Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSA Peugeot Citroën to launch three-cylinder turbo in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/psa-peugeot-citroen-to-launch-three-cylinder-turbo-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/psa-peugeot-citroen-to-launch-three-cylinder-turbo-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/psa-peugeot-citroen-to-launch-three-cylinder-turbo-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,



PSA Peugeot Citroën have announced that it will spend €175 Million to tool up one of its engine plants to build a new turbocharged inline-three cylinder engine. The Douvrin engine plant will have a capacity of 320,000 powerplants per year starting in early in 2013. The 1.2-liter engines will join a normally aspirated version that debuts one year earlier.

While PSA is one of the world leaders in diesel engine technology, this new engine is a gasoline-fueled unit. The high-volume commitment to a downsized gasoline engine is a sign of the increasing difficulty of meeting both new carbon dioxide emissions standards and nitrogen oxide standards that are part of the Euro VI package.

While PSA has no current plans to sell either Peugeot or Citroën vehicles in the United States, we are likely to see some three cylinder units coming from other automakers in the next few years including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and possibly Ford with a rumored 1.2-liter Ecoboost.

[Source: PSA Peugeot Citroën]

Continue reading PSA Peugeot Citroën to launch three-cylinder turbo in 2013

PSA Peugeot Citroën to launch three-cylinder turbo in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroendownsizedDownSizedEnginesdownsizingpeugeotPSA Peugeot CitroënPsaPeugeotCitroënthree cylinderthree cylinder turbothree cylindersThreeCylinderThreeCylindersThreeCylinderTurboturbochargedTue, 13 Apr 2010 07:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19435611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/13/psa-peugeot-citroen-to-launch-three-cylinder-turbo-in-2013/19435611/article-detail.xml 19435611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/pugprologuehi003-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/pugprologuehi003-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Mini's future is smaller engines, DCT, and challenging the Mazda Miata?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/15/minis-future-is-smaller-engines-dct-and-challenging-the-mazda/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/15/minis-future-is-smaller-engines-dct-and-challenging-the-mazda/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/15/minis-future-is-smaller-engines-dct-and-challenging-the-mazda/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MINI Roadster Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just because a company starts out Mini it doesn't necessarily mean it can't get even smaller. That seems to be the case with BMW's more affordable UK outpost. Mini USA vice president Jim McDowell spoke at the recent Geneva Motor Show about some of the brand's upcoming plans. Although the current lineup is powered by a range of 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engines, new challengers like the Audi A1 are going with even smaller engines, and it sounds like Mini is set to follow suit.

This spring, European-market Mini models are slated to receive engine upgrades including BMW's Valvetronic system and direct injection for improved output, along with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Those same improvements will be added to North American market Minis this fall in the company's 2011 models. The next round of upgrades will see smaller displacement engines coming along with dual clutch transmissions.

McDowell also hinted that the upcoming roadster and coupe variants are just the beginning, with more performance oriented models on the way. Even before that, McDowell expects the two seat Minis to be the first roadsters to grab a significant chunk of the affordable sports car market from the long dominant Mazda MX-5.

We love the Mini range, and we're eager to judge of whether a front-wheel car can really challenge the rear-drive MX-5, undoubtedly one of the best roadsters of all time.


Gallery: MINI Roadster Concept


[Source: AutoGuide]

Mini's future is smaller engines, DCT, and challenging the Mazda Miata? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DownsizedownsizingJim McDowellJimMcdowellminimini coupemini roadsterMiniCoupeMiniRoadsterMon, 15 Mar 2010 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19398519/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/15/minis-future-is-smaller-engines-dct-and-challenging-the-mazda/19398519/article-detail.xml 19398519 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/p90047185-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/p90047185-630.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Audi RS6 to drop V10 in favor of V8?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/next-gen-audi-rs6-to-follow-engine-downsizing-trend-v10-out-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/next-gen-audi-rs6-to-follow-engine-downsizing-trend-v10-out-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/next-gen-audi-rs6-to-follow-engine-downsizing-trend-v10-out-v8/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Audi RS6 - Click above for high-res gallery

The next generation Audi A6 is expected to debut early in 2010 and that means a new performance S6 and super-performance RS6 will likely follow a couple of years later. As improved efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions take hold in the early years of the next decade, that almost certainly means the S6/RS6 will follow the trend of this year's new S4 and down-size its powerplant.

The larger RS6 is currently propelled by a twin turbocharged 5.2-liter V10. The V10 which is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo (in normally aspirated form) will likely give way to a smaller, boosted V8 that should be lighter and more compact. In all likelihood, the smaller engine won't result in a reduction in performance and will probably be in the 4.0-4.5-liter range with either supercharger, turbos or perhaps both. Recent rumors have indicated that the next M5 will follow the same path taking on the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X6 M.


Gallery: 2009 Audi RS6



[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Next-gen Audi RS6 to drop V10 in favor of V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi rs6audi rs6 avantaudi rs6 sedanaudi s6AudiRs6AudiRs6AvantAudiRs6SedanAudiS6downsizedownsizingengine downsizingEngineDownsizingThu, 24 Sep 2009 10:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19171655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/24/next-gen-audi-rs6-to-follow-engine-downsizing-trend-v10-out-v8/19171655/article-detail.xml 19171655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/audi-rs6-05-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/audi-rs6-05-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: The future of the BMW 3 Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-the-future-of-the-bmw-3-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-the-future-of-the-bmw-3-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-the-future-of-the-bmw-3-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The next generation BMW 3-series is set to get some major revisions when it arrives in two year's time. The new model is expected to be the first in the range to get a line of turbocharged three-cylinder engines in both gas and diesel variants, and will likely be 1.5-liter units -- essentially halved versions of the latest generation inline-sixes.

BMW's current six-cylinder diesels use a sequential dual turbo setup with small and large blowers to provide quick response and better top-end power. The new engines may use an electric motor to spin up the turbo more quickly allowing the use of a single turbo for reduced weight and complexity.

Aerodynamics will also be a major focus of the new 3 with the expected inclusion of front wheel air curtains. Ducts in the lower front bumper will route air out just ahead of the front wheels, creating a virtual wheel skirt. The high velocity over the wheels will prevent air coming around the sides and spilling around the wheels, one of the major sources of drag.

Other areas of improvement will include weight reductions, the incorporation of hybrid drive technologies, low-power climate control systems and eight-speed automatic transmissions. All that and more could be in showrooms as early as 2012.

[Source: AutoCar]

REPORT: The future of the BMW 3 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerodynamicsautobloggreenbmwbmw 3 seriesbmw 3-seriesBmw3-seriesBmw3Seriesdownsizinghybridweightweight reductionWeightReductionWed, 05 Aug 2009 16:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19120299/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/05/report-the-future-of-the-bmw-3-series/19120299/article-detail.xml 19120299 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/08/p0025423_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/08/p0025423.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Next-gen Taurus likely to move to common platform with Fusion/Mondeo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/12/report-next-gen-taurus-likely-to-move-to-common-platform-with-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/12/report-next-gen-taurus-likely-to-move-to-common-platform-with-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/12/report-next-gen-taurus-likely-to-move-to-common-platform-with-f/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Ford Taurus - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Ford Taurus is barely into its launch, but plans are already being laid for the next-gen model. In what should be a surprise to no one, the next Taurus is expected to be smaller than the current car. According to The Detroit News, Ford is likely to move Taurus to a common platform shared with the Fusion and Mondeo. The combining of the Fusion and Mondeo has been planned for some time already and the Taurus will probably use a longer (and perhaps wider) variant of the same C/D segment architecture. The current Taurus platform will still be around for at least four more years and it'll also underpin the new Explorer that's expected to bow in 2010.

Similar plans are believed to be underway at General Motors for the Chevy Impala, whose next iteration will probably move to a stretched version of the Epsilon II platform along with the Buick LaCrosse and the next Malibu.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Next-gen Taurus likely to move to common platform with Fusion/Mondeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downsizedownsized ford taurusDownsizedFordTaurusdownsizingford taurusFordTaurusnext generation ford taurusNextGenerationFordTaurusSun, 12 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19095367/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/12/report-next-gen-taurus-likely-to-move-to-common-platform-with-f/19095367/article-detail.xml 19095367 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/2010taurus_fd000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/2010taurus_fd000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM, Ford job cuts closing in on 50% in U.S. - Chrysler not far behind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/gm-ford-job-cuts-closing-in-on-50-in-u-s-chrysler-not-far-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/gm-ford-job-cuts-closing-in-on-50-in-u-s-chrysler-not-far-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/gm-ford-job-cuts-closing-in-on-50-in-u-s-chrysler-not-far-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In 2002, General Motors had 177,000 employees in North America. By the end of 2008, that number had shrunk to 93,000, or 49% fewer employees than it had just six years earlier. GM plans to further cut its white collar workforce by 3,400 by May of this year, and the General is looking to cut 10,000 white-collar posts globally by the end of 2009. That will make nearly 100,000 GM jobs lost; enough people to fill the University of Michigan football stadium.

Ford and Chrysler have also resorted to heavy cuts in the face of shrinking market share and an industry-wide slowdown. Ford has seen its US workforce shrink to about 65,000 workers; 44% fewer than the Blue Oval employed five years earlier. Chrysler was leaner than Ford and GM were five years ago, yet they've still shed 32,000 jobs during that time. Chrysler now employs 56,600 employees, and the Pentastar has a package out to all of its hourly workers.

It's amazing to think that by June of this year, Detroit automakers will have shed nearly 200,000 jobs in under six years. As crazy as that number sounds, we don't think anyone will be surprised if a lot more workers lose their jobs before this year is over.

[Source: bnet]

GM, Ford job cuts closing in on 50% in U.S. - Chrysler not far behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdownsizedownsizingemployee cutsEmployeeCutsfordFord MotorFordMotorGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgmlayofflayoffsFri, 13 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1458326/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/13/gm-ford-job-cuts-closing-in-on-50-in-u-s-chrysler-not-far-b/1458326/article-detail.xml 1458326 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/fordgmhalf_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/fordgmhalf_opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW managers facing job cuts take one for the team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/managers-going-down-with-the-ship-at-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/managers-going-down-with-the-ship-at-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/managers-going-down-with-the-ship-at-vw/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, Volkswagen's job cuts at the brand's German facilities may not be popular, but at least they're fair. The company confirmed Wednesday that its plan to improve productivity and efficiency by cutting up to 20,000 jobs includes up to 20 percent of the company's 1,000 management staff.

The company hopes that managers will take the early retirement package currently on the table, which offers a payout of up to $245,000, plus a bonus of $68,000 for pulling the ripcord on the golden parachute before the end of September.

So far about 2,000 workers at all levels have accepted Volkswagen's severance package.

[Source: Reuters]

VW managers facing job cuts take one for the team originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downsizedownsizinggermanyjob cutlayoffmanagervwWed, 19 Jul 2006 14:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/644669/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/07/19/managers-going-down-with-the-ship-at-vw/644669/article-detail.xml 644669 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/vwlogo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/vwlogo.jpg <![CDATA[SUV buyers waiting, not abandoning their beasts of burden]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/buyers-trading-old-for-new-more-efficient-suvs-instead-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/buyers-trading-old-for-new-more-efficient-suvs-instead-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/buyers-trading-old-for-new-more-efficient-suvs-instead-of-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to the Wichita Eagle, local dealerships are seeing buyers either purchasing new, more fuel-efficient SUVs or just delaying their purchase of a new SUV until fuel prices fall. Few have seen buyers choosing to downsize even to large cars, let alone small ones. Les Eck of Rusty Eck Ford states, "I haven't seen people trading in their Expeditions to buy a small car."

Dealerships believe that even at $3 per gallon, the price of gasoline has not seriously affected consumer purchasing habits . Rather, lower car sales are being attributed more to the lack of rebates than higher fuel costs. SUV sales in particular, which have been falling at a steady rate, are due more to people waiting on gas prices to fall. Finally, these dealers are saying that consumers still feel hybrids are priced too high despite their savings at the pump.

Related:
Hybrid sales inelastic despite surging gas prices
Gas prices a threat to GM turnaround?
Motorcycles getting second looks as gas prices rise.

[Source: The Wichita Eagle]

SUV buyers waiting, not abandoning their beasts of burden originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyercarsconsumerdealershipsdownsizingsalesTue, 09 May 2006 16:18:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/615943/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/05/09/buyers-trading-old-for-new-more-efficient-suvs-instead-of-cars/615943/article-detail.xml 615943 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/suvs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/suvs.jpg -1 2