This is the car the automakers refuse to make.
Five years ago, the auto industry was issued a challenge. That was when
California passed a law requiring the industry to reduce global-warming
pollution from its cars and trucks. Since then, 10 other states have adopted
that standard. Together, these 11 states represent one-third of the U.S. auto
market. Instead of rising to this challenge, the automakers filed lawsuits in
California and two other states to kill the standard -- even though they have
the technology today to surpass it.
Before joining the staff of the Union of Concerned Scientists, I worked as
a consultant for the major automakers, so I know first-hand that they can do
better. Working with other UCS vehicle experts, I recently designed a "virtual"
vehicle that combines a number of pollution-cutting technologies under one
hood. Our blueprint, which we call the Vanguard, is not a hybrid. It doesn't
use fuel cells. It merely puts together conventional off-the-shelf technologies
that can already be found piecemeal in more than 100 vehicles on the road
today. Installing these technologies in everything from two-seaters to SUVs
could cut their global-warming pollution by as much as 40 percent. Adopting the
Vanguard "package" in California alone would be the equivalent of taking 19
million of today's vehicles off the road.
Not only would the Vanguard package help save the planet, it would save
Americans millions of dollars annually. The minivan package, for example, would
pay for itself in less than two years and deliver $1,333 in savings over the
vehicle's lifetime. From 2009, when the standard is supposed to take effect, to
2030, California drivers would save $2.6 billion.
OK, that all sounds almost too good to be true, but what would it be like
to drive? Not to worry. The Vanguard would be just as fast, safe and reliable
as today's vehicles. In fact, the Vanguard package actually would give you a
smoother ride than the car you're driving today.
Here's a look at some of the key features of this cleaner car:
Transmission: The Vanguard has a six-speed automatic-manual transmission
that delivers a smoother ride and allows the engine to operate at top
efficiency. There's no clutch: You switch gears by simply pushing a button on
your dashboard. If you don't want manual control, the car will do the shifting
for you.
Engine: Cylinder deactivation will give you muscle only when you need it,
saving you money and cutting pollution. If you're cruising down the highway
with no passengers, two of the six cylinders will shut down seamlessly. When
you lean on the gas, go up a hill, or load your car with six kids headed to
soccer practice, the extra cylinders will kick back on.
Electrical system: Electric power steering will let you change direction
with an electric motor instead of a hydraulic pump, providing faster, more
responsive steering and consuming less energy.
Ethanol: Building cars that can use as much as 85 percent ethanol from
plants would help cut global-warming pollution. Corn ethanol can cut pollution
10 to 30 percent compared to gasoline, while cellulosic ethanol from
switchgrass, wood chips and other materials would cut pollution by as much as
90 percent. As more gas stations offer ethanol, you will be able to fill your
car with homegrown, clean, renewable fuel.
Aerodynamics: The Vanguard is streamlined to use less energy fighting air
resistance. In some models, the updated design would provide more space for
passengers and storage.
Air conditioning: The Vanguard's cooling system would keep the planet
cool, too. Tighter hoses and cleaner refrigerants would keep global-warming
pollution out of the atmosphere, while more efficient air compressors wouldn't
tax the engine as much.
Copyright © 2007 Hearst Communication Inc.
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