The Scuderi Group was formed in 2002 after the passing of its founder, Carmelo Scuderi (1925-2002), who in 2001 filed the first patent for the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine. After early seed funding, the company - formed by Carmelo's eight children - raised $15 million in private funding that has supported the research and development of the Air-Hybrid engine design by the world-renowned independent laboratory, Southwest Research Institute.
Initial studies project the engine has the potential when fully developed to achieve significant gains in fuel efficiency while emitting up to 80 percent less toxic emissions than any vehicle on the road today. These developments represent what could be the most significant improvement in internal combustion engines since the introduction of the Otto cycle over 130 years ago.
These breakthroughs have caught the eye of major automotive OEMs around the world who view the Scuderi Engine as a realistic solution to tough emission control mandates and an answer to consumer demand for better fuel efficiency as gas prices continue to fluctuate. Of the 20 largest engine manufacturers in the world, 14 are in discussions about acquiring the rights to the engine's technology.
In 2008, the Scuderi Group raised an additional $20 million to continue R&D and accelerate marketing activities. With the first prototype - a naturally aspirated gasoline split-cycle engine - finally assembled in January 2009, work continues to further develop the Scuderi Engine's enhancing features. In the next two years, proof-of-concept prototypes for the turbocharged gasoline Scuderi Engine, the gasoline Scuderi Air-Hybrid engine and its diesel versions will also be completed.