V8 w/ only 2 con rods

[gasgasman]

Ducati is developing a V8 engine with only two connecting rods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7E6KglXPmTs

 

[GMP]

Thats clever. I wonder if they will still cling to the Desmo valve train? The thought of a valve adjustment on that would give me nightmares

 

[andoman]

Simply memorizing!
I agree that its a fascinating contrast of simplicity vs. complexity in light of the Desmo.
It is so simple and elegent that one would think that is should have been thought of 100 years ago.
Any true motor-heads see any issues with the basic design?

 

[gasgasman]

Too many moving parts.
I think the power stroke will be too violent for the fulcrum( between outer and inner pistons) to hold up.

 

[GMP]

All this, and if its implemented like all current Ducatis, it will likely be cursed with a Siemans ECU thats impossible to tune in the low demand part of the map, even after a reflash to eliminate the lambdas. Your forced to add a Power Commander and wide band sensors to get the bike to run right on top of this.