By David Pearson European auto makers may turn to an unlikely
source to reduce fuel consumption and pollution: gas-guzzling
Formula One racing cars. The engines of these speed machines
contain rotating mechanical devices called flywheels that could
make everyday cars more powerful and efficient. The technology
is among several methods vehicle makers are experimenting with
to make better use of kinetic energy otherwise wasted when the
car brakes. The auto makers are racing against each other—and
increasingly tougher emission standards—to make future models
burn less fuel and produce less greenhouse gases. By 2020, the
European Union plans to limit passenger cars’ average carbon-
dioxide emissions to 95 grams per kilometer, down 27% from the
130 grams set for 2015. Last year, cars emitted an average of
135.7 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Once the regulation is in
effect, car makers will have to pay a 95-euros penalty for every
car and every gram above the regulated level. Three technologies
are being developed tha