Buyer beware when the usual conspiracy accusations surface along with clumsy inaccuracies such as “We are obtaining U.S. patent copyrights on the plans to our vehicles.”
I don’t doubt these converted old beasts will achieve 50 mpg in place of the original V-8 20 mpg. So will yanking the V-8 and putting a Briggs and Stratton under the hood. Never, ever try to merge onto a freeway with one. Ford’s current model Rangers (rebadged Mazdas) are touted at 27 mpg highway. That’s with a four squirrel power plant under the hood, though.
Also beware comparing old American iron (especially pickup trucks) to contemporary European sedans. The sedan is the closest to an ideal aerodynamic shape for a small automobile. A wagon or van with a tapered nose and sharply bobbed tailgate is better for larger cars. Eurosedans are not as big as the typical American family car. SUVs, minivans, and the like are scarcely to be seen there. Speaking of which, the Olds Silhouette recently sitting in my driveway touts 27 mpg highway, and it has beavers under the hood rather than squirrels. I fear no freeway in it.
nevertheless, this might be a fun little project..I wonder if my dad or uncle have a suitable engine in their junkyards for my 93 F-150 that recently blew the head gasket...hmmmm