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Any improvements of the fuel economy with engines are always required for all petroleum fuel vehicles. Such improvements often accompany some changes of the engine characteristics. It may cause slight disharmony with driving performances of the acceleration and/or top speed. The riding feelings on the motorcycles are so sensitive that means of changes for engine characteristics are limited to maintain good response in transition. We have developed the strong hybrid motorcycle "HV-X." It consists of a 4-stroke 250 cm₃ a cylinder engine and two 300V AC motors with a planetary gear set. Though the engine comes from a conventional scooter, utilizing the electric power, the HV-X attains better fuel economy without severe influence onto the drive performance even the engine character changes.

We focus on the control issue for engine systems from the perspective of chaos theory, which is based on the fact that engine systems have a low-dimensional chaotic dynamics. Two approaches are discussed: controlling chaos and harnessing chaos, respectively. We apply Pyragas' chaos control method to an actual engine system. The experimental results show that the chaotic motion of an engine system may be stabilized to a periodic motion. Alternatively, harnessing chaos for engine systems is addressed, which regards chaos as an essential dynamic mode for the engine.

The Milner CVT is a patented [1] rolling traction transmission offering advantages of high power density and simplicity of construction and operation. A 90 mm diameter prototype variator is described which was sized for a maximum rated input power of 12 kW. Experimental data are presented demonstrating high efficiency and low shift forces. Resistance to overload torque is shown to be exceptional and preliminary durability trials indicate a highly viable concept for series production. Based upon the measured data, characteristics of larger variators are predicted and prospects for automotive applications discussed.