Turbo charging allows a fuel-efficient small displacement V6 to pump out comparable power to a V8.

Turbo charging allows a fuel-efficient small displacement V6 to pump out comparable power to a V8.

Manufacturers are spending a lot of time in the wind tunnel looking for opportunities to reduce drag.

Manufacturers are spending a lot of time in the wind tunnel looking for opportunities to reduce drag.

Four-speed transmissions are a thing of the past as manufacturers look for efficiency through more gear ratios, such as this electronic 8-speed mated to the Ram Pentastar engine which allows fuel...

Four-speed transmissions are a thing of the past as manufacturers look for efficiency through more gear ratios, such as this electronic 8-speed mated to the Ram Pentastar engine which allows fuel mileage to reach 25 mpg.

The active grille shutters on this Ram pickup reduce aerodynamic drag when maximum cooling efficiency is not needed.

The active grille shutters on this Ram pickup reduce aerodynamic drag when maximum cooling efficiency is not needed.

Aluminum hoods, such as this one for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, reduce weight for better fuel efficiency.

Aluminum hoods, such as this one for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, reduce weight for better fuel efficiency.

Even the aerodynamics of the bottom of the pickups have been improved to promote laminar air flow and reduce drag.

Even the aerodynamics of the bottom of the pickups have been improved to promote laminar air flow and reduce drag.

Electric power steering reduces parasitic drag on the engine, freeing up horsepower and increasing fuel efficiency.

Electric power steering reduces parasitic drag on the engine, freeing up horsepower and increasing fuel efficiency.