Detroit automaker General Motors Corp. says it is testing a new combustion process that could increase fuel economy in conventional engines by up to 15 percent. The announcement comes as fuel economy has become an increasingly important issue due to rising gasoline prices. Foreign automakers have captured a bigger share of the U.S. market in part by emphasizing fuel efficiency, with hybrids such as the Toyota Prius having significant success. The process GM is testing, called homogeneous charge compression ignition, approaches the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine without the need for advanced pollution controls, the company said in a statement. Currently, the technology is being tested in two drivable concept vehicles, a Saturn Aura and an Opel Vectra, and was to be shown to reporters Friday at GM's proving ground in Milford.
Read full story...
More...
Linear Mode
