Autoblog

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.


[Source: CAR]

According to suppliers quoted by Automotive News, soon after the MINI press conference concludes in Frankfurt, buyers will be able to get their iconic runabout complete with regenerative braking and start-stop features.

Both gasoline- and diesel-powered models will be equipped with the new technology, supplied by Bosch, and the oilburning offerings will emit 104 g/km of C02, a 12-percent decrease from the standard model. As a comparison, the 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid Prius produces the same amount of C02, something that should be noted by both consumers and legislators alike. Sales are set to begin this September.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Autocar reports that BMW plans to launch its Automatic Engine Start/Stop System next year - one of the fuel economy and emissions reduction components of its "Efficient Dynamics" technology package, as the company aims to meet its commitment to the European Association of Automobile Manufacturers 2008 CO2 emissions reduction targets.

Officially called "Auto Start/Stop," the system automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a standstill. As soon as the driver puts in the clutch or depresses the gas pedal, the engine restarts automatically. BMW's "Intelligent Software" links together the various sensors required with the starter motor and the alternator control to make the process work.

Auto Start/Stop, along with BMW's High Precision Injection (lean-burn direct injection) and Brake Energy Regeneration technologies, will appear across a broad model range, with the Start/Stop technology to be introduced in four- and six-cylinder 1-, 3- and 5-Series models.

[Sources: BMW, Autocar]