There are many different ways overall vehicle design effect the vehicles fuel efficiency.More aerodynamic designes.Lighter vehicles.And the only thing I LOVE about currant hybrids,the energy recovery in their braking systems.Something I've wondered about for hybrids.Instead of batteries,would capacitors work almost as well for energy storage?They have many times the lifespan.No hazardous materials to recycle.And many times lighter then most battery designs.And of course it couldn't hurt to teach smart driving for fuel efficiency as well as safety in driving schools and drivers-ed classes.These are only a few of the ways cars could be built for better efficiency.But none of them do any good as long as most people want to drive BIG FLASHY SUV's,huge Linkoln's,Caddy's,etc.Cadillac had a good idea when they introduced their 8/6/4 engine design.All the power of a V8,with the efficiency of a 4 cylinder.To bad about the bugs that engine design had though.
And no JL.While I was disheartened by you'r reply,I wasn't insulted.You posted what you know on the subject politely.It's just frustrating because of all the failures ridiculed by the automakers & media.That the few designs that do seem to work well aren't given a chance.Of course the true test would be for the design I saw working would be road testing for at least 80,000 miles.I experimented with a similar design once on a set of plans someone else bought.It was tried on a Pinto,and gave great milage.But the engine was destroyed by tar and varnish residues after about 4,000 miles.