Pneumatic: Read this again
[QUOTE=shane_trikes]I've read the posts regarding the Revetec Engine. The negative criticism is unfair and unwarranted. Our company builds three wheel motorcycles (trikes), we have signed a long term deal to put Revetec engines in our trikes. Our trike was the first vehicle to have a Revetec engine fitted, I personally road a trike powered by this engine in Sydney, Australia and Shanghai, China.
Our production trikes are powered by VW Type 1 (1600) engines (built from aftermarket, performance components) ranging in displacement from 1584cc to 2275cc. The Revetec 450cc development engine we fitted to the test trike in Sydney and flown to China for the 2005 Automechanica show.
This 450cc engine produced 'phenomenal' torque and respectable power for its size. It powered our trike (around 450kg) upto 60 km/h (38 mph) in a small side court yard located at the Shanghai Pudong Exhibition Centre. The engine accelerated through 'each' gear in less than 2 seconds (per gear). My first hand experience from driving this engine was of amazement. The torque I experienced during acceleration was consistent from idle to max rev's. I have driven the same trike with this engine in Sydney and so has the chairman of our company (Gordon Subloo). With a passenger on the back, Gordon took the trike upto 70 km/h.
Our performance VW engines have torque curves that come on at between 2,000 to 3,000 rpm depending on the cam and engine displacement. For the Revetec engine to have a torque curve that comes on at 1500 rpm and remains consistent to 4500 rpm+ is amazing. The closest engine group I can compare this with is highway trucks in particular the Mack Maxidyne.
I don't know the fuel efficency results first hand, but I will check my notes.
Like all development engines, the overall package needed more development, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the Revetec engines perform differently to conventional combustion engines used in the Automotive industry.
The Revetec X4 engine is the next generation design of the Revetec concept. It is a monumental step from the flat four design of the 450cc and 1350cc development engines. What Brad has done is cut the number of engine components in half, reduce weight, reduce main shaft flexing, reduce drop/drive shaft flexing, maximize engine balance and reduce reciprocating weight.
How much power will the new Revetec X4 2.4 litre engine develop? What will the drivability of this engine be like? We will know in about 1-1/2 months time.
Our company has the greatest respect for Brad, he is a very talented designer, his concepts and design process is incredible.
Our company first came across Brad and the Revetec engine about 3 years ago, from that point on we have seen the design and concept go through the development process. This journey for the Revetec team has not been easy, but they have proven their technology and engines first hand. When we tested their engines we wanted to know exactly what was being delivered, worts and all. We tested them first, we got on the trike and put the engine through the paces.
Based on our first hand experience with the Revetec Engine Technology we signed up a 10 year contract with the company to only put Revetec engines in our trikes once they finalise the development process and deliver the production ready design. This was a big commitment to make, but the Revetec engine is unlike any other we have come across.
Shane Subloo
Rewaco Pty Ltd
The Hudson Group Pty Ltd[/QUOTE]
Did you read it?