In the global battle to reduce emissions, automakers have made considerable strides in boosting the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines thanks to fuel-saving gadgets like turbochargers.
2011 Toyota Corolla – Click above for high-res image gallery
Toyota has big plans for its model lineup, as the automaker intends to introduce 11 new or redesigned vehicles by 2012. This will be accomplished by offering hybrid versions of existing models, as well as introducing all-new hybrid vehicles. However, Toyota's focus isn't going to be entirely on improving the electric half of the hybrid equation. The automaker is looking at ways to produce more efficient gasoline engines, and turbocha
It's no secret that BMW, like many other automakers, is working on smaller three-cylinder engines for its future products in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Some of those engines will go into the next generation of Mini products. Mini's goal is to provide a significant improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
It's no secret that BMW, like many other automakers, is working on smaller three cylinder engines for its future products to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Some of those engines will go into the next generation of Mini products and the goal is to provide a significant improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
The next generation of BMW's 5-series sedan is expected to debut early in 2010, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show. The new M5, however, likely won't be launched until the 2011 Frankfurt show. According to Albert Biermann, development boss of the M division, when it does arrive, it will cut CO2 emissions by 20 percent compared to the current model.
2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford iosis Max Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hybrid and battery electric cars get most of the attention from drivers looking for more efficient transportation. Toyota has done a masterful job of marketing the benefits of hybrids and, for a great many people, hybrids are an excellent means of saving on fuel and reducing emissions (not everyone, though). The
With the overall automotive market at best stagnant in recent years and in complete free fall in the past year, one way for suppliers to expand their revenues is to get into new product areas. Thus Continental, long known for tires, brake systems, fuel systems and more is getting into turbochargers. Over the next several years, turbos are expected to be a major growth area as automakers move to smaller displacement engines in pursuit of reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
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
Turbocharging is likely to be all the range in the next few years as automakers try to improve the mileage of high volume vehicles with downsized engines. Ford has already announced big plans for its EcoBoost engines starting with the 3.5L V6 that launches next spring. Across town at GM, the upcoming Chevy Cruze will get a new 1.4L turbocharged and direct injected engine. Ford will buying turbos from Honeywell for the Sam Abuelsamid
Ford is planning to make a huge push for turbocharged engines starting in April 2009 with the introduction of the first in its line of EcoBoost engines. Honeywell Turbo Technologies will be supplying Ford with turbochargers for the 3.5L V6 and the followup four cylinder EcoBoost engines. Honeywell is estimating that turbocharged engines will go from 30 percent of global vehicle installations to 38 percent over the next five years. Ford and other manufacturers are adding direct injection and turb
Pending carbon dioxide emissions regulations in Europe mean that Mercedes Benz will make a major push toward down-sizing engines in the next three years. Thomas Weber, Daimler board member responsible for research and development has announced that every model in the Mercedes lineup will offer a turbocharged engine the end of 2010. All of the turbocharged engines will feature smaller displacements for reduced fuel consumption, with the turbos providing increased power on-demand.
Automotive supplier Bosch is now set to follow arch-rival Continental Automotive systems into the field producing turbochargers. Robert Bosch GmbH has received German regulatory approval to team up with MAHLE GmbH in a 50-50 joint venture called Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG. The new company will start operating on June 2 out of offices in Stuttgart. About 50 employees from each company
