Automakers say they will squeeze much more efficiency from the internal combustion engine. For instance, they will use excess heat to warm engine lubricants more quickly to reduce friction. Better transmissions will reduce friction, and turbocharging and direct injection will boost power from small engines.
Engineering chiefs from five major automakers laid out strategies to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions. They are confident that they can double the amount of power they can produce per liter of fuel with technologies already in development.