Aug 3 2009

EcoMotors: Opposed piston, opposed cylinder engine ups power density

People have been predicting the death of the internal combustion engine for at least 50 years. Thing is, most of the folks making the predictions have themselves died, or been silenced by the fact that ICE is still here and it’s better than ever. Still, the technology could be improved. All that sound and all that heat is just inefficient waste. And what about parasitic losses, like power steering pumps and valve train? Well, some OEMs (like Ford) are switching to mileage boosting electronic steering to save some MPG. However, electric valves are a long ways off. Not only would they be infinitely variable, but removing the chains, rods and springs needed to run conventional valves would increase mileage by 20%, at least. And that’s just one route.

Q Full article, Source: AutoBlog