Autoblog

Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Kia

The come-hither 2012 Kia Rio has been bolting off dealer lots for obvious reasons that go beyond its $14,350 price. One of its noteworthy features for the U.S. market, especially for the segment, is stop/start, which Kia calls ISG for Idle, Stop & Go. Media feedback, however, has convinced Kia that ISG is not quite ready for prime time, so it's been sent back to the engineers for tweaks.

The same system is also available on the Kia Soul, and that hatchback will be going without for the moment, as well. Apparently, some reviewers found the system's engagement rough. Kia didn't give details about the move, either what might have caused the perceived roughness or what remedy it will use to fix it. If you're holding out for ISG on your Rio or Soul, which is available by checking the special Eco options package, a Kia executive said it will now be arriving in the second quarter.

Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford expanding stop-start technology to non-hybrid models

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

Given the multifaceted approach to making more efficient vehicles favored by Ford, an automaker that employs everything from EcoBoost to hybrids, pure electrics to less thirsty gas models - it's not that surprising to learn that the company is announcing that it is expanding use of stop-start technology to more U.S. vehicles in 2012. Stop-start, you'll recall, is a technology that allows an engine to shut off automatically at stop lights to avoid wasting fuel while idling. As far as the green race goes, stop-start is a no-brainer: it's not all that expensive to implement - especially compared to technologies like hybrid powertrains - and according to Ford, it can result in a jump in fuel economy of up to 10 percent.

Ford is following BMW, Fiat and other automakers in bringing stop-start to its vehicles, but along with Porsche, it is taking a leadership role with the technology here in the U.S. for non-hybrid vehicles. Ford notes that it has sold over 170,000 hybrids with stop-start in North America in the last six years, and 2012 will mark the first time it will be found on Ford's "conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America." European Ford drivers are familiar with the technology, and Ford says stop-start "eventually will be offered in all of Ford's global markets." Thus far, however, the Blue Oval isn't saying which non-hybrid models will be the first to receive the technology.

Stop-start technology has become an easy and effective way for automakers to register substantial economy gains in European models, but don't expect official mile per gallon figures to budge much on America's EPA-mandated test cycle. As of yet, the U.S. government's testing methodology simply doesn't reflect the benefits of stop-start, so while the effects of the technology may be self-evident in real world driving, they won't necessarily be reflected on a vehicle's window sticker in dealer showrooms. In other words, Ford is likely to have some consumer educating to do.

To school yourself a bit further on the Blue Oval's stop-start initiative, check out their official press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford expanding stop-start technology to non-hybrid models

Ford expanding stop-start technology to non-hybrid models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche buyers not keen on start-stop tech

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Green, Porsche

Porsche, like every other automaker under the sun, is under pressure to produce vehicles with improved fuel efficiency that emits less CO2. The current 911 puts out 225 g/km of CO2, but Porsche believes that it can hack another 10 g/km off that figure with the implementation of start-stop technology on its flat-six engines. Not so fast, say Porschephiles. According to the automaker, buyers aren't fond of such a feature on their arse-engined performance machines. Porsche didn't cite the reasons behind consumer's reluctance, but a 10 g/km reduction doesn't seem like much in the overall product scheme of Porsche.

During the launch of the 2009 911, CAR asked Porsche engineers what the CO2 limitations are of the current flat-six, and according to Thomas Wasserback, "it might be possible to produce a Boxster that emits 180 g/km, it would be difficult to engineer a 911 to produce 200." However, Porsche intents to maintain current performance levels, despite a possible reduction in engine output, by lessening equipment levels and making use of more lightweight materials and body shells. Interestingly, Porsche estimates that the new 911s equipped with the seven-speed PDK transmission, which increases fuel economy and decreases emissions, will account for 80-percent of all 2009 911s sold and could spell the end of the stick shift within five years. However, manual transmissions will remain standard on Porsche's 911 Turbo, GT2 and RS models due to the torque limitations of the PDK gearbox, but a stronger version of the 'box is in development, so expect to see dual-clutch technology on all those models in the coming years.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

[Source: CAR]

Porsche buyers not keen on start-stop tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are Audi's plans for world domination too big?

Dan Roth — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Audi

It seems like every carmaker has set themselves the goal of world domination. Toyota's internal master-plan memos leaked out, and then there's BMW nipping right along with lofty goals, too. Here comes Audi, deciding that they'd really like to sell 200,000 vehicles in the US market by 2010. While BMW is the current premium brand champ, Audi thinks it's got the moxie to claim that spot. Audi's perhaps got a case of inflated self-esteem if they think they're going to come out on top, especially considering that competitors are also projecting gains. Taken together, automakers have set out goals for growth that are more ambitious than what the market's likely to do.

Nobody will argue that Audi makes high-performing cars packed with high levels of technology and class-leading appointments. When the conversation takes on a green tinge, however, Ingolstadt seemingly falls short. Audis have been packing on the muscle and the weight, while BMW's been at work discovering ways to decrease carbon emissions and innovate in the name of fuel efficiency. Audi fires back, citing their fleet's CO2 emissions which are lower than Mercedes or BMW, with more tech to come. Tweaked engines, hybrid and alternative-fuel powertrains, and fuel-saving techniques like stop/start and brake regeneration are all coming to the Audi range soon. In the race for the top, someone will inevitably end up on the bottom. Audi just hopes that they can claw up that slope, Quattro-like.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Are Audi's plans for world domination too big? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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