Fuel Economy Hasn’t Changed in 80+ Years

Sep 3 2014

See the 3rd line down on the left.

Meaning, this 1931 Ford Model A achieved 20 MPG or 11.7 L/100km.

11 L/100km… the same as many cars today.

Come ON. Eyes are rolling out of my head.

Yes, today’s cars have way more features, both safety and comfort ones, are much heavier, and probably burn that fuel more efficiently, but for all the fuss made about the efficiency of today’s engines, shouldn’t this number be much lower?

(not picking on Ford, they make efficient engines, including their all-new 1.0L which I quite liked, review here.)

(Note – the fuel economy ratings are changing this year; here’s a column about that.)

The Fuel Economy Ratings are Changing

Apr 7 2014

It’s moving from 2 cycles of tests to 5.

Starts with 2015 models, onwards.

Read it online at Autonet.ca

Or read it counter-clockwise.

It’s good this is happening, because these laboratory, perfect-enviroment tests are unattainable for the average driver.

Favourite line:

The air conditioning is switched off, as are all the features and aids, the car is kept as light as possible, and the professional driver is using a very fuel-conscious driving style, which requires deep focus and concentration, and a style I’m not convinced we always drive with.

This also means that in a dealership, a 2014 model could be beside an almost identical 2015, but with a big discrepancy in ratings, like this:

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Back to ‘Keri on Driving’ – Index

Pump Up Your Fuel Knowledge

Dec 25 2013

What’s the difference between 87 and 94 octane, and does it even matter? Yes, big time.

A luxury engine should only be fed premium gas, while conversely, there’s no point in putting it into a base model, the engine isn’t designed to take advantage of it.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Cheap gas in a good engine will make it sluggish, and the engine will vocalize its displeasure by emitting a knocking sound.. you’ll be broadcasting an air of cheapness.

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Back to ‘Keri on Driving’ – Index

I Don’t Like Hybrids

Oct 15 2013

Why are we in such a rush to embrace such a new technology? Let’s slow down a bit, the next fuel economy law changes don’t happen for another 12 years, there’s time.

We have time to consider the batteries and future recycling facility capacities, address the required driving style, and calm this fever surrounding hybrids that bugs me: “This is the definitive solution for the future! Pressurized, flammable chemicals are now under our hoods, batteries for all!”

Read it on Autonet.ca

Favourite line:

Often the batteries are built overseas, then transported via container ship, a vehicle that apparently consumes 5,000 litres of fuel per hour. How many hybrid miles do you have to put on, to even that out?

Now, I’m pretty proud of this… zero comments?!?