Autoblog

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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2013 Lamborghini Aventador to get stop/start, cylinder deactivation technology

George Kennedy — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Lamborghini

It doesn't matter if you produce supercars, subcompacts, or semi trucks, U.S. and European governments are clamping down on fuel economy and emissions. While hybrid powertrains becoming a popular option, even in the hypercar realm, more traditional high-performance machines are being forced to get creative.

Lamborghini (which just purchased Ducati, allegedly in part to improve its corporate average fuel economy), is reportedly set to apply features like cylinder deactivation and stop/start to its Aventador supercar. According to Auto Motor und Sport, for 2013, the 6.5-liter V12 brute will include CDS, or "Cylinder Deactivation System" which will allow the Italian supercar to run on six of its 12 cylinders. Additionally, the engine will benefit from stop/start system that employs a capacitor rather than a traditional battery. The report says that the capacitor is seven pounds lighter than a battery can charge up more quickly and the system starts the engine up in a mere 180 milliseconds. For reference, an average stop/start system takes about 250 milliseconds, while the Ferrari system takes 230 milliseconds.

The report says that the combination of the cylinder deactivation and stop/start will result in a 20 percent increase in fuel economy for the Aventador, which currently returns 11 miles per gallon city, 17 highway.

Other updates for the 2013 Aventador include a new instrument panel that enlarges numbers on the speedometer and tachometer and the option for more carbon fiber bits, including the engine cover. According to the report, the updated Aventador may bow at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this September.

2013 Lamborghini Aventador to get stop/start, cylinder deactivation technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford prices 2013 Fusion start-stop option at $295

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Ford

When the 2013 Ford Fusion goes on sale this fall, it will be the first mid-size family sedan in North America to be offered with start-stop technology. But since not all buyers are open to the idea of having their engines turn off at stop lights to save fuel, Ford will be offering it as optional equipment, and the automaker has now announced that the stand-alone feature will cost $295.

The 2013 Fusion will launch with three powertrains (not including Hybrid and Energi variants), but only the 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four is available with start-stop. This engine produces 172 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, and can be had with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. As of this writing, it's unclear whether or not start-stop will be available with both transmissions. The Fusion's other powertrains - a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and 2.0-liter EcoBoost four - will not be available with the technology.

According to Ford, the 1.6-liter Fusion should be good for up to 37 miles per gallon on the highway, putting it at the top of its class in terms of fuel economy. Based on its calculations, Ford estimates that drivers who opt for the start-stop-equipped Fusion will save "about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving."

We'll be interested to see what the take rate is on start-stop once the Fusion goes on sale later this year. For the full details, scroll down to read Ford's press release.

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Ford prices 2013 Fusion start-stop option at $295 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 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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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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Start-stop, direct-injection coming to AMG models next year

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz' in-house tuning arm, AMG, has announced the horsepower wars are over, and the automaker is gearing up to implement a new range of technologies that will help reduce fuel consumption by 2012.

According to AutoTelegraaf, M-B will introduce start-stop technology on AMG models as early as next year, along with launching a direct-injection system based of the second-generation currently employed on the C350 CGI BlueEfficiency. The automaker has set an internal goal of reducing fuel consumption across its line-up by 30% in the next three years. While diesels and new engine technologies will go a long way to achieving that goal, Mercedes plans to begin reducing the weight of its vehicles through the use of more composite materials and other weight-saving assembly procedures.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

[Source: AutoTelegraaf via Motor Authority]

Start-stop, direct-injection coming to AMG models next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:58:00 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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Chrysler adding stop/start systems to vehicles

Alex Nunez — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Chrysler

Chrysler's Frank Klegon says that we should expect to see the incorporation of stop/start systems in a number of vehicles "pretty soon," according to Automotive News. They'd be marketed as "micro hybrid" systems (showing that automakers will jump at absolutely anything to be able to apply the term "hybrid" to a product). The so-called micro hybrids simply kill the engine when the car's stopped, and according to Chrysler, this can net drivers a 5% gain in fuel economy without their having to do anything. (Except spend some money. Cost per vehicle would be "several hundred dollars.") Klegon also notes that more mild hybrid systems and additional 2-Mode implementations are in the works, as well. What say you good readers? Would you pay $300 for a 5% gain in fuel economy?

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

Chrysler adding stop/start systems to vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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