The Road to 35 MPG: Analysis From 2009—the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4314756.html

The Road to 35 MPG: Analysis From 2009—the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress

At this year's SAE World Congress there is a sense of urgency and excitement in the air as the gathered automotive engineers begin to tackle what may be the toughest challenge yet: Dramatically increasing fuel economy in the U.S. The government's 35-mpg requirement that goes into effect in 2020 is a 30 percent jump from today's fuel-economy standard. Since a new car takes about four years to design, test, and bring to market, carmakers need to stay ahead of the technology curve. So how will automakers hit that target? Paul Najt, the Group Manager of GM's powertrain research lab said, "There's no silver bullet." Instead, small incremental improvements in all areas will add up to major savings. Here's how automakers will do it.

By Larry Webster
Published on: April 24, 2009

Engines

Expect to see smaller engines, with plenty of efficiency-boosting features. Variable valve timing and lift will become much more common, turbos will be used to offset power losses from smaller engines, and gradually more engine accessories like water and power-steering pumps will be electrically driven. New coatings and roller bearings will reduce engine friction. It's also very possible that we'll finally see camless, electromagnetically operated valves. Of course diesels and hybrids will make up an increasing part of the mix, but those options have cost penalties. Those powertrains "must have dramatic improvements in cost," says John German, from the International Council for Clean Transportation. His opinion is not universally shared, however. Asian manufacturers pointed to the low-cost Honda Insight Hybrid, while the Europeans seem to be banking on clean-diesel technology. John Juriga, the Director of Hyundai and Kia U.S. powertrain development, said that "every company has their own unique path."

Transmissions

Kiss the four-speed automatic goodbye. The coming trend will be more gears to obtain a larger ratio spread. More speeds means the engine doesn't have to work as hard, saving fuel. Double-clutch automated transmissions will become much more common. Look at VW: "Our seven-speed DSG transmission can produce 14 percent less CO2 than a six-speed automatic," says Norbert Krause, the director of VW's engineering and environment. And of course, engineers will attack friction, with the same strategies used on engines.

Chassis and Body

The consensus we heard from industry experts? Aerodynamic development has somewhat stalled in recent years. But that will quickly change. However, the improvements will be subtle and perhaps not easily recognizable. Air intakes will shrink and windows will become flush with the body. Also, aerodynamicists will pay particular attention to the vehicle underbody, which accounts for 10 to 20 percent of a car's drag. Expect to see larger underbody trays on all cars. And lower-rolling-resistance tires will become the norm rather than the exception.

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[phantom power]

1. Oh good grief, just build a fleet of Plymouth Horizons.

Do I have to micromanage everything?

[truedelphi]

2. Cleaning out the garage last week, I discovered old car ads from the late '70s

Cars were getting 28 Mpg in the city and 36 Mpg on the highway. Back in 1979 to 1981!

What is so fabulous about the raise in standards being cited here?

We have got to have the most backwards legislative, sold out Congressional body in the WORLD!!

[Fotoware58]

5. Subaru's

Yeah, I was very disappointed to find that my choices in Subaru's were limited to a mere 28 mpg on the highways. Sure, they will go over 100 mph but, I sure never drive over 80. Otherwise, I do like my Forester S class with a ton of bells and whistles.

[truedelphi]

6. ANd these 1970's 1980's cars that go so well

On smaller amounts of gas were things like the Chrysler K car, and AMC's!

I do like the Subaru though - envy friends whohave them.

[Turbineguy]

3. The biggest barrier to fuel economy

are the auto makers' own marketers who push the need for 300 horsepower so drivers can feel powerful.

[CRF450]

7. Thats mostly a load of crap. Cars have gotten heavy again, thats the main problem

The engines themselves are getting more efficient over time, same goes for high powered engines. The Corvette with a 6.2 436hp v8 gets way better fuel mileage compared to the 230hp 4.7 v8 in my truck. 22mpg average compared to 15mpg that I'm getting, and those cars even get up to 30mpg on the HWY easily. My 01 Trans Am, 6 speed with a 350hp v8 does. The reason why it gets better is simple, its an aerodynamic, lightweight sports car.

[NYC_SKP]

4. Designers squandered improved technology on HP and acceleration instead of fuel economy.

Add to that the growing share to light trucks and SUV and it's been ten steps backwards.

[CRF450]

8. see post 7 n/t