Autoblog Article: Ways Automakers Cheat Fuel Economy Tests
 

I saw this Autoblog Article and thought, gee, sounds like they've been looking in on our ecomodder web site here for Hot Tips!!!. :D

http://i58.tinypic.com/a4ygdz.jpg

Except that doesn't make any sense as they don't actually test the cars on the road right? Basically run it on a dyno and add numbers into a computer program. I have always wondered why they don't list different mpg for different available gear ratios. What do they get to use the best available even if it's not want is actually installed in that car/truck. This is more common on trucks were ranges from 3.2-4.1:1 are possible yet the epa rating is the same.

They missed the biggest one of them all:
Drive at impossibly slow speeds to improve highway FE.

European economy figures are crap. I always refer to EPA figures, especially with the new SAE guidelines closing many loopholes, as the most realistic ones.

I was under the impression this was one done in Europe. That's what other articles I've read were about. Not that some are gaming or just outright lying about their figures on this continent.

They really need to start using fuel with 10% ethanol, it's everywhere.

So, in a nutshell, they ecomod their own cars to increase the mileage.

Why don't they design this changes into the car - and BUILD them that way?

More like "They really need to stop using 10% (or 15%) ethanol everywhere, cause it's moronic."

They continue this because they know how much we enjoy complaining and attempting to overcome the challenges they give us because they love us! :)

Would you like to go back to MTBE or lead, or do you have a different idea?

They can't just make 100% gasoline Frank? Maybe I'm missing something on the "Ethanol as an Enhancer" front.

I just thought it was a stupid way to make a filler reducing the amount of gasoline we use. It takes mores energy and pollutes more to produce ethanol than just straight gas, and it has created havoc with the food industry.