Dayton Daily News

Due to the economic downturn, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS.COM) had fewer vehicles on display, and the displays were simple compared to previous years. The attendance by journalists also appeared to be down this year as there seemed to be more vehicle representatives than journalists in attendance. The theme was on fuel economy and high technology. Few large pickup trucks or SUVs were on display; instead, vehicle manufacturers were showcasing the following features:

• green issues, such as recyclable materials.

• renewable fuels, such as E85 capable vehicles.

• fuel efficiency through the use of smaller, but more powerful engines.

It is the last feature that seemed to be included in the display area of many vehicle manufacturers and especially by the Detroit 3 automakers. High-technology features included:

• Direct gasoline-injection featuring a fuel pump that pressurizes fuel to as high as 2,000 pounds per square inch. A high-voltage fuel injector then squirts the fuel directly into the cylinder. In other fuel injector systems, the fuel is injected into the intake manifold, near the intake valve. Direct fuel injectors result in improved power and fuel economy but, of course, cost more to produce.

• Another engine design change that is being included on more engines is the use of variable valve timing. This feature includes an electrical solenoid near the camshaft to control the flow of engine oil to the advance/retard mechanism. The use of variable valve timing increases the torque output of the engines and can improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions.

• Besides direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, many engines are being equipped with exhaust-driven turbochargers to boost horsepower. This allows V-6 engines to produce the power of a V-8 engine, yet the fuel efficiency of a V-6.

I think the use of turbocharging, variable valve timing, and direct gasoline fuel injection will be the dominant technologies for the near future. Electric, hybrid electric and fuel-cell vehicles are in the future and due to the needed infrastructure, will be many years in the future before they become commonly used on the streets and highways of the United States.

While the future seems to be heading toward the use of less fossil fuels and more toward renewable fuels and electric power, it may take many years before there are electrical charging stations or hydrogen filling stations in parking lots and at shopping malls and other public spaces.