If some of the new engines available shut down cylinders for economy on the highway, and the V10 will shut down cylinders to save the engine if it gets hot, can't that approach be used to run the engine on fewer cylinders for fuel economy when full power is not needed?

 

"Fuel economy" and "V10" should never be in the same sentence together.

 

I couldn't agree more, however the V10 is one of Ford's most targeted engines with numerous attempts at alternative fuels. After market propane and natural gas conversions are available now. Fleet folks use fuel economy and V10 in the same sentence, as do diesel owners lately.

If I was seriously concerned about fuel costs I wouldn't have purchased my 2nd consecutive V10. But getting an additional 100 miles out of a tank of gas on the highway would be cool too.

 

Yes it would!

 

I agree Kenne...... "V10 fuel economy" doesn't make sence. I use mine for towing and keeping my wallet thin, so I can sit comfortably.

 

No it cannot be used in that manner.

 

It would be good if it could.

My father has a 06 Corvette that gets almost 30mpg on the highway using that technology.

 

This is what I'm talking about.

 

Compare weight and aerodynamics of a Vette vs an SD. I'm all for trying it if it's possible, but I don't think there would be much of a difference. Look at the economy difference between the 5.4 and 6.8. Not much.

I don't think cylinder deactivation is going to do much in anything over a 1/2 ton. Now a hybrid system, that would probably increase city mileage a lot and give you a ton of torque very low.

Mike

 

You must remember though, the Corvette is a super light, super aerodynamic door wedge with a very steep overdrive gear. (Like .64) Its super easy to push that car with the big torquey V8. The SD is big heavy brick with the aerodynamics of a brick. The best way to get better mpg is to be easy on the skinny pedal.........if thats an option.

 

I think it was several years ago Chevy made a 1500 Hybrid truck, it was a flop. The rear wheels steer 1500 chevy comes to mind also, that was a flop too.

 

That wasn't a full hybrid, gas wasn't $4/gallon, and I think that truck wasn't luxury. I'm 99% sure that it was marketed to contractors as it also was like a 2500 or 3000 watt inverter. The rear steering was packaged with a bunch of crap that ended up being a 5-6,000 dollar option.

Every single person I've talked to that actually has the rear steering absolutely loves it and I've never actually talked to anyone that has had a problem with it. If I find a 2500 Crew cab Chevy that has rear steer for the right price, it might be my first GM vehicle.

As far as hybrids go, they are bringing out a full hybrid truck like the hybrid Tahoe that gets 20 city. I'm sure it's also a lot easier to get all the hybrid crap into a truck than a car. If you look at the torque of just the Prius motor, it's 290ft/lbs from 0-1200 RPM. That's like having a 4.6 inline with the 6.8.

I honestly think that most people don't like hybrids because of the "green tree hugging, better than you" image that the early hybrid cars got.

Mike

Edit: Check the Silverado wiki for more info on the 1500 hybrid. The motor only powered the accessories and it had 4 120V 20Amp plugs in the bed.

 

I think the main downfall to the Hybrids is the pricing. A Toyo Yaris 4dr can be bought for around $17k and gets around 35mpg, a Prius costs around $23k and gets around 50mpg. Its the same case just like the V10 vs the diesel debate the diesel costs more too but mpg is better, but you can buy a lot of fuel for the difference in cost price. I know how batteries are and how expensive they are to replace IMO thats a downfall of a Hybrid if you plan on keeping it long term. Rear steer on a truck may sound good in theory but theres no way I'd want one, much more expensive to maintain when parts wear out along with possible saftey issues when towing. GM is grasping at straws with gimmicks to sqeeze more mpgs out of large vehicles. Someone who is paying $40k-$45k for a Tahoe shouldn't be to concerned about a couple mpg in IMO.

 

Engines like the HEMI MDS or GM's cylinder deactivation usually use special valve lifters that keep the valves in the deactivated cylinders closed, so there is no pumping losses.

If you just cut power to the injectors, the engine has to work harder as it is still pumping air in and out of those cylinders.

 

How does the V10 shut down cylinders to prevent overheating?