Stacy94PGT

September 17, 2003

BY TOM AVRIL
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS

PHILADELPHIA -- Vilified by critics as gas-guzzling road hogs. Defended by families who crave space for kids and soccer gear.

How to defuse the cultural flashpoint that is the SUV?

Tuesday, a team of scientists suggested a way: Build a big car with the appetite of a little one.

The Union of Concerned Scientists unveiled a blueprint for the Guardian, a vehicle the group said would get up to 36 m.p.g. -- a 71-percent improvement over the Ford Explorer it's based on.

The modifications -- all using available technology -- would cost more up-front, but would pay for themselves after five years, said David Friedman, an engineer who codesigned the Guardian.

The better mileage would not come at the expense of engine power, he said.

"All of the technology is in the hands of the automakers," Friedman said. "The problem is they're not giving it to the average consumer."

An automotive trade group dismissed the report as repackaged ideas that are impractical or have been rejected by consumers as too expensive.

"Let's see them build it if they can," said Eron Shosteck, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "Their vehicle may look good on paper, but we have to make vehicles that drive on pavement."

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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.

My next Ford.....