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So when the new Yamaha R1 came out a couple years ago with the new cross plane crankshaft, the first thing I asked myself was "why hasn't any car (sports cars in particular) manufacturer out there used this design on their inline four engine?" I suppose it's the same reasons why no other bike manufacturer have done it until now (mass production.) I understand what's involved in including this in a new car in terms of the manufacturing process and marketing which may be more trouble than what its worth for many companies but what about in the tuning and motorsports world?
People/tuners out there that use stronger, high rpm-balanced aftermarket crankshafts are, almost by default, also using aftermarket cams, stand-alone ECUs and ignition systems which is what would be needed to make a cross plane crank function properly with the rest of the components in the first place. Not to mention, at that level of tuning, getting a cross plane crankshaft to work wouldn't be much more of a challenge than using a factory style one.
This is probably the best video I've found regarding the cross plane design in terms of its advantages in a riding-at-the-limit scenario which, of course, would translate to four wheels as well.
(Technical discussion begins at 2:20)
Part 1
Part 2
People/tuners out there that use stronger, high rpm-balanced aftermarket crankshafts are, almost by default, also using aftermarket cams, stand-alone ECUs and ignition systems which is what would be needed to make a cross plane crank function properly with the rest of the components in the first place. Not to mention, at that level of tuning, getting a cross plane crankshaft to work wouldn't be much more of a challenge than using a factory style one.
This is probably the best video I've found regarding the cross plane design in terms of its advantages in a riding-at-the-limit scenario which, of course, would translate to four wheels as well.
(Technical discussion begins at 2:20)
Part 1
Part 2
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