression ratio of 16:1 and a 30% exhaust gas recirculation rate, designed for reduced vibration and noise.

Complementing the engine is a 3V high magnetic flux steel topological hybrid electric drive, which achieves a 98.1% electric drive efficiency. The P3 drive motor is a powerful yet compact unit, reaching a maximum speed of 2000rpm and delivering a peak power of 180kW (241 hp), all while weighing 18.1kg.

Powering the electric components is a 1.7kWh ternary lithium battery, capable of a 50C discharge rate. The system’s intelligence is further enhanced by AI-powered smart energy management, leveraging a 6-core high-performance MCU chip for millisecond-level control. This control system includes acceleration closed-loop control, actively learning driver habits and adapting driving styles to improve overtaking response and minimise pedal adjustments.

Official tests have demonstrated real-world fuel economy: a sedan equipped with the BlueCore Super Engine (Eado HEV) achieved an urban fuel consumption of 2.98 L/100km (approximately 78.93 MPG), while an SUV (CS75 HEV) recorded 3.54 L/100km (approximately 66.45 MPG) in urban conditions. The CS75 HEV also boasts a combined fuel consumption of 4.67 L/100km (approximately 50.37 MPG).

Debut in the Changan CS75 Plus BlueCore Super Engine

The Fourth Generation Changan CS75 Plus BlueCore Super Engine is the first model to feature this technology. This January, the Changan’s 4th-generation CS75 Plus gasoline-powered SUV set a Guinness World Record for the “longest jump distance on an ice ramp” with a distance of 20.9 meters in an extreme cold environment of -30℃.

The new SUV largely retains the exterior and interior design of its gasoline counterpart, featuring a V-shaped front grille with a closed design and active air intake. A “CS75 HEV” badge signifies its hybrid nature.

In terms of dimensions, the CS75 Plus BlueCore Super Engine measures 4770mm in length, 1910mm in width, and 1695mm (or 1705mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 2800mm, making it slightly larger than the gasoline version.

Inside, the cabin continues the minimalist design with an integrated dual-screen setup. An exclusive interior colour scheme has been specially created for the hybrid variant. Crucially, the hybrid system has been ingeniously integrated without compromising trunk space, with the spare tyre still located beneath the cargo floor and the battery positioned within the chassis.

The CS75 Plus BlueCore Super Engine’s powertrain combines a 1.5T engine with an electric motor in a P1+P3 configuration. The engine delivers a maximum power of 110kW (148 hp), while the P3 electric drive provides a maximum power of 180kW (241 hp). The 1.7kWh ternary lithium battery offers a maximum discharge power of 80kW. This setup results in an urban fuel consumption of 3.54 L/100km (66.45 MPG) and a combined fuel consumption of 4.67 L/100km (50.37 MPG). The vehicle also features a CDC Magic Carpet Suspension system for enhanced ride comfort.

Changan Automobile announced plans to progressively roll out more models equipped with the BlueCore Super Engine hybrid technology, eventually integrating it across its entire lineup of gasoline vehicles. The company also revealed future developments for BlueCore Super Engine Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Range Extender (EREV) technologies, signalling a comprehensive electrification strategy for the years to come.