Hopeful for GM's Future

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/me...6_25_450-op.jpg If it looks anything like this it will be a sharp looking car. I would love to see a turbo charged and intercooled GM version of something like this using the 2.0 LNF engine or maybe something derived from a series hybrid design.

Dwight, Just wondering if "noise issues" with a jet turbine could be settled in some satisfactory way? I watched some Youtube videos of Jay Leno's Y2K Jet bike and wow that is thing loud! (Apparently that machine uses the same jet turbine that is in a Bell Helicopter and it puts out 320 shaft horsepower but weighs only 138 lbs) Also with regard to a very small combined cycle turbine do you think there would be an issues with the steam turbine not being used very much? Apparently "Peaker powerplants" use simple turbines rather than combined cycle due to the fact they are not "on" very much during a 24 hour period? How much weight do you think a very small combined cycle would add compared to an equivalent sized small turbine? Thanks

Dwight, Just wondering if you think their would be any advantages to using HCCI in a series hybrid configuration vs a non-hybrid (conventional drivetrain) configuration? Wouldn't having the ICE connected purely to a battery (and not directly to the tires through gears and differential) make using HCCI easier? I thought HCCI worked best in low load situations?

I think the major selling point for people wanting these cars initially will be NVH rather than economy. I am not a rich man but the idea of all electric propulsion appeals to me due to the quietness, smoothness and torque. You also have to consider that eventually the price on the batteries used for these cars will drop down quite a bit in the future. http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/22188/

This is why I still think OHV has a lot of life left in it. The power to weight ratio can be good even if power displacement is not. Dwight, just wondering do you think there is potential for HCCI with something like this? Or does HCCI have more potential with something like a series Hybrid (Chevrolet Volt) where the ICE is not directly connected to the wheels via gears and differenetial?