Suggestion For Automakers

[BEEF]

this is a discussion we have had for years over at gassavers. cars like the honda CRX HF, Civic VX, and Metro xfi are all good examples of cars that were EPA rated over 50mpg that we can't duplicated today.

my first car was a 3 cylinder metro (not the xfi) and it was quite the dog. it actually did fairly well considering it was right at 1800 lbs. I think stock it was 55hp (would have to look it up). my yaris is very close to that metro in size and basic shape. it is 2250 lbs and has twice the power. I can't see it doing well with half the power it has.

it is easy to assume that a car like you describe would do well. on forums devoted to economy and efficiency, that general concensus is the norm. the issue is that the general public doesn't feel the same way. they want it both ways. they want 1000hp and 100mpg. these are the people that buy a hybrid and complain when it doesn't do the EPA MPG even though they are flooring it on the highway doing 90 MPH. this is the public that drives the direction of production cars.

also, most hypermilers aren't new car purchasers. most hypermilers know that you can get better mileage out of an older car and it's also a cheaper startup cost as well even if it needs work the total COO (cost of ownership) is much less than anything new.

if you really want a brand new car the way you are talking, there is one out there. look up "3 wheel wildfire car" it gets around emissions and safety because it is a 3 wheeler. there have been a few around here for sale. I have never test driven one but they claim 65 MPG. it has a 660cc engine (used to be a 250 but it was a real dog from what I hear).

if you'd like to know more about the fuel economy side of this discussion, check out gassavers.org, fuelly.com, or cleanmpg.com. I know there are probably more. i have been a member of gassavers since 2008.

I feel you on the lack of real winners on the efficiency forefront but we are the minority as far as drivers (and potential customers) go according to the auto manufacturers.