I expected this to be mass produced by now. Does anyone know where I can find the dyno/torque graphs for this 3 cylinder?

 

Expectations for production are limited for most show models. As for dyno/torque charts of experimental test engines, you can forget it. Those are locked in an R&D research lab somewhere in Japan.

 

Why tease us with the 400hp/285ft/lb. numbers and not flesh out the whole performance profile? Did they ever have any intention of putting this engine out or were they afraid of cannabalizing their existing product market with this great achievement? I can think of hundreds of retrofits where this engine would shine, it's a shame it's not available as a crate purchase.

 

Methinks your eyes were dazzled by the marketing hype. Do a little more research and you'll find plenty of reasons the ZEOD concept was never advanced. As for crate motors, the only examples I'm aware of is NISMO producing LMP2 V8s for paying (and established) race customers.

 

I accepted the published Nissan numbers as fact, are you saying I shouldn't have? The underlying theories of the design are sound. Fewer cylinders are statistically more reliable and have less resistive surface than more cylinders and are smoother running than two cylinders. What do YOU think I should believe about that engine?

 

You can believe whatever you want. But a three piston design--despite less swept area and friction--has inherent vibration issues and may not meet durability or emission targets. In any case, Nissan elected to put more R&D effort into other concepts, like the new VC-turbo, which did make production. This radical; variable compression engine is now on sale in the Infiniti QX50 and the 2019 Altima.

 

So can you I'm not confident in the VC design but I am in the three cylinders with 120 degree separation for smoothness. Has the Leaf inherited this engine? If so, has anyone tried to push its performance?

 

The Leaf is strictly an EV. There won't be an internal combustion engine associated with the line.

As for the three cylinder engine, it's a mystery why you're so stuck in your belief in it's feasibility. Many car manufacturers besides Nissan have experimented with that configuration for decades. No one to date has developed a variation with a sufficient balance of performance, economy and emissions control to make it to production.

 

Why do I like the 1.5L inline 3 Zeod?
1. relatively simple design.
2. incredible power density.
3. flexibility in its mounting and positioning.
4. torque that doesn't require an upgraded driveline.
5. weight reduction up front and its effect on handling.
What makes you think its unsuitable for a retrofit?

 

I'm no Nissan engineer, but if that experimental engine had been that impressive, they would have developed it further. The fact that Project leader Darren *** was fired from Nissan and many of his claims were fantasy at best, makes me skeptical.