... I don't think it can be done. Look below at the specs for the new BMW M3. As far as performance (straight line), curb weight, and fuel efficiency, it's pretty much apples-to-apples with a late 60's-early 70's Chevelle. It weighs 3700 lbs, has 400 hp, and gets 18 mpg with overdrive. Sound familiar? Those specs are right in line with a Chevelle powered by a mild 454 and backed with an overdrive trans.
My point is that it's futile to try and squeeze Honda-like mpg out of a muscle car. Forty years of technology couldn't do it. Although the BMV has a tiny 4.0, it uses approximately the same amount of gas to propel the same amount of weight in the same amount of time. Instead of displacement, it uses extra valves and other trick engineering -- but the result is pretty much the same: If you want power, it's going to take a lot of gasoline.
It seems that while aerodynamics and EFI help with mpg, it basically comes down to reducing curb weight and rpm's. Our Chevelles -- ancient technology -- are apparently on the cusp of efficiency.
Model Year: 2008
Make: BMW
Model: M3
Style: 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
Base Price: $54,575
Price as Tested: $65,850
Transmission Type: 6-speed manual
Transmission and Axle Ratios (x:1): I = 4.055 II = 2.396 III = 1.582 IV = 1.192 V = 1.000 VI = 0.872 FD = 3.850
Engine Type: V8
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 3,999cc (244 cu-in)
Block/Head Material: Aluminum/Aluminum
Valvetrain: DOHC; infinitely variable valve timing on intake and exhaust
Compression Ratio: 12:1
Redline (rpm): 8,400
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 414 @ 8,300
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 295 @ 3,900
Manufacturer Curb Weight (lb): 3,726
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 14 city/20 highway
Edmunds Observed (mpg): 17.8
My point is that it's futile to try and squeeze Honda-like mpg out of a muscle car. Forty years of technology couldn't do it. Although the BMV has a tiny 4.0, it uses approximately the same amount of gas to propel the same amount of weight in the same amount of time. Instead of displacement, it uses extra valves and other trick engineering -- but the result is pretty much the same: If you want power, it's going to take a lot of gasoline.
It seems that while aerodynamics and EFI help with mpg, it basically comes down to reducing curb weight and rpm's. Our Chevelles -- ancient technology -- are apparently on the cusp of efficiency.
Model Year: 2008
Make: BMW
Model: M3
Style: 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
Base Price: $54,575
Price as Tested: $65,850
Transmission Type: 6-speed manual
Transmission and Axle Ratios (x:1): I = 4.055 II = 2.396 III = 1.582 IV = 1.192 V = 1.000 VI = 0.872 FD = 3.850
Engine Type: V8
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 3,999cc (244 cu-in)
Block/Head Material: Aluminum/Aluminum
Valvetrain: DOHC; infinitely variable valve timing on intake and exhaust
Compression Ratio: 12:1
Redline (rpm): 8,400
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 414 @ 8,300
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 295 @ 3,900
Manufacturer Curb Weight (lb): 3,726
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 14 city/20 highway
Edmunds Observed (mpg): 17.8
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