GM Testing What Ecomodders already know: The Grille Block

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

But of course a "passive" grill block would cost a lot less and be a lot less expensive, and probably save as much fuel.

Except that you have to design for the worst case, and a passive block designed for commuting in a Minnesota winter is going to have problems when you're pulling your travel trailer up a mountain outside Phoenix in the summertime.

[tasdrouille]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

That 48 mph average makes it easier for the bean counters to say "nay" than "yea" when it comes to cost/benefit. The % impact on EPA tested MPG is going to be less than in the real world, where people drive 70+ mph all day long.

Exactly! They will only offer solutions maximizing their return on investment. That return is determined by the added value percieved by the customer. And what does the average car buyer percieves as far as fuel economy is concerned. Yup, the sticker in the driver's window in the showroom.

That's why we don't see idle-stop much here while it's everywhere in Europe (~35% of the time in the urban part of the NEDC is idling time vs ~19% for the EPA FTP-75 cycle).

[PaleMelanesian]

That's the old epa test. The new highway includes another high-speed test that averages 70 mph (at least for half the test). Then the two tests are averaged together for the final Highway number.

Fuel Economy Test Schedules

Old highway test


New highway test

[tasdrouille]

The problem with the SFTP USo6 is there is still a lot of aggressive acceleration and some stop and go involved. The average speed is the same as the old highway test. It would be nice to have a steady state 70 mph warmed up number instead. The old highway cycle wasn't bad, it just needed to be offset 15 mph.

[90crxHF]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Why stop with the trucks, GM?

As soundly minded people (hence the reason most of found this place) we have all asked this question a time or two.... There are so much in America that needs to change, companies have to attack things like grill blocks slowly, otherwise "normal" Americans will flip out. Imagine if Americans cared more about the place around them than how late and how uncomfortable they are??? I used to drive fast, everywhere and of course the one person driving sanely simply pisses people off to no end, but now, I don't do that. In fact my commutes are pleasant and peaceful now. No stress. It's strange how simply slowing down, being fuel conscience can have a very positive effect on someone's life. I just wish the people that claim to be smart, would in reality prove it by realizing the error of their ways... I finally did (however I'm not claiming to be smart, however I am claiming that I can still learn)

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

The average speed is the same as the old highway test.

Yes - it would be interesting to see MPG of both the "highway" tests with the same vehicle.

[PaleMelanesian]

Huh. I didn't notice the average speeds being so similar. Still, it will show the effects of gear ratios and aerodynamics more clearly than before.