Wave Disk Generator http://news.discovery.com/autos/new-car-engine-sends-shockwaves-through-auto-industry-110405.html [video]http://blogs.discovery.com/.a/6a00d8341bf67c53ef014e874784bb970d-800wi[/video]
Interesting, I'm guessing it's got a narrow torque/efficiency range, and from the article I'm guessing it's targeted only as a range extender. If it pans out. Ah, and there it is, in the picture, Wave disk electric generator. It will be interesting to see as they get closer to manufacturability whether they can best a free piston engine. My takeaway is: the drivetrain will still need to transition to electric, good batteries still needed.
looks like compressor and turbine wheels sharing the same fan blades & housing. If this works out, great! People can have a range-extended hybrid like GM Volt, with a great pure electric driving experience, and say good bye to piston engines.