Lotus have just released details of the variable compression, 2 stroke petrol engine that needs no spark as it ignites like a diesel at most load conditions, but it also has a spark plug for when it needs it. The variable compression is impressive, as is the exhaust trapping valve. Meant to be 10% more fuel efficient than a comparable 4 stroke conventional engine.

Fuck me, a nice bit of engineering ... have a look and play with this interactive demo!

http://www.pistonheads.com/lotus/omnivore/

 

wow how good is that. Thats really clever.

 

looks pretty impressive, only 10% more efficient isn't exactly a massive amount though

 

pretty cool

 

up for the afternoon!

 

that's quite impressive imo.
wonder what kind of power it makes in compared to a traditional 4 stroke.

 

I think the fact it can run on varying quality fuel is the most important thing, its a real third world/developing country engine

Awesome stuff

 

Thans incredible. Do they have a full working engine in a car yet?

 

and how much will they charge 2 have their car's fitted wiv this engine?? They also do bi-ethanol engines for an extra cost.

 

They also have the orbital engine when ready, even better.
tabetha

 

i want one for my monkey bike

 

Nice little innovation there !

 

Wont be available for quite some time i'd image. I recon its a publicity stunt tbu. Prodrive have a VCR engine as do several other engineering firms.

JAmes.

 

they've had this for years, nothing particularly recent about it