Achates they really came with 44 mpg at 6 Nov 2018

2004LB7

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2010
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Here is a good review and explanation of the engine. Unfortunately like many other concepts and prototypes it has a low probability of actually making it into a production vehicle

https://youtu.be/UxON-HIlz5E

PS: this thread is likely in the wrong location
 

DAVe3283

Heavy & Slow
Sep 3, 2009
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If someone is actually tooling up to build that design it probably won't be GM. GM has managed to stay competitive with every engine technology change while still using the same basic push-rod design. It is kind of impressive, really.

The part I really want to know is how they are dealing with NOx emissions. They admit super high combustion and exhaust temperatures (hence the high fuel economy), but than means high NOx. I bet they use a SCR system like the 2011+ diesels. Diesel Exhaust Fluid: now for your gas truck!

Sorry if I seem cynical, but I have yet to see any evidence this will do what they say while meeting emissions, let alone longevity, production costs, etc. But we will see, maybe I'll eat my words.
 

LBZ

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Jul 2, 2007
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That thing sounds hideous. I can’t see it making it to production like that.
 

PureHybrid

Isuzu Shakes IT
Feb 15, 2012
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If someone is actually tooling up to build that design it probably won't be GM. GM has managed to stay competitive with every engine technology change while still using the same basic push-rod design. It is kind of impressive, really.

The part I really want to know is how they are dealing with NOx emissions. They admit super high combustion and exhaust temperatures (hence the high fuel economy), but than means high NOx. I bet they use a SCR system like the 2011+ diesels. Diesel Exhaust Fluid: now for your gas truck!

Sorry if I seem cynical, but I have yet to see any evidence this will do what they say while meeting emissions, let alone longevity, production costs, etc. But we will see, maybe I'll eat my words.

The guy states high in-cylinder egr
 

2004LB7

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Me too. If they build it; it might be my next truck.:coolspot:

I would have no problem driving one either

If the HP and torque numbers are what they say and the MPG is true, it would make a great daily driver
 

Utahski

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Oct 20, 2008
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Achates used to make injectors for a British diesel manufacturer, and do dyno testing for different companies. I'm surprised to see that opposed cylinder thing actually driving around. A good friend worked at Achates for several years some time back when they were developing it. He was the guy who put it together and then took it apart when it broke. Then put the "fixes" back together, then took it apart when the "fixes" didn't work. Did this for 4yrs. He's a very savvy engine guy and said the whole thing was a goatf#ck, frustrated the hell out of him to see what was going on. One problem after another and one bs fix after another. The project was funded (back then) by venture capital. At that time the whole purpose was never to produce an engine, rather to sell the engine rights to someone else and create patents along the way. The head of the company is a very convincing sales guy and was able to keep money flowing from investors. Took forever to actually get a running engine. It actually made decent power. They could keep one running long enough to show but never keep it going with much longevity. I'd take the 44mpg gallon claim with a big dose of skepticism. The thing sure sounds crappy.
 
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