The Vanguard Vehicle Design Package
"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."
SFGate.com has the full story.
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."
SFGate.com has the full story.