Repair-It

Cargine is a Koenigsegg subsidiary. This has been around for a while, apparently. It's like the old V8-6-4, except but the valve is completely operated by a pneumatic/hydraulic actuator rather than a traditional camshaft and there is no throttle body.

Their first test vehicle is especially hilarious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bch5B23_pu0

Their power/economy/emissions gains are incredible. Not to mention the size/weight reductions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3cFfM3r510

Cool exploded view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2mTriy9oQM

This guy is the man. This is way better than German engineering because his goals actually make sense. Increase capability and decrease complexity.

I would like to see if a voice coil approach could also work but maybe it's a power density issue, and working in the engine's native format (i.e. air) is better than dealing with electricity anyway. At least I would think so. Motors can be pretty efficient but there are still losses everywhere.

Random thought: cam-less valve actuation also permits any firing order you want. I don't know if that is beneficial to any engine applications.

Air storage is pretty awesome and you'd want an air tank anyway. Hybrid operation with no stupid battery packs. Though it all depends on how much air pressure you can store. Maybe batteries store more energy per unit weight than air tanks (at least at practical storage pressures). I do like the instant torque application (just like an electric motor) or even instant boost.

Above all, I like that this guy is pursuing continued development of the ICE which clearly still has headroom.

kevm14 wrote: Random thought: cam-less valve actuation also permits any firing order you want. I don't know if that is beneficial to any engine applications.

Almost any order. There are balance and vibration concerns with any crankshaft layout.

* Edited to add my comment rather than just re-post the quote like an idiot

I love that they use a saab..

With this setup, you could mangle the valves using a computer rather than having to mash the car into first on the highway. Much more convenient.

The bromstick vs keyboard analogy is pretty cool. This tech could really make a difference if it can be made and used cheaply enough.

Adam wrote:Almost any order. There are balance and vibration concerns with any crankshaft layout.

Good point. The crankshaft is still made a certain way. There would still be some options but given the counterweight issue in not sure why you'd do that. I guess what I really meant was something like randomizing cylinder shutoff to keep temps and wear evenly distributed.

Fast_Ed wrote: With this setup, you could mangle the valves using a computer rather than having to mash the car into first on the highway. Much more convenient.

Yes. With the push of a button you could instantly bend all your valves (or just a selection, your choice). So now when someone drives your car, you can pull one hell of a prank and be like "WHAT'D YOU DO???". They'll be like, OMG. Haha, they'd feel so stupid.

Same approach to the transmission.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=glf_k4qGBAA

There really isn't one. Torque converter, fixed gear ratio which is basically top gear for top speed. And electric motors to help get off the line. Very cool. Wonder if they didn't feel like designing their own transmission. But this fits the other choices.