Driven to Save -- Opinions Needed! (hypermiling book author seeking feedback)

[Richard Rowe]

Hi guys, my name is Richard Rowe, and I'm a writer. I've been reading the ecomodder forum for quite a while now, and I thought I'd finally register to communicate with the crowd. And to ask for your help criticizing something.

I'm an auto writer primarily; I recently published a book through Demand Media titled Autos 101: Basic Car Maintenance. I doubt you guys would be interested in the subject matter, but it's available on Amazon, and through Books A Million and Barnes and Noble later this summer.

Anyway, I didn't come to plug my last book. I came to get some help on my newest one. For some time now, I've had it in my mind to write THE definitive book on driving for maximum fuel economy. Not modifying (that's a different book)...just driving. As a lot of you know, there are a million different opinions on the best ways to maximize mileage, and a million and one ways to be wrong. What I've done with Driven to Save is to examine the physics of the automobile, starting at the First Law, right up through computer modeling of aerodynamic drag and BSFC, to finally put to rest all of those burning questions once and for all. And using maths, I've come to some really interesting conclusions -- all solid, and all verifiable. Well, almost all. That's where you guys come in.

What I need is a group of the most hard-core, argumentative, anal-retentive, belly-pan-building, warm-air-intaking hypermilers out there to call me on BS. Fact is, not all of these calculations have been tested in the real world; and if they have, then I don't know about it. For the most part, I've drawn upon my understanding of physics, love of aerodynamics, near-decade experience driving and working on tractor trailers, and racing and race-car-building experience to draw the conclusions that I have. And I did everything as scientifically as possible, performing the calculations based upon my hypotheses first, and then seeking out research to see if they were correct. And I had to scrap a few, believe you me. Which shows that I don't know everything. But I'm pretty sure that, collectively, you do. Plus, let's face it...as it stands, YOU guys are my target audience. So, if anyone's going to call me on BS, it'll be you. Not that there is any as far as I know, but that's what I need you for.

I need guys/girls who can offer either proof or refutation (in the form of hard data, preferably, or personal experience otherwise) of the techniques I've outlined before this thing hits the news-stands. And, any input you have on the book's style is welcome too.

Speaking of which: I really wanted to write something capable of going mainstream...a book that might even see use in drivers' ed classes around the country and the world. I'm not sure I succeeded, exactly...what with all those references to the brake pedal as "Satan's Footrest," paragraphs devoted to NASA's Vomit Comet, and an entire section on the zen art of anticipation and tactile memory. BUT...I'd rather it be fun than mainstream. I mean, God almighty...what good is good information if no one wants to read it? As such, the tone is...shall we say...casual. I write as though I'm talking to a friend, and I take joy in explaining complex subject matter in a way that everyone can understand.

So, there it is. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in tearing apart, then I'd rather it be you than a paid critic. This is D2S's crucible by fire...so, please, light em up! The book's in second-draft rewrite now, so this is the time to catch screwups before they head off to Mein Editor.

And, by the way, it's probably worth mentioning that throughout the course of this project, I've made good use of Ecomodder's tools, resources and forum discussions. I've even (hail mary) lifted a couple of pics from forum posts. Credited, of course. So, I'd be proud to drop "Produced in Association with Ecomodder.com" under the title for all to see. That's only fair, considering how much help you've already been...whether you knew it or not lol. And I'll be happy to mention by name anyone who helps out.


So...any takers?

Thanks!
RR

[Richard Rowe]

Also, just as a token of friendship, I thought I'd post this. It's a data chart from the book detailing the CD, FA, Stall Speeds (the aerodynamic break point) and power consumption at speed of about 150 different vehicles. If any of these CD and FA figures look familiar, then they should; I pulled more than half of them from Ecomodder!

(Note: Sorry if the spacing's messed up...the margins on this page aren't the same as those I'm using in Word.)

One Really Big Chart
Average and Specific Cd, fA, Stall Speed and Aero Power Consumption

Passenger Cars -- Compact to Mid-Size
Make and Model Year Cd fA Stall Speed 50mph60mph70mph80mph
Average 0.32 21.0 28 mph 5.6 9.7 15.4 22.9
Acura Integra 2001 0.32 19.5 29 mph 5.1 8.8 13.9 20.8
BMW 3-Series 1999 0.30 21.1 28 mph 5.6 9.7 15.4 23.0
Chevrolet Volt 2011 0.28 23.2 28 mph 5.4 9.4 14.9 22.0
Daewoo Nexia 1997 0.34 21.0 28 mph 6.0 10.3 16.3 24.4
Dodge Neon 1999 0.33 21.6 26 mph 5.9 10.3 16.3 24.3
Fiat Punto 1999 0.30 21.0 29 mph 5.3 9.1 14.4 21.5
Ford Escort 2002 0.36 19.8 28 mph 5.9 10.3 16.3 24.3
Geo Metro 1997 0.32 19.5 29 mph 5.2 9.0 14.3 21.3
Honda Civic Hch 2000 0.28 21.4 29 mph 5.0 8.6 13.7 20.5
Honda CRX 1991 0.30 18.6 30 mph 4.7 8.0 12.8 19.0
Honda Fit 2008 0.35 23.1 26 mph 6.7 11.6 18.5 27.6
Honda Insight 2006 0.25 20.0 31 mph 4.2 7.2 11.4 17.1
Hyundai Elantra 2006 0.34 21.4 27 mph 6.1 10.5 16.6 24.8
Mazda 323 Coupe 1998 0.33 21.3 28 mph 5.9 10.1 16.1 24.0
Mercury Cougar 2002 0.31 20.4 29 mph 5.3 9.1 14.5 21.6
Mini Cooper S 2006 0.33 21.3 28 mph 5.9 10.1 16.1 24.0
Mitsubishi Eclipse 2005 0.35 20.4 28 mph 5.9 10.3 16.3 24.4
Mitsubishi Lancer 2007 0.30 21.0 29 mph 5.3 9.1 14.4 21.5
Nissan Altima 2001 0.32 21.7 28 mph 5.8 10.0 15.9 23.7
Nissan Sentra 2006 0.33 21.0 28 mph 5.8 10.0 15.8 23.7
Saturn SC2 2002 0.33 20.9 28 mph 5.8 10.0 15.7 23.6
Impreza 2.5 2001 0.36 21.0 27 mph 6.3 10.9 17.3 25.8
Toyota Corolla 2009 0.29 22.5 29 mph 5.3 9.2 14.6 21.8
Volkswagen Jetta 2006 0.31 22.6 28 mph 5.8 10.0 15.9 23.8

Passenger Cars -- Mid-Size to Full-Size
Make and Model Year Cd fA Stall Speed 50mph60mph70mph80mph
Average 0.32 24.1 27 mph 6.4 11.1 17.6 26.3
Audi A3 2003 0.31 22.4 28 mph 5.8 10.0 15.9 23.7
BMW 7-Series 2001 0.30 23.8 28 mph 6.0 10.3 16.3 24.4
Buick LeSabre 1991 0.36 24.2 26 mph 7.3 12.5 19.9 29.7
Chv. Monte Carlo 2000 0.36 22.6 26 mph 6.8 11.7 18.6 27.8
PT Cruiser 2006 0.40 23.8 25 mph 7.9 13.7 21.8 32.5
Dodge Avenger 2009 0.32 25.1 26 mph 6.7 11.6 18.4 27.4
Ford Galaxy 2000 0.32 28.8 25 mph 7.7 13.3 21.1 31.5
Lexus LS400 2000 0.27 24.0 29 mph 5.4 9.3 14.8 22.1
Mercedes E-Class 2002 0.27 23.3 29 mph 5.2 9.1 14.4 21.5
Mercedes S-Class 1999 0.31 25.6 27 mph 6.6 11.4 18.1 27.1
Nissan Altima 2010 0.31 23.0 28 mph 5.9 10.3 16.3 24.3
Nissan Cube 2009 0.35 25.3 26 mph 7.4 12.8 20.2 30.2
Peugot 307 2008 0.33 27.4 26 mph 7.5 13.0 20.7 30.9
Subaru Legacy 2004 0.32 24.0 27 mph 6.4 11.1 17.6 26.2
Toyota Matrix 2009 0.33 24.0 27 mph 6.4 11.1 17.6 26.4
Toyota Prius 2000 0.29 21.6 29 mph 5.2 9.0 14.3 21.4
Toyota Prius 2010 0.25 23.4 29 mph 4.9 8.4 13.4 20.0
Volvo 850 1997 0.32 23.0 27 mph 6.1 10.6 16.8 25.1

Trucks, Vans and SUVS
Make and Model Year Cd fA Stall Speed 50mph60mph70mph80mph
Truck/SUV Average 0.48 31.9 21 mph 12.8 22.0 35.0 52.3
Van Average 0.40 34.0 22 mph 11.3 19.6 31.1 46.4
Minivan Average 0.34 29.4 25 mph 8.3 14.4 22.9 34.1
Chevrolet Astro Van 2005 0.40 34.0 22 mph 11.3 19.6 31.1 46.4
Chrysler Voyager 2000 0.37 30.0 24 mph 9.2 16.0 25.4 37.9
Citroen C8 2003 0.34 29.0 25 mph 8.2 14.2 22.5 33.7
Dodge Caravan 2000 0.35 30.7 24 mph 9.0 15.4 24.6 36.7
Dodge Ram 1500 2008 0.52 35.0 20 mph 15.2 26.2 41.6 62.1
Ford Explorer II 2001 0.43 33.0 22 mph 11.8 20.4 32.4 48.4
Ford F150 Lightning 2004 0.36 31.5 24 mph 9.4 16.3 25.9 38.7
Ford Windstar 1998 0.35 30.0 24 mph 8.8 15.1 24.0 35.8
GMC Sierra XFE 2009 0.41 34.3 22 mph 11.7 20.3 32.2 48.0
Hummer H1 2004 0.57 47.0 18 mph 22.3 38.6 61.3 91.4
Jeep Cherokee 1998 0.42 26.0 24 mph 9.1 15.7 25.0 37.3
Jeep TJ (soft top) 2005 0.58 28.3 21 mph 13.7 23.6 37.5 56.0
Mercedes G-Class 1990 0.53 31.6 21 mph 14.0 24.1 38.3 57.2
Mitsubishi Pajero 1999 0.49 27.2 22 mph 11.1 19.2 30.5 45.5
Nissan Patrol GR 1998 0.52 29.0 21 mph 12.6 21.7 34.5 51.5
Nissan Terrano 2004 0.44 29.0 23 mph 10.6 18.4 29.2 43.6
Potiac Trans Sport 1996 0.30 28.6 26 mph 7.2 12.4 19.6 29.3
Toyota Previa 2000 0.33 28.5 25 mph 7.8 13.5 21.5 32.1

Sports Cars
Make and Model Year Cd fA Stall Speed 50mph60mph70mph80mph
Average 0.33 20.8 28 mph 5.7 9.9 15.7 23.4
Acura NSX 2005 0.32 20.8 28 mph 5.5 9.6 15.2 22.7
Audi TT 2006 0.30 22.5 28 mph 5.6 9.7 15.4 23.0
Chevrolet Camaro 2002 0.34 22.0 27 mph 6.2 10.8 17.1 25.5
Corvette Z06 2008 0.34 22.3 27 mph 6.3 10.9 17.3 25.9
Viper SRT-10 2007 0.40 19.3 27 mph 6.4 11.1 17.7 26.4
Ford SVT Cobra 2004 0.37 21.6 27 mph 6.7 11.5 18.3 27.3
Honda S2000 2000 0.33 19.6 28 mph 5.4 9.3 14.8 22.1
Lambo LP640 2007 0.33 20.1 28 mph 5.5 9.6 15.2 22.6
Mazda Miata 2005 0.38 17.6 28 mph 5.6 9.6 15.3 22.8
Mazda RX-7 2002 0.33 18.8 29 mph 5.2 8.9 14.2 21.2
Mitsubishi EVO 8 2005 0.36 25.0 26 mph 7.5 13.0 20.6 30.7
Nissan 350Z 2003 0.31 20.9 29 mph 5.4 9.3 14.8 22.1
Porsche GT3-RS 2007 0.30 22.0 28 mph 5.5 9.5 15.1 22.5
Subaru WRX 2007 0.33 22.6 27 mph 6.2 10.7 17.1 25.5
Toyota MR2 1995 0.31 18.3 30 mph 4.7 8.2 13.0 19.4
Toyota Supra 2002 0.32 20.1 29 mph 5.4 9.3 14.7 22.0

Summary:

Averages Cd fA Stall Speed 50mph 60mph 70mph 80mph
Compact Car 0.32 21.0 28 mph 5.6 9.7 15.4 22.9
Mid-Sized Car 0.32 24.1 27 mph 6.4 11.1 17.6 26.3
Sports Car 0.33 20.8 28 mph 5.7 9.9 15.7 23.4
Truck/SUV 0.48 31.9 21 mph 12.8 22.0 35.0 52.3
Van 0.40 34.0 22 mph 11.3 19.6 31.1 46.4
Minivan 0.34 29.4 25 mph 8.3 14.4 22.9 34.1
Crossover
(Avg SUV & MV) 0.41 30.6 23 mph 10.6 18.2 29.0 43.2

Ranges Cd fA Stall Speed
Compact Car 0.25 – 0.36 18.6 – 23.2 26 – 31 mph
Midsized Car 0.25 – 0.40 21.6 – 27.4 25 – 29 mph
Sports Car 0.30 – 0.40 17.6 – 25.0 26 – 30 mph
Truck/SUV 0.36 – 0.58 26.0 – 47.0 18 – 24 mph
Minivan 0.30 – 0.37 28.5 – 30.7 24 – 26 mph
Crossover (Averaged) 0.33 – 47.5 27.2 – 38.9 21 – 25 mph

[Frank Lee]

I'd take a stab at it. The more input from the more experienced contributors, the better, though. Everyone has their little pockets of expertise.

[jakobnev]

I for one would like a look.

[Richard Rowe]

Aaaaand...just for the Hell of it: here's a little something that took a full 10 hour day to calculate and draw. I don't know if it'll settle arguments or start them...but I can probably guess which lol.

[Richard Rowe]

Right on, ya'll I'll be back on a little later to check in and see who wants what. Any subject in particular you're interested in? Idling, cruising, cornering, braking, modifications...or you just want the full Monty?

[eco_generator]

You might be best off posting parts of the book (as attachments so only registered members can read) and having the section thoroughly discussed.

But then that kind of gives away the book before it's published. Maybe post individual subject assumptions that can be tested & discussed... without putting large portions of the book online.

[brucepick]

Whichever way you do it, I'm in.

I too was wondering about "spilling the beans" by making it available for review and input prior to publication. I guess the idea is a hybrid of a wiki and paper publication. An excellent idea, really.

[MetroMPG]

I'm interested.

How long is the book? Full Monty (however you want to do that) probably makes the most sense if you'd like feedback from the crowd here.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by Richard Rowe

Sports Cars
Make and Model Year Cd fA Stall Speed 50mph60mph70mph80mph
Average 0.33 20.8 28 mph 5.7 9.9 15.7 23.4
Acura NSX 2005 0.32 20.8 28 mph 5.5 9.6 15.2 22.7
Audi TT 2006 0.30 22.5 28 mph 5.6 9.7 15.4 23.0
Chevrolet Camaro 2002 0.34 22.0 27 mph 6.2 10.8 17.1 25.5
Corvette Z06 2008 0.34 22.3 27 mph 6.3 10.9 17.3 25.9
Viper SRT-10 2007 0.40 19.3 27 mph 6.4 11.1 17.7 26.4
Ford SVT Cobra 2004 0.37 21.6 27 mph 6.7 11.5 18.3 27.3
Honda S2000 2000 0.33 19.6 28 mph 5.4 9.3 14.8 22.1
Lambo LP640 2007 0.33 20.1 28 mph 5.5 9.6 15.2 22.6
Mazda Miata 2005 0.38 17.6 28 mph 5.6 9.6 15.3 22.8
Mazda RX-7 2002 0.33 18.8 29 mph 5.2 8.9 14.2 21.2
Mitsubishi EVO 8 2005 0.36 25.0 26 mph 7.5 13.0 20.6 30.7
Nissan 350Z 2003 0.31 20.9 29 mph 5.4 9.3 14.8 22.1
Porsche GT3-RS 2007 0.30 22.0 28 mph 5.5 9.5 15.1 22.5
Subaru WRX 2007 0.33 22.6 27 mph 6.2 10.7 17.1 25.5
Toyota MR2 1995 0.31 18.3 30 mph 4.7 8.2 13.0 19.4
Toyota Supra 2002 0.32 20.1 29 mph 5.4 9.3 14.7 22.0

Well, I can be nitpicky, and here's one thing to start: There was no model year 2007 Viper. The body design was carried over, but a new powertrain developed in the mid-2000s wasn't certified in time to be introduced as a 2007, so production went straight from extended 2006 run (Gen III) to 2008 (Gen IV). Also, you should clarify to which model the given Cd applies: convertible, coupe or (08-10) ACR.