Koenigsegg’s FreeValve camless engine set for debut

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Koenigsegg’s sister company, FreeValve, will be showcasing its camless engine technology in a live debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show, where a FreeValve-equipped Qoros 3 hatchback will drive on to the stage. The 1.6 litre, port injected, turbocharged engine is rated at 230 hp and 320 Nm, representing a 47% gain in power and 45% more torque, with 15% better fuel economy.

To recap, FreeValve is an electronically-controlled system which operates the engine’s valves via pneumatic actuators, doing away with traditional camshafts and rockers. Along with the aforementioned output and efficiency gains, the setup also weighs a claimed 20 kg less than an equivalent traditional valvegear setup, and also makes for more compact engine dimensions, some 50 mm less in height and 70 mm in depth than a conventional equivalent.

The system also allows each valve to open or close individually via springs or air pressure, allowing for better control over the combustion process; cylinders can also be shut down this way for cylinder deactivation. “This move closer to mass production of FreeValve technology is also a first baby step towards the promise of important reductions in CO2 emissions,” said FreeValve chairman Christian von Koenigsegg.

With FreeValve technology, engines can do without parts components such as the throttle body, camshaft, cam drive, timing gear and cover, wastegate, pre-catalytic converter systems and direct injection systems, according to the company.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Revolutionary engine with efficient performance.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
    • Azfar on Nov 21, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      I wonder why only now the automotive engineers come out with this idea.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
      • Gaviny on Nov 21, 2016 at 4:07 pm

        I’m sure this was already thought of back in the 50 60 s, because it is not new science or physics, everyone knew the limitation of the internal combustion engine . But manufacturing capability and costs would have kept it at bay. Now they can do it simply because it can be done at a reasonable cost

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
      • redidiot on Nov 21, 2016 at 5:17 pm

        dont hold your breath- chances are the idea might have been around longer than we all think. case point the dohc-first appered in 1912, turbosuperchargers (the correct name) have been around since WW2.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • lembu jinni on Nov 21, 2016 at 2:26 pm

      complicated engine with high maintenance & costly parts.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 4
      • L Renaud on Nov 21, 2016 at 7:55 pm

        It’s exactly the contrary maintenance will be a breeze and there’s less chance of catastrophic failure since no valve train, also much less moving parts and smaller dimensions…

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • What about the all-important timing chain? Bashers says if no timing chain, then this engine is lousy and outdated. Jangan persoal basher logic!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 6
    • Ah Kow on Nov 21, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      If the valves are operating individually it will definitely greatly improve performance and efficiency, brilliant tech! however since it is electronically controlled, means less mechanics more computers, hence more prone for system failure if it really does it will be costly to repair.

      But since it is coming from Koenigsegg, I personally have my faith in them. All the best !

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
    • Chill Pill John on Nov 21, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Dude, opinions are opinions, it’s not bashing just because it’s a different opinion. You ain’t Darth Vader dude, the only force you have is peeing and constipation.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Yeast Lump on Nov 21, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Freevalve is gaining into diesel brute torque territory albeit higher rpm range

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Totally brilliant. I see a revolution of Fiat multi air tech to enable air intake and exhaust controlling freely and also to eliminate the need of timing chain or belt including cam system pulleys etc + BMW valvetronic tech to ditch the need of throttle body.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Mikey on Nov 21, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    FreeValve is an electronically-controlled system which operates the engine’s valves via pneumatic actuators, doing away with traditional camshafts and rockers.

    Wow, camless engine !! That means less moving parts = less weight. Now that’s what I call innovation/revolution.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • the driver on Nov 21, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    Agreed with Eims, brilliant. The idea is not new and had been planned years ago by various parties such as Lotus. However the hardest issue was how to generate, store and release the high pressures needed to actuate the valves. Engineering at its best if it actually works.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Minister You-know-who on Nov 21, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    Proton bila mau bikin freevalve???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
 

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