Polimotor 2: Return Of The Plastic Engine

The idea may seem somewhat weird, but it seems that (in theory, at least) an engine fully made out of plastics is a viable idea. A Belgian company is currently working on an engine that will be built without any ferrous parts, the Polimotor 2.

This is not the first time they have built such an engine; in 1985, their team of scientists found a way to build an engine based on the Ford Pinto’s design out of Torlon, a polymer made with fiberglass. Weighing 168 pounds, this engine made 290 horsepower and revved up to 8500 rpm. Fitted in a Lola T616 racecar, it proved to be reliable enough to win an IMSA race on the grueling Road America circuit.

The original team of engineers that worked on that engine are currently updating their original idea. They will keep the basic layout, but will use more modern materials, like carbon fibre, to drop some weight; they believe the new mill will weigh 138 pounds. With the added benefit of a turbocharger, it should develop 450 horsepower.

As soon as Polimotor 2 works, the team intends to make it race. The mill will power a Norma M20 racecar that will enter a race at Lime Rock Park in 2016.

Will we see plastic engines in our cars soon? And with the advancements of 3D printing, will we be able to print our own parts?