SwRI Conducts Advanced Gasoline Engine Consortium

SAN ANTONIO--May 27, 2005--Southwest Research Institute(R) (SwRI)(R) is conducting a cooperative research program to develop a high-efficiency gasoline engine. The four-year effort seeks to improve gasoline engine technology for light- and heavy-duty applications.

The consortium, known as HEDGE (High-Efficiency, Dilute Gasoline Engine), will develop new technologies for the gasoline engine market. It is possible that the Environmental Protection Agency's post-2010 emission goals will limit the efficiency and cost advantages currently enjoyed by today's diesel engine. With improved combustion technology, the gasoline engine may be able to better compete in key markets.

SwRI introduced the program to a range of companies in Europe, Asia and the United States, including light- and heavy-duty engine manufacturers, component suppliers, and oil and fuel companies. Current membership includes Corning Incorporated, Cummins Engine Company Inc., Hino Motors Ltd, John Deere, Peugeot Citroen Automobiles, Volkswagen of America, and Volvo Powertrain - Renault France.

"This program can serve both gasoline and diesel manufacturers, enabling each to 'hedge' their bets on the direction engine technology will take in the post-2010 era," noted Dr. Thomas W. Ryan III, program manager and an Institute engineer in the SwRI Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division.

The multiyear program will focus typically on one main integration engine and will work on three to four projects aimed at developing enabling technology for the engine. "Currently, the consortium is working on energetic ignition, low-knock engine design and engine controls. The goal of HEDGE is to demonstrate gasoline engines that have efficiencies competitive with that of the diesel engine, particularly in respect to post-2010 emissions levels," explained Ryan.

Program participants select the consortium work from a number of projects. Institute engineers and scientists recommend areas of interest based on SwRI's extensive automotive-related experience and on work initiated in the Institute's internal research program, such as the SwRI-developed control algorithms and modified ignition and combustion concepts.

The advantage of consortium membership is that the impact of the yearly contribution is multiplied by the number of participants, providing substantially more pre-competitive research than would be possible by funding from a single member. Ryan expects additional companies to sign contracts in the near future.

The initial meeting for the HEDGE consortium was conducted on January 27, 2005, and the second meeting was held May 25, 2005-26. Interested parties may join the program at any time. For more information, contact Ryan at 210-522-3192, fax 210-522-2019 or e-mail tryan@swri.org.

SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization based in San Antonio, with more than 2,900 employees and an annual research volume of more than $399 million.