2-stroke Ford???

[.mark]

Just been having a bit of a chat and was told that Ford were investigating a 4 cylinder 2 stroke engine, it appears the thinking behind this is with a fireing (sp?) stroke every other stroke rather than every 4th they could get 8 cylinder smoothness from a 4 cylinder engine?
Thing is, I have trouble remembering to top up with petrol, let alone remembering to do 2 stroke oil as well!!
I realise Ford is hardly a PistonHead domain, but the next company car may well be a Jag so I do have a little interest.
Any thoughts/ideas? Anyone on the inside?

[andytk]

If they are making a two stroker then cos of emmisions regulations then it won't be of the smoky oil burning veriatey like small capacity motorbikes use.

It'll no doubt be one of the new style direct injection (petrol) with a sealed (sort of) sump with oil circulating like a normal four stroke engine.( this means you wont have to fill up the oil everytime you pull into the petrol station to full up)

Do a web search for Orbital Research they are a company that have been working on direct injectors for two stroke engines and have recently worked with Aprilla on a new clean burn two stroke scooter motor.
Also Orbital are also connected to GM (I think) so Ford must be getting their technology from elsewhere.

But you're right though a two stroke 4 cylinder engine would be as smoothe as an 8 cylinder 4 stroke. Nice

Andy

[alfa dave]

Ford used to use Orbital but after spending loads of time and effort I believe that one fizzled out in the end. 2 stroke is a more efficient cycle than 4 stroke (more power from the same capacity) but historically achieving EU emissions standards and also long term durability have been problematic. That's all I can remember overhearing at the canteen in Dunton.

[ZZR600]

didnt ford make a oil burner before the orbital engine i think they called it the cvh