Move over desmo valves - Free valves promise a lighter, more efficient engine

Now, this does look promising.

Koenigsegg, producer of some very nice sportscars in Sweden, demonstrate their new "free valve" technology that drives the valves using a computer-controlled actuator.

Christian von Koenigsegg explains it far better than ever I could, but basically, the gist of it is this:

• Current engines use a camshaft, which means the valves need to open and close in a locked rhythm
• They're limited by the cam-profile, which determines what speed they open (and close) at
• Free valves are controlled electronically, which eliminates the camshaft
• This reduces engine weight and engine resistance
• Can produce any cam profile - even ones that are not possible, such as square profiles
• This means the same vehicle can be programmed for efficiency, power or a balance of both
• It can also be reprogrammed on the fly, so power only when you need it
• Could potentially even turn off cylinder when not required - think a sophisticated Honda V-Tec
• Camshafts are hard to make - this means engines would be cheaper

it's demonstrated here in a car but they believe the technology is good for upto 20,000rpm, and can be easily implemented in a smaller motorcycle engine. This is perfect for that new R1 yamaha have been promising for a while, and while I'm certainly no expert, it could probably be tuned to make over 200bhp in stock form.

At present, this is an engineering prototype, but the technology sounds feasible. Of course feasible engine prototypes don't always make it to the market - there's been a clean burn two-stroke around for a few years now that is both efficient and emissions compliant but seems doomed to never see the light of day.

Still, we can only hope. Engine history has shown an inexorable improvement in performance over time. This just might be the next big leap forward.