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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Cylinder

  • Mcchip liberates 400HP from the Audi TT-RS with ECU mod

    Mcchip liberates 400HP from the Audi TT-RS with ECU mod July 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Mcchip liberates 400HP from the Audi TT-RS with ECU mod German tuning firm Mcchip specializes in optimizing the vehicle management systems and electronic control units of cars to eke as much performance out of them as possible, and its latest product focuses on giving the new Audi TT-RS a significant boost in the performance department - not that the standard TT-RS was lacking in power to begin with.

    From the factory, the standard 2.5L turbocharged Audi TT-RS has 340hp being cranked out by the five-cylinder engine, and a fairly impressive 325lb-ft of torque. With a rather cheap adjustment from Mcchip, however, horsepower can be increased up to 380hp with a second stage to be unveiled by the... German tuning firm Mcchip specializes in optimizing the vehicle management systems and electronic control units of cars to eke as much performance out of them as possible, and its latest product focuses on giving the new Audi TT-RS a significant boost in the performance department - not that the standard TT-RS was lacking in power to begin with. From the factory, the standard 2.5L turbocharged Audi TT-RS has 340hp being cranked out by the five-cylinder engine, and a fairly impressive 325lb-ft of torque. With a rather cheap adjustment from Mcchip, however, horsepower can be increased up to 380hp with a second stage to be unveiled by the company later on that will lift this figure to around 400hp. Torque, meanwhile, is lifted to a massive 406lb-ft, giving the chipped Audi TT-RS performance to outpace rival sports cars – not bad for an engine displacing just 2.5L. The increases in performance are the result of higher boost pressure and optimization of the engine management system, and the extra power lifts the top speed of the Audi TT-RS to 186mph, rather than the standard vehicle's 155mph. Similarly, the acceleration time from standstill to 62mph is reduced from 4.6 seconds to a cracking 4.1 seconds, and while this is certainly an impressive figure perhaps the most impressive part of the tuned TT-RS is the price tag of the chip - just €899 ($1,275) for unlocking some real supercar rivaling performance. Additionally, Mcchip is offering some other modifications for the car that will be slightly more expensive than the chip - including 20-inch custom alloy wheels from Cargraphic that run for €6,600 ($9,357), as well as an adaptive shock absorber system that will set customers back €1,100 ($1,600).2010 Audi TT-RSMcchip Audi TT-RS Read More

  • Ford puts four-cylinder EcoBoost, Powershift plans on the table: 230hp, 2.0L

    Ford puts four-cylinder EcoBoost, Powershift plans on the table: 230hp, 2.0L July 21st, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 21st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 4 Comments

    Ford puts four-cylinder EcoBoost, Powershift plans on the table: 230hp, 2.0L Call it EcoBoost, call it TwinForce, it's a welcome addition to the Ford lineup for many buyers, packing more power in a smaller, more efficient engine. And soon the V6 version that debuted the twin-turbo technology will be joined by a four-cylinder, 2.0L 230hp version.

    That's the latest word from Ford, straight from a press conference in Dearborn, reports Edmunds. The engine has long been expected, however - we reported that it would be available, likely in the new Ford Fusion sedan, back in December.

    Like its 340hp, 3.5L V6 brother, the 2.0L engine could also see duty in an SUV or crossover, including the next-gen Ford Escape. Fuel... Call it EcoBoost, call it TwinForce, it's a welcome addition to the Ford lineup for many buyers, packing more power in a smaller, more efficient engine. And soon the V6 version that debuted the twin-turbo technology will be joined by a four-cylinder, 2.0L 230hp version. That's the latest word from Ford, straight from a press conference in Dearborn, reports Edmunds. The engine has long been expected, however - we reported that it would be available, likely in the new Ford Fusion sedan, back in December. Like its 340hp, 3.5L V6 brother, the 2.0L engine could also see duty in an SUV or crossover, including the next-gen Ford Escape. Fuel efficiency figures haven't been released, but expect highway ratings near 30mpg in some applications. Efficiency will be further boosted by the dual-clutch Powershift gearbox that will debut alongside the twin-turbo four-pot, also announced today. Ford expects the dual clutch cog swapper to improve efficiency by 7-9%. Not yet unveiled is an ethanol-injection system to cool the combustion chamber and decrease charge temps, increasing power and efficiency to near-diesel levels. Ford recently revealed the ethanol injection system in documents submitted to the Department of Energy for its Bobcat V8 engine, but so far no plans to fit it to the EcoBoost range have yet been announced. Read More

  • BMW engineer confirms four-cylinders under consideration for U.S.

    BMW engineer confirms four-cylinders under consideration for U.S. July 21st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 21st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 7 Comments

    BMW engineer confirms four-cylinders under consideration for U.S. About a year ago we brought you a report that BMW was looking at a four-cylinder 3-series for American sale, but that was at the height of the fuel-price crisis, and since then talk of the efficient BMW four-bangers has died down. A recent report has breathed new life into the idea, however, and once again fuel efficiency lies at the root of the plan.

    Speaking with Bloomberg, BMW's top North American engineer, Tom Baloga, said that the four-cylinder may be the best solution to meeting higher fuel economy standards without seriously impacting performance - a key aspect to a marque that bills itself as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'.

    BMW... About a year ago we brought you a report that BMW was looking at a four-cylinder 3-series for American sale, but that was at the height of the fuel-price crisis, and since then talk of the efficient BMW four-bangers has died down. A recent report has breathed new life into the idea, however, and once again fuel efficiency lies at the root of the plan. Speaking with Bloomberg, BMW's top North American engineer, Tom Baloga, said that the four-cylinder may be the best solution to meeting higher fuel economy standards without seriously impacting performance - a key aspect to a marque that bills itself as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'. BMW competitor Mercedes-Benz has also been considering going four-cylinder for the U.S., going so far as to unveil a four-cylinder diesel E250 BlueTEC Concept at the New York Auto Show this year. So far no hard plans have been announced, however. With even the BMW M brand considering four-cylinders - and the U.S. is the primary market for the M Division - it's clear that change is coming. The questions are when will that change come, and how will it take shape? The 3-series is a likely candidate, but the 1-series might be a better first step, especially since vehicle footprint is taken into account in the new fuel standards. Even the X3 is a possible candidate for a four-cylinder, as markets outside the U.S. already get such a vehicle. What do you think? Do four-cylinders belong in performance-luxury cars? Should a turbocharger be a mandatory inclusion? Or is a diesel four-pot enough to satisfy the thirst for fuel economy and performance in an affordable package? Read More

  • Production Volkswagen Bluesport roadster still a possibility?

    Production Volkswagen Bluesport roadster still a possibility? July 13th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 13th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 6 Comments

    Production Volkswagen Bluesport roadster still a possibility? When it first appeared in Detroit back in January the Bluesport concept stirred talk of the revival of the roadster segment, and especially the Porsche 914 and 356. Unfortunately, the Porsche's rebirth was ruled out last month, and this had led to fears that the same fate may ensue for a planned production version of the Bluesport concept.

    The original bad news came from VW's communications manager Christian Haacke at the launch of the new 2010 Polo. "The state we are at right now regarding Concept Bluesport is we are carefully calculating how to earn money with a niche car,' said Haacke. "It is a niche product and especially in crisis... When it first appeared in Detroit back in January the Bluesport concept stirred talk of the revival of the roadster segment, and especially the Porsche 914 and 356. Unfortunately, the Porsche's rebirth was ruled out last month, and this had led to fears that the same fate may ensue for a planned production version of the Bluesport concept. The original bad news came from VW's communications manager Christian Haacke at the launch of the new 2010 Polo. "The state we are at right now regarding Concept Bluesport is we are carefully calculating how to earn money with a niche car,' said Haacke. "It is a niche product and especially in crisis times like this it will be a challenge to come up with a volume we could require to earn money with it." While this appears disastrous for fans, VW has once again hinted at the roadster’s production at an exclusive public outing for the concept. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, Mario Fabiano, the concept’s project leader, said that a new mid-engine platform designed for the Bluesport could allow a production version to come to market with a price tag around the $30,000 mark. The Bluesport concept was not just a sporty two-seater - it had real eco-cred as well. Powered by a 2.0L four-pot turbodiesel, it cranked out 180hp (134kW) and a doubtless grin-inducing 260lb-ft (352Nm) of torque, nipping to 60mph in 6.2 seconds, all while managing 35mpg in the combined cycle. A production version could also feature the 265hp (198kW) 2.0L petrol engine destined for the Scirocco R, revealed Fabiano. To keep costs down, VW would share parts with a number of its other models. Take the concept for example, the brakes come from the Golf R32, the electromechanical steering system from the Polo and the suspension and 4Motion AWD system is a mix of both Polo and Golf components. Its current estimated release date is 2012.2009 Volkswagen Bluesport roadster concept Read More

  • Report: Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the works

    Report: Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the works July 5th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 5th, 2009 James Martinez 4 Comments

    Report: Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the works The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Soon after that General Motors increased the appeal of the car by announcing that it will be available with not only a 3.0L and 3.6L V6, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder.

    According to a new report, a hybrid model is also expected in the near future.

    Speaking with Ward’s Auto, GM's global vehicle line executive James Frederico appeared to confirm the hybrid LaCrosse but did not disclose exact timing. "We are always working on future applications for our ... The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Soon after that General Motors increased the appeal of the car by announcing that it will be available with not only a 3.0L and 3.6L V6, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder. According to a new report, a hybrid model is also expected in the near future. Speaking with Ward’s Auto, GM's global vehicle line executive James Frederico appeared to confirm the hybrid LaCrosse but did not disclose exact timing. "We are always working on future applications for our hybrids," he said. "The exact introduction plans (will) be announced later by Buick marketing." This revelation of a future hybrid LaCrosse comes just weeks after GM canceled its mild Malibu hybrid starting in the next model year. It’s also likely that with the new LaCrosse hybrid will be the introduction of GM's next generation BAS+ mild hybrid system. The Malibu and LaCrosse share similar chassis components and are built at the same facility. According to GM, the Malibu hybrid was canceled due to weak sales, and how this will translate into sales for a new LaCrosse hybrid remains to be seen. GM has publicly stated it plans to have 14 hybrid models by 2012, with this apparently being one of them. According to Frederico, "There is a future for alternative propulsion in our midsize vehicles, we're just not at the point to share any details.” Via: All Car Electrics2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan Read More

  • 2010 Buick LaCrosse to offer new direct-injection four-cylinder

    2010 Buick LaCrosse to offer new direct-injection four-cylinder June 22nd, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 22nd, 2009 Ralph Hanson 3 Comments

    2010 Buick LaCrosse to offer new direct-injection four-cylinder The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Today General Motors went into more detail on the car with a web-based launch presentation, revealing that the powertrain lineup will include not only the 3.0L and 3.6L V6s previously announced, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder.

    That means that all three engines available in the LaCrosse lineup will feature direct injection technology. “Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver... The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Today General Motors went into more detail on the car with a web-based launch presentation, revealing that the powertrain lineup will include not only the 3.0L and 3.6L V6s previously announced, but also a new Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder. That means that all three engines available in the LaCrosse lineup will feature direct injection technology. “Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver more fuel-efficient cars today and in the future,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, Global Product Development. “GM is using multiple technology pathways to achieve increased efficiency and to diversify energy sources – and we’re applying them where they make the most sense for customers when it comes to efficiency, performance and cost.” But the real news in terms of powertrain is the availability of the 2.4L Ecotec four-banger. Initially the engine will only be available on the CX-level trim, but it could go further if demand warrants it. The engine itself, while not all-new, is another evolution of the Ecotec engine line that delivers 182hp (136kW) and 172lb-ft (233Nm) of torque while managing an estimated 20mpg city and 30mpg highway in the LaCrosse sedan. Those aren't particularly impressive numbers until you remember that the LaCrosse is a fairly large vehicle. Buick thinks about 25% of buyers will opt for the four-pot. Since Buick is aiming the LaCrosse directly at competitors like the Acura TL and Lincoln MKZ, which don't offer a four-cylinder option to fuel-conscious buyers, the GM brand thinks it has an advantage even before the street-level comparisons begin. The 3.0L and 3.6L V6 engines, both part of GM's High Feature V6 range, will also be available, with the larger engine standard equipment on the higher-spec CXS trim. For more about these engines, or the various trims and equipment available, read our original release story here. In the future, a hybrid variant is also likely. Speaking at the online web launch of the LaCrosse today, GM's global mid-size line executive Jim Federico said, "There is a future for alt. propulsion in our midsize vehicles, we are just not at the point to share the details." Buick is counting on the new look of the LaCrosse to draw in new buyers, bring down the average age of its customer base, and help to continue the 'renaissance' started with the new Enclave SUV.2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan Read More

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