Has Automobile Engine Technology Really Improved Over the Last 30 Years?

[LAUST]

<< Definitely, now they have superchargers, turbochargers, etc... Just take a look at GM's new inline six-cylinder which yields more power and better fuel economy than most V8 commpetitors. You can find this in the new 2002 GMC Envoy, Chevy Trailblazer, and Olds Bravada ! >>



That Straight 6 has been on GM blue prints since WW2.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Here's some things to think about:

DOHC: used in the 20's, most likely before as well
Front wheel drive: used in the 30's, earlier wouldn't suprize me

Something else to think about:
In 1929 the Deusenberg Model J used a supercharged (roots) straight-8 and 3 speed planetary transmission to go 150MPH

 

[goshdarnindie]

OMG Yes. In the 70's, before catalytic converters, cars were incredible polluters. The catalyst vastly decreased the environmental impact (I want to say by 90%, but I can' remember for sure). But that came at a small performance price. Plus, lead is no longer found in our fuel supply. Lead was an excellent oxidizer, the likes of which we haven't replaces (sorry MTB and ethanol).

Cars are vastly better built. Only problem is, we've taken the gaines in power and slapped 8 passenger vehicles on V8 engines. So its not that the technology hasn't been improved. Its that it has been used to increase luxury, not reduce consumption.

 

[Doggiedog]

From the replies, it seems engine design hasn't really changed at all. It seems material science has enabled auto manufacturers to push old designs further but nothing new has really come down the pipe.

 

[LAUST]

<< From the replies, it seems engine design hasn't really changed at all. It seems material science has enabled auto manufacturers to push old designs further but nothing new has really come down the pipe. >>



Ding Ding Ding,

 

[Gunbuster]

Mazda has a Supercharged Miller-cycle V6 engine and a rotary will be back with the RX8

Do any US cars use a CV Tranny at the moment?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

<< Do any US cars use a CV Tranny at the moment? >>



The CV that is commonly used cannot transfer large amounts of torque.

 

[ElFenix]

there have been some advances. EFI is one. its going to be replaced by direct injection (20% more power, 5% less gas compared to EFI). mostly these make the actual explosions more exact. thats what the refinements work toward, controlling the explosion so its at the optimal time and each cylinder has the same air/fuel mix. gasoline is also a lot better than in the past.

the p38 lightning used superchargers. if shot down they were to be destroyed as the design was top-secret.