Maruti Suzuki unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI on five popular models. The models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujarat. With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments. Maruti Suzuki showcased this technology at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo in January.
This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted technologically superior CNG engines in India. Compressed Natural Gas is environment friendly and also reduce country’s dependence on imported fuels. Maruti Suzuki’s big ticket entry into CNG fuel segment augurs well for the environment.
The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time.
The factory fitted CNG vehicles score very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options. Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.
As the CNG technology is factory fitted the customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits including extended warranty. To top it all, the CNG vehicles from Maruti Suzuki will enjoy the nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations.
i-GPI technology
The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company’s range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers.
In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. This highly reliable system delivers accurate amounts of gas to the engine thus ensuring improved and consistent performance under various driving conditions.
The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage.
Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers.
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The Ex-showroom Delhi price (Rs Lakh) of Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles is as under |
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