54.5 MPG Comes With Trade-Offs

Charles Murray, Senior Technical Editor, Electronics & Test 8/24/2012

HOW TO MEET THE 55mpg CAFE REQUIREMENTS

INCLUDE hybrid and pure electric vehicles

ENGINE ENHANCEMENTS: variable valve timing, reduced displacement, and turbochargers.

TRANSMISSIONS offering eight- , nine-, and 10-speed models

REDUCE WEIGHT of wires and wiring harnesses

REDESIGN HEAVY COMPONENTS, such as seats and instrument panels

REPLACE aluminum and steel skins ($0.30 and $0.55 per pound).
Magnesium runs $2.20, titanium is about $35, and a carbon fiber skin is roughly $40 to $50 per pound

"Smaller, lighter vehicles offer a fuel efficiency boost that is roughly proportional to the reduction in mass "You'll get get your groceries in there, and might get golf clubs in there, but volume".. will be reduced

A 2011 study by The Center for Automotive Research indicated that proposed regulations could drive up the cost of new vehicles by as much as $11,000.