THE CLEAN AND FUEL-EFFICIENT AUTOMOBILE

Developments which could improve emissions and fuel efficiency for gasoline and diesel engines are discussed. Areas covered include reductions in aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, vehicle weight and the inertia of vehicle and mechanical parts. Some results that have been achieved by car manufacturers using prototypes of medium and small-size vehicles are presented. Factors which it is considered in practice will have an effect on improvements in efficiency and emissions are discussed including speed distribution, trip length distribution and market trends in engine performance. Savings of 40- 50% in fuel consumption and emissions in medium and large vehicles, and 25-30% in small vehicles are considered feasible with electronic control of a maximum of functions, better combustion efficiency and better adaptation to actual use. For the covering abstract see IRRD 864909.