Raising the MPG

By Evander Klum

When oil prices are still at the peak, raising the mpg seems like a hard thing to do. But one feature in selected vehicles can make this easier, the Cylinder deactivation system. This system had already been available in Sport Utility Vehicles, van and truck segments but with the great advantage it gives consumers, it is already common in passenger cars. General Motors Corp., Chrysler LLC and Honda Motors Co., are among the pioneers of these fuel efficiency technology which they offer in vehicles with V6 and V8 engines.

“It’s adding that extra gas economy that everyone’s looking for right now,” said R.W. McKay, a general sales manager with Gordon Chevrolet in Tampa, Fla., who has the system on his 2007 Chevrolet Impala.

The Cylinder deactivation system boosts miles per gallon and at the same time, maintains horsepower. This phenomenon is done as the technology aids the engine impeccably operate with lesser cylinders in smooth conditions like when a car is driven on a highway. As it shut the cylinders, the engine consumes lesser fuel but can still provide more power if needed.

For Mike Omotoso, senior manager of global powertrain at J.D. Power and Associates, the cylinder deactivation is a vital element of a tool kit the automotive industry uses to give consumer better fuel economy. The collection includes gas-electric hybrids, the variable valve timing and the “start-stop” technology that shuts off the vehicle engine when the car is stuck in a traffic jam or at a stop light.

“The consumer wants to have a powerful engine but hates to pay for the fuel that comes with the V8,” said Gottfried Schiller, director of engineering for engine management systems at auto supplier Robert Bosch LLC. He said the automakers “are looking for an effective way to give them both.”

Honda calls their system the Variable Cylinder Management and the Japanese automaker first made this available in the new Honda Accord with its automatic V6 engine. The system had a predecessor, which is an earlier version installed in the Honda Odyssey for its 2005 model year and the 2006 Pilot SUV.

For General Motors Corp., the system is available in the Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Chevrolet Silverado, Buick LaCrosse, Saab 9-7x (with Saab power steering pump), Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Pontiac G8, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, GMC Envoy Denali, GMC Sierra Chrysler LLC installed the Cylinder deactivation system in vehicles with 5.7 liter HEMI engines fixed in their, Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger R/T, Dodge Durango, Dodge Magnum R/T, Dodge Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander.