Oil hits $50--New engines save fuel
By: Jack Nerad for Driving Today
Date: 2004-09-28
As oil passes the $50 per barrel mark, and gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are generating headlines, it is worth noting that there is more than one way to attain improved fuel economy. Yet, as gas prices continue to rise across the country, the need for more fuel-efficient trucks and SUVs is becoming more prevalent. While gas-electric hybrid engines have been hailed for their fuel-savings, they're still an expensive option available on a limited number of vehicles. Now, a vastly different engine technology has the potential to improve fuel economy on trucks and SUVs dramatically.
For larger, eight-cylinder engines, a new technology called "Displacement on Demand" is increasing fuel-efficiency. The technology uses a computer to automatically switch the vehicle from operating on eight cylinders to four cylinders when the vehicle is in cruising conditions and doesn't need all the power of an eight cylinder. When operated in that mode, the eight-cylinder vehicle will offer fuel savings similar to a four-cylinder vehicle.
Midsize truck engines have also been improved with unique designs and lighter, more efficient materials. One example of this is an in-line five-cylinder engine that General Motors engineers have designed for their new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon light-truck models. These vehicles have engines that offer the power of a V-6 at 220 horsepower, but maintain the fuel efficiency similar to a four cylinder.
Displacement on Demand will be standard this fall on V-8 engines in 2005 Chevrolet and GMC extended mid-size SUV's. The midsize truck engines are available now.
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