Title: Energy related to vehicle design

Authors: J.A. Oldfield

Addresses: Vice-president, Car Product Planning, Ford of Europe, Germany

Abstract: A review is presented of the effects of the oil crises of the 1970s and the present oil supply and price situation on the automotive industry. The future outlook and the view of Ford of Europe of the implications for future vehicle design are considered. Radical changes in powertrain technology and the possible abandonment of the reciprocating internal combustion engine are predicted. Gas turbines and electric-powered and hybrid vehicles are discussed as long-term alternatives to IC engines. Ford|s sodium heat engine is introduced as a further long-term alternative. Nearer-term developments in the form of diesel engines, engine/transmission matching and electronics are examined and their impact on the family car of the 1990s is discussed.

Keywords: vehicle design; fuel economy; powertrain technology; gas turbines; electric vehicles; hybrid vehicles; aerodynamics; engines; transmission matching; electronics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1982.061276

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1982 Vol.3 No.2, pp.131 - 141

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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