Environmental groups and government regulators are clamping down on automakers to with a new CAFE standard of 54.5 MPG by 2025.
Those of us that live in the now would be happy to know that the new regulation won't directly impact our day to day lives for at least another decade. However, product development periods can take as long as 6, or even 10, years. Now is the time for the engineers to look into any technological challenges that must be faced down the road.
Responding to the stricter CAFE standard, Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne forebodes that V8 engines will be "as rare as white flies." Fuel efficiency can be achieved from pursuing a number of avenues including aerodynamics, weight loss, and low rolling resistance tires. However, the single most effective MPG gain arguably remains the application of downsized engines.
Not only are force inducted small displacement engines in vogue, hybrid drivetrains are gaining broader acceptance beyond pure efficiency as engineers have found effective methods of applying hybrid technology into performance vehicles as well.
Despite Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne's premonitions on the industry's movement, the current lineup of Chrysler and its brands carry more V8 powerplants than most other companies. Case in point, the SRT performance division established its global reputation through its V8 and V10 offerings including the Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and its SRT Viper flagship. Will loyal SRT customers continue to purchase its performance vehicles in 2025 if Chrysler chooses to discontinue the macho powerplant?
Shifting to the Fiat side of operations, we reported in June that Fiat has tapped on Ferrari to create a new performance bi-turbo V6 engine to be shared among Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia models. If CAFE standards forces Ferrari to embrace force-induction V6 engines, the legendary Italian sports car marque stands to lose its mystique. Ferraris have always been built upon passion and racing heritage, deliberately opposing emission regulations and everything it stands for.
As deeply engrained as V8 powerplants are to both SRT and Ferrari, CEO Sergio Marchionne understands that the rules of the industry are no different than the rules of survival: adapt or die.
The industry will be forced to make significant changes in the coming years and it will be interesting to see exactly what those changes are.
