In the 35 MPG Future, Which Cars Make the Cut?

Not necessarily.

Several automakers are working on a technology called homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), which promises just over 20% improvement in fuel economy compared a conventional gasoline engine of the same displacement. They've all said HCCI engines could enter production by 2011.

Take for example the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta, which will probably get 32 mpg city/40 mpg highway (EPA 2008 test) for the five-door hatchback based the 1.6-liter Sigma engine with variable valve timing and Ford's new Powershift six-speed dual-clutch transmission. When the HCCI version of the same engine becomes available we maybe talking 38 mpg city/48 mpg highway (EPA 2008 test), which is diesel-like fuel economy without the diesel emission headaches!

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