New Car Engine Sends Shock Waves Through Auto Industry

Discovery News ^ | Apr 6, 2011 | Nic Halverson

[aruanan]

Researchers estimate the new model could shave almost 1,000 pounds off a car's weight currently taken up by conventional engine systems.

Or you could have one totally bitching engine of 500 pounds, use the other 500 pounds to enhance car safety by reinforcements of the body, and still be far better off than you originally were.

[Kirkwood]

“The development of this engine is not a private endeavor at any level.”

Wow, are you ever wrong! DARPA money is contract money to develop commercially viable, but highly innovative products. Someone had an idea for this product and the govt agreed to fund development. A company has either already been formed or will be formed to eventually take this into Phase 3 commercial development.

[PIF]

NSU - Gritz Zu

First to the Wankel party with the 1968 RO80, company bought by VW and disappeared.

[PiperShade]

I’ve often regretted not buying a wankle-engined car just to get some first-hand experience with the critter !! >PS

[PiperShade]

Check back issues of Pop/Sci/Mechanics for 18 mos. I recall seeing an article on this engine in one or the other. Some more info and better pics than linked. But I can see where the “inventor” wants to keep things pretty close to their vest.

You might also remember another “revolutionary engine” coming out of Australia. Lots of advance hoopla, but it seems to have died an unremarked natural death.... >PS