FreeValve camless engine shown in Qoros concept at 2016 Beijing Auto Show

Engineering outfit FreeValve, a sister company to Swedish supercar marque Koenigsegg, is developing a new type of engine that does away with the camshaft.

The so-called “camless” engine relies on pneumatic valve actuators to open valves, which are then closed by air pressure or springs. The process is referred to as Pneumatic Hydraulic Electric Actuation (PHEA).

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The beauty of PHEA is that it enables an engine’s ECU to have full control over each individual valve. Where camshaft technology has always been limited to the relationship between the valves and the camshaft position, PHEA allows independent control over every valve’s precise opening/closing position and timing throughout the combustion cycle.

According to FreeValve, PHEA will allow car companies to deliver powertrains that are smaller, lighter and more powerful than existing designs but with greater economy and reduced emissions.

HOW IT WORKS: Video shows inner workings of Koenigsegg’s camless engine