It isn't just drivers who are interested in doing everything they can to get the most out of their gas tanks. In recent years, several car manufacturers have been focusing their efforts on fuel efficiency for some of their newer models. From experimenting with aerodynamic design to lighter-weight, space-age body materials to diving deeper into hybrid engine design, car engineers have made better gas mileage a priority, a goal which will undoubtedly lead to benefits for those driving the cars as well.

Space-age design
Looking at some of the design trends engineers have been experimenting with recently, many auto workshops are starting to resemble science fiction sets. Edmunds reported that engineers have started focusing on body designs aimed at making cars sleeker and, ultimately, more fuel efficient. Aerodynamic design is not a new thing in the auto world, as anyone who's been to a Formula One track can attest. However, whereas the focus of previous aerodynamic engineering was to make cars faster, engineers are now looking to make them more fuel efficient. The result is a less drastic visual divergence from standard auto bodies, but while you may not notice the difference on the lot, your wallet sure will when it's time to fill up your tank.

In addition to modifying the shape of cars, many engineers are doing everything they can to make them lighter. The Tennessean reported that automakers industrywide are experimenting with lighter materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum for their car bodies. 

Hybrid engines
Hybrid cars have been around in some form or other since 1999, and they're only growing in prevalence in the auto market. According to The Chicago Tribune, the number of hybrid models has grown in that time from two to 71 in just 15 years. Drivers have been somewhat reluctant to hop aboard the hybrid bandwagon, as the newer technology comes at a price – hybrid cars in general cost a considerable amount more than non-hybrid models in comparable classes. 

However, experts are finding that those willing to invest may find themselves reaping much longer-term financial savings in the form of fuel efficiency. A study conducted by Vincentric found that while hybrids cost more, just five years of hybrid ownership can save over $3,000 in fuel costs.

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