bilmotorers

Bilmotorer, or car engines, are the powerplants that drive most road vehicles. They convert chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical work that propels the vehicle, most commonly through internal combustion. The two main types are spark-ignition engines, typically running on gasoline, and compression-ignition engines, or diesels. Spark-ignition engines use a timed electrical spark to ignite an air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, while diesel engines rely on high compression to ignite fuel injected into hot compressed air.

Engine configurations vary by cylinder layout and size. Common layouts include inline (straight) engines, V engines, and flat (boxer) engines. The number of cylinders and their displacement influence power and smoothness; the inline-four is among the most prevalent configurations for passenger cars. Core components include the engine block, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and the valvetrain (camshaft, valves). The fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, and lubrication system are also essential to operation. Modern engines often feature turbocharging, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and start-stop technology to improve efficiency and performance.

Emissions control is a central consideration in engine design, with catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation, and particle filters addressing pollutants. In recent decades, hybrid powertrains that pair internal combustion engines with electric motors have become common, reducing fuel use and emissions. Looking forward, car engines are increasingly complemented or replaced by electrification and alternative fuels, while ongoing innovations aim to improve efficiency, reduce weight, and trim environmental impact.