Connecting rod with increased effective length and engine using same

A crankshaft 12, a piston 14, and a connecting rod 16 coupling the piston to the crankshaft. The piston 14 has an arcuate track slot 40 that receives and guides a rider pin 42 coupled to the connecting rod 16. The rider pin 42 travels side-to-side along the arcuate track slot 40 as the piston 14 reciprocates so that the connecting rod 16 pivots about the center of curvature 48 of the arcuate track slot, which is above the piston 14. In this way, the connecting rod 16 has an effective length that is greater than its actual length, and its maximum angle at mid-stroke is reduced, resulting in increased power transmitted to the crankshaft 12.