Paris — Tougher European car emissions tests in the wake of the Volkswagen (VW) scandal are about to bring surprising consequences: bigger engines. Car makers that have spent a decade shrinking engine capacities to meet emissions goals are now being forced into a costly U-turn, industry sources say, as more realistic on-the-road testing exposes deep flaws in their smallest motors. Renault, General Motors and VW are preparing to enlarge or scrap some of their best-selling small car engines over the next three years, the people say. Other manufacturers are expected to follow, with both diesel and petrol engines affected. The reversal makes it even harder to meet carbon dioxide (CO²) targets and will challenge development budgets already stretched by a rush into electric cars and hybrids. "The techniques we’ve used to reduce engine capacities will no longer allow us to meet emissions standards," said Alain Raposo, head of powertrain at the Renault-Nissan alliance. "We’re reaching the l...
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