running a turbo on LPG

[tallmat]

I guess the torque profile of a diesel makes the auto option better in most models.

Last week in south of France I rented a Renault Megane (that thing that shakes it's ass on the TV adverts). OK car but the 6 speed manual gearbox totally unsuited to the diesel powerplant. Managed to wring 120 mph out of it on the A6 though!

Returning to the original theme of this thread, then Porsche aficionados need not worry - a diesel, automatic 911?

 

[Michael Downing]

ORIGINAL: tallmat
a diesel, automatic 911?

in MPV format .... []

 

[Guest]

Forget automatics, for a truly sporting experience with exceptional aural stimulation (steady), you need CVT (constantly variable transmission) ..... NOT. About as exciting as driving a hoover.

Even if this was proven to be the quickest solution, I'm afraid technology would have to pass me by. I'm no Luddite, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[tallmat]

ORIGINAL: mdowning

ORIGINAL: tallmat
a diesel, automatic 911?

in MPV format .... []

with dog guard, tow bar and DVD for the kids....they could call it the Cayenne

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: tallmat
with dog guard, tow bar and DVD for the kids....they could call it the Cayenne

It will never sell []

 

[Tankman]

Yes you are right I do need to chill out.

I think I am right in thinking that if it were that good then maybe the 997 wold have that as an option? If it were that good then Ferry Porsche would have advocated LPG from the word go? If it were that good we would all be driving LPG cars? Or is it just another OPEC conspiracy that keeps us from our right to a more efficient and powerful fuel that doesn't pollute the atmosphere as much? I can say from a friends personal experience that his current Volvo D5 S60 is more economical to run than his old V40 with gas conversion. And he can get a full size spare in the boot with his windsurfing gear if he wants to. And he doesn't have to plan his route to ensure he has enough gas to finish it. But then we're back to the conspiracy thing again.

 

[Guest]

The issue is one of development resources.

LPG is an interim technology. LPG, as far as I know, will last no longer (probably much less) than petrol.
Whilst it may have some advantages, primarily due to taxation, and therefore artificial, there is no real commercial point for engine manufacturers to expend multi-millions on engine development programs to try to compete.
LPG is a niche product for a few countries, IMO.

The petrol engine continues to get ever more efficient, producing more power for less and less fuel. The next step is direct injection petrol engines, which Porsche will have a few years, so I read.
Whilst there is still scope for petrol development and there is a large legacy base of vehicles and infrastructure designed to support them, it makes commercial sense to continue down this route.

The real issue is what will replace petrol.
With no real consensus (or ability) to produce vast amounts of cheap, clean electrical energy, electric cars are out.
Dual fuel measures, may reduce petrol/diesel consumption, but the issue is then postponed.
Fuel cells seem to be the way to go and this is where the big development bucks are going.

What will eventually win, depends on marketing, consumer take-up, legislation, government adgenda and taxation, rather than what is the best technology. The real world is far from ideal.