MITSUBISHI has announced the development of a GDI Sigma Series engine which claims improved fuel consumption and lower emissions. The manufacturer says the new technology combines the advances made with the GDI engine, now used in 11 Mitsubishi models in Japan and four in the UK.

Further developments in the pipeline include continuously variable transmissions, an idling stop system, hybrid electric vehicle and low consumption turbocharging.

Mitsubishi - which claims that the new engine will result in economy improvements of 10%–30% - plans to introduce the GDI Sigma from the beginning of next year in Japan. The new engines will arrive in the UK in 2002.