tonyspumoni
Elio Addict
Not if they want to employ an >10:1 compression ratio while still using 87 octane fuel they can't.
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The Elio Engine
- Thread starter ls10
- Start date
Johnny Acree
Elio Addict
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November 3, 2014
Machining of Individual Components Complete, Engine Prototype Testing Next
In part one of this series on Elio engine development we discussed the need to develop a new engine from the ground up. As we dove deeper into the vehicle’s design, it was clear the Geo Metro engine upon which we hoped to base our design would not provide the right balance of power and fuel economy.Our engine development partner, IAV, went back to the drawing board and was able to configure a new engine design, while sticking to one of Elio Motors basic tenets for the company – use existing technology, but package it in a way that still meets the company’s performance and fuel efficiency targets. Even though the company is using tried and true technology, we still needed to ensure that each individual component is engineered and machined to rigorous specifications. Each component must be tested and validated individually, then packaged together as one working prototype.
None of this can be done using mass production techniques, so it is one of the more meticulous portions of the vehicle development process. It is also one of the most important portions of the vehicle development process, as the engine is one of the keys to meeting our fuel efficiency and performance criteria. Ultimately, how this engine performs is going to be a crucial element driving our customer satisfaction. Therefore, due diligence and proper development are essential to a successful engine program launch.
Lil4X
Elio Addict
The 'Zuke G-10 was an excellent starting point that met the physical dimensions and configuration of the Elio's engine bay, and had plenty of development potential for bringing it into the 21st Century as far as performance, efficiency, and manufacturing techniques are concerned. The final result of the Elio/IAV collaboration should produce a totally modern powerplant.
For anyone concerned about an "OLD" engine being used in their new Elio, recall that Ford and Chevy small-blocks can trace their lineage back nearly sixty years. The easiest means of comparison is to review the bore centers of engines produced over the years. In the case of the small-block Mopar V8, it survived from 1955 to 1998 with essentially the same block, despite many changes in displacement, breathing, and ignition. Just because the basic engine shares some dimensions with a long line of predecessors, that's not a bad thing . . . in fact it buys you an awful lot of "experience" with the design, and sometimes that's invaluable.
For anyone concerned about an "OLD" engine being used in their new Elio, recall that Ford and Chevy small-blocks can trace their lineage back nearly sixty years. The easiest means of comparison is to review the bore centers of engines produced over the years. In the case of the small-block Mopar V8, it survived from 1955 to 1998 with essentially the same block, despite many changes in displacement, breathing, and ignition. Just because the basic engine shares some dimensions with a long line of predecessors, that's not a bad thing . . . in fact it buys you an awful lot of "experience" with the design, and sometimes that's invaluable.
MajorXx
Elio Aficionado
The Elio and the G10 in appearance do not have much in common, other than they are inline 3 cylinder piston engines, and especially when looking at the intake and exhaust systems.
With modern computer aided designs the mounts and brackets are simple items and easy to adapt to any design. I once owned an early version of the V W Rabbit. It was the only vehicle that I encountered where the brackets or mounts caused problems. The vibration was so bad that it sheared off the mounting bolts.
Dustoff
Elio Addict
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Install this in your Elio.
AUTOMOTIVE
Nissan's new 400 bhp engine fits in carry-on luggage
By David Szondy
January 30, 2014
45 Comments
7 Pictures
40
inShare
The DIG-T-R weighs 40 kg (88 lb), yet puts out 400 bhp
Image Gallery (7 images)
It’s a common problem: You’re off to Le Mans with your new 400 bhp engine and you discover that it won’t fit in the airplane's overhead compartment. This week, Nissan showed off the answer to this traveler’s nightmare with its ultralight DIG-T R 1.5 liter, three-cylinder petrol engine that is small enough to fit in carry-on luggage and boasts a power-to-weight ratio better than the engine of a Formula 1 racer.
The new engine is the other half of a hybrid powerplant for Nissan's Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car (ZEOD RC), which is set to become the first entry to complete a lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans solely under electric power this June.
The DIG-T R’s base engine is 500 mm tall x 400 mm long x 200 mm wide (19.68 x 15.74 x 7.78 in), but it puts out power like a fire hose at 400 bhp (298 kW) and 380 Nm (280 ft-lb) of torque. Nissan points out though this is small enough to fit inside the luggage guides found at check in, at 40 kg (88 lb), the DIG-T R is too heavy to be considered as a carry-on. That works out to 10 bhp per kilo, which Nissan says is better than the new engines approved for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship this year.
The engine is an example of how Nissan is approaching the ZEOD RC with an eye towards reducing size while increasing efficiency. The ZEOD RC is also part of an effort to develop a more efficient petrol/electric hybrid engine that can switch on or off on demand.
As part of the design strategy, both the petrol and electric parts of the powerplant go through the same five-speed gearbox. However, Nissan says that the real problem in developing the DIG-T R for the ZEOD RC was cutting down friction, since the less of it there is, the less the engine needs to deal with its consequences. To help with this, Nissan worked closely with French lubricants manufacturer Total to come up with better fuels and lubricants to take care of internal friction.
After the ZEOD RC finished dyno testing, Nissan took to the track last week, where it tested both the electric and petrol components. It will undergo further testing for the next four months, then in June it will take part in the Le Mans 24 Hour, where it will occupy “Garage 56.” which is reserved for new technology demonstrators by the Automobile Club de l‘Ouest. The ZEOD RC will do one lap of each roughly hour-long fuel stint of the competition using only electric power, then the DIG-T R will take over for the rest of the run. Lessons from the ZEOD RC will be used in Nissan’s entry in the LM P1 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2015.
"Nissan will become the first major manufacturer to use a three-cylinder engine in major international motorsport,” says Darren Cox, Nissan's Global Motorsport Director. “We're aiming to maintain our position as industry leaders in focusing on downsizing. Lessons learned from the development of the engine will be seen in Nissan road cars of the future.
The video below explains the development of the new engine.
Source: Nissan
AUTOMOTIVE
Nissan's new 400 bhp engine fits in carry-on luggage
By David Szondy
January 30, 2014
45 Comments
7 Pictures
40
inShare
The DIG-T-R weighs 40 kg (88 lb), yet puts out 400 bhp
Image Gallery (7 images)
It’s a common problem: You’re off to Le Mans with your new 400 bhp engine and you discover that it won’t fit in the airplane's overhead compartment. This week, Nissan showed off the answer to this traveler’s nightmare with its ultralight DIG-T R 1.5 liter, three-cylinder petrol engine that is small enough to fit in carry-on luggage and boasts a power-to-weight ratio better than the engine of a Formula 1 racer.
The new engine is the other half of a hybrid powerplant for Nissan's Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car (ZEOD RC), which is set to become the first entry to complete a lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans solely under electric power this June.
The DIG-T R’s base engine is 500 mm tall x 400 mm long x 200 mm wide (19.68 x 15.74 x 7.78 in), but it puts out power like a fire hose at 400 bhp (298 kW) and 380 Nm (280 ft-lb) of torque. Nissan points out though this is small enough to fit inside the luggage guides found at check in, at 40 kg (88 lb), the DIG-T R is too heavy to be considered as a carry-on. That works out to 10 bhp per kilo, which Nissan says is better than the new engines approved for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship this year.
The engine is an example of how Nissan is approaching the ZEOD RC with an eye towards reducing size while increasing efficiency. The ZEOD RC is also part of an effort to develop a more efficient petrol/electric hybrid engine that can switch on or off on demand.
As part of the design strategy, both the petrol and electric parts of the powerplant go through the same five-speed gearbox. However, Nissan says that the real problem in developing the DIG-T R for the ZEOD RC was cutting down friction, since the less of it there is, the less the engine needs to deal with its consequences. To help with this, Nissan worked closely with French lubricants manufacturer Total to come up with better fuels and lubricants to take care of internal friction.
After the ZEOD RC finished dyno testing, Nissan took to the track last week, where it tested both the electric and petrol components. It will undergo further testing for the next four months, then in June it will take part in the Le Mans 24 Hour, where it will occupy “Garage 56.” which is reserved for new technology demonstrators by the Automobile Club de l‘Ouest. The ZEOD RC will do one lap of each roughly hour-long fuel stint of the competition using only electric power, then the DIG-T R will take over for the rest of the run. Lessons from the ZEOD RC will be used in Nissan’s entry in the LM P1 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2015.
"Nissan will become the first major manufacturer to use a three-cylinder engine in major international motorsport,” says Darren Cox, Nissan's Global Motorsport Director. “We're aiming to maintain our position as industry leaders in focusing on downsizing. Lessons learned from the development of the engine will be seen in Nissan road cars of the future.
The video below explains the development of the new engine.
Source: Nissan
I normally don't pay any attention to the Le Mans 24 Hour race .... I'm looking forward to seeing how this mighty mini power plant will hold up
Jim
Jim
Smitty901
Elio Addict
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I know from the motorcycle side 10:1 was the wall hitting that required higher octane fuel. However it seems in the new world of auto engines they are finding ways to make 87 work up in to 11:1.
CrimsonEclipse
Elio Addict
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Install this in your Elio.
AUTOMOTIVE
Nissan's new 400 bhp engine fits in carry-on luggage
By David Szondy
That would give it about 3.5lb/hp at 400hp (from 21.5lb/hp at 55hp) which would easily beat a Bugatti Veyron at 4.16
(in terms of power to weight not real speed performance and safety)
It does seem like an interesting way to commit suicide
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Once these hit the streets I have no doubt that someone will cram something crazy like this, along with a beefed up transmission and drive shafts, into an Elio. Should make for some fun, and possibly very funny, Youtube videos.
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Mrtoycrazy
Elio Addict
Once these hit the streets I have no doubt that someone will cram something crazy like this, along with a beefed up transmission and drive shafts, into an Elio. Should make for some fun, and possibly very funny, Youtube videos.
It want take long at all.
Last edited by a moderator: