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I don't know a lot about engine design, but I do know that Dean's right about the dissimilar materials next to each other being a bad thing. Aside from the thermal problem, using the same material for block/head will also decrease your chances of corrosion in that interface.
I think the weight savings is more for PR purposes than anything else. I read here that the weight difference is 37lb. That's of arguable significance in the overall weight of the vehicle. In the big picture of a car redesign, I'd think that there will be more significant weight changes elsewhere (i.e. chassis). It makes a big difference to use Aluminum as a major structural material versus steel, but not so much just with the engine itself.
Have they lightened the engine in any other significant ways? Camshafts, connecting rods/pistons? This kind of stuff can transform the nature of the beast.
J mentions weight balance. This is always a balancing act (pun unintended) with front drive cars. Take away some of the front bias and you get improved handling characteristics, but at the same time you lose weight on your drive wheels. I read that the new car maintains a 60/40 weight distribution, and it's overall weight is greater than prev. gen 9-3, so it seems there's some additional weight up front to me.
I think all-Aluminum has its advantages, and I'm glad to see Saab taking that step (one of the last to finally do so), but I think its significance is overstated. At least in the beginning, I think the new engine will be less reliable than the old one. It's gonna go through some growing pains, no matter how well designed it is, or how much potential it may have for the future. The old one was tried and true...maybe one of (the?) most well developed and reliable engines in the world (beside's Porsche's boxer 6).
Cheers,
'Roo
posted by 12.13.238...
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