A engine capable of combining gasoline and diesel has resurfaced as fresh news, although its technological basis, Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI), was introduced in 2010 by Professor Rolf Reitz. It promises a thermal efficiency of 60% and lower emissions, but no manufacturer has brought it into series production.
How RCCI dual-fuel combustion works 🔧
The RCCI system injects gasoline into the intake port and diesel directly into the cylinder during compression. Due to their different reactivities, the gasoline is ignited by the diesel, creating a more controlled and homogeneous combustion. This reduces the formation of NOx and particulates, avoiding costly filters or catalysts. Development achieved efficiencies of 60% in the laboratory, but its implementation in a production car remains an unresolved technical challenge.
The viral engine that has been waiting for its chance for 14 years ⏳
RCCI has become famous again on social media, even though it sounds like that song everyone hums but no one knows when it's from. The technology promises to be the holy grail of combustion, but manufacturers look at it like a distant cousin: interesting, but they'd rather not invite it to dinner. Meanwhile, the engine remains viral... without ever having left the garage.