How Two-Stroke Engines Almost Revolutionized the Automotive Industry
Introduction
In light of the uncertain future of electric vehicles, car manufacturers are exploring alternative options for internal combustion engines. One such option is the development of engines powered by hydrogen or synthetic e-fuels. However, there was a time when the automotive industry considered a different approach altogether: two-stroke engines. In July 1992, two-stroke fever swept the West, promising to revolutionize engine technology. Let’s delve into the rise and fall of this innovative engine design.
The Poor Reputation of Two-Stroke Engines
By the 1990s, two-stroke engines had gained a poor reputation. Many people had forgotten that the Saab 96 originally had a two-stroke engine before switching to a V4. However, those from Eastern Europe still had vivid memories of Trabants and Wartburgs, which were known for their fragility, peaky power delivery, and excessive smoke emissions.
The Orbital Engine Company’s Breakthrough
In 1991, the Orbital Engine Company believed they had found a solution. They adapted founder Ralph Sarich’s Orbital powerplant design, which featured a central ‘piston’ orbiting the combustion chamber, into a two-stroke piston design. The result was a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that was smaller, cheaper, and more powerful than its four-stroke counterparts.
Ford’s Interest and Testing
Ford recognized the potential of the Orbital engine and signed a license agreement in 1986. By 1992, Orbital had prepared a fleet of Fiestas equipped with their engine, boasting 80bhp and 90lb ft of torque. Test drives revealed the engine’s flexibility and impressive performance.
The Pininfarina Ethos Concept
Alongside the Fiesta, Ford planned to incorporate the two-stroke engine into a sports car. Pininfarina’s Ethos concept, a futuristic rival to the Mazda MX-5, showcased the engine’s capabilities. With its precise steering, balanced handling, and increased power output of 94bhp, the Ethos concept impressed enthusiasts.
The Demise of the Two-Stroke Engine
Despite licensing agreements with major manufacturers like Fiat, General Motors, and Volkswagen, the two-stroke engine’s future quickly unraveled. Volkswagen canceled its deal in 1993, followed by Ford in 1994. The engine’s lack of durability and failure to meet Ford’s confidence standards led to its abandonment. Fiat also opted for a four-stroke engine due to superior fuel consumption and emissions.
The Orbital Engine’s Legacy
Orbital attempted to revive interest in the two-stroke engine in 1995 with the Ecosport, a modified Ford Festiva. However, the project failed, and the engine disappeared from the automotive scene. Today, the Orbital Engine Company, now known as the Orbital Corporation, focuses on building propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles.
A Potential Resurgence?
As major manufacturers reconsider combustion engines, there may be a chance for the two-stroke engine to make a comeback. In March, Mitsui E&S successfully ran a two-stroke marine engine on hydrogen gas, hinting at future possibilities. Only time will tell if the two-stroke engine will rise again and revolutionize the automotive industry once more.
