This company is developing a new air-cooled flat-eight engine. It looks amazing

If we are to believe recent news, internal combustion engines are not going anywhere. Despite all the pessimism, consumers still prefer gasoline-powered cars, and enthusiasts will soon have a new car to add to their next project. It comes from Runge Cars, and it’s not your everyday project car, it’s a 5.3 liter, air-cooled car.

Called the Hetzer, the four-cam, 32-valve engine will power Runge’s new R3, a chassis and body design from the Minnesota company. The R3, which the company says is “specially designed to deliver the most visceral analogue driving experience available today,” pairs the new engine with a six-speed manual transmission.

The car itself weighs 1,720 pounds and took seven years to develop.

“The engine is more than just a machine, it’s a statement,” said company founder Christopher Runge. “It’s an engine that not only pushes the limits, but fits seamlessly into our air-cooled performance heritage.

Runge worked with Swindon Powertrain, a 50-plus-year-old company that manufactures bespoke powertrains and engine components, and air-cooled specialist Sol Snyderman on the flat-eight design.
The company didn’t provide any performance specs, but it will have a redline of 9,000 rpm and will have “direct compute” with air cooling. Porsche 911 Platforms.

The first three engines will be Runge exclusive commissions. Runge will begin taking customer orders for the engine and R3 later this year. We’ll have pricing, full specifications and performance figures “in the coming months”.

The internal combustion engine will not die

Despite regulatory pressure, American consumers are not flocking to electric vehicles as expected, forcing automakers to continue investing in combustion engines. Ferrari’s chief research and development officer said recently The engines haven’t peaked yet. The company recently said it would do so Continue investing in itincluding V-12.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have also said they are Committed to combustion engines For the foreseeable future. Gas engines are not going to die, and we continue to have great aftermarket products that will keep them alive longer.