C/D: Ram "games" the EPA test

[kevm14]

With the EcoDiesel.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/game-on-ho ... h-a-badge/

The distinct trim name allows Ram to certify the HFE separately from the rest of the 1500 lineup. Because the tonneau cover is standard equipment on the HFE, it remains in place when the Ram team conducts the coast-down portion of the fuel-economy testing procedure. The cherry-picked quad-cab configuration also lands in a lower weight class than what was used for all two-wheel-drive Ram 1500 EcoDiesel models last year. Those two particulars mean that the resistance is dialed down on the dynamometer when the HFE actually runs the fuel-economy test.

Nice.

[bill25]

Here is an interesting concept. Everything with a Turbo for MPG is gaming the MPG/EPA tests.

During the driving for MPG, a car is driven "easy", probably almost never even engaging the turbo.

Then the car company puts the car on the dyno, for Torque and HP. The turbo kicks in for that, and the MPG is nowhere near where the MPG is advertised at the HP and torque advertised. I get that you are not constantly engaging the turbo during driving, but it will definitely cause more of a fluctuation based on driving style.

Something tells me that MPG calculations are going to change as more cars get turbos standard for MPG CAFE requirements.

[kevm14]

Some info on how the EPA test cycle works.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml

The cars are run on a dyno and a factor for aerodynamics and weight are used. They also don't measure fuel consumption or flow, but collected exhaust gases.