Jalopnik: Engines

Desert Runs In A Turbine-Powered Datsun 280Z

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:45:00 EDT

While the turbine-powered Porsche 928 we found on eBay was admittedly pretty neat (and ended up selling for a measly $7,150), the accompanying video didn't really prove the car's kerosene-guzzling potential to us. Not so with this turbine-enhanced Datsun 280Z. This baby proves its mettle with Knight Rider-esque high-speed desert runs. Over and over again. Aside from the repetitive cinematography, we do get a glimpse of some rad digital gauges straight out of the turbo-boost era along with a glorious turbine symphony. Mmmmmm, high RPM goodness. [Youtube]

1954 Fiat Turbina Concept, Three Turbine Engines, No Waiting

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:00:00 EDT

The Fiat Turbina is one of those odd little engineering exercises which eventually fade into the ether. As a car, it certainly was interesting to look at, beautiful even, and wore high fins way before they were cool. But the really slick stuff was under the skin. The mid-mounted powerplant consisted of three different turbines all working together. Two acted as compressors for the third, which in turn powered the wheels. With peak output of 220 HP at a staggerin 22,000 RPM, the Turbina was capable of a very respectable 155 MPH.

Though we all know how successful turbine-powered cars turned out to be, you have to admit this is a pretty novel approach to open chamber combustion. You can visit the Turbina today where it lives in retirement at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile in Turin, Italy.
(Photo sources here, here and here)

Best Show And Tell Ever - Solar T41-M9A Gas Turbine Jet Engine

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Suppose you're a kid in auto shop, much like many of us undoubtedly were at some point, and a local big kid brings one of his toys to the shop. That big kid would be Mark Nye and his toy is a Solar T41-M9A gas turbine jet engine. This is much bigger than the football-sized jet engine we played with in college and that thing packed a wallop. So this baby in an auto shop is both deafening and awesome. Video below the jump.

[Streetfire]

Bell Jet Ranger-Powered Dax Rush

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Jet. Powered. Se7en. The Dax Rush is a pretty well respected kit se7en to begin with, but somebody has gone and built an homage to mad-scientist manliness with a Bell Jet Ranger powered Dax Rush. We're reminded of the Home Improvement episode where our hero straps the same motor into his riding lawnmower to comedic effect and we can only imagine what this thing can do on the street.

Sure the power band is shaped funny, the in-cabin heat probably leaves you with extra crispy legs, and your friends complain about the melted paint on their minivans, but we would not care. Jet powered se7en. Totally flippin' awesome. [madabout-kitcars.com - you sure are]

G-Oil: Yep, You Guessed It, A Green Motor Oil

Travis Hudson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EST

With green-this, hydrogen-that, hybrid-this and Al Gore-that all slowly taking over the pages of Jalopnik, we thought that we still had the safe haven known as the "traditional engine" to fall back on, free from worries about the environment or mpg or anything else. Until now. Welcome G-Oil to the party, the green-alternative to traditional motor oil.

This oil supposedly uses nanotechnology and dehydrogenation, whatever the hell those do, to be all green-like. It contains amino acid, plant exacts, plant-based fatty acids and non-ionic surfacants. Sounds like it would make a nice shampoo!

One appealing feature is that when it comes time for an oil change you can combine the G-Oil with Green Earth Technology's G-DISPOSOIL to ensure the oil is 100 percent biodegradable.

G-Oil also comes in a variety of weighs including 5w-20, 5w-30, 10w-30, 10w-40, 15w-40, 20w-50 and SAE-30. Man, going green is freaking awesome! [Toolmonger]

Big Block With Four Turbos, Witty Headline Impossible

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:15:00 EST

We had to reload this the first time it popped up, as we couldn't believe what our eyes were telling us. This serpentine piece of steel poetry is a 442 ci V8 sporting four independent turbochargers, all running through an intercooler. The entire system is modular and can be dropped into a drag-racing host as a single piece. Four turbos. Four! And big, bus-sized ones at that. The madmen behind this are Mike Moran and John Meaney, and they've whipped up a doozy of an engine. Anybody can slap on four turbos and call it a day, but this thing has a couple of extra tricks up it's sleeve.

Let's just get it out of the way: Peak power occurs at 9,000 rpm, to the tune of 2,139 hp; peak torque of 1,926 ft.lbs. comes in at 7,500 rpm. Okay, breathe. With that done, we can move on. We mentioned some tricks, didn't we? How about the engine not having a single gasket? That's pretty tricky right? Moran says he doesn't really like gaskets and has had issues with them in the past, so he decided to go all o-ring for this car. That doesn't just mean little rubber bands all over the place. The craziest one lives on the fire deck and is a silver-plated, nitrogen-filled, aluminum tube ring. The nitrogen heats and expands the ring and the seal gets better and better. Wow. Custom made, auto-centering piston rings, force focusing pistons, an intake system based on exhaust flow concepts.... too much, way too much. Oh, did we mention this runs in the street legal class? No? Cause it does. [via Popular Hot Rodding]

Beautiful Hand-Built Air-Cooled V12 Makes 68 HP Per Liter

bwojdyla — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:45:00 EST

68 horsepower per liter! Air-cooled? You betcha. This hand-built V12 engine, the fruit of hobbyist Ralf Drendel's labor, clocks in at a mere 87 cc's of displacement and cranks out a ~~whopping~~ mere 6 horsepower. That's three times the pistons of the worlds smallest 4 cylinder and probably three times the headaches. The little terror was designed with RC planes in mind, but it's so thirsty its creator is having second thoughts. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find pictures of the beast, but the video, as you can see above, is utterly glorious. Hit the jump for a picture of the mighty mini wonder.

Even though your standard Briggs and Stratton single will make more go power than this little bugger, you'd be the envy of all the other cul de sac racers with this strapped to your go-kart. Go-Kart? Who am I kidding, screw junior, slap this on your string trimmer! [wawu.edu]

Is this the End? F1 Bans Engine Development for 10 Years

Wes Siler — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:33:04 EST

FIA has just announced a 10-year ban on engine development in Formula One. Teams will have to submit an engine to FIA by March 31, 2008, which they will then have to use through 2017. Speaking about the decision, FIA President Max Mosley said, "There is no need to develop an F1 engine any further. The engine runs at 19,000 rpm, which is far faster than any comparable engine. It sounds good, it's reliable and amazingly the six partially frozen engines of the current manufacturers are really evenly matched."

We used to be avid F1 fans, attending the Silverstone Grand Prix nearly every year during our childhood. Recently, that passion has disappeared, largely because of incredibly boring races, a dearth of personality within the sport and mind-boggling rule changes. We can't help but feel that this latest policy change has completely removed the sport's last remaining point of appeal: technological development. How did we get to this point? [Via Motor Authority]
Photo credit: StuSeeger

Lexus IS-F Engine: Topless and Naked

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:15:00 EST

I mentioned in today's Part 1 of the IS-F review that if you remove the engine cover you're, "Looking at Darth Vader's chest plate, an expansive jumble of wires, black boxes and even more wires." Well, I wasn't kidding. More after the jump.

That's, uh, me, holding the rubber engine cover. Notice the big "F" badge. Also, Packers: 7-1!

Crazy detail. Just crazy. Kids, don't try to work on this at home. That sound you hear? Danio's head popping.

And oh hell yes, Murilee and I rolled up in a Lexus Prototype at the Altamont Pumpkin Smash. That's just how we roll.

SEMA 2007: APS Twin-Turbos The C6 ZO6 LS7 Engine

Ray Wert — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST

The folks over at Air Power Systems decided the 505 horses of stock output from the Z06's LS7 engine just wasn't enough for them. So the turbo-lovin' young punks took the stock engine and developed themselves a twin turbocharger kit, which they claim brings the engine's output up to an amazing 1100 rear-wheel HP. Nice — who needs to wait for the Detroit Auto Show and the reveal of the new supercharged 2009 Corvette ZR1 when you can build yourself an APS-engineered turbocharged Corvette Z06? Well, you won't get the neat-o see-through plastic hood.

[APS Engineering]

Subaru Engine Destruction

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:00:00 EDT

From the always have a fire extinguisher around department comes this Subaru mill being sacrificed to the oil change gods. We're not sure if this is an educational video showing why not to run an engine with no oil in the crankcase, or was produced solely for entertainment purposes. Either way the Subaru engine fights hard before it breathes its last.

Workhorse Engine of the Day: Mitsubishi Astron

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:30:00 EDT

From a distant galaxy of single overhead cam engines comes the Mitsubishi Astron series. The mighty Astron began life in 1972, and is still ticking away under the hoods of everything from Mitsubishi Starions to the panoply of Chrysler K-Car variants. In the beginning, the Flying Sikh himself pummeled an Astron equipped original Lancer to numerous rally victories. Patented silent shaft technology canceled out harmonics as the engine grew in displacement from 1.8 to 2.6 liters of four pot fury. The last production car to pack the Astron was either the the 1991 Pajero or the 1990 Starion, but only if not counting the diesel version of the Astron - which motored on with turbo until 1993 amid Galants. 21 years of Astron! In sourcing a new cylinder head sans jet valves for one of the two 2.6L G54B turbo variants of the Astron in our garage we learned that the 'ol G54B aspirated on propane with propane accessories serves in many forklifts to this day. The odd marriage of Mopar, Mitsubishi, and K-Car station wagons also led to some innovative badging - as seen in the bonus pic after the jump. [Mitsubishi Astron]

Workhorse Engine of the Day: Rolls-Royce/Bentley V8

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EDT

What? Workhorse? Rolls-Royce? Sacrilege! Hey man, if you don't think chauffeuring bank presidents and crown princes from fox hunt to fox hunt all the while getting 1960 Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux hurled at you after every pothole is work, well, you sir are worse than a kulak. Today's proletarian mill comes to you by way of well-loved ~~Bolshevik~~ commenter Heep:

What about the Rolls-Royce/Bentley V8 as a workhorse engine of the day? It's hardly a plebian motor, but considering it can be made to pass 2009 emissions regs still pump out more power than most vehicles on the road, all while celebrating its 50th birthday, I think it's pulled its fair share of the weight...

Well put comrade, well put. The Jalopnik Politburo might have some use for you yet. As for the mighty Boxer-like 6.75-liter V8 (think Animal Farm, not Porsche/Subaru), with its "adequate" power in either normally aspirated or turbocharged form and ultra smooth operation, we award it the "50th Anniversary of Victory Medal in the Great Patriotic [Horsepower] War." Dasvedanya.

Oh My: Aprilia V4 Produces 220 Horsepower

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:45:59 EDT

It's been the talk among kneedraggers since Aprilia announced its development last year. It's the moto maker's new, 1000 cc V4, and it's giving motorcycle- engine geeks a new reason to engage in cocktail-party speculation. The latest from Aprilia is that the V4 is undergoing durability testing in four tuning stages, from a spry 185 horsepower up to a hyperbole-defying 220. And the company says its first four banger will likely hit the track sometime in 2008. As for the street version, there's no word. But a 220-horsepower superbike for the street would skip right to the top of the class. Not to mention, the 2.0-liter V8 some joker is bound to build by fusing two of them together could be a bit of fun too. [Gizmag]

500-Horse Camaro? The General's Next Small Block V8 to Get Direct-Injection

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:15:39 EDT

According to Ward's Auto, an experimental 6.2-liter, direct-injection V8 producing upward of 500 hp could be factored into the next Chevrolet Camaro equation. The engine would coincide with the Gen V version of the small-block V8, based on GM's existing all-aluminum Gen IV (L92), which powers the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali and Hummer H2. According to Wards, the prototype powerplant resides in the engine bay of an Escalade being tested at GM's proving grounds. One GM engineer says it's developing "well north" of 450 horsepower, a 10 percent increase in low-end torque and three percent to six percent better fuel economy. That from the new injection system, which features eight high-pressure injectors that squirt fuel directly into the side of the combustion chamber at 2,250 pounds per square inch. [Ward's Auto via Motive]

Mercedes Reveals DiesOtto Engine: It Runs On Gas

Wes Siler — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EDT

1.8 Liters, 240bhp, 295 lb/ft and 40mpg in a vehicle as heavy as an S-class. According to Mercedes, this is the future of gasoline engines. Featuring direct injection, a turbocharger, variable compression and a hybridized starter motor, the DiesOtto engine would be impressive with these features alone. The real innovation, however, is the controlled auto ignition, a combustion process similar to that of a diesel engine. No word yet on when it goes into production or in which vehicles it'll be used. Full press release after the jump.

Stuttgart - The performance of a gasoline engine, the high torque and fuel economy of a state-of-the-art diesel together with extremely clean emissions: Mercedes-Benz has combined all the advantages of both engine types in its DiesOtto powertrain. The new technology package, which stands for the future of the gasoline engine, includes features such as direct gasoline injection, turbocharging and a variable compression. At the core of this innovation lies the controlled auto ignition, a highly efficient combustion process similar to that of a diesel. By way of another advantage, and in contrast to comparable developments, the Mercedes system requires no synthetic fuels but can be operated using conventional gasoline. Optimising the internal combustion engine is one of the milestones on the Mercedes-Benz roadmap for sustainable mobility. BLUETEC has already made it possible for Mercedes engineers to make the powerful and economical diesel as clean as the gasoline engine. In the US this technology has already been available in the E-Class since 2006, and it will also become available in Europe from the end of this year. The E 300 BLUETEC will be by far the cleanest diesel in its class, and will meet the requirements of the EU5 exhaust emission standards in full. "Our next goal will now be to make the gasoline engine as economical as a diesel. All the preconditions for this are provided by our DiesOtto concept, which incorporates the foremost strengths of both the gasoline engine and diesel engine," says Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, Head of Group Research & Advanced Engineering Vehicle and Powertrain; Chief Environmental Officer of DaimlerChrysler. The result of this " marriage " is a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of just 1.8 litres, which combines the strengths of the low-emission gasoline engine with the fuel economy of a diesel. Despite its considerably reduced displacement - downsizing is one of the major factors for achieving a lower fuel consumption - this compact power unit delivers superior performance together with refinement at the level of the luxury class. An output of 175 kW/238 hp and a maximum torque of 400 newton metres are achieved together with the hybridisation a fuel consumption of less than six litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres. This figure by no means relates to a small or compact car, but to a vehicle the size of the current S-Class, with the level of comfort and safety that is typical of a Mercedes. Mercedes-Benz DiesOtto - a further development of the spark-ignition engine " In line with the worldwide success of today's diesel engine, vehicles equipped with gasoline engines will continue to have a long-term attraction for many customers and in many markets. Accordingly we are giving our attention to both engine types - including a full hybrid option for diesel and gasoline vehicles, " says Prof. Kohler. Mercedes-Benz is working on its DiesOtto concept with corresponding emphasis. Its key technological features are as follows:
*
Downsizing with fewer cylinders and a smaller displacement
*
Turbocharging for superior performance
*
Direct gasoline injection as a further fuel economy measure
*
Controlled auto ignition, a combustion process similar to that of a diesel
*
Variable valve control
*
A variable compression ratio leading to even better fuel economy and, depending on customer needs and the type of operation,
*
A hybrid module with an integrated starter/generator, which makes the drive unit even more economical.

When starting and under full load, the fuel/air mixture is ignited by a spark plug, as in a conventional spark-ignition engine (homogeneous combustion). The controlled auto ignition to which the DiesOtto automatically reverts within its working cycle occurs under partial load conditions, i.e. at low and medium engine speeds.
The result is the very low nitrogen oxide emissions of homogeneous combustion at reduced reaction temperatures. All further emissions control in the DiesOtto engine is by means of a standard three-way catalytic converter. A highly efficient engine management and control system has also been realised to combine the individual sub-systems into a drive concept.
The current prospects for the future of the internal combustion engine reveal its great potential, and show that the new drive concept is a feasible proposition in the mid-term. Some of the intermediate solutions incorporated, e.g. direct gasoline injection, are already in series production at Mercedes-Benz. Others will be gradually integrated into series-production engines until the overall solution has been realised.

Audi Dropping New 1.4-liter TFSI Four-Banger In A3, A3 Sportback

Ray Wert — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EDT

The 2.0 TFSI engine from the knights of Bruce has already taken some serious metal in the "Best of" categories. Now Audi's using that technology to create a smaller version of the award-winning 2.0-liter engine, announcing a new, "ultra-modern" (we're pretty sure that's code for über-Bruce) 1.4-liter four-cylinder Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) engine. It's ready to be dropped right into the engine bay of the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. With 125 HP at 5,000 RPM and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. The first A3's to get the new engine hit the streets in September of 2007. Full press release after the jump. (Hat tip to Turboner!) [via AudiWorld]

Efficiency and Performance: New 1.4 TFSI Engine in the Audi A3
A new, ultra-modern four-cylinder TFSI engine with a displacement of 1.4 litres and turbocharger can now be ordered for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. The 1.4 TFSI engine delivers 92 kW (125 bhp) at 5,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 200 Nm is available across an unusually wide speed range of 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.

Audi's engineers have long been demonstrating the effectiveness of FSI technology in combination with turbocharging both on the world's racetracks and on the road. The prime example of this is the "Engine of the Year" award with which a jury of experts crowned the 2.0 TFSI in 2007 for the third time in succession.

This concept is being consistently used once again for the new 1.4 TFSI in order to combine optimal levels of efficiency and performance. Six-hole injectors guarantee highly homogeneous mixture preparation and extremely efficient combustion. The reduction of pollutants is also aided effectively in this way.

The integrated turbocharger and modified exhaust valve timing ensure optimised responsiveness and help torque to build up even more smoothly. 80 percent of the maximum torque of 200 Nm is available from 1,250 rpm, just above idle speed. The 1.4 TFSI at the same time sets new standards in its class in terms of acoustics. The new high-tech unit from Audi can be ordered for the A3 and A3 Sportback in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox.

With a top speed of 203 km/h and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds for the three-door A3, the 1.4 TFSI ensures supreme performance. Its average fuel consumption is just 6.5 litres of premium-grade fuel per 100 km.

The basic price of the A3 1.4 TFSI Attraction is 21,350 euros. The first vehicles will be available in September 2007.

Coxtabulous!

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:30:00 EDT

When a cranial portion of the Cerberus-esque poodle we call Jalopnik was wee, he had a friend named Robert. Robert had a stupid-hot older sister named Chablis. Robert's family had a "Forget The Dog, Beware of Owner" sticker in their front window. They also had a Pomeranian named Hop Sing. And an RX-4 wagon in the backyard, along with a '53 Panhead and Robert's '70 Mini Trail. They had a Hatfield-and-McCoy relationship with the family across the street. Robert's grandparents lived down the street and had an immaculate C-Body Fury and its antithesis, a perfect pale-blue Datsun 510. And lots and lots of soda. We'd sit in the trunk of the Plymouth and drink soda. Robert's dad memorably told him that he had "starting fluid on the brain." Robert also had a Cox-powered tether-plane that nearly cut his finger off while he was trying to start it. Robert was either the unluckiest or the luckiest guy we've ever known. We miss that guy. We like to believe he grew up to be the Cooter Davenport of Klamath Falls, Oregon. And we like to think he owns every one of the wonderous one-lunged miniature miracles on the linked page. And that he still has all of his fingers. – Davey G. Johnson

Cox Engines [MH Aerofoils]

Chrysler To Upgrade Wis. Engine Plant

Ray Wert — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:45:00 EDT

It'll produce the new Phoenix V6. Hey — isn't the Phoenix a mythical bird that dies in a burst of flames? [Freep]

Directly Injected: 300hp GM V6

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:32:50 EST

General Motors is moving closer toward the holy grail of simultaneous horsepower and efficiency by taking a more direct route. Direct injection works by taking the fuel injectors away from the cylinder head intake ports, and into the combustion chambers. The ability to meter precise amounts of fuel into the chamber at exactly the right time makes for clean cold starts, enables higher compression ratios, improves fuel economy, and can help extract V8-level horsepower numbers out of a V6. GM claims 300 ponies from Cadillac's version of the naturally aspirated, direct injected 3.6-liter V6 engine, currently in pre-production at the GM Flint Engine South plant. While one atmosphere in the chambers is OK, direct injection fuel control also holds the potential for creative use of forced induction setups that still meet cold startup emissions standards. We'll take a directly injected twin-turbo V6 in something light, with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. Hey-yo! – Mike Bumbeck

Direct Injection Connection [The Flint Journal]

From Fukui to You: More on Honda's Diesels, Turbos

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 07:32:37 EST

Honda's CEO, Takeo "The First Person to Call Me Dr. F Loses an Eye" Fukui says the company is working up a clean diesel V6 that will likely power the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, AutoWeek reports. The prospective V6 is the second of Honda's new diesel engines to come to light, the first being a 2.2-liter four set to arrive in 2009, potentially in the Civic and CRV. In the same interview Fukui also said the company's recent move to turbocharge its new RDX may trickle down to Honda brand products, which may finally vindicate the kids with boost gauges sprouting from their Civics' A-pillars like weird, analog fruit. – Mike Spinelli

Honda developing diesel V6 [AutoWeek]

800hp No Injection, No Blower, No Nitrous, 347ci

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 13:30:00 EDT

Now this is what we call a Windsor. Engine builder Joe Sherman's come up with a 347 cubic-inch stroker based on Ford's venerable 302 that cranks out 816 hp and 531 lb-ft. Using a Ford Racing block and AFR cylinder heads running 14.5:1 compression (race gas, much), the stroked screamer will push a Super Gas car deep into eight-second territory. Now where'd we put that Topolino we had lying around? Probably in the couch somewhere.

Joe Sherman Builds an 800hp Ford Windsor - The Windsor King [Hot Rod]

Related:
Retro Paint, Courtesy of Hot Rod [Internal]

Euro 5, Mitsubishi 2010: A Clean, New Diesel Coming Next Decade

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 08:12:42 EDT

Yesterday, Mitsubishi Motors informed the press the company was indeed planning to be in business past next Tuesday. Mitsubishi Motors and its parent, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, announced they will collaborate on a small diesel engine that will meet the next level of Europe's gathering emissions standards, or Euro 5, that will go into effect in 2010. The engine's expected to be in the can by 2009, and will show up in small and midsize cars for the 2010 model year — replacing diesels sourced by Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler. According to the EU, Euro 5—compliant diesels will be required to emit exhaust that simulates the breath of puppies, scented with undertones of cotton candy and purple Jelly Belly candy.

Related:
DaimlerChrysler Sells Stake in Mitsubishi [internal]

Camless Engines Promise Greater Efficency

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 11:13:35 EDT

A car's camshaft is like an annoying brother-in-law who moves in, eats your food, asks for loans and takes over your spare room. Problem is, he's the only one who knows how to open the windows or use the stove, so your helpless ass is pretty much stuck with him. But one company, Valeo, is working on a way to kick brother cam's energy-sucking buttocks out the door. The system uses electromagnetic actuators to open and close an engine's valves, an action typically done mechanically by, you guessed it, the camshaft. The system, currently being tested on Peugeot cars, promises to reduce gas engines' fuel consumption by 20%, putting them in line with diesels for fuel efficiency. The company says the cam's bags could be packed and a taxi called as early as 2008.

Valeo tests camless system for gas engines; supplier hopes to produce fuel-saving technology by '08 [AutoWeek]

Related:
Honda s New Civic Engines [internal]

World Products Goes Windsor Crazy!

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:37:26 EDT

Paging Ross the Boss! Bill Mitchell, of Bill Mitchell's Hardcore Racing and World Products fame has unleashed the new Man O' War Ford Windsor-based block on an unsuspecting public used to his work with Chevy (not Chery) mills. With the raw casting thickened in critical areas, the World Products block can eliminate the need for stud girdles (although we personally like wearing our stud girdle it ups our mansexy quotient), and lessens the chance of a nitrous shot blowing the block in half through the lifter valley. The piece weighs about 60lbs more than a standard 302 unit, but the added boeuf should be worth it to serious Ford racers.

World Products Ford Windsor Crate Engine [Popular Hot Rodding]

Related:
More on the Foose Stallion Mustang [Internal]

AMG's New Screamer: Mercedes' 6.3-Liter V8 in Depth

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 09:00:21 EDT

True engine geeks are a special breed of car nut. These guys traffic in more minutiae than the writers of "Seinfeld": tractive power, torque-per-liter, closed deck vs open deck vs semiclosed deck. For everyone else, there's the age-old "will it rip a hole in the space-time continuum?" Mercedes's new V8 will likely be able to satisfy both camps.

In its profile on the new Mercedes-Benz 6.3-liter V8,AutoWeek feeds the geek's hunger for trifles, while considering questions of speed and horsepower. Mercedes appears to have called in all the engine, er, engineers worth their lab coats, and gave them the order to build the most powerful, most durable and most progressive normally aspirated V8s in production. It appears they've come pretty close. And judging from the DTM racer in which it's been implanted for testing, time-travel may not be a problem.

Mercedes-Benz AMG 6.3-liter V8 [AutoWeek]