F. George McDuffee wrote:

A continuation of the engine thread -- 60 new engines and
transmissions?????????

(1) How does introducing a new engine improve fuel
economy/emissions?

I think Ed pointed out some interesting engine designs recently.

Soon heavy truck will be using engines with urea injection systems. That little, cough,
change will drive up the price of heavy trucks a sizable bit more.

I'm pretty coy about who for and where I work. I need to keep working. But let me tell
you, regulations on diesel emissons have a greater effect on our business than our
currently crashing economy. Having your business go up and down depending on regulation
changes, engine prebuys, and all that crap really puts a strain on everyone in the
manufacturing sector.


(2) What new principals of physics have been discovered that
required new engine design?

This is driven by regulation. The makers are trying to eek out as much as they can.


(3) What new production techniques such as ultra thin wall
casting or new materials have been developed that justify new
engine designs?

This is driven by regulation. See above.

(4) How much of this cost is the taxpayer going to pick up
through corporate R&D deductions? As a follow-on, how many new
jobs will be generated in the US to manufacture these new engines
and transmissions?

GM likely too much. Ford, likely on their dime. I sure hope Ford has a econo box that
gets good gas mileage that can tow 1000# by the time my Saturn SL1 dies. 192,000 and
rusting. I'd really hate buying a Toyota or Kia. I'm only interested in transportation
that gets me there relibily at low cost. Living in Michigan, that means it has to last 10
years before it rusts away. I envy those California and Arizona types. I could keep a
car going for the rest of my life if the body didn't waste away.

Now let me pose a question. Considering the continously lowering of our standard of
living, how much more regulation and additional cost, can we afford to support in our
vehicle purchases?

Wes

--

Regulation, just another form of taxation.





Wes