Increased Internal Combustion Efficiency

Interesting article - New steam technology to turn car engine's waste heat to power. Sounds like common sense. And then this article that talks of cars that could get 100 MPG, The old motor roars back from the Economist.

Key Points:

• Technology can change the Engine from a diesel type to standard gasoline type increasing mileage.
• Supercharger can increase mileage and torque by 40%, reducing the size of the engine needed.
• Electromagnetic control of valves instead of a mechanical solution. My guess is a solenoid, but may be a small motor. Allows huge gains in control and ability to shut off valves when not needed.
• An engine that can switch from 2 to 4 stroke, estimated increase in efficiency by 27%.

Wow! Now what was that reason again for not increasing the US Fuel Efficiency standards?