Autoblog

REPORT: BMW admits four-cylinders are likely headed back to U.S.

Chris Shunk — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Diesel

About half the vehicles BMW sells worldwide come equipped with four-cylinder engines, yet the German luxury car maker's single biggest market doesn't sport a single four-banger in its entire lineup. BMW hasn't sold a vehicle with a four-cylinder engine in the U.S. in over a decade, but company vice president of US engineering Tom Baloga told Bloomberg that the trend won't likely continue.

The U.S. government is mandating fuel economy averages of 35.5 mpg by 2016; a number that will shrink engine sizes for most automakers. BMW's overall fuel economy for the 2008 model year was reportedly 26.5 mpg, which means the Munich, Germany-based automaker has a lot of work to do to achieve that number. And since customers have come to expect a certain level of performance from BMW, Baloga says the company will have to increase fuel economy without hurting performance. To keep performance levels high, we expect to see more turbocharging and direct injection in future models.

Interestingly, BMW already meets 2016 U.S. fuel economy standards with its model lineup in Europe, but team Bimmer reportedly doesn't plan to fill out the bulk of its lineup with oil burners. BMW already has diesel powerplants in its 335d and the X5 in the States, though, so we wouldn't be surprised to see more diesels in the years to come.

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: BMW admits four-cylinders are likely headed back to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW and Mercedes-Benz reportedly considering four-cylinders in US, pending new fuel economy standards

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Mercedes-Benz

With new CAFE regulations looming on the horizon, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are considering bringing four-cylinder models back to the States. BMW's development of new four-pots have been widely reported over the last year, with the automaker confirming work on a direct injected, twin-turbocharged four, likely to be fitted on the next generation 1 and 3 series, due to arrive in 2012. The new mill is also slated to be equipped on the X1 and X3, and according to the automaker, the powerplants will deliver the same output as the current in-line sixes, but with better fuel economy and lower emissions. However, the development of an all-new engine is expensive, and BMW will pass along the cost to consumers, despite BMW's claim that buyers aren't willing to pay for advanced technology.

As for Mercedes-Benz, aside from the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel that debuted on the E250 Bluetech concept, little is known about the automaker's plans for four-bangers in the States. Although the concept, unveiled at the New York Auto Show, was equipped to an E-Class, don't expect a gasoline-powered four to be fitted on a future E - the new engine will likely find a home in the C-Class and GLK CUV sometime in the next few years.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW and Mercedes-Benz reportedly considering four-cylinders in US, pending new fuel economy standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford plans four-cylinder for every model by 2013

Chris Shunk — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Ford

Ford has made a public commitment to industry-leading fuel economy, and the most important component of that plan comes in a small but efficient package. Product Development chief Derek Kuzak told Automotive News that the Blue Oval will sport a four-cylinder option in every car and crossover by 2013. Ford is going to lean heavily on its forthcoming Ecoboost engines to accomplish this feat, as turbocharged four-cylinder engines can provide V6 punch without the same thirst for fuel. With far stricter CO2 and fuel economy mandates on the way, Ford is going to need all the Ecoboost engines it can make.

Ford foresees the need for 750,000 Ecoboost engines per year by 2013, and two thirds of that total will be four-bangers. V8 engines will be relegated to large pickups, SUVs and the Ford Mustang, but Kuzak says the company is even looking at turbocharged four-cylinder engines for the full-size F-150 pickup. If Ford can produce enough power from an Ecoboost engine to power an F-150, we'd love to drive a Mustang with that engine. Light weight and 300+ turbocharged horsepower coming from America's original pony car sounds good to us.

Gallery: Ford EcoBoost GDTI engines

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Ford plans four-cylinder for every model by 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four-cylinder Toyota Highlander priced at $25,705

Michael Harley — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Japan, Toyota

Click above for our high-res gallery of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

Toyota has just announced pricing on the 2009 Highlander SUV with its new 4-cylinder engine. The latest entry-level model in the Highlander lineup will arrive at the dealership with a base MSRP of $25,705. That figure cleanly undercuts the price of the Highlander V6 FWD ($27,600) and the Highlander Hybrid ($34,700). The new 4-cylinder engine displaces 2.7-liters and is rated at 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an all-new 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic, it's enough motivation to get the SUV to 60 mph in a claimed 9.7 seconds, yet still return an EPA estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (22 MPG combined). For comparison, the Highlander V6 is rated at 18/24 and the Hybrid at 27/25... yes, the new gasoline-fed inline-4 is more efficient than the hybrid on the highway. Look for the new four-cylinder Highlander at Toyota dealers in January.

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Highlander

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Continue reading Four-cylinder Toyota Highlander priced at $25,705

Four-cylinder Toyota Highlander priced at $25,705 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Boxster to get a four cylinder?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Green, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche doesn't currently offer anything with fewer than six cylinders, but much of the German automaker's illustrious history was made with boxer-style four-cylinder engines, starting with the iconic 356. Following stories in September of a new entry-level Porsche model to slot just below the Boxster are new rumors indicating that the next-gen Boxster itself will be endowed with a new four-banger.

A big reason that the sportscar maker is said to be considering losing two precious cylinders are emissions standards and the growing pressure to reduce fuel consumption. To wit, Porsche's 2.7L flat-six in the current Boxster and Cayman is the most efficient powerplant the automaker offers and still emits 222g/km of carbon into the atmosphere, a figure that's way too high for upcoming European standards. So it's clear Porsche must do something to improve its poor emissions and fuel consumption figures. The hard part will be doing so without angering its hardcore customer base in the process.

Gallery: 2007 Porsche Boxster

[Source: Autocar]

Next-gen Boxster to get a four cylinder? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW considering four-cylinder 3-series for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Green, BMW, Rumormill

Four-cylinder BMWs are commonplace in Europe, but here in the States you can't buy anything Bavarian with less than six pistons. Inside Line is reporting that the German automaker may change that by adding the direct-injected 2.0L four-pot from Europe to the 3-Series. The 170-hp engine powers the 320i and 120i across the pond. The models are well-received there, and for good reason, too. The ultra-efficient powerplant averages over 38 mpg in the European combined test cycle while still providing the razor-sharp handling that is BMW's trademark.

BMW project director Oliver Friedmann said that a four-cylinder petrol Bimmer would have a "desirable effect" here in the U.S., but didn't commit any concrete plans for a U.S. four-banger. He did say that the U.S. probably isn't ready for a diesel four-cylinder, but we beg to differ. Our friends at AutoblogGreen had a blast in the twin-turbo 123d and managed 37 mpg while thoroughly testing the oil-burner's limits. We think the petrol 2.0L would be well received as well. While four-cylinder luxury cars were taboo just a few years ago, high fuel prices have given Americans plenty of motivation to welcome a 2.0L Bimmer with open arms.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: BMW considering four-cylinder 3-series for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac considering four-cylinder sedan for 2010

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Cadillac

There are some old-timers out there who think Cadillacs should have big fins and V8 engines who aren't going to like this one bit. Emerging reports suggest that the General's luxury division may launch a four-cylinder model for the American market by 2011.

The new model would be positioned below the CTS and possibly include a turbocharger, as well as the potential for an optional V6. Cadillac already has a small four-cylinder model for sale in Europe, the BLS, which is based on sister company Saab's 9-3. But the BLS hasn't taken Europe by storm and Cadillac is still reportedly contemplating whether to port over the same name for the American model. While the successor to the Northstar V8 was canceled, and with a replacement for the STS and DTS reportedly on hold, Cadillac's general manager Jim Taylor wonders if Americans are ready for the idea of a four-cylinder Caddy. Rightfully so? The specter of the Cavalier-based Cimarron (see above) still looms large and we highly doubt Cadillac's clients are actually asking for a four-cylinder. While it's prudent for the Wreath and Crest brand to consider new models like this, we'd suggest taking a pass, guys and gals.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Cadillac considering four-cylinder sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander

Chris Shunk — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Toyota

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

When the all-new Highlander launched last year, it came equipped with your choice of a 3.5L V6 or a 3.3L hybrid powerplant. Toyota is expanding the Highlander's powertrain lineup for 2009 by adding a more fuel efficient 2.7L four-cylinder engine. The new engine produces 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb-ft at 4,100 RPM, making it the most powerful four cylinder engine in Toyota's lineup. Assisting the new 2.7L engine is a six-speed automatic transmission that Toyota says together will provide smooth acceleration and V6-like performance. EPA figures will be announced closer to the engine/transmission's January 2009 launch date, and they should be a few mpg better than the 3.5L engine's 18/24 figures.

The addition of a four-pot to the Highlander lineup will give customers a less expensive and more fuel efficient option in this model lineup, which should prove mighty popular. What remains to be seen is whether a 187-hp engine can properly motivate a 4,000-lb vehicle. We're guessing that since many Highlander buyers aren't likely all that interested in driving dynamics, the most important stat for Toyota's CUV will be its EPA number. Hit the jump to for Toyota's press release if you're looking for nitty gritty details.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander

Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford considering four-cylinder EcoBoost for F150

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

According to sources speaking with Pickuptrucks.com, Ford is considering offering an EcoBoost four-cylinder engine on its F-150 pickup in 2013. The boosted mill is expected to displace around 2.5-liters, produce 260 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, and would only be available on the two-door Regular Cab F-150 4x2 and 4x4.

Ford's rationale for equipping its workaday pickup with a turbo'd four is partially due to the rising cost of gasoline, but is primarily fueled by new CAFE regulations that will require light trucks to average 28.6 mpg by 2015. Ford has already decided to drop its 4.2-liter V6 for the 2009 model year, only offering the 4.6-liter V8, which produces more power and more torque, while still offering similar fuel economy.

The EcoBoost range of engines are likely to find their way into several different models across Ford's line up, and according to Ford's director of powertrain research, Dan Kapp, EcoBoost engines could allow the automaker to reduce engine sizes by between 40- and 50-percent, so 3.0-liter V6s could be replaced by two-liter fours and a 2.5-liter four cylinder could be reduced to 1.5-liters.

Before the EcoBoost four-pot debuts on the 2013 F-150, Ford will launch a turbocharged V6 in the pickup in 2010. Displacement is expected to be around 3.5-liters, with output estimated at around 350 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Partnered with a new six-speed transmission, fuel economy should be around 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

And what of the rumored F-100 pick-up? It's conceivable that the range-topping version of the compact truck could be packing the same turbo'd four as its big brother, while a naturally aspirated version would power the entry level model.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Ford considering four-cylinder EcoBoost for F150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Commodore hybrid and turbo'd four under consideration

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, GM, Holden, Australia

Two separate reports out of Australia say that Holden is looking to maximize the Commodore's fuel efficiency in an effort to stoke sales. Both stories quote General Motor's Asia-Pacific vice president, Nick Reilly, but the separate reports, while sharing a common theme, come to decidedly different conclusions about how the General plans to proceed.

The first story from the Sydney Morning Herald (thanks Patrick!) cites Reilly as saying that Holden is looking into hybrid technology to power the Commodore. "[It] could be one of the first hybrids that you will see," but Reilly insists that a gasoline-electric Commodore is still a few years out.

The second report comes courtesy of Drive.com.au, who also spoke with Reilly and asked if a four-cylinder version of the Commodore was in the cards. "It makes a lot of sense," Reilly said, "and therefore we're probably looking at it, but I can't tell you when." While that's far from a confirmation that a turbocharged four is on the way, it coincides with earlier reports that the new Camaro, which shares its platform with the Commodore, might benefit from the same 260 hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline.

Both stories are somewhat devoid of hard details, but despite that, it may be proof that General Motors' operations Down Under are willing to look at a variety of solutions to address the Commodore's slipping sales.

[Sources: SMH, Drive.com.au]

Holden Commodore hybrid and turbo'd four under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes mulling blown four-cylinder for C-Class in the States

Dan Roth — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

When the C-Class predecessor launched, it was known as the 190 and carried a four-cylinder powerplant underhood. Mercedes is now considering a return to four-pots in the U.S. market as the price of fuel continues to soar. MBZ is reportedly already testing a 1.4-liter carrying a supercharger, which is strange when you consider there's already a 1.8-liter blown four-cylinder on sale in Europe. The C180 Kompressor seems like it'd be the easy way to get fours back into the U.S. lineup, but Mercedes must have some other ideas driving the decision to develop the smaller 1.4.

Even stranger, while the talk is all about forced induction, the end result will supposedly be underwhelming in the power department, so Mercedes is planning on ramping up the glitter without delivering the gold. Perceived performance is the euphemism for a car that comes with a loud exhaust and twitchy throttle, and that's what Mercedes engineers think it will take to make the car palatable to U.S. buyers. Gee, leave the sound insulation out so that 25 mph feels like 100 and we're sold! Seriously, is this a late April Fool's joke? "Perceived performance?" A car that's not in denial about being thrifty might be more successful than a poseur.

[Source: Inside Line]

Mercedes mulling blown four-cylinder for C-Class in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz says GM considering 2.0-liter turbo for Camaro

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Green, Chevrolet

A four-banger in a Camaro! Blasphemy you say? Could be, but what four-pot are we talking about? In this case, the General's car czar Bob Lutz suggests that the new 2010 Camaro due next February could offer the same 2.0 liter direct-injected engine used in the Saturn Sky Redline, Pontiac Solstice GXP and the SS versions of the Chevy HHR and Cobalt. Before dismissing the turbo-four immediately, consider the top-of-the-line engine options the Camaro offered after the last oil-embargo-driven doomsday. In '72, the big block 402 engine offered just 240 horsepower; in '73, the Z28 was equipped with a 245-horse 350 and by '75 the hottest option underhood made only 155 horses. Ouch. The 2.0 being considered for the Camaro punches out 260 horsepower, and based on our time with the engine, you feel each of them as you run up towards the redline. The next step-up will likely be a version of GM's 3.6, as offered in the CTS and G8, also making around 260 horsepower.

Other Camaro tidbits mentioned by Lutz: it will be priced higher than the Mustang, as GM sees the Camaro as a higher-end offering. Specifically, Lutz suggests that the Camaro will feature a much better interior than the 'Stang, along with its inherently better independent rear-suspension arrangement.

Perhaps a bigger question to ponder is how bad will the performance industry be impacted by new fuel efficiency standards along with the ever-tightening emissions regulations. Just so long as carmakers such as GM continue to offer engine options like their 2.0 liter DI four-banger, the performance drop-off won't be nearly as drastic as it was back in the mid-70s. Thank God for that!

Gallery: Chevy Camaro Concept

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Lutz says GM considering 2.0-liter turbo for Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On again, off again: BMW and Daimler may enter engine partnership

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, BMW, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Mini

It's been rumored for some time and the newest comments from BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is further proof that the propeller people are looking to get in bed with other automakers to cut the high costs of engine development and production.

This isn't a first for BMW, which partnered with PSA/Peugeot-Citroen on the engine for the current crop of MINI models, but this newest endeavor could involve one of Bimmer's biggest rivals, Daimler. Mercedes is in need of small, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for its next line of A- and B-class vehicles, and the MINI's mill could be a good fit. The talks aren't exclusive with BMW, however, as Daimler is also sitting down with unnamed Japanese manufacturers to provide petrol and diesel powerplants.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

On again, off again: BMW and Daimler may enter engine partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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