Fuel economy goals for future powertrain and engine options

Efficiency goals represent one of the key factors governing powertrain choice. These goals are specified for three novel developments in automotive technology which would enable them to compete on this single basis with the conventional four–speed manual or automatic transmission (with torque converter lock–up) coupled with a fixed displacement spark–ignition engine. The fuel consumption figures of continuously variable ratio and infinitely variable ratio automobile transmissions are presented using a simulation model of a vehicle in both urban (EPA cycle) and constant–speed operation. A powertrain utilising a variable displacement engine is also simulated.