skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Augmentation of research and analysis capabilities for timely support of automotive fuel economy activities. Volume I - summary. Final report Dec 77-Nov 79

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5758549

A series of research tasks were undertaken to assess the potential fuel economy improvements for passenger cars and light trucks during the 1980 to 1985 time frame, and later to 1990. Supported by NHTSA's fuel economy activity, this program provided analytical capabilities in the areas of automotive technology, product planning, manufacturing costs and transportation energy economics. Specific subject areas of investigation include: spark ignition engine improvements; fuel economy potential of alternate engines; reductions in tire rolling resistance, aerodynmaic drag, and engine friction (through improved lubricants); weight reduction of domestic and certain import passenger vehicles, including a teardown of a Chrysler - Dodge Omni for an analysis of materials and weight and a technology assessment of carbon composites as a future substitute material; manufacturing and consumer costs for the fuel economy improvement areas identified; identification of unregulated diesel emission problem areas in need of research; and a determination of the cost benefits of petroleum conservation by means other than fuel economy standards. Volume I summarizes the results of all tasks, identifies the methodology employed fuel economy benefits expected.

Research Organization:
Corporate-Tech Planning, Inc., Waltham, MA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5758549
Report Number(s):
PB-81-219479
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English