The near-term future of transportation will be defined by new diesel technology. In 2000 a Lupo 3L went on a globe-trot. The best fuel consumption recorded was 141.9 mpg, the worst 100.9 mpg. The Lupo also broke the round-Britain economy record, previously held by a standard Japanese Daihatsu Charade diesel at 103 mpg. Volkswagen engineers are working on a super-economical motor that could go 300 miles on only one gallon of fuel.
Automakers say new engines are cleaner, more fuel efficient.
Former US Vice President Al Gore cites the diesel engine as a solution to greenhouse gas reduction. No one enjoys driving behind a diesel bus. I think the American public wants that done. Cleaner and more efficient diesel engines are a key focus of PNGV research. Its drag coefficient is just 0.16.