Changan Displays FlexDI™ Concept Engine at Auto China 2008
Orbital's recently launched FlexDI™ initiative has received important recognition in the key Chinese market, with Changan Auto, China's 4th largest automotive manufacturer, displaying their CA18 FlexDI™ concept engine at this week's world-renowned Auto China 2008 (the Beijing International Motor Show).
The concept engine - which is fitted with Orbital's FlexDI™ combustion and direct injection systems - was commissioned by Changan, with design and assembly by Orbital in collaboration with the leading Chinese automotive group.
FlexDI™ was launched last October based on the concept of 'One Engine-Any Fuel' as part of Orbital's investment in R&D and growth opportunities being driven by stronger toxic emissions legislation around the world and increased concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency.
The Changan CA18 FlexDI™ Concept Engine The FlexDI™ Combustion System
The concept engine on display at Auto China 2008 incorporates a high-technology twin turbocharger design to enable very high levels of performance while maintaining a desirable flat torque curve across a wide speed range. The combination of engine down-sizing and the FlexDI™ combustion system can deliver significant fuel economy benefits and offers the potential to utilise both gasoline and other gaseous fuels in the same combustion chamber.
The concept engine is part of Changan's advanced technology investigations, with the leading Chinese auto group continuing discussions with Orbital on a possible feasibility assessment of FlexDI™ technology with the objective of launching further joint engineering activities in 2008/09.
Chinese automotive manufacturers now account for approximately 15% of global automotive production, and are seeking to implement cost effective technology solutions for emission and fuel consumption control - both for export and for the rapidly growing Chinese domestic market.
Orbital's Direct Injection technology has been in production on non-automotive gasoline engines since 1996, and has already been implemented on more than 500,000 engines world wide.
The FlexDI™ initiative was launched last year as part of the continuing diversification of Orbital's engineering capability and technology, and is creating opportunities in new areas of the auto and non-auto market.
OEC Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Not Held
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)