compact engine design

Implementation of the Freevalve system leads to a more compact total engine package because many of the parts used in a traditional camshaft-based engine are no longer necessary. With Freevalve, manufacturers are able to do away with expensive parts such as the throttle body, camshaft, cam drive, timing gear and cover, wastegate, pre-catalytic converter systems and direct injection systems. The functionality that these physical components use to enable will  now be handled by the intelligent engine controls.

On a typical vertically positioned engine, Freevalve will reduce build height and improve pedestrian impact safety. On boxer engines, the width of the engine will be reduced dramatically.

Our work with Qoros on their 1.6 litre turbocharged engine resulted in a reduction of 50 mm in height and 70 mm in depth.

Reduced weight is also an important benefit of the Freevalve system. Our Qoros engine became 20 kg lighter after the change to Freevalve technology.

The figure below illustrates the difference in package size between a typical DOHC head, and a head utilizing the Freevalve System.