4 Engineering Steps to 34.1 MPG

[Chuck]

Start/stop systems can yield a 5 to 8 percent improvement in efficiency when driving in urban environments. Unfortunately, the methodology of current EPA test cycles does not reflect those benefits.

Sam Abuelsamid - POPULARMECHANICS - Mar 4, 2010

In urban traffic, autostop/FAS is more like 15% --Ed.

Now that the Obama Administration has set the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard at 34.1 mpg by the year 2016, along with tightening CO2 emissions regulations, the world's automotive engineers can lock in their product plans for the next several years. During the first panel discussion at this year's SAE World Congress, titled "Near-Term Powertrain Solutions—Before 2016," executives from Chrysler, Ford, Honda and Hyundai/Kia discussed how they plan to meet the new criteria. While battery-operated, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains continue to grab most of the headlines, the reality is that electrified technologies will compose only a small percentage of the market in the near to mid-term. Old-school gas–piston engines are likely to remain in use for several more decades, and still have plenty of room for improvement. Barb Samardzich, Ford's VP of global powertrain development, emphasized that efficiency solutions must be affordable. In order to make a tangible difference in overall fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the technology "has to be [available] in hundreds of thousands or millions of units," Sanardzich said.

Here are some of the technologies and innovations that auto engineers are hoping will bring their fleets up to 34.1 mpg.... [Read More]

[PaleMelanesian]

Not a bad list.

- Under transmission tweaks, I'd have to put "manual transmission with decent gear ratios".
- Under engine downsizing, I'd put diesel as well, but that's just not happening apparently.
- Start/stop. ok, sure. Not that big a deal, though.
- Lighter weight. Yes.

Aerodynamics not mentioned?

[Chuck]

Aerodynamics should have been on the list.

[worthywads]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

Not a bad list.

- Under transmission tweaks, I'd have to put "manual transmission with decent gear ratios".

+1

My tacoma is well geared, but could probably use a little higher for those driving 75-80. My wife's Element on the other had is crazy low spinning 3000 at 60mph????? vs 2000 at 61mph. Stupid beyond any explaination besides "seems sporty" or "automatics makes Honda more money" Didn't do my homework on the Honda.

[bomber991]

Originally Posted by Chuck

Aerodynamics should have been on the list.

Yes, it should have. Start/Stop systems for urban driving, aerodynamics for highway driving.

[ArizonaChris]

Dont forget low rolling resistance tires~

[JusBringIt]

where does this 34.1mpg figure come from???

[PaleMelanesian]

The new CAFE standard. It's 34.1 mpg if they can meed certain evap emissions standards (pzev?). If not, then they have to meet 35 mpg.

[JusBringIt]

I dunno about you, but I think they went the wrong way on that one. 36mpg without meeting pzev and 35 if you do. It's bad enough they're only going up to 35mpg.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

What's bad is that isn't the value that has to be met on the sticker.