do you think we'll see a HP reduction in the near future?

[cab2g]

In general, I'm wondering if car manufacturers will start reducing the HP of new models with the same badge like they did in the early 1970's due to emissions standards. Or do you think that the market has become so competitive that any one manufacturer reducing HP would put them at a disadvantage so HP numbers will stay relatively the same but engine size and chassis size will decrease to improve fuel economy?

[dmginc]

i think you will see more turbos on smaller engines but putting out good HP #'s

[ffrcobra_65]

there is no doubt. Everything goes back to the beginning.

[DGthe3]

We're already beginning to see a decline in hp in the midsize segment as V6's are replaced by economy tuned turbocharged 4 bangers. That said ... 250-300 hp in those cars is a bit much, and a loss of 50 hp isn't going to be too much of a problem for most of those buyers.

That said, it won't be like the 70's, for a number of reasons. Back then, manufactures switched from SAE gross hp to SAE net hp. This meant that engines had to be tested as they were in the car (ie, with the emissions equipment, belt driven accessories, air filter, and everything else). That probably dropped hp ratings be 15-20% on most engines by itself. The actual output didn't change, they just began measuring it in a more honest manner. On top of that, you had emissions standards for the first time and they were pretty ambitious so manufacturers were forced to detune their engines substantially in order to be compliant.

Now, things are being driven by fuel economy. Sure, the manufacturers will probably revise the fuel map, go with less aggressive cam profiles, and go down a bit in displacement. But at the same time most cars will get lighter which will at least partially offset the drop in hp. Plus, technologies like direct injection & variable valve timing will become ever more common and improve both performance and fuel economy.

[FenwickHockey65]

Doubt it. You might see engine size reductions in the near future, but with today's technology, smaller engines can put out just as much power as older, larger engines.

[derklug]

Horsepower is going to stay up, but low end torque will be a thing of the past. Someday we will be like Europeans and have more rally races, and road courses, with fewer 1/4 mile tracks.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by derklug

Horsepower is going to stay up, but low end torque will be a thing of the past. Someday we will be like Europeans and have more rally races, and road courses, with fewer 1/4 mile tracks.

I don't know, technologies like VVT, DI, & turbocharging all seem to add low end torque. Plus, high revving engines are usually less efficient than a slower engines with a bit more torque yet similar power.

[LimaCharlie]

I see smaller engines in the future. I doubt there will be a significant horsepower drop because of modern computer smog control systems and engine designs. The early smog systems on cars in the 70's/80's killed power because of their mechanical and inefficient design.