7 myths about Detroit automakers

[Corey]

Originally Posted by Rsv1000R

Ok, How?

Are you implying you know how, or just think they already know how, but because they are making money hand over fist, they're holding that back till they need it?

We know how to make moderate increases in mileage, but even if gas prices were $5 a gallon, it would be automotive death. Decrease horsepower, retune the engine, and re-gear the transmission. But increased MPG will still lose to 0-60, quarter mile, and horsepower numbers.

[pauldun170]

Lose weight...keep performance.

[Rsv1000R]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

I'm implying that despite everything that's been said, we've known for years how to 1) make cars run on something other than petroleum products, 2) produce products that get significantly higher mileage even using petroleum products

GM is a great example: they would rather focus on producing gas hog SUV's and trucks rather than focus on smaller vehicles because it would cost too much to go the other way (and they're paying dearly for it). Point out one American car company that has had something other than a concept car come out that gets 50+ mpg or that has over half of it's production line get in the high 30's at least for gas mileage? I'm saying that there's no reason for it other than the all mighty dollar.

The market for the kind of car that'll actually get 50 mpg in the US IMO is limited, well it is unless gas is $4/gal. But even then companies that do make eco-shitboxes didn't make anywhere near enough to supply demand, and now there's no demand at all.

Maybe your idea of a car is a Fit, but it isn't mine. 50 mpg requires a small engine, and a very light car, Now I'm all for a CF vette, but they still cost to much, the manufacturing technology to do it cheap just doesn't exist yet. It'll probably have to be a manual, most people don't buy manuals. It'd have to very slow, not what I like to drive. Like Corey mentions you can increase torque, but that makes for engines that don't rev. They are doing variable valve timing which can widen the torque range, but it's not cheap.

[Corey]

Originally Posted by pauldun170

Lose weight...keep performance.

That one is a little harder to do. The cost of increased safety regulations has been an increase in weight. Mass production of lighter cars would come at a steep price as they move into more expensive and harder to fabricate pieces.

[Rsv1000R]

Originally Posted by pauldun170

Lose weight...keep performance.

How? And how are you going to do that and keep the cost down?

[Particle Man]

Originally Posted by pauldun170

Lose weight...keep performance.

ok I know I'm fat but you don't have to insult me

[rider76]

I have a 2008 Chevy Malibu, US Gov vehicle I drive for work, it has 20,000 miles on it, all maintence has been performed on it. It is a huge piece of shit.

It starts, then dies and won't restart for about 5 minutes. No one can figure out why. It has rattles and squeaks, random sensors have gone out on it and it is on its third power steering pump..

This is your Motor Trend car of the year...

[HRCNICK11]

third power steering pump

Lemon law, you should look into it.


I'd also like to point out that some oil companys have been known to purchase battery patents that would help some it they were sold or released.


Oh the saturn EVO was not a concept car and was way ahead of its time.

[unknownroad]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

Point out one American car company that has had something other than a concept car come out that gets 50+ mpg or that has over half of it's production line get in the high 30's at least for gas mileage?

Crosley.

[pauldun170]

Originally Posted by Rsv1000R

How? And how are you going to do that and keep the cost down?

Mazda seems to be able to do it.

How bout not increasing the size of a car with each generation?