SBBlue
Automotive
- Oct 6, 2003
- 118
Here's a somewhat general question I would like to toss out to the group.
What is the value of engine efficiency? Now I'm not talking about vague concepts here, but something a little more concrete.
If there was something that could be bolted on an existing engine that would increase fuel efficiency by, say, 30% -- how much would that be worth?
For convenience sake, let's restrict the discussion to new engines, but allow them to be either gas or diesel engines. Would consumers pay 30% more for an engine that was 30% more efficient? How about 30% more for an engine that was 10% more efficient? Or 50% more for an engine that was 50% more efficient?
And just for argument sake, let's say the engine modification doesn't effect the engine in any way other than the efficiency -- i.e., it doesn't affect the engine's power output, power density, durability, ease of operation, service requirements, volume or weight characteristics. To keep a little bit of realism, let's say the cost of manufacturing the modification also increases 30%. In other words, every thing is the same, except the engine is now 30% more efficient. How much is that worth?
For extra credit -- let's suppose that a manufacturer was going to have to drop a certain vehicle due to fuel efficiency requirements. How much would they pay (in percentage of current cost) to have a modification that increased efficiency 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%?
My feeling, based upon absolutely no evidence whatsoever, is that the increase in value of the engine would about be equal to the increase in efficiency. However. . . .I also suspect that people would be willing to pay 100% more for an engine that was 50% more efficiency.
I'm anxious to hear the collective wisdom here!!!
What is the value of engine efficiency? Now I'm not talking about vague concepts here, but something a little more concrete.
If there was something that could be bolted on an existing engine that would increase fuel efficiency by, say, 30% -- how much would that be worth?
For convenience sake, let's restrict the discussion to new engines, but allow them to be either gas or diesel engines. Would consumers pay 30% more for an engine that was 30% more efficient? How about 30% more for an engine that was 10% more efficient? Or 50% more for an engine that was 50% more efficient?
And just for argument sake, let's say the engine modification doesn't effect the engine in any way other than the efficiency -- i.e., it doesn't affect the engine's power output, power density, durability, ease of operation, service requirements, volume or weight characteristics. To keep a little bit of realism, let's say the cost of manufacturing the modification also increases 30%. In other words, every thing is the same, except the engine is now 30% more efficient. How much is that worth?
For extra credit -- let's suppose that a manufacturer was going to have to drop a certain vehicle due to fuel efficiency requirements. How much would they pay (in percentage of current cost) to have a modification that increased efficiency 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%?
My feeling, based upon absolutely no evidence whatsoever, is that the increase in value of the engine would about be equal to the increase in efficiency. However. . . .I also suspect that people would be willing to pay 100% more for an engine that was 50% more efficiency.
I'm anxious to hear the collective wisdom here!!!
for those who may not have sensed it. The safety comments weren't in jest and are even more valid in the chaotic country in which I live.
