Impressive

[Rajesh Koothrappali]

An engine that is more powerful (but has less torque) than the V8 in the current SS Commodore, is the size of a piece carry-on luggage and weighs just 40kg!

Nissan Unveils Revolutionary Engine to Complement Electric ZEOD RC Powerplant - Nissan Online Newsroom

 

[BOOST666]

Now that's impressive...

 

[Immortality]

There comparing it to the next generation F1 engine, an engine that has a lot of limitations on it unlike the Nissan item.

 

[PIR4TE]

Interesting thermodynamics, given the energy source for an engine is the finite sum of chemical energy stored in the fuel.
On regular gasoline our 6.0 V8 @ 400hp generates ~4,180,000 BTU per hour. In other words 1642 hp total fuel energy is generated to produce 400 hp at the flywheel (25% thermal efficiency). The rest goes out the exhaust as lost heat, into the cooling system (coolant, oil and surrounding airflow).
So for a 1500cc engine to produce same 400hp at the flywheel would mean 100% thermal efficiency using same regular gasoline.
Else it uses different fuel or significantly more fuel, even with a turbocharger the BSFC vs stoic ratio doesn't add up.
No, it's not just because racecar or turbos rule, this goes beyond the thermodynamics of an Otto cycle, the engine likely uses combined heat and power (CHP).
From the pics this engine appears to have no cooling system apart from the rail on the underside of the intake and exhaust near the valves, I suspect thermal efficiency gains come from unseen technology components in the handbag sized turbo air pump.
I think it incorporates a heat engine design similar to the Stirling Engine.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine

 

[VRSenator065]

Same company that said the R35 was the quickest road car ever around the 'ring, only thing was nobody else could match it, Porsche even bought one and proved it was bs. Same company that last year developed the "delta wing" race car for le Mans only thing was it never actually lived up to any of its hype either. They do have a bit of a history of unsubstantiated claims.....

Having said that the 1.5L BMW turbo in the 80's F1 era in qualifying form reputably put out over 1200hp, so it can be done.

 

[AirStrike]

Good to see a company putting it's research dollars towards new technologies.

 

[NU13]

Are they putting there money toward technology or marketing?

 

[AirStrike]

Are they putting there money toward technology or marketing?

Both like any smart company.

 

[Immortality]

Same company that said the R35 was the quickest road car ever around the 'ring, only thing was nobody else could match it, Porsche even bought one and proved it was bs. Same company that last year developed the "delta wing" race car for le Mans only thing was it never actually lived up to any of its hype either. They do have a bit of a history of unsubstantiated claims.....

Having said that the 1.5L BMW turbo in the 80's F1 era in qualifying form reputably put out over 1200hp, so it can be done.

There was talk of those engines making 1500hp in qualifying form. They did run some bloody exotic fuels though.

 

[Dr HaxZaw]

There was talk of those engines making 1500hp in qualifying form. They did run some bloody exotic fuels though.

Could also have had something to do with the massive amounts of boost... that and mechanics with a spare engine sitting in the pits ready for an engine change as qualifying lasted an hour