To make its technology more viable in a real world setting, Smith says, Saab developed the SVC with an objective of retaining as many of the basic components of a conventional engine as possible. So, the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and valves are all of the same type as those of today's engines.
"What distinguishes the SVC engine is the way it is split into upper and lower portions," Smith says. "Compared to a conventional engine, the joint face between the two is about 20 cm lower. The upper part -- the monohead -- consists of the cylinder head with integrated cylinders, whereas the lower part -- the crankcase -- consists of the engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons."
Smith says an important benefit of the SVC concept is that the variable compression can be achieved without modifying the design of the efficient 4-valvecombustion chamber.
He says, "The combustion chamber design is of vital importance to the combustion process, and therefore directly affects the exhaust emissions, fuel consumption and engine performance. One of the essential conditions in the work of developing the SVC concept was that the new technique should not impair the existing design."
The SVC concept and the engine displayed at Geneva "represent a leap forward in engine technology and provide a completely new platform for further engine development," Smith believes.