[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by rbrowning

After spending the past 8 years commuting 100+ miles a day I've had a few minutes to think of this.

1) I think that I would go with a very narrow car with 1+1 tandem seating with the back seat more of a child seat / grocery stowage area. Seldom did anyone every ride with me even on the weekend and then we COULD have used my wife's car. I believe it would be best to keep a wide low front end for stability and visibility with either a single rear wheel or two that are closer together. Something like the Fuel Vapor Technologies Ale model in the X-prize contest.

2) Friction reduction throughout the drive train. Ever notice how quickly your non-drive car tires stop spinning when up on jacks compared to a bicycle tire? And the extra flywheel mass should keep it spinning longer. Lets look at bearings and lubes, retractable break pads, everything.

3) Eliminate power steering.

4) Reduce electrical load with all LED lights. Also make the size of the sound system somewhat realistically sized. I think 100 watts would be better than 1000.

5) Reduce parasitic loss by going to an electric cooling fan that coordinates with open able grill louvers and an electric water pump that work together to get your engine up to operating temp ASAP and then keep it there by expending the least amount of energy necessary.

6) Excellent side blind spot visibility with cameras instead of external mirrors.

7) Contour adjustable seats. I know this isn't a FE issue per Se but it is the one point of contention with my 06 Impala. I love the car and was astonished at getting 32-33 MPG (US) all summer in a big car with a great ride. But the seats sucked and my chiropractor loved it.

So basically...

Craig Vetter Fuel Economy better mileage