Yeah, I don't see this happening either. The technology to make this all happen is coming eventually, but certainly not without a LOT of technology.
Nissan, GM and Ferrari are the closest I've seen with the technology for this. Unfortunately, you'll need all of their technologies together to make it work... and then some.
What's required is the ability to change timing, valve lift, valve duration, compression, and displacement all dynamically at any given time. Take GM's or BMW's displacement on demand technology, Ferrari's valve technology, and figure out a way to change compression dynamically and you can create a motor that can handle both extremes; switchable between 100MPG and 500HP.
Nissan's valve technology is cool and a good step in the right direction, but Ferrari's technology is far better, removing cams all-together and using servos/actuators to control the valve's duration and lift. Although that's an expensive method, it's a better method. Removing the cams from the motor and using servos removes spinning mass, chains/belts, engine strain from the springs, and allows the use of a dynamic virtual cam to be used removing the need for internal modifications that support one or the other extreme of performance or fuel economy.
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2002 Corvette Z06 - Totaled
2003 Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary
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