[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Here is some additional info on the direct injection engine that Saab is apparently looking at:
http://www.autonewseurope.com/paris2000/saab929.htm
Saab shares engine system with rivals
Saab Automotive next week will present a new direct-injection engine system to several of its competitors, including DaimlerChrysler and BMW, in an effort to bring the concept to market.
Saab Combustion Control system, unveiled Thursday night at the Paris show, reduces an engine’s fuel consumption and emissions by mixing exhaust gases in the combustion process. Saab plans to use it in one of its own vehicles in three to four years.
But before Saab moves ahead, company insiders say it needs to find a supplier to manufacture a key component: an integrated spark plug and fuel injector. They add that suppliers do not want to take on new parts such as this unless they have high-volume potential.
The obvious solution for Saab would be to get its parent company, General Motors, to commit to using Saab Combustion Control. But Saab officials believe the high-priced system is a better fit for the premium market.
Top candidates to supply the spark plug injector are Delphi Automotive and NGK.
Hans Demant, head of product development for GM’s Adam Opel subsidiary, who is considering the Saab Combustion Control system for Opel, says he is not worried about a competitor getting the same system.
Saab and GM will have at least a year head start on that competitor, Demant said.
The Saab Combustion Control system uses variable valve timing to dilute the air-fuel ratio, 14.6 to 1. The result, Saab says, is an engine with 10 percent less fuel consumption.
Here is the news release regarding the agreement between Saab and Orbital Engine, the maker of the low pressure direct injection system Saab is working on incorporating.
http://www.orbeng.com.au/news/nw063000.htm
Here is Orbital Engine's home page:
http://www.orbeng.com.au/index.htm
I have been following Orbital Engine for about 18 months now. They have a long history as they have slowly pressed forward with the commercialization of their technology. They have an agreement currently with Delphi to develop the spark-injector mentioned in the earlier Saab article.
http://www.orbeng.com.au/news/nw041300.htm
This is a very interesting company with a very interesting technology. Unlike high pressure direct fuel injection (like Mitsubishi's system), the low pressure Orbital system is more tolerant of sulfur in gasoline and also requires less expensive and less complicated catalytic aftertreatments to meet Euro IV and beyond.
If you are interested in learning more, email me and I will be happy to point you to more information.
RDGelzer
Wallingford, CT
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
