Six New Technologies Will Help Manufacturers Reach the 35 MPG Goal (Without Hybrids)
As the automakers scramble to make plans for achieving 35 MPG by 2020, it seems that our suspicions that the task is entirely possible without fancy hybrids or hydrogen cars has been confirmed. The manufacturers been achieving high mileage in Europe and Japan for years now, so I expect to see it in the US eventually. Luckily, there are six exciting new technologies that are going to make it possible in the US.
These technologies are interesting because they come without the paradigm shift that seems to accompany buying a hybrid or a small economy car. Cars equipped with this green tech will be just like any other car, just more efficient.
More on the six new engine technologies after the break.
- Multistage oil pump: Oil pumps usually only pump oil out through one port, meaning that under every circumstance the pump ends up doing about the same amount of work. Multistage oil pumps, like those that are beginning to be released with some Toyotas, use two oil ports, one small and one larger, to make sure that the amount of oil being pump is optimized based on the operating conditions of the engine. During low-stress operation, only the smallest pump will be used. As the engine is put through its paces, it will switch to the large port, and finally, if you’re really going all out, both ports will open up to allow maximum flow.
- Shortened cylinder head: In the past, cylinder heads have remained a certain height in order to keep the valves aligned in operation. While this presents and issue for shorter cylinder heads (which save weight), guides on the top of the valve springs can be used in conjunction with standard valve guides to ensure smooth operation. The weight difference might not be that dramatic, but at the very least, it will cut down on some materials usage.
- Variable compression ratio: Engines are more efficient at higher compression ratios, but that doesn’t mean it’s always best to be running at the highest compression ratio you can. With that in mind, several manufacturers have begun exploring variable compression ratio engines, where the connecting rod length can be changed using an actuator so that during low-load operation (like driving on the freeway) compression ratio is reduced and fuel economy improves dramatically.
- Guided-spray turbo: The most important thing here is not the turbo, but the method of creating the air-fuel mix in the combustion chamber. The injectors and chamber have been redesigned so that spark plugs are positioned to more efficiently ignite the fuel-air mix and pistons have also been redesigned to create a swirling in the chamber (something that’s been used since Honda since 1992 in fuel economy-conscious engines). Together, all these designs make for incredibly efficient combustion, resulting in impressive power output and comparably good fuel economy numbers.
- Electromagnetic valve actuators: In my opinion, this is probably one of the neatest new technologies out there. By using electromagnets to control the valve train, the camshaft and all its friction losses and rotating mass would be replaced with a system of almost no moving parts that can also precisely control valve timing and adjust it to run the most efficiently in any condition. While expensive, this change could bring up to a 19% improvement in fuel efficiency, and might very well be implemented down the road.
- Hydraulic power electrification: Car makers have already begun this switch-over, as it is one of the most common-sense, and easiest things to do. Beginning with the move from belted radiator fans to electric, car makers have started trying to reduce parasitic loads on the engine. Because electric versions of things like power steering and A/C are more efficient (and run when the engine isn’t on, which is necessary for full hybrids), we’re already starting to see these things popping up on Honda and Toyota hybrid models. Soon manufacturers will be moving even to electric water pumps, which are more efficient and precise.
So, do we at Gas 2.0 anticipate seeing these technologies any time soon, or are they just more pie in the sky stuff that the automakers like to trot out to “prove” they’re “doing something.” Well, several of these we have seen already, and with the automakers scrambling to make 35 MPG in a very unfriendly market, it seems like the cheapest way to do so will be to use some of these tricks rather than trying to upgrade everyone to hybrids. Hopefully we’ll begin seeing these technologies in run-of-the-mill engines sooner, rather than later.
Source: PopMech
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The problem here in the States is that car manufacturers, be it American or foreign, know “best” what consumers want. Even if I wanted to, I cannot get a safe car (5 star crash rating all around) with great gas milage. I would love to get a VW Sharan or Touran with a clean TDI, or an A class Mercedes but they will not sell it here.
For all those saying that americans should just stop driving large cars and drive start driving smaller ones, dont compare the US to Europe. What do I mean? Well, a big car is great when driving 6+ hours just for a weekend get-away. Also ever been in NY during rush hours? I need that extra cab room my escalade offers, or Id lose my head. Many people in the US commute 3+ hours each day to get to work. Why not be comfortable? And still get 35 mpg?
I say lets do it.
Interesting article but poorly edited and how about some sources?
Heh, when will you europeans build a car that can comfortably fit my large frame? I love your cars, but I simply can’t fit in them. Just sayin.
This is so stupid. Try getting the weight down. My 1987 2.5 turbocharged Dodge Daytona with bigger fuel injectors, more boost and bigger intercooler get’s 32/40 city/hwy MPG and runs 13’s in the 1/4 mile. New cars are heavy pigs that suck a lot of fuel.
I agree that the USA needs more fuel efficient cars, but be careful of direct fuel economy comparisons. UK readers should note that 40 mpg UK is 32 mpg US, because US pints are 16 fl oz versus UK pints of 20 fl oz. Also there is a tradeoff between reducing emissions and fuel economy which is why older American cars can have higher fuel economy, but presumably worse emissions.
All u stupid, dumb europeans with your wining…. It is so annoying, yea you might get 40 MPG or whatever, but you drive those stupid piss off mini cars, and your gas costs almost double what ours does. What do you think that means??? hummmmm we get cheaper gas, electronics, food, everything….. Plain and simple, we are fucking AMERICA and if I want to drive my gas guzzling escalade to school, let me be. I purchased the car, not a stupid POS rc car, a REAL car, therefore and I will recap that America is much better than you stupid fucks, with all your bitchy attitudes and stuck up nonsense… Piss off
We can get better MPG in cars if we wanted check this guy out his name was Smokey Unick he did it in the early 80’s http://schou.dk/hvce/
try looking at Infinite Variable Transmission which is well developed and being tested by most major manufacturers, Torotrak is best known company in the field. With the introduction of this technology the goal would be achieved even on a SUV
I have submitted your article to http://www.autocar-live.com which is a social site about cars where users submit car/auto articles they like and vote for articles that others submitted and they like.