Chrysler to boost MPG
#11
01-09-2008, 06:09 AM
RE: Chrysler to boost MPG
Looking back at this older thread
it is worth pondering now
if new Chrysler bigwigs Nardelli (ex-GE locomotives) and Press (ex-Toyota)
will press this issue harder
of improving MPG of Chrysler engines quickly by small changes
(gear ratios, higher compression ratios with more ignition retard, aero tweaks)
than Tom LaSorda (ex-GM factory designer) apparently did
it is worth pondering now
if new Chrysler bigwigs Nardelli (ex-GE locomotives) and Press (ex-Toyota)
will press this issue harder
of improving MPG of Chrysler engines quickly by small changes
(gear ratios, higher compression ratios with more ignition retard, aero tweaks)
than Tom LaSorda (ex-GM factory designer) apparently did
#12
01-09-2008, 07:53 PM
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RE: Chrysler to boost MPG
ORIGINAL: shiltz
It's about time, they have been going the wrong direction on some cars, especialy where it really matters, the compact car, that stupid "world engine" is a pos when it comes to fuel economy, 10 years ago dodges compact the, the neon, got 22/31 (2.0 3sp auto) and 25/35 (2.0 5sp manual), fastforward 10 years and the current dodge compact car, the Caliber ranges from 20/24 (2.4 w/ CVT) to 24/29 (1.8 5sp manual), all the numbers are based off the new EPA rating system, how they can make a small compact car with a little 2.4 4cyl with a CVTonly get 1MPG highway better than a full size station wagon with a 5.7 hemi with a 5sp auto is beond me.
It's about time, they have been going the wrong direction on some cars, especialy where it really matters, the compact car, that stupid "world engine" is a pos when it comes to fuel economy, 10 years ago dodges compact the, the neon, got 22/31 (2.0 3sp auto) and 25/35 (2.0 5sp manual), fastforward 10 years and the current dodge compact car, the Caliber ranges from 20/24 (2.4 w/ CVT) to 24/29 (1.8 5sp manual), all the numbers are based off the new EPA rating system, how they can make a small compact car with a little 2.4 4cyl with a CVTonly get 1MPG highway better than a full size station wagon with a 5.7 hemi with a 5sp auto is beond me.
I can explain this away real easy. Government mandates on safety and emissions. Theyve mandated more things like airbags, side impact, etc. All this adds wieght. As you choke something down with tougher emissions standards you lose more horsepower and your efficiency goes right out the window. A hemi v-8 can easily haul around a few hundred extra pounds, but a 4 cyl is likely struggling even without the added doodads.
Why else do you guys think those honda CRX's they had in the early 90s were rated at over 50 mpg with a 4 cyl and no dopey hybrid electric garbage complicating things? Simpler=better every time. But try telling that to a government beauraucrat whose cousin or brother in law owns thecompany making the emissions equipment.