Qoros and FreeValve unveil cam-less engine concept in Beijing
Qoros and Sweden’s FreeValve AB have presented a four-cylinder engine concept without a camshaft, using pneumatic-hydraulic-electric actuators, at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show.
Qoros, the Chinese carmaker, and Swedish engineering firm FreeValve AB have jointly revealed a cam-less four-cylinder engine concept at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show. The prototype, known as “Qamfree”, replaces the traditional camshaft with FreeValve’s Pneumatic-Hydraulic-Electric-Actuator (PHEA) system, marking the first public demonstration of the technology in a production-sized engine.
The PHEA system eliminates the camshaft and related mechanical components, instead using actuators to open and close each intake and exhaust valve independently. This allows precise control over valve timing, lift and duration for each cylinder, throughout the combustion cycle. According to FreeValve, this flexibility opens up the possibility for improved performance, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to conventional engines.
Technical aims and potential benefits
By removing the camshaft, the Qamfree engine is designed to be lighter and more compact. The independent valve control can enable advanced combustion strategies, such as cylinder deactivation or variable valve operation tailored to load and speed. This could lead to lower fuel consumption and emissions, while maintaining or increasing power output. The Qamfree concept is intended to demonstrate these advantages in a real-world application, though Qoros has not confirmed production plans.
FreeValve’s chairman, Christian von Koenigsegg, described the PHEA technology as a development that could rival the impact of moving from carburettors to direct injection. The company claims that the system’s adaptability and efficiency could outpace current variable valve timing solutions used by mainstream manufacturers. FreeValve’s technology is being developed for both petrol and alternative fuel engines, with the Qamfree concept providing a platform for further testing and refinement.
What happens next
Qoros has not announced a production timeline for the Qamfree engine, and the concept remains at the demonstration stage. The company’s partnership with FreeValve gives it early access to the technology, but further development and validation will be required before cam-less engines appear in Qoros production vehicles. The Beijing Motor Show debut signals growing interest in advanced valvetrain concepts among Chinese and international manufacturers.
