Autoblog

Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech

Zach Bowman — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Diesel

Babies and cars go together like screaming blobs of insomnia and sleep machines. New parents quickly find that nothing soothes an irritable newborn quite like a quick drive around the block, and Volkswagen employed that truth in the company's newest ad for its stop/start technology. The spot follows one new dad as he tries to lull his child to sleep with the burble and purr of his Tiguan TDI. Unfortunately, his efforts are thwarted by the machine's start/stop system at each stop light.

While the clip does a great job of explaining how the start/stop system works and what it does for the buyer, Volkswagen took a bit of a gamble by having the system wake a sleeping babe. Automakers spend plenty of time trying to convince the world that their stop/start gear is as smooth as possible, and while this wee Volkswagen enthusiast falls asleep the moment the diesel engine wakes up, the implication is that the system isn't exactly imperceptible. Check out the
for yourself.

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Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Aventador updated for 2013 with fuel-saving tech

George Kennedy — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Lamborghini

Lamborghini has announced that its Aventador supercar will now feature cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology, confirming previous reports of the Italian automaker's intent to improve the fuel efficiency of its products.

The centerpiece of its fuel-saving efforts is a combination of cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology - the latter Lamborghini claims is faster than other forms of the technology. For its stop/start system, the Aventador uses high-powered capacitors, which it calls supercaps, and provides the energy to restart the 700-horsepower V12 in a "barely detectable" 180 milliseconds. According to Lamborghini, this system saves three kilograms (6.6 pounds), though it is not said what that savings is compared to. A conventional battery is used for the vehicle's electronic systems and is claimed to last "virtually the entire vehicle life."

The second piece is Lambo's Cylinder Deactivation System. This system shuts down one bank of the V12, alowing the Aventador to run as a straight-six when cruising at speeds under 84 miles per hour. When the driver applies the accelerator, the system re-engages all cylinders.

Lamborghini claims a 20-percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions when driving at 80 mph. Overall average fuel economy is said to drop by as much as seven percent. How these figures translate into improvements in the EPA cycle, which currently estimates the Aventador at 11 miles per gallon city, 18 highway, has yet to be seen.

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Lamborghini Aventador updated for 2013 with fuel-saving tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW allowing dealers to re-program start/stop

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Technology, BMW, Luxury

The start/stop feature in the current BMW 3 Series is, by default, activated every time you get in and start the car. If you don't like it, you can deactivate the feature by pressing a button on the dash; however, the next time you turn the car off and start it again (with the key), the start/stop system will kick in.

This is too much hassle for some drivers, who wish start/stop to remain off unless they decide otherwise. To accommodate them, BMW has given dealers permission to activate the system's Last User Mode, which will start the car with stop/start in the same mode as when the car was shut down. Of note, BMW M models come with Last User Mode enabled automatically. There's a service bulletin below with the particulars.

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BMW allowing dealers to re-program start/stop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Start-stop tech might be in your next new car... are you ready? [w/poll]

Chris Shunk — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

At a stop light. In the drive-thru. In your driveway. Stop-start technology turns off the engine whenever the vehicle is on and the driver's foot is on the brake. The merits of the technology are hard to ignore; fuel economy savings as high as 15 percent. But while stop-start has been widely adopted in Europe, here in the U.S. the only non-hybrid vehicle to feature the tech is the Porsche Panamera.

Part of the reason stop-start hasn't taken off in the States is that many Environmental Protection Agency tests don't take stops into account during testing. And without gaining precious miles per gallon in EPA fuel economy testing, many customers will have a problem footing the bill for the the technology's otherwise reasonable $500 price tag. But as testing methods change and fuel economy standards become more stringent, stop-start is coming closer to making its way into your next vehicle. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are among the automakers looking to incorporate the technology in U.S.-market vehicles by or before 2014.

Stop-start is relatively seamless in operation and imperceptible to most users. When you begin deceleration or come to a stop, the engine cuts off. When you lift your foot off the pedal, the engine fires back up. The upside is considerably improved fuel economy in city driving. There isn't much downside other than the change we Americans tend not to embrace. We're pretty sure we're ready for start-stop. Are you? Take the poll below to let us know where you stand.

View Poll

[Source: The Detroit News]

Start-stop tech might be in your next new car... are you ready? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Maserati Quattroporte to get all-wheel drive, start-stop tech

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S - Click above for high-res image gallery

With Ferrari spending so much time and money talking up its hybrid, KERS, lighter weight and more efficient V8 plans, it's natural to find sister company Maserati not far back in tow. But before the Trident brand goes fully over to the Eco side, the 2012 Quattroporte will be taking the intermediate step of losing weight, increasing fuel economy and adding stop-start tech.

According to Maserati CEO Harald Wester the weight loss target is 15%, the mileage target a 25% improvement, both of which will be aided by smaller, lighter V6 and V8 engines and an eight-speed transmission. The target will be even more difficult to hit because the Q'Porte reportedly will be available with all-wheel drive, built on a platform to be shared among every high-end Fiat and Chrysler vehicle.

Gallery: 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Next Maserati Quattroporte to get all-wheel drive, start-stop tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai to introduce stop-start tech in two years

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hyundai, Kia

The Hyundai-Kia train and its full head of steam don't look likely to give out any time soon. To wit, the company has been adding style to its price and fuel frugality, and technology isn't being left out. The Sonata Hybrid is on its way for next year and will boast better mileage than the 35-mpg Elantra Blue, and now the company has announced it will be engineering stop/start ability into much of the H-K model line in America over the next two years.

We won't see those cars until "the next product cycle" in 2012, but when we do, the projections are that it will yield three percent better fuel economy. True, that might only take the Sonata Hybrid up to 38/40 mpg, but who knows how much a gallon of gas will cost by then - we're sure every little bit will count. CO2 reduction should be equally improved.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Hyundai to introduce stop-start tech in two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Stop-start tech saves fuel, so why can't we get it in the States? Blame the EPA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Technology, Mazda

Are there any among us that wouldn't prefer a meaningful boost in fuel mileage from our current car or truck, all other things being equal? Sure. And the good news is that there are a couple of easy ways to achieve that laudable goal, starting with adding stop/start technology to the car's powerplant.

In case you're not familiar with the fuel-saving tech, we're basically just talking about automatically shutting off the engine when it's not needed, which requires little more than some computer controls along with a slightly more powerful battery and starter motor (though some systems are admittedly more complex). Not exactly rocket science, but at an estimated cost of $500 per vehicle, it does cost a rather substantial amount. Either way, it does sound pretty intriguing, right? So, why don't we see more of these cars in the States?

You can add head Mazda engineer Robert Davis to the list of those who think stop/start should spread throughout the States and according to Automotive News, and he's got a theory as to why it hasn't: the Environmental Protection Agency's fuel economy testing procedures. Naturally, an engine needs a chance to idle for the stop/start-equipped car's computer to switch it off, and the EPA's current test cycle only allows that to happen one single time.

We don't know about you... but our city driving patterns usually include way more than one single stop. By way of comparison, the Japanese city cycle is programmed to allow the engine to idle much more and cars with stop/start technology boast a significant mileage improvement - from seven to nine percent, according to Davis. Besides, most of the start/stop systems we've sampled on foreign-market cars include an override button for those who find the technology objectionable.

So, if there's a problem with the way the technology jibes with the government's testing methodology, what's the solution? The EPA is currently accepting public comment and is seeking input on how to modify its fuel mileage testing procedures. Davis is calling for an "industry wide" agreement on a procedure that would help highlight the benefits of stop/start technology. Is that the right direction to go? Feel free to sound off in the comments.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Stop-start tech saves fuel, so why can't we get it in the States? Blame the EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mazda3 gets fuel-sipping start-stop tech abroad

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Technology, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda3 five-door hatchback

Even brands with overtly sporty pretensions must be concerned with their fuel economy and emissions, a point that is further evidenced by Mazda's intent to launch start-stop technology in the U.K. on its newest 3, which has proven to be the Japanese brand's most popular model. Before the end of 2009, Mazda plans to add the eco-friendly tech to both the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gas-burning four-cylinder engines. Oddly, the car's optional diesels, which are significantly more fuel efficient than their petrol counterparts, will miss out on this bit of tech. It's interesting to note, however, that the 2.0-liter MZR four is the only powerplant is available in Japan, Europe and America, so it seems possible all three markets could benefit from stop-start if Mazda were so inclined.

Those that care little of fuel savings will be happy to welcome the Mazdaspeed (MPS across the pond) version of the 3 hatchback that is slated for release in March at the Geneva Motor Show. A twin-clutch DSG transmission is also reportedly in the works for the 2010 model year, so there's certainly plenty to look forward to from the Zoom Zoom company.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Mazda3 five-door

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Mazda3 gets fuel-sipping start-stop tech abroad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Kia cee'd gets Intelligent Stop & Go

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Hatchback, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia cee'd

Stop/start technology is like a trial membership for hybrids: it lets drivers in on the fuel savings and lower carbon emissions without forcing them to become a card-carrying member of the hybrid brigade. Kia is will be offering buyers just such an opportunity by introducing ISG, or Idle, Stop, and Go (also called Intelligent Stop & Go) on the new cee'd.

The ISG will be available on the 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-engined c'eeds, and unlike other stop/start technology, this ISG shuts the engine down not only when the car is stopped, but when it's moving less than four mph. To engage the ISG while the car is moving, the driver puts the car in neutral and depresses the clutch, the engine is shut down, and he or she will be rewarded with 15% better fuel economy in the urban cycle.

The frugal-ized cee'd also benefits from a lighter five-speed gearbox and low-rolling-resistance tires as standard fitment. Later in 2009, the 1.6-liter diesel c'eed will be offered with ISG technology.

Gallery: Kia c'eed

[Source: Kia World]

2009 Kia cee'd gets Intelligent Stop & Go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Smarts to get start-stop standard

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Smart

The already fuel efficient Smart fortwo will soon become even more stingy with the petrol when start-stop technology is employed fleet-wide beginning in October. The start-stop technology, which is called "micro hybrid" by Smart, works by cutting off the engine during braking when the vehicle speed drops below five mph. According to Smart, the engine restarts immediately when the brake is released and the technology will result in a fuel savings of 8 percent, bringing consumption in the US EPA cycle to about 44 mpg on the highway and 36 mpg in the city. CO2 emissions will also be reduced by 9g/km, now netting 103g/km. The technology will also be available on the CDI Smart when it hits production next year, but as of right now, the diesel fortwo isn't coming Stateside.

[Source: Autocar]

All Smarts to get start-stop standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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