Summary
With global warming getting more than a bit fuzzy, are vehicle and engine manufacturers really ready to ditch the internal combustion engine? Is there an evolutionary step in the internal combustion engine that will see us through the next 20 -25 years? If such an engine could be made without any major changes to manufacturer's production lines, what would the consequences be?
Analysis
There is a new series of patented internal combustion engine developments coming down the pike in the form of the "Scuderi" split cycle engine. According to it's inventors, it offers exceptional improvements in fuel economy and emissions. By separating compression and combustion into two cylinders with a crossover tube and an innovative valving system connecting the two, the inventors claim to be able to achieve substantial improvements in the areas limiting current engine technology.
I would expect many manufacturers to be receptive to the idea pending the outcome of testing of a prototype at Southwest Research. This technology offers a stepping stone to all electric or fuel cell powerplants while affording us the time to get the production costs of such systems down to an affordable price for end users to actually purchase.
Given the dangerous financial condition of auto makers at this time, such an option will be very attractive. You may own a vehicle equipped with licensed "Scuderi" engine technology sooner than you think.
