what ever happened to??

[bad boy]

the saab variable compression engines? i thought they were supposed to be in there production cars by now? if i remember correctly didnt the whole block turn at different engine loads changing the compression ratio?

[Fatboy]

IIRC they had bellows at the base to allow the compression ratio to change, and they were go for production.

But it can take decades for truly new engine designs to come to fruition...

[Sparks]

I remember reading that they had a 9-5 mule with one in. Had done a fair number of mile too, but as Fatboy says, it can take years to sort out all the niggles.

Will certainly be an alternative to diesel.

Sparks

[cptsideways]

I think they are on the way, I got the impression that Saab were trying to revamp the model range before releasing the new engines.

I also assume this system will be licence built by other manufacturers. It really is that important from an efficiency point of view. This is the future of petrol engines.

I remember looking in the patent office some years ago, Jack Brabham had a variable height piston that had the same effect, I doubt that ever came to anything though.