Lotus Completes Omnivore Engine, Feeds It Alcohol

Talk fuel efficiency and words like "direct injection," "flex-fuel" and "variable compression ratio" are common. But they aren't usually combined with "two-stroke." Unless you're Lotus that is.

We first showed you the Lotus Omnivore engine back in August, speculating that, when completed, it could change the future of internal combustion engines. Well here it is.

The Omnivore is a single-cylinder engine using a variable compression ratio, two-stroke cycle and direct fuel injection. The three systems combined mean that it can operate more efficiently than four-stroke engines using a variety of fuels ranging from anything alcohol-based to normal pump gasoline.

The variable compression ratio system takes advantage of the two-stroke's lack of poppet valves to build a moveable puck into the top of the cylinder head. It works very simply, sliding up and down inside the cylinder to alter the compression ratio. This helps it run on a variety of fuels regardless of octane.

Direct injection also helps optimize the Omnivore for a variety of fuels. The system is capable of directing the right amount of fuel into the cylinder at the correct moment for its type. This helps avoid the issue of pre combustion under high pressure by tailoring the injection to the fuel type.

The two-stroke cycle is something largely thought killed by emissions regulations. They run a total loss lubrication system, meaning the lubricant is burned with the fuel. Clouds of blue smoke are not environmentally friendly. But here, able to run higher pressures, the engine should more completely burn anything that ends up inside it, leading to reduced emissions. Of course there's also increased power available over an equivalent four-stroke thanks to twice as many power strokes. This allows the engine to be smaller and lighter.

All three of these technologies are combined with a monoblock construction that combines the cylinder head and block together, eliminating the need for a head gasket, improving durability. It all appears to be an extremely elegant solution which could preview the future of considerably more efficient, lighter, simpler engines capable of running an both bio-fuels and old timey gasoline. Diesel fuel is also conceivable, although its not specifically mentioned by Lotus. Here's hoping this engine finds its way into a concept car in the near future, quickly followed by production. It could be just the thing to power a hyper fuel-efficient Lotus Elise.

The press release follows:

Lotus Omnivore Research Engine Unveiled
Lotus reveals flex-fuel engine concept to maximise fuel efficiency when running on renewable fuels or gasoline

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited, unveils its latest research into engine efficiency at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show. The Omnivore engine concept has the potential to significantly increase fuel efficiency for sustainable alcohol based fuels, which increases the prospect of a greater amount of vehicle miles travelled using renewable fuels. On display will be the single cylinder research engine monoblock that demonstrates the novel architecture designed for high thermal efficiency when fuelled on any alcohol based fuel or gasoline.

The Omnivore concept features an innovative variable compression ratio system and uses a two-stroke operating cycle with direct fuel injection. It is ideally suited to flex-fuel operation with a higher degree of optimisation than is possible with existing four stroke engines.

The engine concept features a monoblock construction that blends the cylinder head and block together eliminating the need for a cylinder head gasket, improving durability and reducing weight. In this case, the application of a monoblock is facilitated by the absence of the requirement for poppet valves. A novel charge trapping valve in the exhaust port allows asymmetric timing of exhaust flow and continuous variation of the exhaust opening point.

The variable compression ratio is achieved by the use of a puck at the top of the combustion chamber. This simple, yet effective system moves up and down affecting the change in geometric compression depending on the load demands on the engine.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said: "We are delighted to unveil this major milestone in the development of an engine configuration for a new breed of more efficient multi-fuel engines. The automotive sector is focusing on its environmental obligations to improve efficiency, minimise reliance on fossil fuels and reduce harmful emissions and Lotus continues to be an industry leader through our work on all aspects of future fuels. Sustainable alcohol based fuels have the potential to reduce the overall CO2 footprint of internal combustion engines towards zero and for this reason, need to be embraced as future fuels for road transport."

In this collaboration with Queen's University Belfast and Orbital Corporation Limited Australia, with sponsorship from DEFRA/DECC and DOE NI through the Renewables Materials LINK programme, Lotus Engineering is currently in the final stages of commissioning the Omnivore single-cylinder research engine. It uses the Orbital FlexDI™ fuel injection system which produces fine in-cylinder fuel preparation irrespective of fuel type, and together with air pre-mixing allows efficient two-stroke combustion and low-temperature starting, whilst offering singular opportunity for advanced HCCI control.

The Omnivore programme is another development of Lotus' research into understanding the complex combustion processes involved in running an engine on mixtures of alcohol based fuels and gasoline, which included the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel, unveiled at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2008. This research is vitally important for a successful transition from today's fuels to the more efficient sustainable fuels of the future.

Geraint Castleton-White, Head of Powertrain at Lotus Engineering said, "The absence of poppet valves in two-stroke engines makes the incorporation of a variable compression ratio system relatively straightforward. Our research into these systems on four-stroke engines has led us to the conclusion that while thermodynamically it is a desirable technology to incorporate, practically it is very difficult, particularly taking into consideration production feasibility. This two-stroke engine could solve these practical difficulties and simultaneously permits a much larger range of compression ratio adjustment, with the potential to perform at a much higher efficiency when running on renewable fuels."

Alabama Man Killed Over Chrysler Sebring Repossession

Federal law says repossessors can't "breach the peace" while repossessing cars, but it doesn't provide more detail than that. We doubt it includes killing an Alabama man over his Chrysler Sebring.

Nothing highlights the story of increased repossessions than the story of 67-year-old railroad retiree Jimmy Tanks heard a commotion outside his mobile home bedroom window in his mobile home in Halsell, Alabama at 2:30 AM. Tanks grabbed a gun, walked out the back door and confronted who he thought was a thief trying to steal his Chrysler Sebring. In reality it was a repo man and two helpers trying to tow off the Chrysler Sebring. After shots were fired, Tanks wound up dead. It may be the only known case of a man killed over a Chrysler Sebring.

The man, there to repossess the car, Kenneth Alvin Smith, is now awaiting trial on a murder charge. Although Alabama's a state considered a Wild West territory even by the standards of an industry that's largely unregulated nationally, the AP claims it's representative of a rise in dangerous confrontations correlating with a rise in the number of repossessions nationally:

"With the U.S. dealing with an economic slide that has cost millions of jobs, the number of vehicle repossessions is expected to rise 5 percent this year. That's after it jumped 12 percent to 1.67 million nationally in 2008, said Tom Webb, chief economist with Manheim Consulting, an automotive marketing firm. That followed a 9 percent increase in 2007, creating more opportunities for bad outcomes in an industry where armed confrontations and threats happen every day."

Mostly the increase in violence appears to be coming from dropping untrained thugs into the repo-man ranks, something more states could regulate if they wanted to. Our thought is initially not to get in the middle of a question of deadbeats getting in the way of two-bit thugs trying to take back what's rightfully the property of a bank taking our taxpayer dollars — there's just too many hoops to jump through. But we will say repo men should be trying to take cars during the daytime whenever possible. Because if you're trying to take a car, even legally in a repossession, in the middle of the night, bad things'll happen. Like a guy getting killed over a freakin' Chrysler Sebring. [Detroit News]

Bugatti Veyron Centenaire: 273 MPH Top Speed? [Geneva Motor Show]

The rumors surrounding the Bugatti Veyron Centenaire, possibly debuting at Geneva, have just gone to DEFCON 3 with Auto Motor und Sport reporting a 273 MPH top speed.

We've already reported on rumors of a Centenaire edition to celebrate the 100 years of Bugatti. While we completely believe the company will celebrate with yet another special edition of the Veyron, we're still a touch skeptical about the "440 km/h" and "1400 HP" claims for this new model. Of course, if anyone was going to do something so obscenely over-the-top it would be Bugatti.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo race car undergoes first tests at Adria

Late last November, Lamborghini announced a new racing series called the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, is set to commence in May 2009, and described as the world’s fastest one-make series. Today the company revealed it has taken the cars to the race track at Adria for testing, and the results were promising. Over 167mi (270km) of testing laps were logged, proving the car is well enough sorted to complete more than full race distance as it sits. Already the engineers and drivers are looking forward to doing even more testing, however.

Pagani releases new Zonda R images

The Pagani Zonda and its several variants are already among the most dramatically styled and exclusive supercars in the world, but founder Horacio Pagani has more ambitious plans for the car in the form of the Zonda R. First previewed in late 2007, Pagani released full details for the car upon its Vienna debut on January 15, and now adds to those details with a fresh selection of photos. Powered by a very hot variant of the 7.3L AMG V12 engine that underpins several other Zondas, the R model is an exercise in extremes - extreme design, extreme materials and extreme performance.

Video: Technology behind the Opel Ampera explained

General Motors recently gave us a preview of a new plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt that the company plans to sell in Europe under its Opel division. The car is the new Opel Ampera and it is set to make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. GM has now released a short video of Frank Weber, the vehicle line executive for the Volt and Ampera, explaining the technology behind the cars’ E-Flex plug-in hybrid system. This previous official teaser image of the Ampera reveals that the Opel vehicle will be very similar to the Volt plug-in hybrid, with the only glaringly obvious differences between the cars being a new grille and bumper design.

Scion announces tC Release Series 5.0 pricing

The Release Series of limited-edition Scions gets another member this year as the tC Release Series 5.0 (tC RS 5.0) joins the ranks. The car will be unveiled February 11 at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, one year after the debut of its predecessor, the tC RS 4.0. Pricing of the new car checks in at $2,300 over the standard tC's base price of $17,000 in manual guise, or $17,800 in automatic trim. The car will feature a 'Toyota Racing Development (TRD) theme' and be limited to just 2,000 examples. Gloss black exterior paint and TRD exterior badging mark the primary exterior appearance changes while TRD 18in matte black wheels with red trim, TRD lowering springs, a TRD rear sway bar and TRD sport muffler offer improved handling and performance.

Report: AMG to shrink engines in addition to direct-injeciton, stop-start tech

With AMG no longer focused on chasing big horsepower numbers, efficiency could quickly become the new performance benchmark for the Affalterbach tuner. To that end, Mercedes' performance arm may be cutting the displacement of its engines in addition to the debut of new direct-injection and stop-start technology. A range of new diesel models, advanced lightweight materials and construction methods are currently in development, as well as hybrid systems, and by next year AMG will reportedly introduce engine stop-start and direct-injection technology into its lineup. But pulling down engine displacement from the 6.2L found in the company's '63'-branded AMG models to 4.6-5.5L could help push efficiency even higher.

Seat adds ST wagon to Exeo lineup

The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last April was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan. We can also add to that list the new Exeo ST wagon, which is scheduled to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Fantastic Mr Fiesta

Took a run down to Caterham the other day (to pick up an R300) in our long-term Fiesta.

What a great little car.  In three-door guise and plush Zetec S trim, the Fiesta is not only a capable runabout but also a genuinely desirable thing to own.

Maybe a touch too desirable for some – because a mysterious dent has appeared on our Fiesta’s wing. With the peppy 123bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and trademark Ford handling the Fiesta is decent fun when you want to drive a bit, but then all comfy and refined when you don’t.

If I’m being picky it could do with a sixth gear though.

Economy: the truth

Honda is making a big deal about how its new Insight has been designed with less focus on getting the best result in the official fuel economy tests, and more on real-world economy.

Whether or not that is PR bluster is a different discussion, but it does raise an interesting point about how the official figures are calculated.

Watch our video of the Honda Insight

Firstly, they are not measured on the road, but in a lab on a rolling road, and not by calculating the actual fuel used, but the exhaust emissions and from that working out the economy.

The car conducts two routes, over a total distance of just 6.8 miles. All of which is on the flat. The urban figure is measured over 2.5 miles, at a maximum speed of 31mph and an average of 12mph. The extra-urban test is 4.3 miles at speeds of up to 75mph, but averaging 39mph. The combined figure is simply a weighted average of the two.

The tests are run without air-con, lighting or audio equipment and, because the tests have to accommodate commercial vehicles, the acceleration components allow 50 seconds to reach 62mph, which is not how most people drive.

All of which I’m sure is very scientific and repeatable, but is it representative? We certainly very rarely get close to the claimed figures in our tests, which may not have the total accuracy of a lab test, but I think are more thorough and realistic of what you, as an owner are likely to achieve.

In our full road tests we currently report three fuel figures, each of which is calculated by measuring the actual fuel put into the tank (we also record the trip computer values for comparison). Our track figure represents the worst-case scenario, i.e if you absolutely hoon it everywhere. We calculate this at Mira, during the performance tests. The distance covered does vary from car to car, depending on, for example, the transmission type or how many attempts it takes us to get the best acceleration figures, but it always exceeds 50miles.

Our touring figure is recorded over a fixed route, including accelerating gently (but not so gently that you’d be a danger to other traffic) to a 70mph cruise, but also with a shorter section at 50mph.

Our Average figure is total fuel economy while we have the car, typically over a week, and covering in excess of 500 miles.

In addition we’re thinking of adding an extra figure, recorded at Mira, for the car travelling at a constant 80mph. Not that we’re recommending you break the law.

With the increasing focus on diminishing resources and environmental impact, perhaps it's time the official tests came in line with reality. In the meantime you know where to come for the real story.

Britain’s biggest test track

I’ve found a great cure for depression about the state of the British car industry – a trip down the M40, and a game of ‘spot the prototype.’

From the earliest days, car manufacturers have regarded the nation’s motorway network as unofficial test tracks. Indeed, when the M1 first opened, a large percentage of its early traffic consisted of sixties sports car prototypes being maxed out among the doddering Ford Populars and Morris Oxfords. Which must have been interesting, to say the least.

But, as the epicentre of Britain’s automotive R&D effort has moved, the northern stretch of the M40 has become the best place in the country to see future models being put through their paces.

A trip south yesterday produced three good sightings. A partially disguised Aston DB9 glimpsed on the other carriageway might have been hiding a mild redesign, or it could have been a One-77 prototype. Next, a heavily binbagged saloon taking the Gaydon sliproad, which was almost certainly the new Jaguar XJ.

And finally – and the only sighting captured on memory card – a convoy of the forthcoming eco-spec Land Rover Freelander TD4_e, out durability testing ahead of launch later this year.

The nation’s car factories are mostly sitting idle, but it’s good to see that – for now at least – development teams are still working hard.

The high (mile) Roller

Bargains come in all sorts of shapes and sizes in the second hand car market these days but I wonder if there are many bigger – both literally and figuratively – than the one I spent yesterday swanning around in.

It looks like a new Rolls-Royce Phantom, it goes like a new Rolls-Royce Phantom and it feels like a new Rolls-Royce Phantom. But it’s not: it’s actually a six-year-old Rolls-Royce Phantom with 47,000 miles on its oh-so-elegant clock. That’s why it’s being advertised for £105,000 instead of the £264,000 you’d need to stump for a new one.

The vendor is adamant that the price is non-negotiable, but rare is the dealer who is not swayed into at least a small reduction by the sight of briefcase full of readies, so given that there are even older Phantoms than this in existence in much less pleasant colour schemes, the prospect of securing one for a five-figure sum seems real.

Is it worth it? That’s an answer I’ll save for the story that will shortly be appearing in the magazine, but suffice to say for now that however much I might last week have admired the men and women of Goodwood who created the Phantom’s interior, it’s nothing compared to the regard I have for them today.

And if you are one of the lucky few who actually own one of these machines and you think your leather looks good now, wait until it’s been lived on for six years. Like a fine claret, it only improves with age.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Starts at $22,000

Hyundai has announced the pricing for its much anticipated 2010 Genesis Coupe.

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe starts at $22,000 for the base model with the 210 horsepower turbocharged 2.0L engine. The model with the 306 horsepower 3.8L V6 starts at $25,000. The base model comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth, AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers, A/C, cruise control, power windows, mirrors and locks and Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist.

A 2.0T R-Spec model has just been unveiled with a starting price of $23,750 and comes with Brembo brakes, a stiffened suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires.

2010 Hyundai Equus Pics Unveiled Before Geneva

The first two official images of the 2010 Hyundai Equus have been released ahead of the vehicle's official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The Equus is 7 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and has a 4.5 inch longer wheelbase than the Genesis. The Equus is powered by the same 3.8L and 4.6L engines as the Genesis. A more powerful 5.0L V8 with over 420 horsepower is expected after the Equus is launched.

It's not known if Hyundai plans on selling the Equus in the U.S.

2010 Kia Sorento Teaser Released

Kia has released an official teaser image of the 2010 Kia Sorento that is going to be officially unveiled at the Seoul Auto Show.

The all-new Sorento ditches its old body-on-frame design for a more up to date unibody platform, which will improve the Sorento's ride and handling. The Sorento will be powered by a variety engines including a 2.2L diesel, and a 2.4L and 3.8L gas powered engines. A a 2.7L LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) engine is also expected for the Korean market. A new six-speed automatic transmission is also going to be offered.

The 2010 Kia Sorento will be unveiled in April with sales starting in the US by the end of the year.

VW Kills the Rabbit Nameplate...Again!

Over 30 years ago, the successor of the VW Beetle, the Golf was dubbed the Rabbit in the US. So while the rest of the world had the Golf, we had the the same vehicle as the Rabbit. Eventually the Rabbit name was killed due to quality issues with the first generation, and we got the Golf in the US.

Three years ago VW decided to revive the Rabbit nameplate, "Volkswagen customers want a relationship with their cars. Names like The Thing, Beetle, Fox, and Rabbit support this."

Well the sales proved that US customers didn't really care about the Rabbit nameplate, so it looks like its back to Golf for the next generation.

"The car will be called the Golf again in North America," Jochen Sengpiehl, executive director of Volkswagen marketing, recently told Motor Trend.

GM Kills Plans for a Diesel Engine for Cadillac in Europe

Cadillac has been struggling to gain traction in Europe. A much needed diesel engine, which would have made Cadillac more competitive in Europe has now been canceled.

Cadillac was expected to receive a 2.9-liter V6 turbodiesel that was developed with and was to be manufactured by Italian diesel-engine expert VM Motori S.p.A. According to division spokesperson Joann Krell the diesel has been "indefinitely delayed." A source states that the design and development of the engine has been completed.

The cancellation of the V6 diesel now effectively means that Cadillac is going to have a hard time increasing market share in Europe, since 54 percent of all light vehicles sold in Western Europe are diesel powered. Currently the only diesel powered Cadillac is the slow selling front-wheel-drive BLS

2010 VW Golf GTD Unveiled with 170 HP and 44 MPG

VW has unveiled the Golf GTD, which is the equivalent of a sporty GTI, but with a diesel engine.

The VW Golf GTD is powered by a 170 horsepower diesel engine that can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed DSG transmission, just like the GTI. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 8.1 seconds, has a top speed of 137 mph and uses just 5.3 litres fuel per 100 kilometres (44 mpg US).

The Golf GTD also features a sport suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. The designs of the front bumper, the radiator grille and the headlights are also identical to those of the GTI.

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Breathe. Remember this when you drive the Cadillac CTS-V. No matter what happens, continue to breathe, lest you fall victim to what us aviators call G-LOCing, or G-Force Loss-of-Consciousness. Steady, rhythmic breaths will help your body cope with the stresses induced by a four-door sedan capable of hurtling your fragile, carbon based body into speeds that challenge the Theory of Relativity. Entering hyperspace, where the gravity wells of passing stars actually start to affect the navigation system of the CTS-V, you might forget this simple fact, pass out, and crash the American built sports sedan that beats its German competitors into submission.

New Fast & Furious Trailer Released

A new trailer for the movie Fast & Furious is now available at a click on the web. Actors Vin Diesel and Paul Walker who starred in the first 2001 version, have returned to play the parts of Dom and Brian respectively.

Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010

Acura fans have something to rejoice about today as the Japanese automaker just released a new model here at the Chicago Auto Show. Before you get too excited, know that it's not rear-wheel-drive or powered by a V8 engine, but it's still a nice addition to the line-up. For the 2010 model year, the front-wheel-drive TSX sedan will be available with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine (most likely a version of the same engine offered in the Honda Accord, though Acura didn't confirm). The package also includes a slightly revised front fascia, retuned suspension system and new 18-inch wheels that are a full inch larger than the ones that come standard on the four-cyliner model. Acura says this new TSX model is a harbinger of good things to come, as the automaker plans to heavily revise all of its models for the upcoming model year. While we wait for that to take place, sales of the new V6 TSX should begin later this summer.

Chicago Auto Show 2009: Lexus expands F-sport parts to includes GS, IS convertible and IS AWD

Lexus wasn't doing much in the Windy City this week, so it used the opportunity to release a new line of F-Sport accessories for the GS, IS AWD and upcoming IS C.
Thankfully, Lexus is keeping the majority of its F-Sport items focused on performance, beginning with 18- or 19-inch wheels and six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, each equipped with stainless steel lines and uprated brake pads. Bilstein shocks, lowering springs, sway bars, a chassis brace, clutch set, short shifter kit, intake and stainless steel exhaust round out the performance options, while a carbon fiber engine cover, shift knob and floor mats appease the dress-up crowd.

When installed by an authorized dealer, the TRD-developed performance parts carry a 12-month warranty on their own or for the balance of the new car warranty. We're looking forward to getting some seat time in a fully-kitted IS 350 equipped with all the F-Sport goodies, so stay tuned for a thorough review.

Mansory gives Bugatti Veyron more power

German tuning company has revealed details of its super-limited edition Bugatti Veyron ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Officially named the Linea Vincero, Mansory has re-jigged the Veyron?s air intake and modified the exhaust system to increase power from 1,001bhp to 1,109bhp.
There are no performance figures, but this should shave a couple of split seconds off the Veyron?s standard 0-62mph time of 2.5 seconds and better its 253mph top speed.