I suppose that a fully electric vehicle with four independent motors coupled directly to the wheels might be even more efficient. That design would do away with the need for a transmission and differential. You would have to trust the computer to keep the car on the straight and narrow!
I for one believe that a law should forbid using computer-controlled individual motors driving each wheel. Drawing from experience of faulty ABS systems locking or rapid-fading brakes at highway speeds makes me shudder at the thought of what an independant-motor system could do should the ECU become confused. And ECU's are ALWAYS getting confused, especially in areas with climactic extremes (i.e., western New York). According to statistics I read, newer computer controlled cars are more reliable and easier to maintain than older, mechanically controlled vehicles. As a mechanic, who actually has to deal with this every day for 8 1/2 hours, I can tell you this is not true. Believe what you want, but I am telling you how it actually is.
Side note, we replaced a headlight bulb for a BMW 325i today. Bulb price alone, $120+. For a LIGHT BULB. Why? It auto-dims for 'safety.' With each day that goes by that I see "state of the art" automotive technology, my faith in the current auto-trend is shaken a bit more.
--Kyle
