New technology pays big dividends

Fuel economy is high on the consumer list of purchase considerations today. To address this national concern, the White House has established a mandate for corporate average fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 for compliance on cars sold in the U.S.

A standard of 35.5 mpg for 2016 was agreed to by the Obama Administration and automakers as a first step. Reaching the 2025 goal will require automakers to raise mpg levels by 5 percent annually from 2017 to 2025.

Good news for consumers is manufacturers are addressing the miles per gallon requirements with new technology in engine and transmission design as well as with smaller vehicles and weight reduction levels in their total product line.

As U.S. consumers we have been conditioned to thinking big is better, but today's technology shifts that idea in a different direction: "smaller is better." Results of this shift include benefits such as lower purchase prices and increased fuel economy.

The four–cylinder motor is becoming standard for both the compact and midsize auto segments. The four–cylinder also is becoming commonplace in the crossover segment as well. It is estimated nearly half of the cars sold today are powered by a four–cylinder motor.

Technology developments have allowed for expanded use of variable valve timing, direct fuel injection and integrated starter/generator (stop–start), which have improved the fuel efficiency of four–cylinder motors considerably. Today, these motors are capable of fuel economy well past the 30 mpg threshold.

Some concerns have been raised regarding safety requirements, when additional power may be needed when entering roadways or passing vehicles.

Many of the four–cylinder motors are turbo–charged equipped and provide the additional power necessary when required. Turbo–chargers increase engine power allowing manufacturers to downsize engines without sacrificing performance. They also allow increased performance without lowering fuel economy.

Examples of four–cylinder use is wide spread with a sampling that includes the Audi A3 and A4, BMW 3 and 5 Series, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mercedes–Benz C–Class and Nissan Altima,

Diesel motors are another important component of today's engine technology. Their improved fuel injection and electronic engine control technology have increased power, acceleration and fuel economy and are becoming more mainstream than generally realized. The only downside appears to be fuel cost averaging $0.58 more per gallon than gasoline. Diesel powered vehicles are gaining popularity with offerings from Audi, BMW, Mercedes–Benz and Volkswagen.

In addition to better fuel economy, applied technology has provided major improvements in automatic transmissions. Most visible of these improvements is the upgrade of the old standard four–speed automatic to the very popular five– to eight–speed automatic transmissions. These upgrades offer more gear ratios and electronic controls to calibrate shift patterns to keep the engine closer to its most efficient performance regardless of vehicle speed.

Weight savings are considered closely by manufacturers as they determine vehicle material in their new vehicle designs. It is increasingly important for the manufacturers to reduce the weight of a vehicle while meeting safety standard requirements.

New and lighter parts made of composite materials will result in a vehicle with improved miles per gallon. Recent weight reductions have resulted in the removal of the spare tire in some vehicles. It has been replaced by a sealant repair kit with an inflator.

Consumers play a role in the weight concerns of a vehicle. According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average adult male is 28.4 pounds heavier than in 1960, while the average female is up 24.5 pounds. Oddly, that average weight increase is just about the same as the weight of a vehicle's spare tire.

The EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich., estimates the theoretical couple's 53 extra pounds might cut vehicle fuel economy by as much as 1 percent, depending on the vehicle. At the nationwide average price of $3.29 per gallon of gasoline, that is about $503 million in additional fuel costs just in the last year.

Maybe smaller is better, and technology is ready to help us all get there.