American engineering firm Scuderi is expecting to license a new ultra-efficient engine design called the ‘split-cycle’ within the next 12 months. The design uses a revolutionary new system to provide engines that release significantly less emissions than current offerings and is claimed to be one of the most efficient internal combustion engine designs in the world.

Typical combustion engines are 33% efficient at the moment - meaning that they use about 1/3 of the power available in the fuel they burn. The Scuderi engine pushes this figure to nearly 40%, a major breakthrough achieved through some clever technology, reports Automotive News.

The Scuderi engine splits the strokes of the four-stroke cycle over a pair of dedicated compression and power cylinders, meaning that the design of each cylinder can be independently optimized to perform the separate and distinct tasks of compression and power. This means that engines can be designed in ways that were impossible before, making the technology one of the most sought after products in the industry.

By next year Scuderi is planning on introducing both petrol and diesel prototypes, with both engines greatly reducing emissions and increasing fuel-efficiency. The deal would allow a manufacturer to purchase the technology and develop it as they see fit. At this point it seems that a non-U.S. automaker will likely win the bid but nothing is in writing at the moment and this could change.