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GM and the Diesel-Like Gasoline Engine

26 messages,  Last post on Jan 27, 2009 at 7:54 AM

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What is this discussion about? Automotive News, Diesel, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)

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#1 of 26 GM and the Diesel-Like Gasoline Engine by pf_flyer HOST Aug 26, 2007 (4:43 am)
Ran across this news item yesterday..   GM develops diesel-like gasoline engines   MILFORD, Mich. -General Motors Corp. says it intends to improve the mileage of its gasoline engines by making them run more like diesel engines.   Although many automakers are pursuing the same strategy - notably Honda - GM became the first company Friday to demonstrate the technology in running concept cars.   I think we're about due for some kind of fuel efficiency breakthrough on the gasoline engine, so why not homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI)?   But you can read more about what I think about innovation on the Alternate Route Replies to this message: hwyhobo (Aug 27, 2007 7:38 pm) tpe (Aug 29, 2007 7:49 am) gagrice (Aug 30, 2007 6:56 am) and 1 more...
#3 of 26 Re: GM and the Diesel-Like Gasoline Engine [pf_flyer] by hwyhobo Aug 27, 2007 (7:38 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Aug 26, 2007 4:43 am) According to this article, GM's got it, but it's only 15% more frugal than a regular engine. Considering that a diesel can save in the neighborhood of 30%, HCCI seems to be a bit of letdown. Am I misreading it? Replies to this message: tpe (Aug 29, 2007 7:49 am) gagrice (Aug 30, 2007 6:56 am) bumpy (Aug 30, 2007 7:24 am)
#4 of 26 Comparisons by pf_flyer HOST Aug 28, 2007 (3:31 am)
I guess one way to look at it is that this would close the efficiency gap between gas and diesel by making gasoline engines more efficient.   15% improvement is pretty significant Replies to this message: hwyhobo (Aug 28, 2007 2:53 pm) cooterbfd (Aug 28, 2007 7:17 pm)
#5 of 26 Another thought by pf_flyer HOST Aug 28, 2007 (4:55 am)
HCCI works under the "lazy" umbrella too since people don't want to have to do anything or change anything to get a benefit. To illustrate, an Impala (to stick with the GM theme) with an HCCI engine would be identical in every respect to an Impala with a conventional engine from the user perspective. They'd pull up to the same gas pump, drive it the same way (no electric-mode or anything like that). It would be right in people's comfort zones AND I get 15% better mileage? As long as it makes economic sense and doesn't cost me more to own the car than any savings I would get, sign me up. (the dreaded hybrid premium debate)   The technology sounds promising. I know advances take time, but it just feels that something like this would have happened long ago. Replies to this message: guss (Aug 28, 2007 5:15 am)
#6 of 26 Re: Another thought [pf_flyer] by guss Aug 28, 2007 (5:15 am)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Aug 28, 2007 4:55 am) But people want to look green. If GM puts it in a goofy body style and charge alot more like the Prius greenies will love it. Keep it the same and change the wheels like the Civic Hybrid and nobody gets excited about it.   I agree though, 15% is a huge improvement without any effort.
#7 of 26 Ah, one of my favorites by pf_flyer HOST Aug 28, 2007 (5:21 am)
Style over substance. Far too many people are worried about what they look like to others if you ask me.   I have no need to "look green" to prove anything to anyone. I'm about function. HCCI is a function, not a style.       But a tip of the hat for another idea for the blog! Appreciate it!
#8 of 26 Re: Comparisons [pf_flyer] by hwyhobo Aug 28, 2007 (2:53 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Aug 28, 2007 3:31 am) I agree that for the "do nothing" approach from the driver, it is a significant gain. I was just hoping that the "breakthrough" would mean something that would beat diesel efficiency. I worry that it could slow down diesel introductions even more by domestic manufacturers like GM.   Still, if I had no other choices, certainly I would take 15% rather than nothing.
#9 of 26 Re: Comparisons [pf_flyer] by cooterbfd Aug 28, 2007 (7:17 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Aug 28, 2007 3:31 am) I imagine since the cost of a diesel engine is much more than a gas engine, if this can be accomplished for very little more money than a conventional engine, it will be a winner.
#10 of 26 Re: GM and the Diesel-Like Gasoline Engine [hwyhobo] by tpe Aug 29, 2007 (7:49 am)
Replying to: hwyhobo (Aug 27, 2007 7:38 pm) Its a little misleading to compare diesel and gasoline engines in terms of efficiency without mentioning that diesel fuel contains more energy. It's true that a diesel engine is more efficient than a gasoline ICE but around half the mileage advantage is derived from the fuel. Diesel fuel contains approximately 14% more BTUs per gallon compared to unleaded gasoline. So while this HCCI technology might get a gasoline engine on par with diesel in terms of conversion efficiency it still won't match the diesel's mpg rating. Replies to this message: gagrice (Aug 30, 2007 6:56 am) bumpy (Aug 30, 2007 7:24 am)

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