JD> all, Turbines have 1 moving part and develop more HP pound for pound
 JD> than  any reciprocating piston engine along with the attendant higher
 JD> reliability since there are so few parts.
Turbines have their own unique problems also.  A turbine is inefficient at
low speeds, so you have to factor in the added weight of gear reduction
to reuce the uotput to a usable RPM.
Also, the higher speed causes some difficulties with coolant and oil
circulation.  Generally, coolant and oil pumps operate at a relatively low
RPM, requiring yet more complexity to drive them at appropriate speeds.
Higher shaft speed will also result in accelerated bearing wear, unless the
lubricating oil is kept scrupulously clean and continuously fed.
Turbines generally run at a much higher temperature, with accompanying
problems created for the cooling system.  Exhaust temperatures may also be
rather high.
I will admit that my turbine experience has been with steam and gas turbine
marine propulsion, so I may not be aware of methods by which these problems
can be solved in an automotive application.
Kevin
... No, no, nurse! I said SLIP off his SPECTACLES!!
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