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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Efficiency

  • Chrysler cars could get Fiat's efficient Multiair technology

    Chrysler cars could get Fiat's efficient Multiair technology August 3rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, August 3rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 5 Comments

    Chrysler cars could get Fiat's efficient Multiair technology Getting more out of the current generation of hardware is becoming increasingly important for the major carmakers as fuel and emissions standards tighten, but getting more power out of smaller, less expensive engines is also advantageous from a cost perspective. That's what makes Fiat's Multiair technology so attractive, and explains why Chrysler might get the technology in the very near future.

    It's actually surprisingly easy to retrofit the Multiair valve system to an existing engine, Lucio Bernard, director of Fiat Powertrain Technologies, told Automotive News. Internally, the groundwork is already being laid for Chrysler's use of... Getting more out of the current generation of hardware is becoming increasingly important for the major carmakers as fuel and emissions standards tighten, but getting more power out of smaller, less expensive engines is also advantageous from a cost perspective. That's what makes Fiat's Multiair technology so attractive, and explains why Chrysler might get the technology in the very near future. It's actually surprisingly easy to retrofit the Multiair valve system to an existing engine, Lucio Bernard, director of Fiat Powertrain Technologies, told Automotive News. Internally, the groundwork is already being laid for Chrysler's use of Multiair tech. But what exactly is Fiat's Multiair system? Put simply, it's an electronically controlled valvetrain that enables more efficient and dynamic control of the air coming into the engine. That, in turn, improves efficiency for a given displacement and load, and reduces emissions. Power gains of up to 10% are normal as well. Like most modern automotive innovations, it's not the hardware that's the tricky part. The software that controls the intake valve events and how they change dependent upon driving conditions is quite complex, and Fiat says it could take competitors two to three years to catch up. That would mean Chrysler's inclusion in the technology loop could be a huge boon to the company, giving it a selling point not available to any other domestic manufacturer. So far, only the Alfa Romeo MiTo hatchback has the Multiair technology, but Fiat is planning to roll the technology across its brands and engines over the coming year. If Chrysler does take advantage of the technology, expect it to start on the company's smaller four-cylinder engines before moving to V6 or V8 solutions.Fiat MultiAir engine technology Read More

  • Closer look at Mercedes’ new four-cylinder engine technology

    Closer look at Mercedes’ new four-cylinder engine technology July 28th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 28th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 3 Comments

    Closer look at Mercedes’ new four-cylinder engine technology Earlier this month Mercedes Benz unveiled two new entry-level E-Class models for the European market. The cars featured highly-efficient four-cylinder engines in both gasoline and diesel guises and are just a taste of what is to come from the German luxury marque.

    Mercedes’ new engine design has been labeled ‘M 271 Evo’ and at the heart of the technology is the adoption of direct injection and turbocharging.

    Of most interest to the North American market is the 1.8-liter gasoline version, which may appear in local versions of the C-Class next year. The engine is already destined to appear in the C, E and SLK models... Earlier this month Mercedes Benz unveiled two new entry-level E-Class models for the European market. The cars featured highly-efficient four-cylinder engines in both gasoline and diesel guises and are just a taste of what is to come from the German luxury marque. Mercedes’ new engine design has been labeled ‘M 271 Evo’ and at the heart of the technology is the adoption of direct injection and turbocharging. Of most interest to the North American market is the 1.8-liter gasoline version, which may appear in local versions of the C-Class next year. The engine is already destined to appear in the C, E and SLK models overseas. Along with providing lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions, the new engine helps Mercedes' balance sheet since available production facilities can be more fully utilized. Speaking with Automotive News, Mercedes’ internal combustion engine development chief, Peter Lueckert, explained that the M 271 Evo is “reaching clear fuel savings simultaneously with a boost in the performance”. The engine comes with two power outputs: 154hp in the 180 CGI and 181hp in the 200 CGI. At the same time, maximum torque goes from 170lb-ft to 184lb-ft for the 180 CGI, and from 184lb-ft to 199lb-ft for the 200 CGI. In the process, fuel consumption falls up to 12% when compared to Mercedes’ previous four-cylinder gasoline engine. Also planned is a 250 CGI version with 201hp and 229lb-ft on tap. This engine will replace the current six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine in some markets, which it achieves up to 20% less in fuel consumption. The engine will appear in the new 2010 E-Class Coupe where it will deliver a fuel economy of 32.7mpg. Mercedes has even more plans to cut consumption, however, as the automaker will also be launching engine stop-start systems later in the year to further improve fuel efficiency by 5%. For more details on Mercedes’ new four-cylinder CDI turbodiesel engine, check out our previous story by clicking here. 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

  • 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

  • Mercedes Benz expands E-Class range with two economical four-cylinder models

    Mercedes Benz expands E-Class range with two economical four-cylinder models July 21st, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, July 21st, 2009 Jeremy Weber 25 Comments

    Mercedes Benz expands E-Class range with two economical four-cylinder models Mercedes Benz is expanding the engine lineup of its new 2010 E-Class by introducing two economical four-cylinder models: the E200 CDI turbodiesel and E200 CGI petrol model. Both cars are labeled as BlueEFFICIENCY models and achieve better than 32mpg in fuel economy.

    The diesel powerplant in the E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has a displacement of 2.1L and an output of 136hp (100kW), and achieves as much as 45mpg (5.2L/100km) in fuel economy. The petrol powered E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, meanwhile, delivers up to 184hp (135kW) from its 1.8L engine and achieves a fuel economy of 32.6mpg (7.2L/100km). To further aid fuel economy, the cars also come... Mercedes Benz is expanding the engine lineup of its new 2010 E-Class by introducing two economical four-cylinder models: the E200 CDI turbodiesel and E200 CGI petrol model. Both cars are labeled as BlueEFFICIENCY models and achieve better than 32mpg in fuel economy. The diesel powerplant in the E200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has a displacement of 2.1L and an output of 136hp (100kW), and achieves as much as 45mpg (5.2L/100km) in fuel economy. The petrol powered E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, meanwhile, delivers up to 184hp (135kW) from its 1.8L engine and achieves a fuel economy of 32.6mpg (7.2L/100km). To further aid fuel economy, the cars also come with engine stop start technology as standard for models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. These are all-new four-cylinder powerplants with direct injection. One of the main features of the new diesel engine is latest-generation common-rail direct injection. The likewise new four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection is fitted with a turbocharger as well as adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts. As expected, the superior efficiency kills performance, with the E200 CDI turbodiesel taking a pedestrian like 10.2 seconds to reach 60mpg from rest and the E200 CGI not much quicker at 8.5 seconds. Both models go on sale in Europe this September and are unlikely to be sold in U.S. showrooms.2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Read More

  • Germans, luxury marques lead diesel's U.S. comeback

    Germans, luxury marques lead diesel's U.S. comeback June 29th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 29th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 2 Comments

    Germans, luxury marques lead diesel's U.S. comeback It's easy to blame the economy or the consequent poor car market for the delay of diesels from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota, but that hasn't kept the Germans at BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen from turning up the wick on oil-burners. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

    The Germans owe their leading position in U.S. diesels to their premium positioning and European provenance - it's easier to absorb the extra cost of a diesel vehicle when you can charge more for it and share the cost with volume production elsewhere.

    The Japanese and American carmakers don't have those luxuries, producing primarily... It's easy to blame the economy or the consequent poor car market for the delay of diesels from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota, but that hasn't kept the Germans at BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen from turning up the wick on oil-burners. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Germans owe their leading position in U.S. diesels to their premium positioning and European provenance - it's easier to absorb the extra cost of a diesel vehicle when you can charge more for it and share the cost with volume production elsewhere. The Japanese and American carmakers don't have those luxuries, producing primarily mainstream vehicles and without substantial European diesel programs for the most part. But that doesn't mean the Germans won't be taking advantage of their position. Diesel fuel is more energy-rich than gasoline, and it recently dropped in price to be more affordable as well. Combined with modern emissions technology and low-sulfur diesel fuel, the solution is about as green as the average hybrid. And diesels do all of that for a cost of about $3,000-$8,000 per car, according to Automotive News. That's a substantial savings over the cost of many hybrid systems. Diesel engines also remain torquey and eminently drivable under a wide range of real-world conditions. On the other hand, hybrid versions carry more popular recognition and more 'street cred' as green machines. So as the cost-benefit analysis keeps the Americans and Japanese from returning to the U.S. market with their diesel engines, the Germans, particularly the luxury-segment marques, will be forging ahead, building their reach with little if any direct competition. One potential thorn in the diesel luxury car's side could be Lexus and its line of hybrids, including the first-ever dedicated hybrid luxury sedan, the 2010 HS 250h. Given that car's expected entry-level luxury positioning and performance, however, it's unlikely to challenge the BMW 335d. The SUV market is equally devoid of significant competition, with Lexus offering only the RX hybrid to do battle with the larger and more luxurious ML-Class and GL-Class BlueTec diesels and the Audi Q7. Read More

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