Fuel Economy Standards going up

[southtj]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/29/business/29cnd-energy.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

The standard is 21.6 miles a gallon for the current model year; it would rise to about 24 miles a gallon in 2011, the last year of the rule, but it would be calculated differently. The new rule sets a fuel economy standard based on the vehicle's "footprint," or how far apart the wheels are. Actual fuel economy will depend on the mix of vehicles sold.

The smallest S.U.V.'s, like the Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Jeep Wrangler, would have to meet a standard of 28.6 miles a gallon. The standard for cars is currently 27.5 miles a gallon.

28.6! There is no way a Wrangler can get 28.6 mph. That's 13 more than I get now. Not gonna happen.

 

[redrooster]

I saw that on the news last night. They were talking about higher standards for SUV's, saying that the Tahoes and such had to average something like 25 mpg and the Suburban 21 mpg. AVERAGE. Yeah right. Maybe downhill.

 

[redrooster]

The report I saw also said to look for no savings at the pump long term. Despite the anitcipated increase in economy, user consumption and fuel prices would increase.

IMO, the rising cost of fuel sucks. The good side is that it is driving R&D to find alternative fuel sources and simultaneously lower emissions. My hope is that in the same swipe auto manufacturers don't kill the current Horsepower race they are in. Hopefully they will look to the use of Superchargers and continue the variable displacement research.
I have been somewhat watching the newest developments from Chevrolet. I was thinking of replacing our 03 Avalanche with an 07 Tahoe. Since all of these engine and economy changes are lingering in the air, I have decided to hold off and see what becomes of the powerplants in the near future. Chevy is already selling the E85 multifuel engines as well as a new hybrid coming out for 08. Exciting things are also happening in the diesel world with the announcement of Low Sulfur Diesel to come out in the next year or so. Look for a lot more cars, trucks and SUV's to be Diesel equipped when that happens.

 

[graewulf]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/29/business/29cnd-energy.html?_r=1&oref=slogin



28.6! There is no way a Wrangler can get 28.6 mph. That's 13 more than I get now. Not gonna happen.

Sure it will... the technology has existed for years, but the auto manufacturers refuse to invest the $$$ to put it into production or finish the research properly. The first thing that needs to change is going to carbon fiber for the body & frame... 1/2 the weight and stronger than steel. your wrangler would get well over 30MPG if they did this, especially since a 3 liter engine would be more then enough to power it.

 

[TwistedCU]

Gas prices are going up although oil prices are going down because of all the additional additives for emissions are costing more. Emissions laws are also causing poorer fuel economy, take the Jeep for example...

The 2006 Wrangler's 4.0L fuel injected 6 cyl has a lower MPG rating than an 87 YJ with the carbed 4.2L.

Meanwhile other sources (factories, trucks, power plants) continue to pollute the air while we pay thrrough the nose at the pump and the impact of the whole automobile emmissions crusade on the environment is merely a political charade paid for by you and I.

 

[redrooster]

Sure it will... the technology has existed for years, but the auto manufacturers refuse to invest the $$$ to put it into production or finish the research properly. The first thing that needs to change is going to carbon fiber for the body & frame... 1/2 the weight and stronger than steel. your wrangler would get well over 30MPG if they did this, especially since a 3 liter engine would be more then enough to power it.

I don't know how to weld no stinking carbon fiber!

 

[TwistedCU]

carbon fiber

How light could you actually go and still be stable at highway speeds? I have a friend with a VW that had a fiberglass "Baja" kit on it and it was scary at 55 mph.

 

[redrooster]

Race cars are pretty light. Depends on the suspension tuning I guess. I could see a CF body but not frame.
Can I get mine with stealth technology too?...all for the additional $200 increase in sticker price.

 

[graewulf]

the V bug was less than 2000 pounds and was fine at highway speeds. Weight isn't really an issue if the suspension is set up for the vehicle weight properly.

 

[currupt4130]

Let me see, carbon fiber, frame, and offroad done really seem like they belong in the same sentence. I can just see me tearing a section of the frame out on the trail cuz I got hung up and drug the frame across it. And what about the cost of a carbon fiber body and frame? Your talking unrealistic here, Jeeps would skyrocket in price if DC tried this.

 

[TwistedCU]

Jeeps would skyrocket in price if DC tried this.

Not to mention want to go airborne at 65+ mph.