The first cars used a "reed valve" arrangement for the intakes , relying on vacuum to pull in the charge and a mechanically operated exhaust valve.. I believe an electro-mech arrangement such as this was first tried in F1 in the 1980's but wasn't ready for prime time then.. this promises a huge reduction in friction... I just hope the first engine it's used on is a "non interferance" model so when it goes wrong it doesn't turn buyers away..
>>"non interferance" model <<
As I read the article, that was the very first thing I thought of as well. I wonder how these would work as you try to start an engine with an "almost" dead battery.