Fuel-sipping tech takes many forms

PARIS–For North Americans, the vehicles and technologies on display here may offer a glimpse at what our near future is likely to hold.

Our increasing urban density, ever more congested roadways and fuel that is becoming more expensive are realities European motorists have been dealing with for decades.

Smaller, more efficient cars just make sense when parking is scarce, roadways narrow, and fuel dear.

Fuel economy, and the CO2 emissions that are linked to it, are a big deal here, which is clear from how prominently CO2 ratings feature both in advertising and on many of the vehicles on display.

Wheels writer Gerry Malloy dealt last week with the popularity of hybrids and electrics over here.

But Europeans have also embraced diesel with considerable gusto, for several reasons – taxation rates on fuel and carbon dioxide emissions (a diesel strength) being among the more prevalent.

A little more than 53 per cent of the new cars sold in the EU last year were diesel-powered, a figure that continues to trend upwards.

Diesel combustion is not without its drawbacks though; emissions of particulate (microscopic soot particles potentially linked to cancer) and production of oxides of nitrogen (a primary ingredient in smog) require sophisticated (and expensive) equipment to meet tightening regulations.

Diesel is not the only answer to Europe's high fuel prices. Several aftermarket and governmental exhibitors have booths extolling the virtues, and lower operating costs, of both CNG (natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas); some of the auto makers, such as General Motors, prominently display models that are factory-equipped to use these fuels.

Far less conspicuous here in Paris than at our domestic auto shows is E85 ethanol blended gasoline; perhaps the corn lobby is not as powerful on this continent.

But the most popular fuel economy improver at this show has to be "idle stop" systems. Some manufacturers call these systems "mild hybrids," but frankly, if it isn't contributing motion to the vehicle, it isn't really "hybrid."

Still, having the engine shut off whenever the vehicle is at rest can result in considerable fuel savings. Smart quotes up to a 20 per cent improvement for their ForTwo in the EU's urban fuel economy cycle – and it's a relatively inexpensive feature to implement.

What's also interesting is the availability of vehicles in versions designed to enhance fuel economy, with most incorporating changes to gearing, aerodynamics and the use of low rolling resistance tires.

It seems that several small changes can have a cumulative effect. The "PUR-O2" version of Fiat's diminutive 500 claims a greater than 10 per cent improvement in its urban fuel economy rating. Mercedes' large S 320 CDI BlueEfficiency luxury sedan fares similarly over its predecessor.

As Ford and GM have both announced these types of packages for their full-size pickups and SUVs, I won't be at all surprised if the concept quickly finds wider use in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Perhaps the most intriguing piece of technology is hidden amongst the booths for insurance, roadside assistance plans and alternative fuels – the MCE-5 variable compression ratio (VCR) engine.

While the concept itself is not a new one – Saab showed a functional VCR prototype in 2000, for instance – this design is unique in that the engine remains a conventional solid unit, while the mechanism that facilitates the variable compression ratio is contained within, being part of the connecting rod assembly. Saab's design tilted the entire cylinder head and cylinders relative to the block.

With claimed economy and torque improvements in the neighbourhood of 30 per cent, this design may prove to be the next step in the evolution of the internal combustion engine. At least one unspecified European auto maker believes it is, with production planned within the next couple of years.

For all of the MCE-5 engine's promise, what Paris 2008's displayed technology suggests is likely for Canadians in the near-term is the increased availability of diesel engines and economy-enhancing option packages, while idle stop systems may finally find acceptance.

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