Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
In both the interest of fuel economy and weight reduction, the B/C-platform ended the use of "big-block" V8 engines outside of the Cadillac division; after 1980, a 350 cubic-inch V8 was the largest engine fitted in a B-body chassis. In 1985, General Motors underwent a further downsizing of many of its nameplates using the B-platform chassis.
Lightweighting is a concept in the auto industry about building cars and trucks that are less heavy as a way to achieve better fuel efficiency, battery range, acceleration, braking and handling. [1] [2] In addition, lighter vehicles can tow and haul larger loads because the engine is not carrying unnecessary weight. [3]
In the automotive industry, engine downsizing is the practice of utilizing smaller combustion engines over larger ones of the same power capacity when manufacturing vehicles. It is the result of car manufacturers attempting to provide more efficient vehicles that emit fewer emissions , [ 1 ] often mandated by legislative standards . [ 2 ]
The farther back the engine, the greater the bias. Typical weight bias for an FF (front engine, front-wheel-drive) is 65/35 front/rear; for FR, 55/45; for MR, 45/55; for RR, 35/65. A static rear weight requires less forward brake bias, as load is more evenly distributed among all four wheels under braking. Similarly, a rear weight bias means ...
The engines are small in both physical dimensions and power output, relative to larger automobile engines.Power outputs are typically less than 11 kW (15 hp). The smallest of all are used in handheld garden machinery, such as string trimmers and chainsaws, which have a displacement as small as 24 cc (1.5 cu in). [2]
Body style. Examples. Average weight. Smart car. Smart Fortwo. 1,500 pounds. Subcompact car. Ford Fiesta. 2,600 pounds. Compact car. Toyota Corolla. 2,600 to 3,000 pounds
Compressed air engines reduce the cost of car production, because there is no need to build a cooling system, spark plugs, starter motor, or mufflers. The rate of self-discharge is very low compared to batteries. A fueled, compressed-air vehicle may be left unused for a longer time than an electric car.
Simplicity of manufacture: the engine is near the driven wheels, and the transmission can be merged with the differential to save space. This layout was once popular in small, inexpensive cars and light commercial vehicles. Today most car makers have abandoned the layout although it does continue in some expensive cars, [3] like the Porsche 911.