Steyr backs monobloc
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• Austrian vehicle manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch has developed its own high-speed, direct-injection diesel-engine for use in light commercials, passenger cars and marine applications. The unit is a fourstroke, in-line, high-speed, direct-injection diesel that comes in six-cylinder 3.2-litre and four-cylinder, 2.1-litre guises.
The most unusual feature of the MlMonobloc engine is that the cylinder-head is nondetachable, and the head, block and crankcase are cast as one. Steyr claims that this method allows greater freedom on the design of the inlet tracts, as there are no cylinder-head studs to get in the way, and it also reduces the weight and the cost of the unit.
Another feature of the engine's design is the aluminium alloy engine casing that completely encloses the one-piece crankcase casting, and acts as an oil pan at the bottom of the engine. It is claimed that this encapsulation reduces the noise levels from the engine to below those of petrol engines of similar output.
The unit's advanced features include unit pump injectors that allow an injector pressure of up to 1,500 bar (22,000psi). The advanced specification of the unit allows fairly high power outputs that range from 75kW from the turbocharged, fourcylinder unit, to 123kW from the turbocharged and intercooled, six-cylinder unit.
Steyr has set up a whollyowned subsidiary called Monobloc Diesel Engines to produce the engine. While the research and development has been so far funded by Steyr, the company is hoping to find a collaborative partner to help produce the engines.
Finding the funds, however, is not the main problem for the Austrian company, as the Austrian government has loans available for projects like this. The main hold-up with the project is finding a customer for the engine. Although Commercial Motor understands that BMW has shown some interest in the unit, Steyr is currently negotiating with a number of manufacturers, and expects to announce the first production order in the second half of the year for applications that include light duty trucks.
In designing the engine, Steyr has looked closely at the unsuccessful Leyland 500 monobloc diesel-engine that was in production through the 1970s and fitted to Leyland Buffaloes, Bisons, Lynx and some National Bus vehicles.