Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
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 ]
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.
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
For instance, a small car might need only 10–15 horsepower (7.5–11.2 kW) to cruise at 60 mph (97 km/h). It is likely to be geared for 2500 rpm or so at that speed, yet for maximum efficiency the engine should be running at about 1500 rpm (gasoline) or 1200 rpm (diesel) to generate that power as efficiently as possible for that engine ...
Reducing weight has resulted in using aluminum-silicon alloys more frequently for the engine block in small-displacement engines. Engine blocks of comparable design, but using Al-Si alloys, are not lighter than cast iron engine blocks in the same ratio as that for the specific weights of the materials.
Another feature across all generations was the 4.4 in (112 mm) bore spacing and pushrods, the former of which is also in use in the Chevrolet Gemini small-block engine. [38] The use of aluminum allowed for further weight reduction; the 1997 LS1 was almost 100 lb (45 kg) lighter than previous cast-iron small-block iterations. [26]
With the lofty price of cars, their maintenance and their fuel, many drivers are looking for ways to cut down on their vehicle spending, starting with insurance. Check Out: 10 Affordable Compact ...