I know some of these have already been evaluated by the manufacturers (maybe all of them, but I occasionally have crazy ideas that probably wouldn't work in the real world, but sound cool in my head)

1. A spring or hydraulic system that tightens up to help slow a vehicle down, then as the vehicle accelerates away from a stop, the spring or hydraulic system unwinds or relieves pressure to help accelerate the car = better fuel economy

Now I know a KERS system type system is in the works at Porsche and Ford evaluated a hydraulic type system for it's truck, but I haven't seen it in production yet.

2. 2nd crazier idea is a 3rd wheel/tire in between the two front and a 3rd wheel/tire in between the two rear tires. As a car hits maximum grip in a hard cornering situation, that 3rd wheel shifts to the outside wheels to help add maximum lateral grip with the added traction. I know it adds extra weight and hassle, but maybe that extra wheel/tire at each axle may be worth it?!?!!?

Who else has crazy ideas?

 

Space thrusters, rockets, etc.

 

air bearing turbos that require minimal kinetic energy to keep them spooled. instead of gliding on a thin sheet of oil the turbine would be balanced on a thin sheet of air providing a very minimal amount of friction and heat generation.

perhaps there is a way to make such a turbo with the actual turbine itself being an electric generator...maybe magnets could be mounted in the turbo housing to provide an electric current. not sure what kind of amperage could be generated, but perhaps enough to atleast ditch the traditional alternator or maybe even run a small electric motor....think hybrid engine without batteries and the weight that comes with them.

ditch spark plugs for infrared lights to minimize weight and engine head size, give more control over ignition timing perhaps can improve fuel economy.

 

I have a revolutionary idea for a steering system that would completely eliminate bump steer... but I think I want to get it patented first.

 

Using kinetic energy from the rotating wheels to constantly recharge an electric motor virtually eliminating the need for a gas motor except for startup.

Same concept as hydroelectric or windpower. The wheels would act as a turbine.

 

i had a similar idea a couple weeks ago....I bet it could greatly improve highway fuel economy...

 

You guyz r funny...

 

I crap you negative, my friend. My steering system is a good idea. Not like the rest of the crap in this thread. Just kidding.

 

I thought this thread was gonna be about crazy car buying ideas.

As in ''I wanna buy an NSX and stroke the engine to 4.0L'' or something;

 

in electric/hybrid car, a solar panel on the roof. this should slowly charges the car battery during day light hours.
I wonder if this is a viable idea cost wise.