Seems like what is happening to glow engines is happening on full scale cars too ? 

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/suck-squeeze-bang-bust-the-death-of-internal-combustion

PS: I am sure Capt Manish has some comment on this

"Each time you put 10 gallons of gas in your car only three of those are actually used to move you forward."

NICE

the same technology has been applied in a hybrid car by toyota...it was being shown on discovery science a few days back

Any new technology will have its hurdles for mass acceptance.

Its true that IC engines have only about 20% efficiency. However, with all the investments from the oil companies, IC engines are not going to vanish all of a sudden. In fact, these companies would directly or indirectly suppress any new technology that might risk their bottom line business.