Quote:
Originally Posted by pete c
I've wondered this as well. A pair of 90 degree V twins connected by clutch.
Such a system would undoubtedly be more efficient, but, I do see a few potential issues.
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This is a case where 1 + 1 != 2.
Coupling engines together is done somewhat regularly in land speed racing. Inevitably, they get less power to the ground than one engine with the same power as the two engines combined, even with a solid shaft coupling the cranks together. So, you might have two 100hp V-twins that only gets 160hp to the transmission.
It would save fuel when running as a 2 cylinder, but it would be less efficient than a conventional 4 cylinder when the power is needed.