Downsizing (Car engines)

[Mega]

I thought you guys inUS/Can & Oz might like to see what is happening here in Europe. Ford started the ball rolling with their 1 litre (999 cc) 3 cyinder eco engine. Not bad but the block is cast iron thus heavy.....Bmw working with the French have come up with this:-

& before you laugh, GM will be using it under contract very soon in 1 litre/ 1.2 litre & 1.5 litre. BMW ARE using it in 1.2 & 1.5 with the new mini.

My only worry is the fact it uses a rubber cambelt, most now use chains.

Mike

[Mega]

Re: Downsizing (Car engines)

I should also add that a WAR against the DIESEL engine is brewing, thus these engines are a great choice as "They" are going to make running a diesel car more expensive very soon.

Mike

[Thailandnotes]

Re: Downsizing (Car engines)

SE Asia…

Honda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Nissan install 1.2 litre engines.
Some 4-cylinder, some 3-cylinder.
Can barely tell models and make apart.
Dominant car on the road.
Factory or outside LPG conversion 1 – 2 thousand $.
LPG = 0.25 of gasoline.
Conversion pays for itself in months.

http://siamnewcar.com/modeldetail_th...id=34&carid=34

[GRG55]

Re: Downsizing (Car engines)

SE Asia…

Honda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Nissan install 1.2 litre engines.
Some 4-cylinder, some 3-cylinder.
Can barely tell models and make apart.
Dominant car on the road.
Factory or outside LPG conversion 1 – 2 thousand $.
LPG = 0.25 of gasoline.
Conversion pays for itself in months.

http://siamnewcar.com/modeldetail_th...id=34&carid=34

One doesn't need a large engine to enjoy the overcrowded cities and consequent endless traffic jams in SE Asia or Europe. I wonder why they don't make all the cars in Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, KL, London and Paris a maximum of 500cc... shouldn't take more than that to inch along behind the car in front, even with the AC running...