It’s no secret we’re approaching a crossroads in automobiles. Electric vehicles are becoming more commonplace, and sometimes those same batteries are producing extra performance in the greenest way possible.
Although the small block V8 isn’t going anywhere, engineers are constantly working to make the iconic V8 power in a more efficient package. That’s why it only seems fit the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro be EcoCAR3’s newest project vehicle.
EcoCAR3 tasks 16 colleges across the United States and Canada to apply their engineering and design skills to the latest and greatest 2016 Camaro. The challenge is simple, yet quite complex: redesign the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro to reduce its environmental impact, while maintaining the muscle and performance expected from this iconic American car.
Seems like an oxymoronic situation, no?
Not to the bright minds accepting the challenge across North America. They’re ready to apply all they’ve learned in their academic careers thus far to enhance the 2016 Camaro, and in the process, reduce fuel consumption, tailpipe emissions, greenhouse gases and maintain customer demand for spirited driving performance.
“If we still want to produce V8 Camaros, we’re going to have to look at alternative methods of propulsion,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “So the ideas that these college teams come up with could very easily be adapted to a car like the Camaro.”
Oppenheiser isn’t the only one praising the program either. Private, government and fellow GM organizations applaud the program to move American innovation forward. Over 15 other sponsors have joined in to provide technical support, materials and software to ensure success of those participating.
The program began this time last year, but with the announcement of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro as the donor vehicle, teams will be ready to begin their work. The four year program will conclude in the Summer of 2018, where one team will be crowned the most innovative victor.
You never know, maybe your local university may have the next greatest idea to change the way we think of V8 performance.
Comments
The V8 will be relegated to heavy cars and trucks before becoming obsolete. Most modern cars only need a 4 cylinder engine for daily needs. I have a 2014 Fusion Hybrid with a small 2.0 liter (121 CI) I4 engine but with the two electric motors it moves better than a V6 or a turbo I4 and gives up to 54 MPG, which is excellent for a two ton (4,000) midsized sedan.
The future Mustang will be hybrid. Ford has announced new hybrid vehicles for 2020, and new electrics for 2021.