Milking a Bull: Automakers eek out extra fuel economy on older models
Conspiracy theorists have long insisted that automakers could push their vehicles to achieve better fuel economy, and as it turns out, they were right. Of course, it isn't as easy as flipping a magic MPG switch, but automakers are making incremental gains on vehicles even between redesigns. Techniques like changing gear ratios, lowering revs at highway speed and using lower rolling resistance tires are helping drive up efficiency a few percentage points at a time.
For example, the 2009 Cobalt XFE (above) achieves 37 mpg on the highway compared to 36 mpg for the 2008 model with minimal aero and mechanical changes. Ford made similar changes to the 2009 Escape, enabling the Blue Oval's smallest crossover to hit 28 mpg in 2WD four-banger guise. Honda achieved similar incremental improvements when it introduced cylinder deactivation on the 2008 Odyssey. Chrysler will show 1 mpg improvement on the 2009 Avenger and Sebring four-cylinder model, which will bring the Pentastar's midsize sedans to 31 mpg.
While everyone seems to be sitting on the car buying sidelines until some unbelievably fuel efficient vehicle comes along with great looks and a low price tag, the reality is that these baby steps are what we should expect. There are some some bigger jumps on the horizon, like the Chevy Cruze that promises 45 mpg on the highway and diesel offerings like the Jetta TDI and oil-burning Accord. For the next few years, however, expect automakers to pick the low hanging fruit of high gas mileage first.
[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Papi L-Gee 3:00PM (8/26/2008)
"EKE," Chris, "EKE!"
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Rob 2:46PM (8/26/2008)
In some cases it's polishing a turd, but on the other hand at least the manufacturer is helping to absorb the cost. For an end customer to make these changes it would not be very cost effective.
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The Talking Hamburger 2:48PM (8/26/2008)
These improvements to existing models are nice, but they should be applied to ALL models. I believe the XFE versions of the Cobalt, G5, Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, and Yukon are considered separate models. Much of these adjustments aren't dramatic enough to justify themselves as optional, are they?
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Ken Stamper 5:41PM (8/26/2008)
I would prefer if they didn't- these changes sound good on paper, but they usually result in a car that doesn't actually drive very well
why not the LS2LS7? 6:23PM (8/26/2008)
The Cobalt XFE package is standard. You don't pay extra for it. Basically, if you don't put any of the sport packages on the car, you end up with an XFE.
On the Malibu, it's sort of standard. If you buy the 4-banger with the 6-speed tranny (which is NOT the base model), you end up with the higher mpg model, but there's no additional fee above buying that config.
On the Tahoe, you flat out pay extra. You config everything, and then check another box to get the weight savings parts that give the extra 1 mpg.
bob 2:50PM (8/26/2008)
"using lower rolling resistant tires "
You want "resistance" there.
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Mark Ryan 6:16PM (8/26/2008)
Yeah, resistance is good for stopping and cornering.
why not the LS2LS7? 8:13PM (8/26/2008)
Friction is good for stopping and cornering. You don't need resistance.
Allegedly new low rolling resistance tires make up for their high-pressures by using different compounds, so you end up with the same grip.
I haven't seen it tested, but this is the idea.
Sean 3:21PM (8/26/2008)
I have a sneaking suspicion that they're only bringing it up a little bit at a time to look better and keep us smiling a them.
I'm willing to bet they could add at least 10mpg to most smaller engine/lighter cars, but know their customers would throw a huge fit they did.
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simianspeedster 3:46PM (8/26/2008)
"I'm willing to bet they could add at least 10mpg to most smaller engine/lighter cars, but know their customers would throw a huge fit they did."
Sean -- Please tell us how you think this is possible. What are the manufacturers keeping from us that will instantly add 10MPG?
Short of replacing 140-160HP 2.0 liter engines with 80-100HP 1.4 liter engines (especially diesels), 10MPG gains aren't possible, even in an economy car. Turning a 30MPG car into a 40MPG requires drastic changes in technology and/or performance.
-SimianSpeedster
tankd0g 2:55PM (8/26/2008)
Actually it is as easy as flipping a magic MPG switch, if people were willing to accept a switch that doubled their 0-60 time and made their top speed 55 mph.
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Joe K. 3:40PM (8/26/2008)
Over my dead body. I'll drive my car how I like and get the MPG I deserve for it. That's why I buy smaller engined small cars to drive hard, smaller penalty for it. If I flog the crap out of my little hatch, it will get 26 mpg, if I drive it civilly I get 32 mpg. Still better than feathering it with something bigger...
Superleggera 4:06PM (8/26/2008)
Can I personally flip this said switch?
That would be great.
Dude 2:56PM (8/26/2008)
Some people think Automakers can achieve more horsepower in much the same way. It's just a matter of what the market is demanding. Whether its MPG, HP, safety, or luxury; the Automakers tweak to what sells.
Capitalism is awesome!
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bc 3:08PM (8/26/2008)
The Escape has a new engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission replaced a 4-speed--not exactly minor changes, even if they weren't synced to the body redesign.
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Supermiler 3:33PM (8/26/2008)
I just checked the Ford website, and the 2008 Escape 2wd with the 2.3L I4 is rated 22/28. I wasn't sure if they released the 2009 ratings yet.
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jjpg2000 3:41PM (8/26/2008)
22/28 is for the 5-speed manual (2008 and 2009).
20/26 mpg for last years 4-speed auto, 20/28 for 2009's 6-speed auto. Which makes a Combined millage improvement of 1mpg. :)
SeattleJeremy 3:43PM (8/26/2008)
22/28 is for the 5-speed manual (2008 and 2009).
20/26 mpg for last years 4-speed auto, 20/28 for 2009's 6-speed auto. Which makes a Combined millage improvement of 1mpg. :)
Supermiler 3:49PM (8/26/2008)
Ahh, thanks for clarifying.
tom 8:43PM (8/26/2008)
Am I the only one who didn't know you could get an escape with a manual?