Car makers look to the future

They’ve already reached tipping point and concede fossil fuels have a finite future. This has led to two development paths: maximising efficiency to get every last drop of mileage from the internal combustion engine, and researching energy sources and propulsion systems to replace it.

The design and production processes of modern vehicles have already been changed dramatically as car makers look for ways to lower the energy needed to build their cars, and ensure vehicles operate at peak efficiency.

Companies such as Honda even check their component suppliers’ green credentials before accepting their goods. And the race goes on.

Research and development departments are investing in carbon fibre reinforced plastics, low-friction coatings and increasing internal combustion engine efficiency as they chase short-term fuel savings.

Longer term, evermore exotic materials and drivetrains are being trialled as car makers try to conceive the transport of tomorrow.

The trouble is that will depend on how and where that transport is being used.

European automotive pioneers BMW and Mercedes-Benz can foresee electric and hybrid vehicles as urban runabouts with hydrogen-powered vehicles undertaking longer trips.

They predict the mix of vehicles will depend on the cost of producing energy in each country. In Australia, for example, the CSIRO has identified compressed natural gas (CNG) as a viable long-term prospect for the transport industry. It is plentiful, cheap and the existing LPG infrastructure could be converted to CNG.

Mercedes-Benz recently completed a round-the-world journey using its new electricity-generating fuel cell, or F-Cell, in its hydrogen-electric B-class.

As head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dieter Zetsche says: "With the F-Cell World Drive we have shown that the time for electric vehicles with fuel cell has come. Now the development of the infrastructure has to pick up speed."

But in the interim, the demands of motorists mean exhibitors at the Australian International Motor Show continue to evolve diesel and petrol engines. The result is V8 engines that can deactivate cylinders to conserve petrol, six-cylinder cars with the fuel efficiency of a four, and four-cylinder cars that are comparable to motorcycles.

Throw in stop/start technology, regenerative braking and hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and Camry and there’s still plenty of spark in the internal combustion engine after all.