Scuderi expands operations to Japan; continues promoting split-cycle engine

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Lightweight

Scuderi split cycle engine – Click above for high-res image gallery

We first got wind of the Scuderi Group and its split-cycle engine more than four years ago. At that time, it was showing off a concept for a split-cycle engine that, at least in theory, could dramatically improve engine efficiency. By splitting the four strokes of the Otto cycle between a pair of parallel cylinders, the split-cycle engine was claimed to reduce pumping losses. The Scuderi team has also been actively developing an “air-hybrid version that adds a high pressure compressed air accumulator to provide some regenerative braking capability.”

Now, Scuderi has opened an office in Japan that will serve as the company’s Asian headquarters. The group claims that the expansion is aimed at “accelerating its efforts to meet the growing demand” for its “advanced internal combustion engines.” The Japan office is located in Nagoya, the nation’s automotive epicenter.

On a related note, Scuderi recently demonstrated that a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier equipped with a split-cycle air-hybrid engine consumed 36 percent less fuel than a comparable Cavalier powered by a conventional gasoline engine. Feel free to peruse the complete press release after the break.

Gallery: Scuderi split cycle engine