Essen 2009: Focus RS360 From Wolf Racing

Motor Authority - blog Category: Diesel

  • MTM takes on the Porsche Cayenne Diesel

    MTM takes on the Porsche Cayenne Diesel July 30th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 30th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    MTM takes on the Porsche Cayenne Diesel German tuning house MTM has given the world some lightning quick creations in the past, but this time it is focusing on something a little more sedate - the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Usually equipped with a 240hp (176kW) 3.0L V6 diesel unit, the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is hardly the most exciting car on the planet, which may be why MTM has seen fit to liberate some extra horsepower from its turbodiesel engine.

    MTM is offering two engine upgrades, the first of which lifts power up to 285hp (210kW) thanks to some clever reprogramming of the ECU. The second stage of engine upgrades takes this up a notch, lifting power to a round 300hp (221kW)... German tuning house MTM has given the world some lightning quick creations in the past, but this time it is focusing on something a little more sedate - the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Usually equipped with a 240hp (176kW) 3.0L V6 diesel unit, the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is hardly the most exciting car on the planet, which may be why MTM has seen fit to liberate some extra horsepower from its turbodiesel engine. MTM is offering two engine upgrades, the first of which lifts power up to 285hp (210kW) thanks to some clever reprogramming of the ECU. The second stage of engine upgrades takes this up a notch, lifting power to a round 300hp (221kW) while torque for both upgrades improved from 405lb-ft (550Nm) to 442lb-ft (600Nm). The extra power lifts the top speed from 133mph to 139mph, while fuel consumption remains the same. Tests haven't yet been completed for 0-62mph times, but expect slight improvements from the standard Cayenne Diesel's 8.3 second run. A suspension kit can also be ordered that will lower the Cayenne by 45mm, along with new alloy wheels and MTM accessories such as wheel spacers. Pricing for the two engine upgrades starts at €1,450 ($2040) each, while the suspension kit will set customers back €1,500 ($2,110).2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel Read More

  • Mercedes-Benz to offer 58 BlueEfficiency models by end of 2009

    Mercedes-Benz to offer 58 BlueEfficiency models by end of 2009 July 22nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 22nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    Mercedes-Benz to offer 58 BlueEfficiency models by end of 2009 Green isn't always green - sometimes it's blue. Or at least that's what Mercedes-Benz wants us to think when we think of efficient, environment-friendlier motoring. And to help back up Mercedes' claim to being one of the cleanest luxury carmakers, it has announced it will have 58 BlueEfficiency models on the market by the end of the year, including the new additions to the E-Class range revealed yesterday.

    Like BMW's EfficientDynamics tag, the BlueEfficiency name is used to demarcate cars that combine a range of efficiency-enhancing design features and materials to yield a completely conventional car that's nonetheless up to 23% more... Green isn't always green - sometimes it's blue. Or at least that's what Mercedes-Benz wants us to think when we think of efficient, environment-friendlier motoring. And to help back up Mercedes' claim to being one of the cleanest luxury carmakers, it has announced it will have 58 BlueEfficiency models on the market by the end of the year, including the new additions to the E-Class range revealed yesterday. Like BMW's EfficientDynamics tag, the BlueEfficiency name is used to demarcate cars that combine a range of efficiency-enhancing design features and materials to yield a completely conventional car that's nonetheless up to 23% more efficient than a typical vehicle. "The success of this concept is clearly demonstrated by the new E-Class, which combines state-of-the-art engines and the world's best cd value in this vehicle class with further targeted vehicle optimization measures, including lightweight design and intelligent energy management," said Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler board member for group research and development for Mercedes-Benz cars. BlueEfficiency shouldn't be confused with the emissions-enhancing diesel BlueTEC technology, though more of those will be joining the ranks as well. Already the GL, M and R-Class vehicles are on the U.S. market, and will soon be joining the European Mercedes fleet. The next step forward is the hybrid, however, and the S400 Hybrid claims the title of the most fuel efficient luxury sedan with a gasoline engine at 29.8mpg US (7.9L/100km) in the combined European cycle. Joining it in the lineup is the ML450 Hybrid, itself rated at 21mpg city and 24mpg highway (11.2 and 9.8L/100km, respectively. These three elements highlight the core aspects of Mercedes' strategy for efficiency: applying technology to the problems of fuel consumption and pollution. Looking to the future, Mercedes has plans to make advances in electric vehicles and fuel cell technology that promise to completely offload the emissions generation process to electrical energy or hydrogen storage plants, which by their design nature can more efficiently process and treat the harmful by-products of the energy generation process. An early preview of what an electric Mercedes will look like can be found in the shape of the recently announced SLS AMG Electric.2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' preview2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 Hybrid Read More

  • Report: Mazda in talks with Toyota over hybrid technology

    Report: Mazda in talks with Toyota over hybrid technology July 22nd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 22nd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Report: Mazda in talks with Toyota over hybrid technology Back at April’s New York Auto Show Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi confirmed that his company would have hybrid and electric powertrains in its lineup by 2015, but until now it was thought that Mazda would rely on its own in-house developed technology. A new report, however, indicates that Mazda may turn to fellow Japanese automaker and hybrid leader Toyota for its new petrol-electric propulsion technology.

    A person familiar with Mazda’s plans has revealed to the Financial Times that Mazda is in talks with Toyota over a deal to source key petrol-electric hybrid engine components. Mazda’s previous hybrid model, the Tribute ... Back at April’s New York Auto Show Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi confirmed that his company would have hybrid and electric powertrains in its lineup by 2015, but until now it was thought that Mazda would rely on its own in-house developed technology. A new report, however, indicates that Mazda may turn to fellow Japanese automaker and hybrid leader Toyota for its new petrol-electric propulsion technology. A person familiar with Mazda’s plans has revealed to the Financial Times that Mazda is in talks with Toyota over a deal to source key petrol-electric hybrid engine components. Mazda’s previous hybrid model, the Tribute Hybrid SUV, was based on the same platform as Ford’s Escape Hybrid and shared much in common with it. While Ford is developing new hybrid and electric technology, even going so far as to secure a $5.9 billion loan from the U.S. government to help speed up development, Mazda will reportedly go with Toyota. However, Ford sold two-thirds of its 33.4% stake in Mazda last November to raise cash but the two automakers said they would remain partners in product development and production. Mazda originally planned to develop its own technology but a sudden surge in the popularity of hybrids has caused the automaker to speed up its plans. Some of the components Mazda is looking to source include batteries, electric motors and control units. Utilizing Toyota’s technology would allow Mazda to launch its own hybrid vehicle by 2013, the source revealed. 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

  • Cargraphic next in line to modify Porsche's new Cayenne Diesel

    Cargraphic next in line to modify Porsche's new Cayenne Diesel July 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Cargraphic next in line to modify Porsche's new Cayenne Diesel Hot on the heels of the modified Cayenne Diesel from Techart come a new power and styling package for the big Porsche from fellow German tuner Cargraphic. Priced from a reasonable $1,650, Cargraphic engineers will install a new ECU upgrade to boost power output from the SUV’s Audi-sourced 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine.

    Peak output is lifted from the standard model’s 240hp (179kW) and 405lb-ft (550Nm) to a heady (for a diesel) 290hp (216kW) and 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque – the exact same figures as Techart’s performance kit.

    Other modifications include a new suspension upgrade for the Cayenne’s air-suspension... Hot on the heels of the modified Cayenne Diesel from Techart come a new power and styling package for the big Porsche from fellow German tuner Cargraphic. Priced from a reasonable $1,650, Cargraphic engineers will install a new ECU upgrade to boost power output from the SUV’s Audi-sourced 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine. Peak output is lifted from the standard model’s 240hp (179kW) and 405lb-ft (550Nm) to a heady (for a diesel) 290hp (216kW) and 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque – the exact same figures as Techart’s performance kit. Other modifications include a new suspension upgrade for the Cayenne’s air-suspension system that can adjust the vehicle’s ride height and is priced from roughly $1,987. Also available is a series of body modifications, including a new front bumper with integrated fog lights for $2,984, a rear diffuser for $656, pumped fenders for $1,721, sporty side skirts for $1,405, and optional alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 22in in diameter. Read More

  • First details on Opel's new Astra sports hatch

    First details on Opel's new Astra sports hatch July 8th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 8th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    First details on Opel's new Astra sports hatch With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and stylish Cabrio have already been speculated on, new reports indicate the sporty three-door hatch will also make a return but time around it will be much more agressively styled than the regular five-door.

    Speaking with Autocar at the launch of the new Insigna OPC, the Astra's chief designer, Malcolm Ward, revealed that the sports hatch would feature a far more rakish and lower profile than the current model and would arrive on the... With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and stylish Cabrio have already been speculated on, new reports indicate the sporty three-door hatch will also make a return but time around it will be much more agressively styled than the regular five-door. Speaking with Autocar at the launch of the new Insigna OPC, the Astra's chief designer, Malcolm Ward, revealed that the sports hatch would feature a far more rakish and lower profile than the current model and would arrive on the market in 2011. The car will also spawn a high-performance OPC (VXR) variant, though details on this model are yet to be confirmed. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by Opel’s official in-house tuner and typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. Opel's designers will be building upon more than 600 hours of wind tunnel testing that went into the regular five-door model to ensure the new sports hatch is much more aerodynamic. Opel is taking the economy gains that can be had from better aerodynamics very seriously and utilized a number of new design touches to improve efficiency. The front bumper, for example, will be angled to direct air past the wheel and on to the side of the car. There will also be sculpted areas around the rear lights to reduce the pool of air that gathers behind hatchbacks, cutting drag. The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact, and with a number of new and exciting variants in the works it may just accomplish this goal.2010 Opel Astra Read More

More Headlines


  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5