Eco Factor: Re-engineered 2009 Saturn Vue runs on E85 Ethanol.
A team of Ohio State college of Engineering students have won the first place, surpassing 16 other teams from around the world, in the EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge, automotive redesign competition. The competition needed the student teams to re-engineer a 2009 Saturn Vue to achieve better mileage and reduced emissions without sacrificing the vehicle’s performance and consumer appeal.
The student team from the Ohio State University’s EREV is powered by a 1.8 liter engine that is fueled by E85 ethanol. The next-generation design predicts a 300% percent increase in fuel economy over the production 4 cylinder vehicle. The car, an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) demonstrates full performance with an electric powertrain for all electric driving and an optimized combustion engine that can extend the range of the vehicle with its on-board fuel storage.
Via: GreenMuze
