Patent ID: 7024858

Claim:
An internal combustion engine for a vehicle, said internal combustion engine providing variable displacement and comprising: a single unitary engine block; first and second engine crankshafts mounted within said a single unitary engine block; at least two first cylinders and pistons received in each of said first cylinders to define combustion chambers therein and connected to said first engine crankshaft to rotatably drive said first crankshaft by combustion of fuel in the combustion chambers of said first cylinders; at least two second cylinders and pistons received in each of the second cylinders to define combustion chambers therein and connected to said second crankshaft to rotatably drive said second crankshaft by combustion of fuel in the combustion chambers of said second cylinders; a common output shaft for receiving power output from both of said first and second crankshafts, for combining the power outputs and for powering travel of the vehicle with the combined power output; a first clutch connecting one of said first and second crankshafts to said common output shaft, whereby said common output shaft can be driven either in a first mode by outputs of both of said first and second crankshafts with said clutch engaged or in a second mode by output of only one of said first and second crankshafts with the other of said first and second crankshafts isolated from rotation of said output shaft by disengagement of said first clutch; first and second starter gearing independently and respectively associated with said first and second crankshafts; and a starter mounted for selective and direct engagement with the starter gearing of either of said first and second crankshafts.