Technology In Response To The Crisis

Redesigned engine


The energy crisis imposes a necessary research to optimize the consumption of automobiles, and thus a renewal of engines. For this, manufacturers are striving to improve the performance of their machines thermal rethinking the design of the combustion chambers and ducts admissions, as well as reducing friction due to the translational motion of the piston into the crankcase. In addition, the engine carburetor abandon in favor of the injectors. The gearboxes are also optimized in particular by extending reporting to reduce the amplitude of mounted régime.

The diesel engine is used on vehicles since the 1920 but has only a symbolic presence in the field of vehicles. Mercedes is the only brand to offer many sedans Diesel since 1936. The end of 1974 marked a turning point in the use of this type of engine. Indeed, the diesel engine, with better thermodynamic efficiency the engine essence, consumes less fuel and there is consequently a major craze among most manufacturers Volkswagen and Oldsmobile in 1976, Audi and Fiat in 1978, Renault and Alfa Romeo in 1979 offering diesel engines. The "dieselize" automobiles is further fueled by government actions (reduction of taxes diesel)

Turbochargers are used to compress the air prior to its use in the combustion chamber, wherein fuel is injected. This procedure allows to introduce more air displacement equal, increasing engine efficiency. This technique has been used since 1973 on some models 'marginal' BMW, Porsche and Chevrolet as limited by the mode of operation of motor gasoline (spark-ignition engine). But it is with the advent of diesel that overeating takes its full extent, since it is a self-igniting. Overeating thus increases the power of the car that consumes less Diesel versions essence.