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Existing vehicle performance test procedures and the resulting published test data for acceleration and braking are discussed. The results of further tests using Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practices and Automobile Club of Southern California (ACSC) procedures are presented and compared. Suggestions are: minor changes in test procedures and, adoption of SAE procedures by all organizations who wish to develop accurate, scientific and consistent information on vehicle acceleration and braking.

Exhaust emission data for 1975 and 1976 California automobiles were generated, using the Federal Test Procedure, at the time of their delivery and after the vehicle engines had matured. The emission test results indicate the degree of emissions control acheived compared to pre-1966 uncontrolled automobiles. Also differences between green and mature engines and the statistical differences in the test data are described. Conclusions discuss statistical trends of the results and how the data relates to current and possible future vehicle emissions, ambient air quality reductions and other related trade-off factors.

Various components of new technology exhaust emission control systems were disabled on five Automobile Club of Southern California fleet vehicles. Prior to and following disablement, a Federal Test Procedure and Highway Fuel Economy Test was performed on each vehicle. In addition, four short test methods were performed to determine their effectiveness in detecting the disablements. Results indicate the effects of the disablements on exhaust emissions, fuel economy, driveability and horsepower; and show the detection rate of the short test methods. Conclusions and recommendations are made regarding the effects of the disablements and the potential for preventing and/or minimizing those effects. The ability of different test methods to identify disabled emission control systems are discussed. Recommendations are made for further research with emphasis on testing of current and future emission control systems, and methods by which system failures can be identified.

Four engine lubricants were evaluated against a reference oil for fuel economy, exhaust emissions, horsepower output, oil consumption, and lubricating properties. Sixty 1977–79 automobiles were used for the evaluation, with each auto accumulating approximately 18,000 miles (28,980 KM). Fuel economy was measured by recording odometer readings and gallons used at each fill-up, and laboratory testing (Federal Test Procedure and Highway Fuel Economy Test) provided two other measures of fuel economy as well as exhaust emissions. Dynamometer horsepower tests were performed and the lubricating properties of each oil were determined by analyzing oil samples taken from the test vehicles at regular intervals.

Exhaust emission and fuel consumption data for 1974 and 1975 California automobiles were generated using the EPA Federal Test Procedure. Fuel consumption data were also generated from a highway cycle test and in-service vehicle fleet records. Emission test results indicate the degree of control achieved when compared to previous model year automobiles. Fuel consumption data comparisons were made among published data, data calculated using the indirect approved method, a direct method, and in-service fleet vehicle records. Conclusions discuss emission reductions achieved and the cost of future reductions. Further research to investigate fuel consumption measurement methods is suggested.

Existing vehicle performance test procedures and published test data for acceleration and braking are discussed. Further tests were performed using Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practices with two different instrumentation schemes: previously used fifth wheel instrumentation for acceleration and a brake detonator/marker for braking tests and a new accelerometer/microprocessor based system.