Variable compression connecting rods

Well what will they think of next? I’m not against fuel economy but it seems our single minded emphasis on fuel economy costs us in the total dollars, complexity, and durability of our machines. All of a sudden what used to be a $2000 engine is a $10,000 one with major expensive repairs maybe due before 300,000 miles. I dunno, I hope its worth it for the $1000 a year average people spend on fuel for their mobility.

Here’s images of the “Fuel Research Engine”: