Why Chrysler Abandoned the Automotive Turbine Engine
The automotive world saw a remarkable experiment with turbine engines in the late 20th century, spearheaded by Chrysler. However, the technology faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its abandonment. In this article, we explore the reasons behind Chrysler's decision to discontinue the development of automotive turbine engines.
Understanding Turbine Engines
Turbine engines operate on a fundamentally different principle than traditional piston engines. They reach optimal performance in a specific range of RPMs, typically much higher than what piston engines can achieve. This high RPM operation is one of the key advantages of turbine engines but also presents significant challenges, especially when it comes to throttle response and acceleration.
Throttle Response and Acceleration
One of the main issues noted in early testing was the sluggish throttle response and poor acceleration. Unlike piston engines, which can rapidly change power output by adjusting the throttle settings, turbine engines take longer to respond due to their design. This characteristic made them less desirable for everyday driving, especially for consumers accustomed to the responsive performance of piston engines.
Engine Starting and Maintenance
Starting a turbine engine required careful calibration and complex procedures. Incorrect startup procedures could lead to significant damage to the engine, which added to the difficulty of widespread adoption. Additionally, the engines had issues with leaded gasoline, which was a common fuel at the time. Lead deposits from leaded gasoline could clog the fuel delivery system, negatively impacting performance and potentially causing long-term damage.
The Failures of Chrysler's Turbine Program
Chrysler's efforts to integrate turbine engines into their vehicles spanned several decades and yielded promising results in military applications. However, when it came to civilian use, the technology faced insurmountable obstacles.
Cost and Emissions
Despite their innovation, turbine engines proved to be more expensive to produce and operate. The car was not just a means of transportation but also a costly experiment. Building these cars cost between $500,000 and $1 million (in today's money), which was a tremendous financial burden. Furthermore, fuel efficiency was notoriously poor; the average fuel economy was around 11 miles per gallon (mpg), far from the expectations set by other automotive technologies of the time.
Emissions and Modern Standards
Chrysler faced challenges in meeting stringent emissions standards. The turbine engine could run on almost any combustible liquid, a feature that was initially seen as a significant advantage. However, achieving emissions levels comparable to those required by modern US standards proved elusive. The combustion process in a turbine engine produced higher exhaust gas temperatures, leading to safety concerns and complicating the process of meeting emissions regulations.
Conclusion
The decision by Chrysler to abandon the automotive turbine engine was a result of a combination of technical, economic, and regulatory factors. While the technology showed promise in niche applications, it fell short as a viable option for mainstream automotive use. The legacy of this ambitious project continues to intrigue engineers and historians, offering valuable lessons on the need for balancing innovation with practicality and regulatory compliance in the automotive industry.
Keywords: Chrysler turbine engine, automotive turbine, turbine engine vs piston engine