You Want a Real EcoBoost? Lets Put it in Perspective …

I spent the better part of three days at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this past week. While I’ve been to NAIAS a number of times over the years, this was the first time I flew home knowing that I need to start doing things differently, ASAP. Although the price of gasoline may have plummeted, there’s still a mission (make that multiple missions) that must be accomplished. Gas will not stay this cheap forever.

Ford kindly flew me in with a crowd of “Digital Influencers” and I lived happily in the big blue snowglobe with my new comrades. Our agenda was non-stop, starting with a Sunday night visit to the historic Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, where the Model T was designed and built.

1908 Ford Model T at the Piquette Avenue Plant

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2015 Ford F-150: 30 MPG Magic?

The thought of a half-ton pickup truck achieving 30 miles per gallon (MPG) with a gasoline engine was unfathomable, just a few years ago. A 30 MPG rating for the 2015 Ford F-150 would be nothing short of remarkable. While the F-150’s gas mileage ratings have not been released for 2015, engineering leaps at Ford may have put that magic thirty within reach. The savings potential is based on three core technologies: lightweighting, displacement downsizing, and aerodynamics.

2015 Ford F150 King Ranch

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for years on end. A significant drop in the F150’s fuel consumption = a lot more money in F150 owners wallets and lessened need for our nation to import oil. This will do more than budge the needle. Lets take a look at how Ford made the magic happen …

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Top 20 Best MPG Turbocharged Cars – 2012

Turbocharging is one of the best ways to make horsepower and torque without a negative impact on fuel economy. Our list of the most fuel-efficient turbocharged vehicles of 2012 is dominated by European manufacturers. With little surprise, the top spots go to the Volkswagen and Audi TDI turbo-diesels. The roomy Volkswagen Passat TDI leads the list at 31 city / 43 highway / 35 combined miles per gallon (MPG). You’ll find just one entry each for the American and Japanese manufacturers, with the Chevrolet Cruze ECO and Nissan Juke landing in the top ten. The spunky Fiat 500 Abarth earns a spot in the top ten, as well. On the other side of the coin, the Bugatti Veyron earns the Thirstiest Turbo of 2012 award with ratings of 8 city / 15 highway / 10 combined (not that it matters to the typical Veyron owner).

Volkswagen Passat TDI

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