POTENTIAL FOR AUTOMOTIVE FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT.

Auto makers under the enactment of the 'Energy Policy and Conservation Act' have to come up with a fleet average fuel economy of 27. 5 mpg by 1985. The paper discusses the impact of various driving cycle approaches upon fuel economy. Various components of work (rolling friction, aerodynamics, inertia, etc. ) are explained in relation to the types of the driving cycle. Data related to aerodynamic drag coefficient are provided for several cars and vans. Also outlined is a set of potential improvement actions which include: reduction in weight of 20 percent with a fuel economy improvement in the range of 13-16 percent; stratified charge engine (high compression) which may improve efficiency by 20 percent.