Whether you're motivated by concerns about the environment, about national security, or simply about your household budget, most people would like to see the USA reduce the use of petroleum products. This goal is within reach simply by being smart about the use of existing technologies.
At the Fall auto show in Paris, Volvo is showing several high-mpg models. Using a 1.6L turbodiesel and 5 speed manual trans, Volvo's C30, S40 and V50 models achieve 54 mpg (in USA gallons) in the European combined driving test.
For comparison, the USA version of the C30, with 2.5L 5 cylinder gasoline engine, is rated at 23 mpg in combined driving.
54 mpg is an impressive improvement. Switching to diesel alone typically provides 25% better mpg, but this is 133% better! No fancy technology needed, just attention to details like improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires, and use of synthetic oil in the transmission.
These Volvos are similar in size to Audi A4, BMW 3 series, and Honda Civic. Of course, some people need (or want) to purchase a larger car. The same technologies will make significant improvements in mpg for larger cars, too. The Volvo example shows the way.
The USA consumes 412 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel each day. This number could be dramatically reduced by "encouraging" auto makers to produce cars that get better fuel mileage, and "encouraging" consumers to purchase high mpg vehicles. After the recent run-up close to $5 a gallon for gas, and more for diesel, I think most consumers are already "encouraged" enough!
Here's the report that I read that prompted this post:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/paris-preview-volvo-ultra-efficient-diesel-drive-trio/
At the Fall auto show in Paris, Volvo is showing several high-mpg models. Using a 1.6L turbodiesel and 5 speed manual trans, Volvo's C30, S40 and V50 models achieve 54 mpg (in USA gallons) in the European combined driving test.
For comparison, the USA version of the C30, with 2.5L 5 cylinder gasoline engine, is rated at 23 mpg in combined driving.
54 mpg is an impressive improvement. Switching to diesel alone typically provides 25% better mpg, but this is 133% better! No fancy technology needed, just attention to details like improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires, and use of synthetic oil in the transmission.
These Volvos are similar in size to Audi A4, BMW 3 series, and Honda Civic. Of course, some people need (or want) to purchase a larger car. The same technologies will make significant improvements in mpg for larger cars, too. The Volvo example shows the way.
The USA consumes 412 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel each day. This number could be dramatically reduced by "encouraging" auto makers to produce cars that get better fuel mileage, and "encouraging" consumers to purchase high mpg vehicles. After the recent run-up close to $5 a gallon for gas, and more for diesel, I think most consumers are already "encouraged" enough!
Here's the report that I read that prompted this post:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/paris-preview-volvo-ultra-efficient-diesel-drive-trio/
