Lotus Gets Its Teeth Into OMNIVORE Project

Lotus and Jaguar are teaming up to build an efficient bio-fuel engine

By Oli S / Tuesday, 12 August 2008 / Loading comments

Lotus is teaming up with Jaguar to develop an engine that will provide maximum efficiency while running on bio-fuels. The project is also in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and is part of Lotus’ commitment to leading the automotive industry on green issues.

The concept – bizarrely named OMNIVORE – is sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland through the Renewable Materials LINK Programme. Lotus engineering is currently looking at a design study to build a single cylinder research engine for completion in January 2009 and Jaguar Cars will be a consultative partner throughout the process.

This engine design is expected to significantly increase fuel efficiency for sustainable bio-alcohol fuels. The architecture features an innovative variable compression ratio system and uses a two-stroke operating cycle with direct fuel injection.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc said: 'The automotive industry is now focusing on its environmental obligations to reduce CO2emissions and improve efficiencies and we are seeing the high technology capabilities of Lotus Engineering being in strong demand. Not only does our brand value of ‘performance through light weight’ fit perfectly with the necessary direction of the industry to produce lighter, more efficient vehicles, we are also working on all aspects of future fuels, investigating alternative powertrains to accommodate alcohol fuels as they enter the market.

He added: 'Alcohols possess superior combustion characteristics to gasoline which allow greater optimisation. Taking full advantage of the benefits of sustainable bio alcohols will ensure a greater percentage of vehicle miles will be travelled using renewable fuels.'