Originally Posted by
thdave
I think that will change the next few years. I know Honda is coming out with a new Fit, which is supposed to get 50 mpg. Also, many auto companies are working on technology to replace engine vacuum powered systems with electrical or other ( I think the new Fit does this)--this can save 15% on fuel--and another 10% savings can come if they get the internal combustion engine to behave more like a diesel--to fire without spark plugs. That development is well under way.
That's good to hear. Honda seriously knows their stuff on engines. I won't be at all surprised to find that a lot of the new developments on IC engines comes from them.
I did hear about gas engines that ignited like diesels, at least at speed (they thought they'd still have to use spark plugs when cold and possibly at low speeds). That'd be good. I've always liked diesel but not the particulate emissions. BMW and Mercedes have reduced particulates a ton too. Nobody wants to sell diesels in the US these days though.