Autoblog

Report: Next-gen boxer engine coming from Subaru this year

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Crossover, Subaru

According to Automotive News, Subaru is set to release a new, more fuel-efficient version of its boxer four-cylinder engine. The powerplant should be available in both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter configurations and will be able to offer up a 10-percent boost in fuel economy over its predecessors. The report doesn't detail exactly how the engine goes about gaining its new found efficiency, but it does say the changes are the first significant revision of the company's boxer architecture in two decades.

A Fuji Heavy Industries spokesperson confirmed that the new powerplant is coming, but wouldn't go so far as to say which models would benefit from the new tech. Automotive News reports that other sources claim that the thrifty four-pot will first show up in the Forester both in the U.S. and Japan, paired with a CVT gearbox. The new engine will then begin to crop up in models like the Legacy and Impreza here in the States and the Exiga minivan on Subaru's home turf.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Next-gen boxer engine coming from Subaru this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is nothing if not ambitious. The Korean automaker announced today that it will continue its efforts to be the most fuel-efficient automaker in America through the next two decades, with plans to achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating of 50 miles per gallon by 2025 for its entire vehicle lineup.

The cornerstone of Hyundai's approach is its Blue Drive strategy, which incorporates a range of engine technologies - from turbocharging and direct-injection to lightweight materials and both traditional and plug-in hybrids - to reduce consumption and improve overall efficiency.

Hyundai points to the 2011 Sonata as the first in a wave of new products to utilize its new and improved drivetrains, available with either hybrid, turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines. And Hyundai appears to be in a better position than other full-line automakers to reach its lofty mpg goal, as it doesn't offer any pickup or body-on-frame SUV models. Hit the jump for the full blast and read our First Drive of the Sonata Hybrid for details on its gas-electric system.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid pre-production

Continue reading Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA reveals top 10 most fuel-efficient cars since 1984, original Honda Insight takes top honors

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback

Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Sippers (1984 to present) - Click above for image gallery

Fuel efficiency has increased dramatically in the last decade, or at least that's what we've been told. So it might come as a surprise to find out that six of the Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Sippers from 1984 to present were built prior to 2000. Don't believe it? We didn't either, but this info comes straight from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website, the authoritative source on this fuel efficiency stuff.

While some current vehicles, such as the 2010 Toyota Prius, 2010 Honda Insight and the 2006-2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, garnered a spot on the top ten list, it's really older lightweight models like the 1986 Chevy Sprint ER or 1990-1994 Geo Metro XFI that make it obvious efficiency hasn't come as far as we'd like to think.

Overall, Honda holds top honors for automakers with five models present on the list, while Toyota's Prius made its mark twice. All of the vehicles on the list run with either 3- or 4-cylinder engines and five out of the top ten rely on hybrid motivation. The overall winner, the 2000 Honda Insight (pictured above), scores a combined rating of 53 miles per gallon, a number that exceeds even the modern-day Prius by three mpg.

In many cases, we've been mistakenly led to believe that buying a new car equates to increased efficiency, but this list clearly shows that many of the relics from days gone by can easily hold their own with the most efficient vehicles made today. However, finding a running example of some of these old fuel sippers may prove impossible and we'd venture to guess that many of them are far from safe to drive by today's standards. Check out all ten fuel sippers in our gallery below.

Gallery: Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Sippers (1984 to present)

[Source: Environmental Protection Agency]

EPA reveals top 10 most fuel-efficient cars since 1984, original Honda Insight takes top honors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: The new direct injected, multi-spark V6 and V8 engines from Mercedes-Benz

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has officially released all the details on its new family of V6 and V8 engines due to launch this fall in the S-Class sedans and CL coupes. The new power-plants are adopting many of the same technologies increasingly being used by most automakers to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining or even improving output. Both the 3.5-liter V6 and the 4.7-liter V8 now feature direct fuel injection with the same type of piezo-electric injectors used on the latest diesel engines.

The combination allows more precise fuel delivery as well as a charge cooling effect. The cooling effect allows the use of higher compression and boost on the turbo V8 which significantly increases torque output. The V8 is rated at 429 horsepower with 516 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 rpm and 3,500 rpm.

The direct injection also allows the use of a variety of different combustion operating modes since multiple injection pulses per cycle can be executed. A new feature of this engine includes what Mercedes calls "multi-spark ignition" - new ignition coils that recharge much faster and putting out up to four sparks within one millisecond. Doing this can result in more controlled and complete combustion for lower emissions and consumption.

The ignition and injection systems also contribute to the direct-start auto stop-start system. Like Mazda's i-Stop system, the piston that is in the best position can be directly fired to help re-start the engine, while ancillary components, like variable displacement oil pump and multi-phase cooling, help reduce parasitic losses.

The new V6 goes from a 90 degree bank angle to a 60 degree angle which makes the engine naturally balanced. This has allowed Mercedes to eliminate the balance shaft, further cutting internal friction. The new V8 debuts this fall on CL-class in the U.S., however Mercedes-Benz hasn't announced when the V6 will arrive Stateside.

Update: Mercedes USA spokesman Rob Moran has confirmed that both the CL and S-class models in the U.S. will get the new twin turbo V8 in Q4 of this year with other models getting it in 2011. Models currently powered by a V6 engine will get the new V6 beginning in 2011.

Gallery: 2011 New Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 Engines

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: The new direct injected, multi-spark V6 and V8 engines from Mercedes-Benz

Officially Official: The new direct injected, multi-spark V6 and V8 engines from Mercedes-Benz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Technology, Mazda, Diesel

Mazda SKY-D and SKY-G engines - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's one thing we're clamoring for here in the U.S., it's more diesel engines in passenger cars. Mazda will soon be answering our cries, as it plans to launch its all-new SKY-D powertrain in its "next-generation mid-sized car" (read: Mazda6) sometime in 2012.

The big news about this engine is that it's expected to achieve up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway, trumping the current class-leader of fuel economy in the mid-size sedan department, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. This powerplant will be mated to a brand new six-speed automatic transmission, called SKY-Drive, and will not only meet Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, but will meet North America's strict emissions standards.

In addition to the SKY-D diesel engine, Mazda has said that it plans to build a new SKY-G gasoline engine that when coupled to the SKY-Drive six-speed automatic will provide 15 percent better fuel economy than the its petrol poweplants currently in use. Hit the jump to read the full details in Mazda's press release.

Gallery: Mazda SKY-G and SKY-D Powertrains

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG

Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford

Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford has scored the biggest improvement in combined fuel economy of any major carmaker over the last five years. Between 2005 and 2009, Ford improved its fleet average by nearly 20 percent - almost twice as much as any other company. While Ford certainly made a lot of incremental improvements in the efficiency of its vehicles over that period, that wasn't the only factor.

That same time period saw a huge shift in the model mix at Ford. Sales of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition collapsed as consumers moved to crossovers like the Edge and Flex (oh, and we suppose a car or two). The Explorer has gone from more than 400,000 annual sales earlier this decade to just over 68,000 last year.

Ford has made actual improvements, as well, however, including the introduction of the Escape Hybrid and the roll out of six-speed transmissions. The next five years should see even bigger gains as Ford deploys millions of EcoBoost engines, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Ford's official press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Quick - name the most fuel efficient automobile brand in America. Did you say Toyota? Honda? Surely, you're not alone, but incorrect all the same. In fact, the answer is none other than Hyundai, which publicly set out to nab the title just one year ago. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Hyundai cars averaged 30.1 miles per gallon for the 2009 model year.

Rounding out the top five are Honda (29.7 mpg), Volkswagen (29.6), Toyota (29.4) and Kia (28.0). Naturally, we can expect all of these figures to continue rising in the coming years as every automaker strives to meet the upcoming 35.5 mpg U.S. standard for the 2016 model year.

Hyundai promises to meet that requirement with such technologies as direct injection, turbocharging, hybrid powertrains and lithium polymer batteries. The Korean automaker's first hybrid vehicle will be the 2011 Sonata sedan, which will hit the market early next year. Click past the break for the press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The success or failure of the Cash for Clunkers program that recently came to an end here in the United States has been and will continue to be debatable, but at least some good was accomplished by the legislation. According to data compiled by Wards Auto, the average new car fuel mileage hit a new record of 23 miles per gallon in August, which is a gain of approximately eight percent from August of 2008.

As far as individual automakers go, Toyota came out on top with an average of 26.9 mpg for all cars sold in August, followed by Kia at 25.1 and Hyundai at 24.9 mpg. American nameplates made the biggest mileage jump, rising about four percent from August of 2008 to 20.4 mpg - a new record.

Nobody knows exactly what will happen when the sales figures from September are calculated, but many experts are predicting that fuel efficiency will take a nosedive now that C4C will no longer be offering up to $4,500 to trade up to a new, more efficient car or truck. Overall though, fuel efficiency is likely to steadily increase over the next few years in correlation with the latest CAFE requirements.

[Source: Wards Auto via Green Car Reports | Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty]

Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Saturn

Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

While perusing the EPA's fuel economy listings, one of our readers stumbled across a vehicle that we didn't even know had been rated. The 2-Mode Hybrid version of the Saturn Vue had initially been scheduled to go into production in November of 2008. However, as General Motors careened toward financial apocalypse, many product programs were put on hold or canceled altogether. Among those was the new hybrid Vue, which was delayed at least twice before finally being terminated altogether in late spring.

It appears that the EPA had already completed its testing regimen last fall and had officially rated the 2-Mode Vue at 27 city, 30 highway and 28 mpg combined. Compared to the existing mild-hybrid Vue, this doesn't look particularly great, since that one also had a 28 mpg combined rating (25 city and 32 highway). The mild hybrid, of course, used a four cylinder engine while the 2-Mode would have had the 3.6-liter V6, giving it much better performance and a 3,500 pound tow rating.

Saturn did pretty much hit its target of a 50-percent improvement in combined efficiency compared to the non-hybrid V6 Vue, which carries a 19 mpg combined rating. The Vue doesn't look as impressive as the Ford Escape Hybrid that's rated at 34/31 mpg, but the Ford is powered by a four cylinder and is smaller and lighter. A closer comparison might be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which while larger is also V6 powered. The Toyota is rated at 27/25 mpg and 26 mpg combined.

We know that the Vue will never be built, but GM has promised to put the new hybrid system into other vehicles in its lineup - perhaps even with a smaller and more efficient engine to improve overall efficiency. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

[Source: EPA]
All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ilmor Engineering builds a five-stroke engine

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

English engineering firm Ilmor knows all about engine design, having produced powerplants for Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR. But its latest internal combustion creation, in contrast to those racing engines, is designed to burn fuel more frugally: a gas-powered five-stroke with diesel consumption.

It starts with a three-cylinder, 700cc, turbocharged engine with 130 hp and 122 lb-ft. There are two overhead camshafts: a high pressure shaft turning at half the crank speed working on the two high pressure cylinders, and a low pressure shaft running at crank speed for the third cylinder. The two outside, high-pressure cylinders work like a normal four-stroke, but alternate their exhaust flow into the third, central low-pressure chamber. That cylinder's expansion and compression strokes aren't fixed, so it can be selectively tuned for the best expansion ratio.

The principle is that extra work gets done for the same amount of gas, and Ilmor claims increased fuel efficiency over conventional gas engines. The five-stroke is made with current, in-use technology so there'd be no extra costs for exotic materials or processes, and it's said to be "relatively compact." Ilmor says the next step is to build another working prototype with targets of 10% better fuel efficiency and 20% less engine weight compared to an equivalent four-stroke engine.

[Source: Ilmor via Motor Authority]

Ilmor Engineering builds a five-stroke engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford: Falcon to be first RWD four-cylinder EcoBoost car. Translation? No such Mustang until 2011... if at all

Chris Shunk — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Australia

Ford FG Falcon G-Series - Click above for image gallery

Ford made news this week when it officially announced its four-cylinder EcoBoost engine; an engine that promises V6 performance with four-banger efficiency. The company's twin-turbo technology is expected to infiltrate almost every part of its lineup within the next few years, and it'll be available just about everywhere on earth, including Australia.

To that end, Ford has just announced that it will be adding the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to Australia's Falcon lineup. The new engine will give Australian customers a more fuel efficient option in the popular sedan, while also packing nearly the same punch as the V6-powered Holden Commodore. Ford says the Falcon will be the first rear-drive vehicle to receive an EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which means the Mustang won't receive the 2.0-liter turbo until late 2011 at the earliest (and possibly never).

Ford is investing $230 million overall to improve the efficiency of its Australian lineup, with the EcoBoost 2.0-liter, a 2.7-liter diesel unit for its Territory crossover, and a new LPG engine for its fleet offerings. The Australian government is pitching in, too, as they are giving Ford $42 million as part of the nation's Green Car Innovation Fund. Local Victoria government officials are also pitching in an unspecified amount of money, helping ease costs for the Blue Oval.

Ford has also announced that it will not build the next-generation Focus in Australia, opting instead to import the popular small car from Thailand. Ford Australia was planning to build 45,000 Focuses a year, with 15,000 units destined for export. Ford says no jobs will be affected by the change of plans. Hit the jump to review the company's officla press release.

Gallery: Ford FG Falcon G-Series

[Source: Ford, Drive]

Continue reading Ford: Falcon to be first RWD four-cylinder EcoBoost car. Translation? No such Mustang until 2011... if at all

Ford: Falcon to be first RWD four-cylinder EcoBoost car. Translation? No such Mustang until 2011... if at all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California looking to classify tires by rolling resistance?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Technology

Low rolling resistance tires have been increasingly used to help manufacturers improve EPA efficiency ratings. While the specialty rubber used to be found mostly on hybrids, it is starting to find its way onto other vehicles as well, like gas-engined Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs.

According to Modern Tire Dealer, California is looking to capitalize on advances in the tire industry to increase fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions with a new proposal from the California Energy Commissions (CEC). The CEC has assembled a draft proposal to rate tires based on Rolling Resistance Force (RRF) efficiency. All tires that rank within 15% of the lowest combined tire size designation and load rating will be designated a fuel efficient tire.

Under the CEC's proposal, tire manufacturers would have to test their product to the same ISO 28580 test protocol. The CEC is hoping that the tire ranking system will be easy for consumers to understand so they can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase new shoes for their car or truck.

Not surprisingly, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) isn't exactly keen on the idea of additional oversight. According to Modern Tire Dealer, the RMA says the CEC's proposal would cost the industry up to $20 million, while forcing tire companies to hire additional workers for testing and data analysis (great, new jobs!). The RMA also points out that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also working on its own tire standards system, seemingly rendering the California initiative redundant.

[Source: Modern Tire Dealer]

California looking to classify tires by rolling resistance? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Transit Connect

Ford is making an interesting habit of giving low-ball estimates regarding the mileage of their new vehicles, only to later announce final EPA numbers that are higher by several miles per gallon. This happened with the Fusion Hybrid which was estimated at 39 miles-per-gallon city and then ended up at 41 mpg city. The latest example is the new Transit Connect compact van. When Ford announced the US bound production version just before the Chicago Auto Show, product development boss Derrick Kuzak estimated it would get 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The EPA has now finished its data analysis and come up with even better numbers: 22 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the motorways. Not too shabby for a vehicle with this much room inside and only a four speed automatic transmission.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25

Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

When we drove the thoroughly refreshed Fusion out in California after the LA Auto Show, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It now turns out that the Fusion is not only fun to drive, but also fuel efficient in forms other than the new Fusion Hybrid. The EPA has just finished crunching the numbers on fuel consumption for the four-cylinder Fusion and Mercury Milan, and the results are good. Very good. The 2.5L four-cylinder with new six-speed automatic is rated at 23 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. By comparison, the 2009 2.3L Fusion was rated at just 20/28 mpg.

Those numbers are good enough to beat out every other four-cylinder mid-size sedan sold in the U.S. Compared to offerings from Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet and Hyundai, it beats the the Altima's 23 mpg city mileage and the Malibu's 33 mpg highway number.

Related:

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bush declines to enact higher fuel-economy standards

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

Fuel efficiency. It's an issue that has seemingly fallen onto America's the back-burner for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are declining fuel prices and economy along with the auto industry's financial plight. Still, few would argue that the issue of cutting down on petroleum use is any less important today than it was six months ago, so the decision (or, really, the lack thereof) of the Bush Administration to leave future fuel economy standards on the table for President-Elect Barack Obama and his future staff is ruffling a few feathers.

Even the automakers themselves would like to see a new set of rules decided upon so that they can accurately plan for the future. Without the passing of Bush's bill, questions remain as to whether states - especially California - will have the right to impose their own regulations above the national requirements. Oh, and there's also the issue of where the money to develop these fuel efficient technologies will come from. See the official statement from the US Department of Transportation after the break.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty]

Continue reading Bush declines to enact higher fuel-economy standards

Bush declines to enact higher fuel-economy standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger to beat CAFE standards, get 8-speed auto

Chris Shunk — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Chrysler, Dodge

It's pretty obvious at this point that Cerberus doesn't want to keep Chrysler, and turbulent economic realities have scuttled what few available prospects there would have been for new ownership. Some have openly wondered whether team Pentastar is even working on new products at all. Product development VP Frank Klegon insists that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models are on their way, and he points to the next 300/Charger as proof.

Klegon told Automotive News at the LA Auto Show that the 2011 redesign of these two large, rear-wheel-drive sedans will beat projected 2011 CAFE standards. That feat will be accomplished with improvements to aerodynamics, axle ratios and upgraded engines. Klegon mentioned that the upcoming Phoenix engines, the development of which has not been cancelled, would motivate the Charger and 300. The new Phoenix family of V6 engines will have variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and direct injection among its many efficiency increasing technologies. Automotive News also mentioned that Chrysler may employ an eight-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance and fuel economy. We don't know of any Chrysler transmission projects that are this ambitious, and Daimler currently utilizes only seven cogs in its Mercedes lineup, but suppliers like Aisin and ZF already have 8 speeds on the market.

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

Next-gen Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger to beat CAFE standards, get 8-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Milking a Bull: Automakers eek out extra fuel economy on older models

Chris Shunk — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Green, Hatchback

Conspiracy theorists have long insisted that automakers could push their vehicles to achieve better fuel economy, and as it turns out, they were right. Of course, it isn't as easy as flipping a magic MPG switch, but automakers are making incremental gains on vehicles even between redesigns. Techniques like changing gear ratios, lowering revs at highway speed and using lower rolling resistance tires are helping drive up efficiency a few percentage points at a time.

For example, the 2009 Cobalt XFE (above) achieves 37 mpg on the highway compared to 36 mpg for the 2008 model with minimal aero and mechanical changes. Ford made similar changes to the 2009 Escape, enabling the Blue Oval's smallest crossover to hit 28 mpg in 2WD four-banger guise. Honda achieved similar incremental improvements when it introduced cylinder deactivation on the 2008 Odyssey. Chrysler will show 1 mpg improvement on the 2009 Avenger and Sebring four-cylinder model, which will bring the Pentastar's midsize sedans to 31 mpg.

Continue reading Milking a Bull: Automakers eek out extra fuel economy on older models

Milking a Bull: Automakers eek out extra fuel economy on older models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Industry sets fuel efficiency record in first half of '08

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal, Green

In light of the current pain at the pumps, fuel economy is on all of our minds these days no matter what kind of car you drive. That being the case, it might not be surprising to you that the car we're buying are getting more fuel efficient. Don't believe us? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just revealed that the U.S. auto industry set a new record in overall fuel efficiency during the first half of the 2008 model year by averaging 26.8 mpg through March. That's up from an average of 26.6 mpg through the entire 2007 model year.

While this is certainly good news for both consumers and manufacturers that need to meet the government's mandated CAFE standards, the numbers used by the NHTSA aren't really representative of the real-world fuel mileage you should expect to achieve on the road. The testing standards were initially created in 1975 and automakers get certain credits for creating flex-fuel vehicles, which can artificially inflate their miles-per-gallon numbers. Additionally, automakers earn credits for surpassing the CAFE requirements and can carry these credits forward for up to three years. Still, the numbers are somewhat worthwhile when comparing the current model-year with those of the past. Expect to see the year-end numbers set another new record as consumers continue choosing smaller and more fuel efficient models over larger, gas-guzzling choices.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Industry sets fuel efficiency record in first half of '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda adding 'premium' touches to all models

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Mazda

Since the Mazda3 hit the streets in 2004, it's proven to be a very strong contender in the small car segment. The compact sedan and hatch has been winning customers over with great styling, athletic ride characteristics, and equipment that typically isn't found in small cars. Its rich mix of standard features and options has helped keep transaction prices high, which will be very important as the self-proclaimed Zoom-Zoom automaker looks to downsize its lineup and make as much money as possible from every sale.

Mazda will now execute the Mazda3 strategy across its entire line to boost profits while giving customers the standard features they crave. For example, the all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be equipped with disc brakes at all four corners in every trim level while some of the competition continues to use rear drum brakes on their base models. Mazda has already proven that adding standard content can raise transaction prices while at the same time increasing sales, now the Ford-controlled automaker needs to prove that it can accomplish the same feat across its lineup. If Mazda makes all of its vehicles as competent as the Mazda3, that shouldn't be a problem.

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

Mazda adding 'premium' touches to all models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan ECO Pedal puts pressure on lead foots

Michael Harley — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Green, Nissan

As if "shift lights" weren't annoying enough... Nissan's new "ECO pedal" has been engineered to encourage good fuel economy with a servo-actuated gas pedal that will push back on the driver's lead foot when on-board computers detect wasteful acceleration. According to Nissan, vehicles equipped with the ECO pedal, and real-time fuel consumption gauges in the instrument panel, have returned a 5-10 percent increase in fuel efficiency. The Japanese automaker says it has plans to begin installing the ECO pedal in models next year, although there is no word on what models, or markets, will get the system. We're betting it's an option unlikely to show up on the GT-R anytime in the near future.

[Source: Reuters]

Nissan ECO Pedal puts pressure on lead foots originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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