For those of us still enthralled with continuous variable valve technology, it's hard to imagine a more efficient way to open and close engine valves. Yet the French auto parts supplier Valeo has revived a novel idea: the camless engine. And other companies are now getting in on the game.
Anywhere there is friction in an engine, there is a loss of efficiency. By replacing the conventional camshaft with electromechanical or hydraulic powered valves, an engine could gain up to 20% in fuel efficiency--not to mention power. The key challenge is in designing a technology that's fail-proof. After all, valve failure could be catastrophic to the engine.
Valeo is developing a camless engine that uses electromagnetic solenoids to drive the valves. The technology isn't new. BMW and Fiat have tooled with this idea for decades. And the idea has kicked around in one form or another since 1899.
But Valeo hopes to bring the technology out as early as next year.
Sources: Automotive News, Forbes
Photo: Jak-saz-maz licensed through Creative Commons
