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This new approach for improving fuel economy uses computer programs to optimize and tailor an engine's fuel, EGR and spark control in the laboratory. New forms of engine and vehicle test data are used as inputs. This includes a simple simulation of the catalytic converter. The emission engineer is in control of the process via a special interactive program at a computer terminal. He combines his know-how with the computer programs to create a feasible engine control calibration for vehicle evaluation. The programs can also be used to study tradeoffs of optimized fuel economy vs emissions for a vehicle. Although presently limited to warmed up operation, the optimization procedure has proved to be valid and useful.

This paper gives the results of a feasibility study of an unusual three-wheeled commuter car. The study was one part of a General Motors program to build and evaluate a series of small special purpose cars for urban use. The 511 commuter car is intended for carrying two people from home to work at freeway speeds. Many radical design and construction features are employed. The car is small and lightweight, a combination which offers high fuel economy, low exhaust mass emissions, and some help for the parking problem. The 511 car, in its present form, is still a test vehicle. Although several major problems are unresolved, the car has demonstrated the technical feasibility of its basic concept.

This paper describes the General Motors electric car program which resulted in two battery powered passenger cars, Electrovair I and II. These cars were built to evaluate new motor and control concepts. The program proved that modern high performance electric cars are technically feasible. However, a better electric power source is needed and present costs are too high to make electric cars economically practical.