Originally posted by: Fandu
Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
That K-Cycle engine is really interesting.
Looks compact, N E 1 got more info on this engine type?
Was it ever used in any vehicle type?
No, sadly the K-Cycle never made it past the development stages. AFAIK the main reasons that R&D stopped was a lack of cash, and they were having trouble bringing the fuel consumption down. The second prototype was using about 15% more fuel than it's V8 counterpart, and the automakers were looking to substantially reduce fuel consumption at the time. Even still, a 16 piston engine only burning 15% more fuel than it's V8 counterpart is quite amazing, and it was producing around 300Hp if memory serves me correct. It's also physically smaller than a V8... I don't think I scanned that picture though.
You have to give it credit though, it's a very interesting design, just too bad they didn't have the cash to continue development. Mr. Kristensen died several years ago, so I'm not sure who holds the patents anymore, but I do know a few of the original engineers that worked on the project.