New Engine Prototype and Split-Cycle Power Plant From Scuderi Group

New Engine Prototype and Split-Cycle Power Plant From Scuderi Group

This week’s headlines include a new engine prototype from Safran, a split-cycle power plant from the Scuderi Group, and Michigan State revealing a 25-kilowatt version of its own experimental system. And despite the waning production of Ford GTs, there are still a few developments worth checking out. Here’s a closer look at some of the major developments. Also: The price of a one-off direct-injection system has reached the stratosphere, and Doyle is looking for investors.

Safran unveils new engine prototype

Airliner makers could soon see a more fuel-efficient engine in the sky, thanks to Safran’s new open-rotor engine prototype. The new architecture could reduce fuel consumption by 15 percent. The new engine is expected to be ready for testing around 2025. Ultimately, it may even affect airline fares, since it would cut the cost of fuel. But there are a few hurdles to overcome before this new engine can reach the skies.

The new prototype uses additive manufacturing, dual-channel fadec, and unspecified new materials to produce an engine with 1,100 horsepower. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio will be up to 30 percent higher than the current engine, making it more efficient in offshore missions, search-and-rescue, and firefighting missions. Safran named the new engine prototype after a geographical feature in the Pyrenees mountains. The name of the high-altitude lake is Arrius. Another name is Makila, which refers to a traditional Basque walking stick. The new engine prototype will also be used in military transport helicopters.

Scuderi Group unveils split-cycle engine

The Scuderi Group has revealed a prototype of its split-cycle engine. The prototype can store compressed air to push the power cylinders down when the engine is at a low power level. This is an important feature to consider, as proper use of compressed air can increase fuel efficiency by 50 percent. …

New Engine Prototype and Split-Cycle Power Plant From Scuderi Group Read More
New Rotary Engine Design

New Rotary Engine Design

The new rotary engine is a welcome development after years of meh emissions and unstable durability. However, a new startup firm, Astron, has developed a 33-pound rotary engine that produces 162 horsepower. This is a far cry from the typical 840- pound turbocharged V8 diesel engine with 340hp and a power-to-weight ratio of 0.40hp/lb.

Szorenyi rotary engine design

The Szorenyi rotary engine is a simple, purely mechanical engine with one chamber, a rotor. It uses a mathematically defined stator. In the Szorenyi rotary engine, the rotor segments change from a square configuration to a rhombic one during rotation. This design achieves a volumetric efficiency of 100%. It can operate with a wide-open throttle without knocking. Its main features are centered around the combustion chamber and the pressure on the stator. Its internal structure features a direct contact power take-off crank mechanism.

REDA’s new engine design can also run on diesel fuel, with a pre-compression phase. Its design is aligned with the concept of the “one fuel” by the U.S. military. It is described in a SAE Technical Paper. The Szorenyi rotary engine is capable of running on gasoline, avgas, butane, hydrogen, and propane. Its well-separated inlet and exhaust ports allow for a variety of fuel types, including ethanol and biodiesel.

Mazda’s new rotary engine design

It is unclear whether Mazda will continue to produce the iconic rotary engine, which was last seen in the MX-5 in the late 1980s. While the company has stated that it will return with the MX-30 in 2022, rumors have swirled that the rotary is being shelved for the time being. In an effort to keep the engine relevant, Mazda is looking at several auto applications. The new engine will also be used as a range extender for electric vehicles.

The new rotary engine design …

New Rotary Engine Design Read More
Dynamic Luxury Automotive Design Experience

Dynamic Luxury Automotive Design Experience

Constant innovation and automotive engineering excellence have resulted in breakthrough car design and the rise of a dynamic luxury motoring experience that is years ahead of its time.

The new range of available luxury vehicle features enhances every aspect of the driving experience to create vehicles which are the very definition of future-proof design.

Dynamic customization

The dynamic driving system allows you to adjust individual vehicle components at the push of a button, thus altering the character of your luxury vehicle for dynamic luxury motoring.

Five drive modes are available which include efficiency, comfort, dynamic, auto, and individual. The individual mode enables drivers to decide which of the vehicle components covered by the system should respond in what way.

The engine and gearbox response to accelerator movements may be more spontaneous or more balanced depending on the model, while the adaptive air suspension allows the ride height and damping forces of the damper control system to be varied.

Adaptive awareness

An adaptive cruise control with stop & go function including pre-sense technologies is at the very heart of a dynamic driver assistance system. This features automatic distance control which maintains a safe distance from any preceding vehicle it detects with the aid of two radar sensors and a camera.

It maintains this safe distance by automatically applying the brakes and accelerating. In slow-moving traffic and congestion, it governs braking, acceleration, and driving at walking pace. These systems are even able to detect an obstruction and alert the driver with an acoustic signal and a visual display in the driver information system.

Cornering performance

The all-wheel-drive technologies with sport differential provide high agility and thrilling road behavior on corners by distributing the tractive force continuously and variably between the rear wheels.

The clutches are activated by an electro-hydraulic actuator and depending …

Dynamic Luxury Automotive Design Experience Read More
Automatic Mechanical Service

Automatic Mechanical Service

Finding a mechanic who will give you lots of things on your broken car can be difficult. If you don’t know what to look for then you will probably spend more than you really need. There are mechanics who will give you honest service and do a thorough job while still paying attention to your interests.

Good Mechanic Might Tell You About the Condition of the Car

If you replace your rest, a good mechanic might tell you that you only need new pads and good tightening. You might need less service than you think. Some mechanics will overcharge and tell you that you need more than you really need. They might try to sell you things where you don’t need them.

Of course, this can be a good thing for prevention purposes. Other things in your car could be on the way out and you could take care of it in one big shebang instead of going back three or four times within the year. Just simple up-keep and maintenance can save you money in the long run. A quality repair goes a long way. Everyone wants a mechanic that is skilled enough in his work that the job will last and not end up breaking again fairly quickly. That just means they do poor service.

Maybe you really DO NOT need a wheel alignment and tire rotation to maintain the longevity of your tires. Things like that are important because you don’t want to get a flat tire on the highway or have a total explosion. It can be dangerous and even fatal.

Special Certification for the Mechanics Skills

If you have an accident, you want to make sure that your mechanic is skilled in the model and manufacturer of your car. BMW, for example, took a special …

Automatic Mechanical Service Read More
How to Know When It's Time for New Struts and Shocks

How to Know When It’s Time for New Struts and Shocks

It is important that you are able to tell whenever your shocks and your struts begin to look worn out. It is something that can be very dangerous if you do not pay attention and end up letting the shocks and the struts go out on your car. This is why you should know when it is time so that you do not put yourself or others in danger.

Visual Inspection

The best thing that you can do in terms of knowing when to replace your struts and shocks is to keep an eye on them. This is something that you can do whenever you are already changing something else out, like your spark plugs. Look to see if they are leaking or damaged in anyway. Even something as simple as them looking worn out is something that you should keep an eye on. The hole does not have to be big for leaks to be easy to see. You will simply need to keep an eye out for any wetness or oil that is on the outside of your shocks or struts. Just touch along the sides of them to see if there is any moisture or slick spots.

Checking for Damage

In order to look out for damage, then you should keep an eye out for dents along the housing, or any mounts that are broken. It is typical for the shocks that came along with your car to be in good enough shape, but may simply not be able to keep up with the demands of your car or truck. If this is the case, then it will be time for you to not only replace but to upgrade the suspension system in your vehicle. You will need to do this with some shocks or struts that …

How to Know When It’s Time for New Struts and Shocks Read More