Nissan HR12DDR Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan HR12DDR |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 3-cylinder DOHC CVTC turbocharged liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 73.1 cu.in (1.19 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 98-115 Hp (73-85 kW) at 5300 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: High-pressure direct fuel injection |
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Nissan HR12DDR is a 1.2-liter inline-three,
turbocharged, direct-injected gasoline engine designed to provide
outstanding thermal efficiency, strong torque output, and low emissions
while maintaining compact dimensions and low weight. It belongs to
Nissan’s modern HR-series powertrain family, which includes the HR10,
HR12, and HR16 engines, and was co-developed within the
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The HR12DDR is also known by various
marketing names depending on region, including DIG-S (Direct Injection
Gasoline Supercharged/Turbocharged) and Energy TCe 115 (in Renault
applications).
The HR12DDR was engineered as a high-efficiency downsized power unit
aimed at replacing naturally aspirated 1.4- to 1.6-liter engines with a
smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient design that maintains equal or
superior performance. Its advanced engineering incorporates a
lightweight aluminum block and head, centrally mounted direct injectors,
integrated exhaust manifold, low-inertia turbocharger, electronically
controlled wastegate, rapid warm-up strategies, and variable valve
timing on at least the intake camshaft.
The HR12DDR emphasizes low-rpm torque delivery
and everyday drivability, making it ideal for compact hatchbacks, urban
crossovers, and light subcompact sedans. Its smoothness, efficiency, and
quick throttle response contribute to excellent drivability while
maintaining low fuel consumption.
The HR12DDR is a water-cooled, inline-three, four-stroke gasoline engine
with a displacement of 1198 cc, equivalent to approximately 73.1 cubic
inches. The engine uses a bore of approximately 78.0 mm (3.84 inches)
and a stroke of approximately 83.6 mm (3.29 inches). This slightly
under-square, long-stroke geometry supports strong low- and mid-range
torque characteristics and contributes to high thermal efficiency.
Compression ratio varies by calibration and market, typically ranging
between 10.5:1 and 11.2:1. Maximum power output generally falls between
98 and 115 horsepower (73 to 85 kW) at approximately 5000 to 5500 rpm.
Maximum torque output usually ranges between 140 and 165 Nm (103 to 122
lb-ft) at approximately 2000 to 3500 rpm, depending on turbocharger
configuration and ECU tuning. Idle speed is normally set at 750 ± 50
rpm. The firing order is 1-2-3.
The crankshaft is a lightweight forged-steel, fully counterweighted
design supported by four main bearings. This ensures durability and
helps reduce rotational mass for quick throttle response. The connecting
rods are fracture-split steel units, providing precise big-end cap
alignment and excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Pistons are lightweight aluminum alloy
components with integrated oil-cooling galleries to manage heat load
during high-boost operation. Piston crowns incorporate a bowl-shaped
combustion cavity optimized for direct injection mixing, and the ring
pack features low-tension rings to reduce friction.
The cylinder head is made from lightweight aluminum alloy and contains
dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) operating four valves per cylinder - two
intake and two exhaust - for a total of twelve valves across the
three-cylinder engine. The HR12DDR employs variable valve timing on at
least the intake camshaft, and in some versions, both intake and exhaust
cams are equipped with CVTC (Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control).
Valve actuation uses roller finger followers or mechanical bucket
tappets depending on production version. The DOHC design, combined with
variable valve timing and optimized swirl/tumble air motion, enhances
combustion efficiency, improves low-rpm torque, and reduces emissions.
Intake valves typically measure approximately 27 to 29 mm (1.06 to 1.14
inches), and exhaust valves measure approximately 23 to 25 mm (0.91 to
0.98 inches).
The HR12DDR employs a high-pressure direct fuel-injection system. A
mechanically driven high-pressure pump supplies fuel at pressures up to
approximately 200 bar (2900 psi) to the fuel rail. High-pressure
solenoid injectors spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber.
Injection timing, spray angle, and multi-pulse injection strategies are
precisely controlled by the ECM.
The fuel system includes:
- In-tank electric low-pressure pump
- High-pressure camshaft-driven pump
- Fuel rail with rail pressure sensor
- High-pressure direct injectors
- Returnless fuel system architecture
Direct injection enables a higher compression ratio, reduces knock
tendency, improves cold-start emissions, and increases overall thermal
efficiency.
The engine uses a full-pressure wet-sump lubrication system with a
variable-displacement oil pump designed to reduce parasitic loads. Oil
is distributed to the main bearings, rod bearings, camshaft journals,
turbocharger bearings, and valvetrain components. Piston cooling jets
spray oil at the underside of the piston crowns to control piston
temperature during high-load operation.
Oil capacity ranges from 3.5 to 4.2 liters (3.7 to 4.4 U.S. quarts)
depending on version. Recommended oil viscosity is typically SAE 0W-20
or 5W-30, meeting modern API SP or ACEA C3 specifications.
The HR12DDR uses a liquid-cooled system
featuring:
- Belt-driven or electric coolant pump depending on model year
- Cross-flow aluminum radiator
- Electric cooling fan controlled by the ECM
- Thermostat with an opening temperature around 90°C (194°F)
- Water-cooled turbocharger passages
- Dedicated cooling circuits for cylinder head and block
Coolant capacity is approximately 5.0 to 6.0 liters (5.3 to 6.3 quarts).
The cooling system uses optimized coolant routing over the exhaust valve
area to stabilize combustion temperatures.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
The induction system includes:
- Plastic air inlet duct
- Dry-paper air filter
- Turbocharger compressor inlet
- Intercooler (air-to-air or water-cooled depending on version)
- Electronic throttle body
- Molded plastic or aluminum intake manifold
The exhaust system includes:
- Integrated exhaust manifold cast into the cylinder head
- Turbocharger turbine housing
- Close-coupled catalytic converter
- Downstream catalyst and O2 sensors depending on emissions category
The integrated exhaust manifold shortens warm-up time, improving
emissions performance.
| Ignition and Electrical System |
The ignition system uses coil-on-plug ignition, eliminating plug wires
and improving spark precision.
The ECM controls spark timing based on data
from:
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Camshaft position sensor
- Knock sensor
- Wideband oxygen sensor(s)
- Turbo boost pressure sensor
- Mass airflow sensor or manifold pressure sensor
- Coolant temperature sensor
Iridium-tipped spark plugs are commonly used for long service intervals.
The HR12DDR uses a compact, low-inertia turbocharger equipped with
either a vacuum-controlled or electronically actuated wastegate. Target
boost pressure typically ranges from 0.60 to 1.20 bar (9 to 17 psi),
depending on calibration, market, and emissions category. Turbo response
is fast due to the engine's small displacement and low-inertia turbine.
Many versions incorporate an air-to-air intercooler to cool the
compressed intake charge, increasing density and reducing detonation.
Some models use an integrated water-cooled charge cooler for more
consistent intake temperatures under load.
Turbocharger lubrication is supplied directly from the main oil gallery,
and coolant circulates through the turbo housing to prevent heat soak
during shut-down.
- Length: 520 to 550 mm (20.5 to 21.7 in)
- Width: 500 to 520 mm (19.7 to 20.5 in)
- Height: 620 to 650 mm (24.4 to 25.6 in)
Dry weight ranges from approximately 85 to 105 kg (187 to 231 lbs).
- Engine oil and filter: 10,000–15,000 km (6000–9000 miles)
- Air filter: every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
- Spark plugs: every 40,000–60,000 km (25,000–37,000 miles)
- Coolant: every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years
- Drive belt: inspect every 20,000 km
- High-pressure fuel system: inspect at 120,000 km
- Compression pressure: 1400–1800 kPa (203–261 psi) with <100 kPa (15
psi) variation
- Cylinder head bolts: 40 Nm + 90° + 90°
- Connecting rod bolts: 20–25 Nm + 70°
- Main bearing cap bolts: 50–60 Nm
- Spark plugs: 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- Oil drain plug: 30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- Intake manifold bolts: 20–22 Nm
- Exhaust manifold/turbo bolts: 35–45 Nm
The HR12DDR engine is used in numerous
Alliance vehicles:
- Nissan Micra / March
- Nissan Note
- Renault Clio
- Renault Captur
- Dacia Sandero / Logan (selected variants)
- Regional compact crossovers and hatchbacks
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
