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Comment by irjustin | Hacker News Reader

EngineeringExpalined has a great video[0] on the overall mechanics of the system.

Sadly, I don't expect to see this in regular Ford or Toyotas any time soon. The cost benefit combined design upgrade and tooling change is just not practical.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJXgKY2O4po

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I wonder if this engine is only 3 cylinders because of the cost of the valves? Fewer cylinders, fewer valves...

They said in the article basically "why make it bigger than it has to be? It does the job and leaves more room for passenger space."

Just like for motorcycles, 3 cyl is the ideal for both torque and revs. Bi is all torque, 4 is all revs, and the 3 is just in between.

I find 3 cyl motorcycles slow and lack top end.

I don't know how you'd come to that conclusion.

maybe he rides motorcycles and tried them

Well, yes. But I've never ridden a triple that wasn't quick. A triumph street triple has plenty of power and a good top end, a triump __speed__ triple, or MV Agusta Brutale has ludicrous power and a good top end. A triumph rocket 3 is, well, its' a cruiser, so it's never built for a top end. A Yammy MT-09 is lower on top end, sure. But it's the cheapest of the bunch and has lots of torque.

They only lack top end power compared to the 1000cc inline-4 engines which sit in track-focused supersports.

Which is like saying, "I found the Ford Focus RS lacking in power compared to a Porsche 911 Turbo S".

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