Quote:
Originally Posted by ttoyoda
I think that part that freaks me out the most is that presentation was done in 2004. Is there any industry that improves/innovates at a rate that is SLOWER than the car industry? Maybe the people who still make buggy whips or whale-bone corsets? Jumping jeebus christus on a pogostick.
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If anything they are going backwards. Cars are getting heavier and getting lower gas mileage every year, have been since the late eighties. That trend may finally reverse now, but only slowly and painfully.
The biggest innovation for IC engines in ages is in the works, hopefully it will make it to market in the not too distant future. I am referring to the camless valvetrain. Solenoid actuated valves, allowing the valves to be opened and closed at any point in the intake and exhaust strokes, with any amount of lift, completely eliminating all the compromises inherent in camshaft operated valves. And reducing weight and rotating mass as well. I can't wait to see what one of these engines can do.