Press release
27% fuel savings projected as 2/4-stroke
research prototype engine completes
initial testing 25 March 2008
Ricardo and a consortium of automotive
Prototype engine configuration
partners today announced the completion
The research prototype engine is based on a single bank of
of an advanced prototype research
a 2.1 litre V6, which in 6 cylinder 2/4SIGHT configuration
programme based on the highly innovative
is intended to deliver levels of performance and driveability
2/4SIGHT engine concept. This gasoline
more usually associated with a 3-4 litre V8 gasoline engine. In
engine concept uses novel combustion,
order to enable the project team to assess control strategies
boosting, control and valve actuation
in a completely unrestricted manner, an electro-hydraulic
technologies to enable automatic and valve (EHV) actuation system was used for the prototype
seamless switching between two- and development rig. The air handling system of the 2/4SIGHT
four-stroke operation, with the aim of concept is based on two-stage boosting and intercooling
delivering significant performance and fuel using a Rotrex supercharger and Honeywell turbocharger.
economy improvements through aggressive
For simplicity in the initial test bed prototype configuration
downsizing
however, boosting is provided by an external compressed
air supply. The engine control system of the prototype is a
The 2/4SIGHT engine concept uses a direct injection gasoline
DENSO rapid prototyping system working with DENSO
combustion system in which the design of intake and exhaust
gasoline direct injection and ignition components. The
ports, combined with appropriate changes in boost supply,
prototype engine was built at the Ricardo Shoreham Technical
fuel injection, ignition and valve timing, enable operation both
Centre and installed for testing at the Sir Harry Ricardo
in two-stroke and four-stroke modes. An advanced control
Laboratories of the University of Brighton.
system coupled with flexible valve actuation manages driver
demands and coordinates operation of the boost system,
Development test results
valves and fuel injection equipment at an individual cylinder
level. This enables smooth transitions between two- and
Testing of the prototype 2/4SIGHT engine has enabled
four-stroke operation without torque interruption in both
development and validation of the combustion system
transient and constant torque conditions.
which has been optimised for operation in both two and
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