Influence of the final drive ratio on the consumption of passenger cars under real driving conditions

Abstract

The predetermined gear shift points in the type approval test for the European Union (NEDC - New European Driving Cycle) influence the technical design of today's vehicles with manual transmission significantly. Most manufacturers select a long total gear ratio to achieve fuel savings by down speeding. The effects of the final drive ratio on improving fuel consumption in real customer driving, and subjectively perceivable longitudinal dynamics have hardly been considered so far.