>INTERNATIONAL engineering group Ricardo and a consortium of automotive partners have completed an advanced prototype of an engine that can operate as a two-stroke or four-stroke. The so-called 2/4SIGHT direct-injection petrol engine uses novel combustion, boosting, control and valve actuation technologies to enable automatic and seamless switching between two- and four-stroke operation.
An advanced control system coupled with flexible valve actuation manages driver demands and coordinates operation of the boost system, valves and fuel injection equipment at an individual cylinder level. The prototype is based on a single bank of a 2.1-litre V6 with twin charging. In two-stroke mode, it is able to produce extremely high torque and excellent economy.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Apr 5, 2008.
