GM tests engine that could raise fuel economy

[wuushew]

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. says it is testing a new combustion process that could increase fuel economy in conventional engines by up to 15 percent

The announcement comes as fuel economy has become a increasingly important issue as gasoline prices have risen. Foreign automakers have captured a bigger share of the U.S. market in part by emphasizing fuel efficiency.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20423272/

[HeraldSquare212]

1. up to 15%?

aiming high, are we?

[Ellen Forradalom]

2. I was just reading Steve Wozniak's thoughts on energy efficiency

in Boing Boing.

"If you can build a car at the same price, with the same features (size and performance) yet it uses less gasoline or pollutes less, that's a win for everyone, including the car manufacturer. Engineering leads to such advances, even when they seem like tiny steps."

I'd say that overlooks the problems inherent in encouraging more cars on the road. If a car uses less gasoline or pollutes less, it may encourage more driving, defeating the purpose. I'd like to see equivalent effort put into mass transit and livable higher-density housing.

Still, thoughtful reading: http://www.boingboing.net/2007/08/23/the_passion_of_the_w.html

[Kolesar]

3. GM now has two hybrids in development: the dual mode and a pluggable-hybrid (the Volt)

Add to that the combustion story you linked. That can only be good news. I hope they can all fit into the marketplace.

[KansDem]

4. GM had an electrical car that consumers wanted...

So much so there was a waiting list to lease one. And there were many disappointed consumers when GM decided to recall all their cars and destroy them.

This "could increase fuel economy in conventional engines by up to 15 percent" is bullshit. This should have been done 25 years ago; we should be so much further along with fuel-efficient automobiles. Yet GM takes away an exceptional product that would make us less dependable on foreign oil and gives us this "15% increase" bullshit to placate us. F**k you, GM!!!

[rurallib]

8. I agree wholeheartedly

[Selatius]

10. Well, Carter could've paved the way, but America voted for Reagan.

And America has been paying a hefty price ever since.

[taught_me_patience]

5. Why is GM always 10 years behind the times?

"COULD increase fuel economy in conventional engines by UP TO 15 percent"

translation:
"This is a marketing gimick. Real results are likely to be 2-5% above normal"

[Pab Sungenis]

6. GM had a dual-mode hybrid prototype back in 1969.

It was called the Stir-Lec. Look it up.

Why did it take them almost 40 years to put what they knew back then to practical use?

[sailor65]

7. The Stir-Lec prototype was not feasible

for the consumer market because materials and battery technology were not up to the task of matching the hybrid concept yet. We are still BARELY there now. The Prius was a good jump, but most Prius owners can readily see that even now we're not quite there.

[blues90]

9. Screw GM , these freaks have known about wasted fuel for decades

Now they come along with 15% of nothing as if now they are the friends of the environment , well how do they justify the past 25 years since they work hand in hand with the oil companies and could care less when they close down plants and send people out of work .

Oh people will continue to buy their crap as always feeling they are doing the american thing when in fact they are not , idiots .

They all want redemption after they have profited off everything possible without conscience . Well screw them with their new improved well behind the times 15% crap . Who will make these engines , China or India , that will help .

GM did not care when their huge SUV's were selling and they don't care now , it's only because it's the in thing to save fuel not because they have suddenly grown a conscience , it's all about profit I can hardley wait to see what this new engine costs .