What do folks think about the 35 MPG standard that affects both cars and light trucks? Auto makers have been skirting the MPG standards for years with pickups and SUVs that are not classified as cars, but that loophole is being closed.

Personally, I think the Big 3 are going to be in a world of hurt if they can't find a way of dramatically increasing MPG for pickups. Sales of pickups will probably go through the roof in the year or two before the MPG standards go into affect as everyone who truly needs a pickup buys while they still can. I predict parts sales for older models will skyrocket as folks try to keep older pickups on the road.

I don't know if 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are affected. If not, you'll see a lot of sales move from 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton pickups.

 

I could see this causing both a problem and a solution. The big three will be hurt by this as I do not think that they are working towards better MPG as hard as foreign companies. We do need to reduce our independance on foreign oil though. Currently heaver trucks are not required to have the MPG even put on the window sticker. I feel that this would be considered the cut off for the higher MPG. There are a few solutions to all of this but I feel that it will get political so I am going to stop myself now.

 

I foresee one of two issues.
1. there will be no trucks for sale.
2. there will be no light trucks for sale...

I think you are going to see several hybrids show on the market over the next few years.

 

It will be a neat trick,geting 35 mpg out of a full size pick up. Can you say gutless wonder?

 

It spells the effective end of any v-8 or v-6 truck engine and the end of all light duty diesels. I am not sure of the wording but, who knows. We will see. I think it will drive the big 3 out of the performance muscle, and HD truck market for good. It will kill most small suv's and trucks as well.

What ever will be will be!

Better stock up now boys, CTD's & trucks/suv's in general may become collectors items!

 

I'm not sure why the light duty diesel would get killed off. Diesel in combination with hybrid technology might be one of the few ways to get a pickup even close to 35 MPG. Pickups don't have to get to 35 MPG, but the average of all vehicles sold has to be 35 MPG.

What kind of MPG does Europe require? They have lots of high MPG vehicles, but they also still have large vans and I assume pickups too. Europe has had smaller vehicles in general due to high fuel prices for much longer than the USA.

 

while some places have alot of high mpg vehicles, the average engine size is 1.6L. They also have alot of small diesels. This is something we dont have.

 

I have read where all of the Big 3 - GM, Ford and Chrysler are all considereing smaller diesels for the cars. They know why they are so popular in other countries. Our problem here in the U.S. is creature comforts. We all want 35 MPG with power windows, cruise, nav, onstar, heated seats! ect. Look at a lot of the foriegn little cars. They are transportation. Thats it. Would be fine with me too! I bought my truck because of the engine and price. If it had rubber floors and a stick with no air, I could live with that. I'm glad , though, that it does have air and a few other niceties!!!! LOL

 

1.) I get 26 MPG with a 79 GMC 4X4 and a 4 speed..... With a 4BT. Hardly what you would call an aerodynamic combination, and I have the throttle flat to the floor at 62 MPH with the 4.10 gears. What would yous uppose it would get with an overdrive, and a more Aero truck?
I don't see 35 MPG out of reach, although not at 350 ish Hp.
The next question is why does the average person need 350 Hp for a driver?

2.) For cars, all you have to do is look at the MB320, what, 37 MPG and every conceivable comfort? Ok, so we all can't afford 50K, but whats wrong with the same thing in a Charger sized car?

CHRYSLER, ARE YOU LISTENING?????????????????????

I don't like it one bit better than you guys do, but I am also tired of Marketing departments stuffing cars we do not want down our throats....

 

I have read the Jeep conversion thread about how he is getting over 30 on a regular basis out of a brick on wheels (Jeep) and I personally think if I could find the money and time to drop a 3.9 Cummins in my wifes '03 trailblazer it would get better then that. It is slightly better aerodynamic and has a pretty decent overdrive on it already. It cruises at 70 at under 2k rpm which would be perfect for the 3.9. So its doable. All that it needs is doing. Now for a full size? People are impressed with just over 20mpg out of a 2500. And I dont know how much better you could get with a hybrid. If I remember the GM hybrid gas truck (I think it was GM who did it) it only got 20% better economy on the freeway. Even with diesel that isnt much.

One of the things that kills me is GM just came out with multi-displacement engines in the Tahoe and Yukon. Its a really neat idea. But the trucks get EXACTLY the same fuel economy as the last model. What is the point of added more stuff to break and not getting anything out of it?!?!

 

Here's the problem with the government fuel economy standards for trucks.
It takes brute force to move a heavy load, that takes lots of fuel.
Plus, EPA does everything it can to prevent the fuel economy improvements advanced engine controll systems should give.
(low emissions settings often do not produce good economy)

The reasons you see small cars & small engines in the rest of world is they have very high taxes on bigger cars (thousands of dollars).
The europeans also have lass strict emissions standards for small, efficient cars. they realize that in the end the car will still pollute less if it's tuned for efficiency even tho the meter says the PPM are higher.

 

Look at it realistically, when the Government regulates vehicle to a set MPG standard, the industry responds within the guidelines the Govt. sets. They will state all vehicle unless a certain weight limit or one with lets say a"gonculator valve". When these conditions are stated the industry will respond with trucks or heavy vehicles with the new and improved "valve". We will always find a loophole around any stipulation they place on us. Trucks are as much a part of America as apple pie and Baseball. I for one need my truck.