So how many of these cars have turbos? I know the BMWs at least are mostly turbo 4-cylinders.
The whole reason manufacturers are moving to small displacement turbocharged engines over large displacement naturally aspirated engines is because the EPA MPG tests never run the engine in a range where the turbo is doing much. Put the car in the real world and the driver's lead foot makes the turbo kick in, killing fuel economy.
Yes. Turbos are being added to everything, killing the NA engine. The reason is to create a smaller displacement motor which still has the power that drivers expect.
Turbo engines can consume vast amounts of fuel when opened up to full throttle. Modern turbo engines are also very easily remapped for extra power (and consumption) just by changing the boost control.
All the added complexity and cost just to match emissions requirements, which are all negated when the driver 'puts the boot in'.
My thoughts exactly. And I don't think it's just lead footed drivers, the lag on some of these small turbo charged engines is so great that most drivers will feel they have to stamp their foot to the floor just to make the car move.
The whole reason manufacturers are moving to small displacement turbocharged engines over large displacement naturally aspirated engines is because the EPA MPG tests never run the engine in a range where the turbo is doing much. Put the car in the real world and the driver's lead foot makes the turbo kick in, killing fuel economy.
Ref: http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/mpg-or-performance-its-...