MELROSE PARK, Ill. -- Navistar International and EcoMotors International have signed a deal to support the latter company's opoc (Opposed Piston-Opposed Cylinder) engine architecture.

EcoMotors' first product targeted for commercial application is a turbo-diesel version of the opposed-piston, opposed-cylinder engine.

Khosla Ventures' and Bill Gates are said to be major investors.

"We are delighted that Navistar, a global leader in the commercial vehicle industry, has recognized the game-changing promise of opoc," said Vinod Khosla.

"The only truly disruptive technologies are those that can provide not only rapid payback but also economic and carbon benefits to large segments of the world's population without the need for subsidies or massive infrastructure investments. Among next-generation propulsion systems, the opoc engine is broadly applicable and can provide lower carbon emissions than almost any other technology."

OPOC a 'game changer?'

The patented, "ground-breaking" internal combustion engine will operate on a number of different fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas and ethanol.

The companies say the opoc engine comprises two opposing cylinders per module, with a crankshaft between them-each cylinder has two pistons moving in opposite directions.

This design configuration eliminates the cylinder-head and valve-train components of conventional engines, offering an efficient, compact and simple core engine structure. The result is an engine family that is lighter, more efficient and economical, with lower exhaust emissions.

Additionally, new developments in clutch technology enable customers to take advantage of the engine's modular displacement capability. The clutch assembly is housed between two engine modules, and is engaged when vehicle power demands require both modules to deliver power. When the power of the second module is not needed, the clutch is disengaged, allowing the second engine to stop completely.

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EcoMotors' opoc engine is said to offer a number of distinct advantages over traditional internal combustion engines. It has very high power density of nearly one horsepower per pound resulting in an unprecedented lightweight and compact engine. In addition, it also results in much less NVH than a conventional engine of comparable power.

It's elegantly simple design allows 50 percent fewer parts than a conventional engine, no cylinder heads or valve-train and uses conventional components, materials and processes

"The internal combustion piston engine has been the primary means of automotive propulsion for more than a century. Today, thousands of engineers around the world are working to improve this 19th century invention," the companies say in a joint press release.