KEY POINTS:
"The Ford Fiesta of 2020 would likely be propelled either by a very high pressure turbodiesel engine, or a down-sized direct injection two or three cylinder turbo petrol", says Ford's head of global product development Richard Parry-Jones.
Parry-Jones believes that the average global CO2 output of the car needs to fall to 40g/km by 2050 if the level of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere is not to exceed the 450 parts per million (ppm) threshold considered critical climate scientists.
Parry-Jones also expects superminis like the Fiesta to feature an 'automated six-speed transmission, automatic stop-start systems, a low drag coefficient of 0.25 and active aerodynamics,' in which the radiator grille aperture would alter to meet the engine's actual cooling needs, further reducing aerodynamic drag.
"We need to sort out the high-selling volume models that are affordable to ordinary people," says Parry-Jones.
"Manufacturers could stop selling SUVs and big cars tomorrow and it would make no difference."
Nevertheless, the company is working on improving the environmental performance of its large four-wheel drives.
"A Land Rover Discovery for 2020 would have a lightweight, aluminium alloy body, be propelled by a diesel hybrid and be a lot lighter."
"It would also have a lower drag coefficient and active aerodynamics".
- REUTERS
