Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

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PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT IN THE PISTON ENGINE

There are all kinds of ways to boost the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Hybrids are becoming more and more popular. Clean diesels seemed poised to make major inroads in the market. And even though they're a ways down the road, hydrogen fuel cells sure look promising.

But the problem with these technologies is that they add considerable cost to a car. Toyota has probably got the cost of its hybrid system down to about $2,500, but that's still a lot of money to add to the cost of the powertrain. At their present level of development, clean diesels probably carry $4,000-$5,000 worth of extra emissions control equipment. And hydrogen fuel cells aren't quite ready for prime time no matter what they cost.

Engine engineers complain to me all the time about these alternative technologies. They say it's unfair to compare what they are doing with gasoline-fueled piston engines to these alternatives. And it all comes down to money. They claim they can achieve comparable performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency at a lot lower cost.

Specifically, they say "Let me add just $1,000 worth of equipment and technology to my engine and let me show you what I can do."

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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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