with reference to:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...nol-fuel_N.htm

What measures need to be taken to prevent any deleterious results for our sharks?

Mike

 

Don't worry. It looks like it's a long way away.

 

Yes a very long way away ! and the comment that it would VOID all factory warranties is a BIG issue plus the mention that in tests in Australia 40 % of the catalytic convertors were damaged.... they have a long way to go !

 

20% alcohol would drop fuel economy slightly, and possibly increase performance a little due to the extra oxygen. It would also lean the mixture out slightly. Cold starting would also be worse due to lower volatility. Presumably they wouldn't use 20% in the winter though.

 

I hate the 10% stuff. You only get more power if you retune everything and overall you get less gas mileage, so where's the gains????

 

You actually will get negligable more power because the ethanol (C2H5OH) carries an oxygen atom with it. Beyond that, you can get gains from increased octane of the ethanol. However, I'm sure as the ethanol content goes up, they will cut it with lower octane fuel to maintain the current octane ratings.

There is no benefit really. They would up the ethanol percentage to say we are reducing our foreign oil dependance. However, it would actually use more energy to make the fuel. That and drive up the price of crops as the government subsides to produce ethanol reduce the acreage used for traditional farmland.

I doubt anything will happen. They get on the bandwagon of a different designer fuel every few years. It used to be hydrogen until they realized that was a REALLY bad idea.