Press release
four-stroke modes. The flexibility of the advanced control savings of 27% over the New European Drive Cycle
system - developed jointly by DENSO and Ricardo - allows (NEDC) and would reduce the vehicle CO2 emissions of
rapid changes to high level code which, coupled with the the baseline from 260 g/km to 190 g/km.
flexibility of the EHV valvetrain, has enabled the project
team to develop and optimise a new control strategy for Excellent cost-benefit trade-off
the 2/4SIGHT engine, including the management of two-
In parallel with the prototype engine development effort
four-stroke switching.
in the UK, Ricardo engineers at the company’s Detroit
Technology Campus have designed a patented mechanical
Highlights of the development test
cam switching system which is capable of delivering the
results include:
required switching performance for the control strategies
* Smooth and reliable switching between two- and four- developed on the test bed using the EHV system for
stroke modes under both constant torque conditions and the 2/4SIGHT engine. This not only opens the way for
transient operation. packaging and integration of the 2/4SIGHT engine into
* Control strategies amenable to implementation in cost-
a production vehicle but also represents a highly cost-
effective mechanical valvetrain hardware.
effective means of implementation of this highly efficient
combustion concept. As such a future gasoline engine
* Extremely high two-stroke specific torque demonstrated
equipped with 2/4SIGHT technology offers the prospect
of 150 Nm/L at 1000 rev/min and 230 Nm/L at 2500
of superior performance and lower production cost than
rev/min, opening the prospect of highly aggressive engine
other advanced gasoline and diesel powertrains, and
downsizing using the 2/4SIGHT engine concept.
straightforward compliance with gasoline engine emissions
Significant improvements in fuel
standards.
economy
Having completed development of the prototype
Following completion of the test programme, Ricardo
2/4SIGHT engine, the partners are currently negotiating
has carried out a vehicle drive cycle and acceleration
potential sources of funding and support for a vehicle
performance simulation based on the steady state fuel
demonstration programme. Commenting on the
consumption and full load performance of the 2/4SIGHT
successful completion of the prototype engine
engine. The study was carried out using the Ricardo
development programme, Ricardo technology director,
powertrain blockset in the MSC “EASY5(tm)” software
Neville Jackson, said:
package that allows detailed modelling of engines,
transmissions, drivelines, tyres and aerodynamics. The
“The completion of the prototype engine development
baseline vehicle for the study was an 1800 kg passenger
programme of the 2/4SIGHT engine and demonstration
car sold in the European market with a 3.5 litre naturally
of its two-/four-stroke switching capability is an important
aspirated V6 gasoline engine and 5 speed conventional
milestone for the project partners. While significant further
automatic transmission with torque converter. To verify
research and development challenges remain, not least in
the validity of the models and input data, the baseline
the vehicle demonstration of this advanced engine concept,
vehicle fuel consumption results were compared with
the initial prototype development project has demonstrated
published data, which were reproduced by the model to
the potential of 2/4SIGHT to offer improved gasoline
an acceptable accuracy of 1%.
fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions, while also
maintaining or improving vehicle performance. In addition
The simulation results indicate that vehicle acceleration
to validating the 2/4SIGHT concept, the research project
performance, including launch from rest, can be maintained
is also delivering significant benefits in terms of its many
with a 2.0 litre V6 2/4SIGHT gasoline engine replacing
constituent technologies which are likely to see application
the 3.5 litre baseline powerplant. This would deliver fuel
in the more immediate term.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Media contact:
The 2/4SIGHT project team: The 2/4SIGHT project was led and coordinated by Ricardo. In addition the company was responsible for design and development of the
prototype engine and integration of its systems. DENSO was responsible for development and supply of the direct fuel injection and advanced engine control systems. Ma Anthony Smith
2T4 contributed its knowledge and expertise of valvetrain switching technology. Brunel University carried out single-cylinder engine testing and development. The University
of Brighton carried out multi-cylinder engine testing and combustion and cooling system analysis. The 2/4SIGHT project was part-funded by the British Government through Ricardo Media Office
the Technology Strategy Board. The Board’s mission is to promote and support research into, and development and exploitation of, technology and innovation for the benefit
of UK business, in order to increase economic growth and improve the quality of life.
Tel: +44 (0)1273 382710
Fax: +44 (0)1273 880218
About Ricardo plc: With technical centres and offices in the UK, USA, Germany, the Czech Republic, China, Japan and Korea, Ricardo is a leading independent technology
provider and strategic consultant to the world’s transportation sector industries. The company’s engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, E-mail: media@ricardo.com
electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include
Web: www.ricardo.com
the world’s major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers and leading motorsport teams. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in
people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 per cent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company,
Ricardo plc posted sales of £171.5 million in financial year 2007 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index - a group of innovative technology companies listed on
the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com.
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