A system approach to design for fuel economy: The new General Motors front drive cars
by F.C. Porter
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 1, No. 4, 1980

Abstract: The techniques for optimisation of fuel economy in the design of the new GM 1980 'X' cars involved the reduction of road load and parasitic losses combined with powertrain matching to the vehicle as a system. Computer simulations identified potentially fruitful areas of economy improvement. The method of establishing meaningful targets for weight, aerodynamics and tyre losses is described. The matching of engine displacement, torque converter characteristics and transmission and axle gearing to the vehicle system made possible the minimum engine size consistent with target performance requirements. It is concluded that the methods employed made possible a high level of fuel efficiency relative to both vehicle size and performance.

Online publication date: Sun, 25-May-2014

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