List of different MPG % improvements and more..!!

[nemo]

The new 2013 Dodge Ram features an active transmission warm-up system where the transmission oil is heated to a controlled temperature by the engine coolant. Active grill shutters and electrically heated engine coolant thermostats are also under consideration for faster warm-up with the grill shutters being introduced in some 2013 models. The fuel economy benefits are small on the FTP test where the cold start occurs at 75 F (about 0.5% benefit each for the transmission and engine warm-up features)

That would indicate that block warmer should be used earlier in the fall and later in to spring. I wouldn't have thought there would be that much of a benefit (0.5%) at 75 F. The cost of the electricity might offset any cost savings.

[ECONORAM]

Originally Posted by Jyden

I belive this is fear for the unknow among the industry.... Areodynamic cars with good milage could be far more popular to the people than the industri thinks.

With this kind of fear/ feetdragging it will take decades to get fuel effecint cars. Besides - Areo is by far the cheapest way to get FE for the industry, at I "only" involves changing the bodywork from one shape to an other, which is same prices for any model, as it only has to be made to the moulds from the beginning.

Originally Posted by RustyLugNut

But much of the fear is rooted in the buying public. If the public won't buy an aerodynamically efficient car shape, the manufacturers will not produce and sell it. The aero-reworking of our car bodies may be more incremental over the next 12 years but it does not look like it will be dramatic. However, market dynamics such as markedly higher fuel costs could change that. Predictions are only as good as their base assumptions.

I look at the Xprize winning Edison VLC and see beauty and efficiency. The general public sees a way-out trinket. It is beyond their comprehension to drive such a car on a daily basis. However, when fuel supplies force the issue, the car will be seen on it's merits and not in comparison to what people consider "traditional" designs.

I agree. I think the apprehension comes from the OEMs, as they don't see the public buying the product. Money talks. When we get to $10/gallon gasoline, and people realize how much that hurts, maybe things will change...

I too think aero plays a big role. I've dropped 50# from my truck, and don't know that anything really changed. Maybe I need a bigger drill bit...

[yoyoyoda]

Here is a plausible reason why:

For decades ICE and transmissions have had unlimited access to fresh air from the front of a vehicle. need more cooling? just open up a bigger hole in the front.

Vent holes look cool, Dammit Jim my car needs an intercooler!

But if we are going to be serious about aerodynamics then that means a dramatic reduction in engine power output and transmission life expectancy because the two will clash as transmission fluid makes a transmission slip when temps rise, the number 1 cause of transmission failure is an overheating transmission.

And most people see that there is a problem with their engine when the radiator cap thermostat bursts off the top.

That is going to be a problem with every purchaser out there wanting more and more power, also because of the silly myth that more power output = better fuel efficiency.

Power sells.

So to sell the public an energy efficient vehicle there will need to be many multiple myths put to bed and a dramatic reduction in ICE power output, and that is a huge problem for sales for the vast majority of cars out there.

Engine power = woos and impresses women.

The public aren't the smartest people out there, yet they are in control of the car market, so the manufacturers must listen to them at all costs. Nevermind if they haven't got a clue they will still wonder where the front air vents have gone and question the reliability of a vehicle if it is all blocked off.

Especially if you are going to be buying a car for use in Texas.

#1 reason for buying a car for the 20-somethings today = impressing women.

Thankfully electric hybrids will change this, eventually, in my opinion, a few high profile burnouts done in an all-electric or hybrid car in the movies and most young ones will jizz in their pants.

That guy broke his neck? What was the 0-60 time? 0.5 seconds!?!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=369h-SEBXd8