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Design for Fuel Economy - The New GM Front Drive Cars
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English
Abstract
The techniques for optimization of fuel economy in the design of the new GM 1980 “X” cars involved reduction of road load and parasitic losses combined with power train matching to the vehicle as a system. Computer simulations identified potential fruitful areas of economy improvement. The method of establishing meaningful targets for weight, aerodynamics and tire losses is described. 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.
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Authors
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Citation
Porter, F., "Design for Fuel Economy - The New GM Front Drive Cars," SAE Technical Paper 790721, 1979, https://doi.org/10.4271/790721.Also In
References
- Waters W. C. “General Purpose Automotive Vehicle Performance and Economy Simulator” Paper 720043 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit, Michigan January 1972
- Nedley A. L. “An Effective Aerodynamic Program in the Design of a New Car” Paper 790724 SAE Passenger Car Week Detroit, Michigan June 1979
- Tarpinian H. D Mishory J. Dr. Nybakken G. H. Dr. “Fuel Saving Passenger Tire” Paper 790726 SAE Passenger Car Week Detroit, Michigan June 1979
- Koivunen E. Lebar P. A. Jr. “New Automatic Transmission for Improved Fuel Economy - General Motors THM 125” Paper 790725 SAE Passenger Car Week Detroit, Michigan June 1979
- Laise T. D. Mellin R. C. Pryjmak B. I. Longhouse R. E. “Electric Cooling Fan with High Ram Air Flow - A Fuel Economy Improvement” Paper 790722 SAE Passenger Car Week Detroit, Michigan June 1979
- Hoffman, C. T. Jr. Beurmann D. J. “Measurement and Reduction of On-Road Brake Drag” Paper 790723 SAE Passenger Car Week Detroit, Michigan June 1979