Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford EcoBoost Engines see high take rate, customers see higher transaction prices]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/ford-ecoboost-engines-see-high-take-rate-customers-see-higher-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/ford-ecoboost-engines-see-high-take-rate-customers-see-higher-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/ford-ecoboost-engines-see-high-take-rate-customers-see-higher-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has been pushing its EcoBoost engines hard since they came out of the gate, with almost as many commercials touting its twin-turbo technology as we've seen all other Blue Oval spots combined. And all that marketing mojo appears to be paying off, as the Ford Motor Company has told The Detroit News that EcoBoost has really taken off on the showroom floor.

Ford just started offering EcoBoost in July, but the early returns show that customers are very interested in Ford's promise of V8 performance with V6 fuel economy. Lincoln MKS sales have been 30 percent EcoBoost, while the Taurus SHO is currently accounting for 20 percent off all sales of Ford's new large sedan. The MKT has only been on the market for a month, but early returns show that over 40 percent of customers want 355 horsepower in their giant crossover. The Ford Flex is seeing a 13 percent EcoBoost take rate, nearly double the expected 8 percent figure.

In fact, Ford says all four EcoBoost-equipped vehicles are exceeding expectations to date, and the engine tech also appears to be bringing in conquest customers at an accelerated rate. For example, an impressive 44 percent of Taurus buyers come from another OEM, while the number jumps to 54 percent with the EcoBoost-equipped Taurus SHO. The MKT has a similar 10 percent conquest boost courtesy of turbo power. And those conquest wins at the dealership also add to Ford's bottom line, as EcoBoost-equipped vehicles carry a $5,000 to $10,000 MSRP bump versus their naturally aspirated counterparts.

While the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine looks like an early success, the real turbo test comes when other, higher volume EcoBoost engines hit the market. Some future boosted Ford engines will come in 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter displacements, and the DetNews is reporting that a much smaller, 1.0-liter three-cylinder version is on the way for applications like the new Fiesta and Focus. Engines as small as 1.0-liter are sure to be an efficiency boon for the Blue Oval, with potential paybacks in the high 40 MPG range in the EPA highway cycle.

The next vehicles to receive EcoBoost will reportedly be the F-150 and Ford Explorer toward the end of next year. Ford is hoping to push the engine tech on 90 percent of its models within the next few years, with up to 1.3M global EcoBoost sales.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford EcoBoost Engines see high take rate, customers see higher transaction prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford flex2010 taurus sho2010FordFlex2010TaurusShodirect-injectionecoboostecoboost salesEcoboostSalesford taurusFordTauruslincoln mkslincoln mktLincolnMksLincolnMktturboturbochargingtwin-turboFri, 13 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-2010-saab-9-5-is-proof-theres-still-some-flight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-2010-saab-9-5-is-proof-theres-still-some-flight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-2010-saab-9-5-is-proof-theres-still-some-flight/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe's entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker's newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn't exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks - if not bright - at least markedly less dim.

If we sound like we're damning the 2010 9-5 with faint praise, we're not - after sitting in the car today at the Frankfurt Motor Show and talking extensively with members of Saab's team, we're actually rather optimistic that the perennially underweight automaker may yet emerge from its funk and put some rouge back in the 'ol Griffin. But until we drive it, we're going to reserve judgment before we break out the akvavit and reindeer steaks - we've been here before.

One thing's for sure - this new, larger 9-5 looks incredibly crisp in the metal. With clean flanks, a distinctive, cantilevered roofline paired with wraparound-look glass and handsome head- and tail lamp detailing, this is an attractive, cohesive design sans adornment - no gaping ducts, fender vents, or protruding aero addenda are in evidence anywhere. Very much in the Scandinavian mold, the 9-5 pulls design elements from the showstopping Saab Aero-X concept coupe and puts them in a real-world package. Similarly, like Scandinavian furniture, the design won't be to everyone's tastes.

Inside, there's gobs more space than in the outgoing car both front and rear, and the design has been tastefully updated in a driver-centric way that honors the marque's quirkiness (Night Panel button, eggcrate grid air vents, etc.) without becoming a caricature of Saabs past. Reinforcing the aeronautically-minded "Born From Jets" theme that had become something of a punchline with distractions like the 9-7x SUV, Saab has adopted new features like an optional heads-up display and a novel altimeter-like digital speedometer readout in case you aren't interested making use of the clear analogue gauges.

Click on the jump for more impressions and the official press release.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Saab2010Saab9 59-595Epsilon IIEpsilonIifrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowSaabSaab 9 5Saab 9-3Saab 9-5Saab9-3Saab9-5Saab95turboturbochargeturbochargedturbochargingTue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/review-2010-lincoln-mks-ecoboost-big-american-luxury-with-a-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/review-2010-lincoln-mks-ecoboost-big-american-luxury-with-a-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/review-2010-lincoln-mks-ecoboost-big-american-luxury-with-a-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2009 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost - Click above for high-res image gallery

For more years than we care to remember, Lincoln has soldiered on without a competitive large car. Ford's luxury marque finally gave its high-end roster some love for the 2009 model year with the large-and-in-charge MKS. At 204 inches long, the MKS is a Reese's Cup shy of a Navigator, and at 4,305 pounds, our all-wheel drive tester is only 166-pounds lighter than the super-sized Ford Flex.

When we tested the MKS last year, the relatively modest 3.7-liter V6 left us eagerly anticipating the long-promised twin-turbo EcoBoost variant. The first press samples of the MKS EcoBoost came in the spring, and our brief time with the 355 horsepower sedan at Milan Raceway gave us a newfound appreciation for the big Lincoln. But only a few hours behind the wheel wasn't nearly enough time to fully take in the EcoBoost experience, so we spent a week with Lincoln's Big Easy to see if 355 force-fed ponies catapults the MKS into the realm of the luxury elite. Hit the jump to find out how this latter-day Hot Rod Lincoln fared.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20010 Lincoln MKS20010LincolnMks2010 Ecoboost MKS2010EcoboostMksEcoboost MKSEcoboost MKS reviewEcoboostMksEcoboostMksReviewfeaturedFordlincolnlincoln mkslincoln mks ecoboostLincolnMksLincolnMksEcoboostmksmks ecoboostmks reviewMksEcoboostMksReviewreviewreviewsturbo chargingTurboChargingFri, 17 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford plans four-cylinder for every model by 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/ford-plans-four-cylinder-for-every-model-by-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/ford-plans-four-cylinder-for-every-model-by-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/ford-plans-four-cylinder-for-every-model-by-2013/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford has made a public commitment to industry-leading fuel economy, and the most important component of that plan comes in a small but efficient package. Product Development chief Derek Kuzak told Automotive News that the Blue Oval will sport a four-cylinder option in every car and crossover by 2013. Ford is going to lean heavily on its forthcoming Ecoboost engines to accomplish this feat, as turbocharged four-cylinder engines can provide V6 punch without the same thirst for fuel. With far stricter CO2 and fuel economy mandates on the way, Ford is going to need all the Ecoboost engines it can make.

Ford foresees the need for 750,000 Ecoboost engines per year by 2013, and two thirds of that total will be four-bangers. V8 engines will be relegated to large pickups, SUVs and the Ford Mustang, but Kuzak says the company is even looking at turbocharged four-cylinder engines for the full-size F-150 pickup. If Ford can produce enough power from an Ecoboost engine to power an F-150, we'd love to drive a Mustang with that engine. Light weight and 300+ turbocharged horsepower coming from America's original pony car sounds good to us.

Gallery: Ford EcoBoost GDTI engines


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

Ford plans four-cylinder for every model by 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoboost engineEcoboostEnginefordfour cylinderFourCylinderturbochargingMon, 16 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW switching to turbocharged M cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/27/bmw-switching-to-turbocharged-m-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/27/bmw-switching-to-turbocharged-m-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/27/bmw-switching-to-turbocharged-m-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After two decades of normally-aspirated high-revving engines shoehorned under the hoods of its M cars, BMW is changing direction and will begin to offer direct-injection turbocharged powerplants in its future high-performance flagships. The German automaker is blaming tough environmental emission standards and the soaring manufacturing costs of the specialty-built V8 and V10 engines found in today's M3, M5, and M6 models for its decision. We also suspect the fact that both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have successfully offered torque-laden forced-induction powerplants for years on their performance models may have something to do with it (also keep in mind that an aftermarket-tuned version of BMW's own twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 can easily match the power output of the M3's normally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8). The first new M model to carry the turbocharged honor will be the X6 xDrive M, with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 reportedly making 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That same engine is reportedly going into the next F10-chassis M5 due in late 2010.

[Source: Autoweek]

BMW switching to turbocharged M cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw m3bmw m3 sedanbmw m5bmw m6BmwM3BmwM3SedanBmwM5BmwM6Engineforced inductionForcedInductionm engineMEnginesuperchargingturbochargingThu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Honeywell tapped to provide turbos for Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/honeywell-tapped-to-provide-turbos-for-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/honeywell-tapped-to-provide-turbos-for-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/honeywell-tapped-to-provide-turbos-for-ford/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford has committed to putting 500,000 vehicles on the road annually with its Ecoboost direct injection + turbo technology, which means the Blue Oval is going to need a whole bunch of turbochargers. After some searching, Ford has chosen Honeywell to be the supplier that puts some fuel-sipping pep into its engine lineup. Honeywell already supplies turbo chargers to several European automakers, where forced induction has been an accepted practice for boosting small engines for years.

Ford says its Ecoboost technology can, for example, enable four-cylinder engines to produce V6 power with four-pot efficiency, which will go a long way toward helping the automaker achieve its goal of reducing fuel consumption by 30% or more by 2020. The first vehicle to receive Ecoboost is the Lincoln MKS, with the Taurus, F-150, and Flex following after that.

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

Honeywell tapped to provide turbos for Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoboostfordhoneywellturboturbo chargingTurboChargingThu, 31 Jul 2008 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Four cylinders, 400 Nm: BMW's new turbo diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/four-cylinders-400-nm-bmws-new-turbo-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/four-cylinders-400-nm-bmws-new-turbo-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/four-cylinders-400-nm-bmws-new-turbo-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's nothing new that torque addicted, diesel junkies abroad get all the cool stuff, and now this. BMW just released details on its new 2.0-liter, variable twin turbo diesel engine that is making 204 HP and almost 300 ft.-lbs. of torque. The two-stage turbo system, initially introduced on the 535d, all but eliminates any amount of lag by utilizing a smaller turbo at low engine speeds and a larger snail higher up in the rev range. The result: 147 ft.-lbs. at 1200 RPM and 295 ft.-lbs. of twist at 2000 RPM. Coupled with a lighter aluminum engine block, BMW maintains that a significant increase in fuel efficiency over the outgoing model has been realized.

We liked the 535d when we took it for a spin in LA, and we're sure that this new engine, whether in a 1-series or a 3-series, will be just as entertaining.

Click on the dyno chart to the right to see an enlarged version of the graph.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Four cylinders, 400 Nm: BMW's new turbo diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdieseldual stage turboDualStageTurboturbochargingtwin turboTwinTurboSat, 24 Mar 2007 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Direct-injection, turbo'd motors to reproduce like bunnies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/direct-injection-turbod-motors-to-reproduce-like-bunnies/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/direct-injection-turbod-motors-to-reproduce-like-bunnies/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/24/direct-injection-turbod-motors-to-reproduce-like-bunnies/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to the folks at BorgWarner, the number of turbocharged, direct-injection engines will increase four-fold by 2011. In 2006, approximately 500,000 vehicles were equipped with the technological duo, and based on their market projections, over two million such engines will be on the road in the next four years. A good chunk of this expansion will occur in Europe, however, Japan, China and those of us in North America stand to benefit from the highly efficient, power-producing setup.

The report also goes on to say that the variable turbine geometry employed in the new Porsche 911 Turbo, and developed by BorgWarner, will come down in cost, allowing the cash-strapped among us to ditch our wastegate, all the while gaining power throughout the RPM range.

[Source: SEMA/BorgWarner via Jalopnik]

Direct-injection, turbo'd motors to reproduce like bunnies originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Mar 2007 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 turbo911Turboborgwarnerdirect injectionDirectInjectionporcheturboturbochargingvariable turbine geometryVariableTurbineGeometryvtgSat, 24 Mar 2007 07:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford says "No diesel for you!" to American buyers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/10/ford-says-no-diesel-for-you-to-american-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/10/ford-says-no-diesel-for-you-to-american-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/10/ford-says-no-diesel-for-you-to-american-buyers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Focus we should've received - diesel-powered, 50 MPG and thoughtfully styled.

During an interview with Automotive News, Mark Fields, Ford's U.S. division president, said that the automaker would not be offering diesels in any of its passenger cars in the near future. For the time being at least, Ford's only diesel-equipped vehicles will be in their flagship F-series line of pickups.

The reasons behind not bringing an oil burner to America are varied, but the primary hurdle is the cost of engineering an engine that would meet the U.S.'s stringent emissions standards. This is the same argument currently employed by Toyota, when asked about its own pursuit of diesel technology.

Instead, Ford will focus on high-tech gasoline mills, utilizing turbocharging, direct injection and hybrid powertrains, which will increase fuel economy and in some cases, performance.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford says "No diesel for you!" to American buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldirect injectionDirectInjectionfordhybridmark fieldsMarkFieldsturbochargingWed, 10 Jan 2007 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: Ford officially debuts TwinForce TT-V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/07/detroit-auto-show-ford-officially-debuts-twinforce-engine-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/07/detroit-auto-show-ford-officially-debuts-twinforce-engine-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/07/detroit-auto-show-ford-officially-debuts-twinforce-engine-line/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Touted as a means to give V8-like horsepower with V6 fuel economy, the TwinForce V6 at this year's Detroit Auto Show stands as one of Ford's biggest announcements so far. Started with the Duratec 35 as a foundation, the engine's combination of turbocharging and direct injection yields a claimed 415 HP and 400 ft-lb of torque - more than enough to smoke any naturally-aspirated V8 currently offered by the Blue Oval here in the United States.

The engine also offers flex-fuel capabilities, with operation possible on either premium gasoline or E85. Ford also claims 15% better fuel economy than a 6.0L V8 of similar performance, so the tire-smoking can commence with reduced guilt. There's no word yet as to whether the new motor can take advantage of the superior knock resistance of ethanol to provide a horsepower bump, but this seems like an ideal platform on which to roll out such a feature. The horsepower junkies among us might also want to consider that an injector sized to flow enough E85 for 400+ HP will probably support at least 600 HP on gasoline, so the aftermarket should have a field day with turning up the wick on the TwinForce.

What do you say - should Ford put this thing into a Mustang, stuff a bulletproof drivetrain behind it, and continue in the V8-terrorizing tradition of the Buick GN and Toyota Supra? Just the thought of such a monster sends chills up our spine.

Click past the jump for the full press release and a general overview of the plumbing; meanwhile, we'll try to snap some live shots of the motor on the show floor.

Check out all the debuts and galleries from the Detroit Auto Show here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Ford officially debuts TwinForce TT-V6

Detroit Auto Show: Ford officially debuts TwinForce TT-V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>difidirect injectionDuratecE85flex fuelforced inductionFordintercooledturboturbochargedturbochargingTwinForceV6Sun, 07 Jan 2007 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[The Volvette: TT LS1-powered 740 Wagon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/the-volvette-tt-ls1-powered-740-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/the-volvette-tt-ls1-powered-740-wagon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/the-volvette-tt-ls1-powered-740-wagon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Needless to say, the Volvo wagon is the pinnacle of unassuming motoring. We've driven a few and they perform their assigned task with due diligence and little fanfare, which is exactly what's expected. So it came as a bit of a surprise to find one DIY-er who decided that a 740 wagon would be the prime recipient of an LS1 V8. Not content with the stock power output of GM's finest small block, he decided to strap a duo of turbos onto the exhaust manifold and heave seven pounds of boost into the cylinders. The result is the Volvette, which produces over 500 HP and has the potential to make even more if the owner decides to crank the boost.

We want. Enough said.

The Volvette: TT LS1-powered 740 Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>740ls1turboturbochargeturbochargingv8volvoMon, 27 Nov 2006 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[More sick power for the street - a twin turbo Ford GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/more-sick-power-for-the-street-a-twin-turbo-ford-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/more-sick-power-for-the-street-a-twin-turbo-ford-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/more-sick-power-for-the-street-a-twin-turbo-ford-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Even with Ford's GT making 550 HP (somewhat underrated) courtesy of a supercharger, of course we all know that there will still be owners out there who seek more power. Once the route of pulley swaps has been explored, where to go next? Stage 6 Motorsports thinks that it has the answer in the form of a twin-turbo kit.

The stock Eaton blower is replaced with a pair of Garrett GT35R scrolls from Precision Turbo, which are mounted behind the engine and inboard of the shock towers. Custom exhaust work brings up the hot gases from the low-mounted stock manifolds, and new downpipes dump the spent exhaust through the stock bodywork opening. A custom "hat" adapts a 95mm throttle body and routes compressed air through the stock intercooler (which is built into the intake manifold), and the OEM fuel system remains intact.

The video shows the car putting down over 830 HP on the dyno, and Stage 6 claims that this same vehicle has put down 1012 RWHP with further work. A kit involving fuel system upgrades and internal engine modifications is said to be under development, with potential for several hundred more HP.

While not all of us can identify the effort it takes to fabricate a twin-turbo install for a Ford GT in five days, the terse "I'm staying at the shop and won't be home until much later" phone call with a significant other that occurs at the 9:30 mark in the above video is something to which most of us can relate.

[Source: Streetfire.com; a hat tip to Dubbedinenglish]

Warning: a bit of NSFW language is sprinkled throughout the clip

More sick power for the street - a twin turbo Ford GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Sep 2006 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketdynofordgtgt40intercoolerkitRWHPstage 1stage 6techtuningturboturbochargedturbochargingSun, 17 Sep 2006 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW 335i lays down fat dyno numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/22/bmw-335i-lays-down-fat-dyno-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/22/bmw-335i-lays-down-fat-dyno-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/22/bmw-335i-lays-down-fat-dyno-numbers/#commentsFiled under: ,

BMW's turbocharged 335i is rated by the manufacturer at 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque at the crankshaft, which seemed a bit low to us considering the 255 HP rating of its naturally-aspirated brethren. Sure, the turbo system was designed to maximize the usable powerband instead of creating moonshot-like peak power, but a mere 17% bump in the power ratings just didn't compute.

Investigating the matter further, Automobile Magazine strapped down a 335i to a Dynojet chassis dyno. Such a device measures power at the rear wheels, and translation into crankshaft numbers requires that one account for drivetrain losses. Taking into account the loss of 15% or thereabouts that we'd expect to see from a Dynojet run (don't get hung up trying to determine a precise "loss" number, because there is much more to it than just an estimation of friction), something in the neighborhood of 255 HP would be expected at the rear wheels from 300 HP at the crank - but that wasn't the case. The 335i instead laid down 276 HP, as well as spinning the rollers with 300 lb-ft of torque as measured at the rear wheels. That's about 37% healthier than the 330i.

So, what's up? Yes, the new SAE J1349 dyno standard is supposed to eliminate this sort of rating tomfoolery, but it's only accurate under one specified set of conditions. Dynometers, such as the Dynojet, attempt to correct the results back to a set of conditions, but they're slightly different than those used for J1349. That likely accounts for only a few percentage points of difference, though. More likely is that the Bimmer's engine management system, rather than simply establishing a limit for boost, is constantly attempting to maximize airflow while controlling detonation. Such a system cannot easily be corrected, and putting such a vehicle on a dyno under optimum conditions (usually with particularly cool ambient air temps) can yield results well in excess of the manufacturer's ratings, and this likely explains why the measured torque peak is disproportionate to the horsepower peak.

All this power - accessible at nearly any engine speed, judging by the broad torque curve - gives the 335i performance that nearly rivals that of the previous-gen M3, with the quarter-mile disappearing in 13.6 seconds and with a trap speed of 104 MPH. That sort of performance puts it in the running as Sleeper of the Year.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

BMW 335i lays down fat dyno numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW, 335i, dyno, dynometerBmw,335i,Dyno,Dynometerdirect injectionengineshorsepowerpeakpowertorqueturboturbochargingTue, 22 Aug 2006 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Demystifying nitrous oxide, Part II]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/16/demystifying-nitrous-oxide-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/16/demystifying-nitrous-oxide-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/16/demystifying-nitrous-oxide-part-ii/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the previous installment of this series, we discussed the function of nitrous oxide on a theoretical level. Now it's time to take a look at the hardware that is required to successfully employ nitrous as a power adder.

Most nitrous users will start with a kit, the thoroughness of which varies with manufacturer and the intended application. Let's take a look at a direct-port kit for a 4-cylinder application from Nitrous Oxide Systems that we happened to have laying around the garage.

Continue reading Demystifying nitrous oxide, Part II

Demystifying nitrous oxide, Part II originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketgaragejuicemodificationsnitrousnosnxoxidepower adderPowerAdderprojectspraysuperchargersuperchargingturboturbochargingWed, 16 Aug 2006 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[American collaboration on the Acura RDX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/american-collaboration-on-the-acura-rdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/american-collaboration-on-the-acura-rdx/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/american-collaboration-on-the-acura-rdx/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Autoweek has an enlightening article on the development process that took place during the design and testing of the Acura's RDX CUV. Specifically, how the turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, a first for Acura in the U.S., came to fruition.

As the lone American engineer on the team, Gary Evert, explains why the turbocharger is having a renaissance within the halls Honda/Acura, how he battled fervently for a specific kind of power delivery for the cute 'ute and why the aesthetics of a hood scoop had to be shot down before they took flight.

The highlight of the interview has to be when Evert disclosed the late night testing procedures him and his colleagues used to enjoy while prowling the streets of Southern California. The turbocharged mill was stuffed into a grey Accord wagon for drivability evaluations, but the large bulge in the hood proved to be too conspicuous and many a late night drags took place.

An interesting read that's well worth the effort it takes to click "Read."

American collaboration on the Acura RDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acurardxturboturbochargedturbochargingThu, 10 Aug 2006 13:08:00 EST