No, it's not because it's ineffective or too expensive. In fact, it doesn't really cost all that much and it does help improve overall economy. The problem is the EPA test cycle.
At least that's what Mazda's product development chief Robert Davis told Automotive News. He said that because the EPA test cycle doesn't reveal any benefits of shutting down the engine when a vehicle stops, the technology doesn't improve official window sticker numbers. And if the numbers aren't there why bother having it?
We would like to think that consumers would be smart enough to know the difference, but we know Mr. Davis is right. If it's not there on the window sticker, most buyers will assume there's no improvement no matter what explanation you give them.
estreka says:
03:45 AM, 12/28/09
Two things:
1. It could actually be detrimental to sales. Folks see gas-saving technology and then they see mediocre gas mileage. I think it's pretty common to assume companies are optimistic in determining gas mileage numbers in their "efficient" models. (btw, I know companies don't determine their own mileage numbers, but I doubt the general public knows that)
2. I'm not really sold on stop/start either. That's gotta be hell on your engine and your starter.
jepine88 says:
04:20 AM, 12/28/09
last i heard beating expectations in the auto industry was the name of the game. i dont see how it could be a negative thing. i know if i got a car that got 30mpg and i saw it getting 33 or whatever id feel like im getting more than i payed for which is what consumers look for i think. but i could be way off.
compliance says:
07:36 AM, 12/28/09
@estreka - Mazda's technology doesn't use the starter. They stop the engine at a point where they can start it with ignition in the chamber.
billt9 says:
08:03 AM, 12/28/09
Do it do it do it!
Screw EPA and its 230 mpg Volt my ass!
billt9 says:
08:04 AM, 12/28/09
Since the Volt gets a 6.66x EPA rating multiplier because it's some electric bullcrap, maybe the EPA just needs to give Stop/Start a 3.33x multiplier.
Arbitrary multipliers FTW!
firstwagon says:
12:09 PM, 12/28/09
"@estreka - Mazda's technology doesn't use the starter. They stop the engine at a point where they can start it with ignition in the chamber. "
How does that work?
Once an engine is stopped, spraying fuel into a cylinder and igniting it will not start the engine.... at least not in a smooth enough way to be even remotely acceptable.
Hybrids start and stop smoothly by using the powerful electric drive motor to restart the car. That way the motor is instantly brought up to speed and the driver notices very little change.
Even using the small starter motor all the time would cause needless wear and would be annoying in stop and go driving. I can't imagine what using spark ignition to kickstart it would be like.
dg0472 says:
07:44 PM, 12/28/09
@firstwagon:
Here's the press release:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/09/mazda-introduces-clever-start-stop-system-with-direct-injection/
firstwagon says:
07:58 PM, 12/28/09
dg0472
Thanks, that is really interesting. I'm still curious to see how smoothly it will work in the real world and the 10% mpg increase is likely limited to those who do mostly stop and go driving but it is still interesting technology.
thejohnp says:
10:48 AM, 12/29/09
Heaven forbid you use developed technology that would differentiate yourself from the pack. Why bother forging your own road, when you can follow the sales leaders. That works, right?