There are a lot of alternative engine designs and technologies out there, more than a person can keep up with. This one, the Revetec, was pointed out to me (Thanks, Aaron), and comes from Australia. It’s a boxer design but uses a central cam setup to harness the power from the piston. They have been working on this since 2001 and now have running prototypes and they’ve been looking for manufacturing opportunities with various companies. There has evidently been interest from Proton.
The design looks interesting. The size of the engine looks a bit large for motorcycles though it could be built smaller I suppose, they have a prototype installed in a large trike. The engine itself can be built with multiple cylinder configurations and displacements so it could be adapted to a wide variety of vehicles or stationary applications.
This is a lot farther along than the round engine I mentioned earlier. The question for anyone building a new design today is whether it will gain enough over current technology to make it a desirable alternative. This engine uses either gasoline or compressed natural gas which is a point in its favor, a diesel alternative might be a good thing, too, though there is no mention of that. This might be worth watching.
Marcus F says
Not to mention that it has an incredibly powerful and flat torque curve, is super fuel efficient, has low wear and tear and a low center of gravity.
DrSmile says
Looking at the roller bearings connecting piston and crank, they are going to be subject to rapidly changing side forces, even though the piston itself isn’t. Those bearings are going to fail prematurely…
Bruce Cohn says
The motor can be adapted for a wide variety of fuels and applications (aviation, tractors, trucks, standing engines, etc.)
Brad says
We have had no problems with Bearings. SKF are a development strategic partner. Check out our latest news on our new X4 engine. Our latest TV news report also shows the 2.4 litre X4 engine.
Alex says
Very very cool!
Olea says
My husband and I are going to buy a trike but it has a small 600cc engine… We were planning on swapping it for a BMW one but now that I’ve learnt about REVETEC engine, that’s all I want… The thing is it’s an Australian company which is way too far from us. Does anybody know if there is a REVETEC engine European dealer? I would really appreciate any information on this! Thanks a lot!