What Is Koenigsegg FreeValve? Camless Engine!
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN commenters cite it as a clear, short explanation of how Koenigsegg's camless engine works, mostly in threads about that engine or about the future of internal combustion.
Recommended by 1 people across 1 different months, 2016 to 2026.
What it is
Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained walks through Koenigsegg's FreeValve camless engine, where actuators replace the camshaft and give each valve independent lift, timing and duration. He covers the claimed benefits: easier Atkinson cycle operation, cylinder deactivation, no throttle body, better packaging, and up to 30% more power and efficiency with 50% less emissions.
What people said
Recommends irjustin · 2020-03 · Hacker News · on “Koenigsegg’s 2.0-liter no-camshaft engine makes 600 horsepower”
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] [this video]
Cites iheartmemcache · 2016-12 · Hacker News · on “Tesla's next-generation Superchargers should be much faster”
If we're talking 'next-gen' tech vs 'next-gen' tech, let's be a little fairer, newer cars are using the Atkinson not the Otto[1]. Throw in the fact that we're no longer tied to a camshaft for timing[2], cylinders can be shutdown at will (e.g. you're in bumper-to-bumper on the 405 or 101, your Benz-AMG or Stage 3 Mustang doesn't really need all 8 cylinders firing) and the fact that most manufacturers have at least one car with the option to reclaim that heat (i.e. even Ford Mustangs, notorious for being gas guzzling pony cars, have a turbo-hybrid configuration option) and things for the ICE look a little less bleak. I'm all for pure-electric cars but we're still a long way from Joe the miner
Cites lathiat · 2026-10 · Hacker News · on “Engineering Explained: I Fact-Checked Every Stunt in the Tesla Roadster Reveal [video]”
Some other videos I enjoyed from him.. many non Tesla related videos, and many with some math/research/engineering explanations showing up. When to shift gears for the best Fuel Economy ( [LINK] ) The Unfortunate Truth About Toyota's Hydrogen V8 Engine ( [LINK] ) Here's The Proof... Tesla Cybertruck vs Porsche 911 Drag Race ( [LINK] ) How To Ruin Your Electric Car's Battery - NMC Edition! ( [LINK] ) How To Ruin Your Electric Car's Battery - LFP Edition! ( [LINK] ) What Is Koenigsegg FreeValve? Camless Engine! ( [this video] )