Bye bye camshaft?
03/13/2020
Since the beginning of the 20th century, most car engines, at least those with four strokes, have had one or more camshafts to control the valves. Although there were repeated attempts to control the valve train using other methods, they were not really successful.
Now, however, the breakthrough seems to be imminent, as Freevalve AB, part of the Koenigsegg conglomerate, is presenting a version of its valve train with electrohydraulically controlled valves in the three-cylinder two-liter engine in the new Koenigsegg Gemera. And the advantages seem impressive, as the engine is smaller, lighter, simpler in design and produces an impressive 600 hp with two turbochargers. The valves, which are controlled individually via the electronics, have further advantages, as the exhaust gas quality can be improved and, if necessary, individual cylinders can be temporarily shut down, which benefits fuel consumption. However, a liter output of 300 hp for a hopefully stable series engine would be a sensation in itself.
The only question that remains is why the Koenigsegg Jesko needs an additional 1100 hp of electric drive power, because with 600 hp you should be able to do enough mischief ...
What is already certain, however, is that this computer-controlled valve train will hardly be something for hobbyists and whether you will still be able to get hold of all the necessary spare parts and software to repair such an engine after 30 or 50 years is still written in the stars.
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