Motor Authority - blog Tag: LPG

Even V8 performance groups like Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) cannot afford to ignore the new spate of environmental consciousness that’s sweeping the globe. Whether it’s a case of consumers griping about how much they have to pay for fuel, or a genuine desire for greener performance cars, HSV is listening to the people and is currently working on several major developments in the area.

We’ve already reported about the Holden go-fast division’s plans to introduce smaller non-V8 models, as well as a renewed interest at the company for alternative fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel.

HSV has now... Even V8 performance groups like Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) cannot afford to ignore the new spate of environmental consciousness that’s sweeping the globe. Whether it’s a case of consumers griping about how much they have to pay for fuel, or a genuine desire for greener performance cars, HSV is listening to the people and is currently working on several major developments in the area. We’ve already reported about the Holden go-fast division’s plans to introduce smaller non-V8 models, as well as a renewed interest at the company for alternative fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel. HSV has now confirmed to Australia’s Drive that it is working on an advanced LPG system that promises to deliver similar performance to petrol. With LPG costing half as much as petrol in many parts of the globe, it’s easy to see how beneficial this system could potentially be – especially if the technology is loaned to General Motors branches outside of Australia. The new LPG system is called liquid propane injection (LPi) and is essentially an extra eight injectors fitted to the inlet manifold near a V8 engine’s inlet ports. A pump inside the LPG tank pressurizes the fuel and sends it to the injectors where it enters the engine still in its liquid form. In liquid form, air-fuel mixtures can be calculated more accurately, which in turn increases efficiency and boosts power. Current LPG systems inject the fuel in a gaseous state, making it much more difficult to mix with air in the correct ratio. There are other benefits to using LPG as well - the fuel releases less carbon-dioxide emissions when burning and it has a higher octane rating than petrol. On the other hand, LPG doesn't have the same calorific (energy) value of petrol, which means mileage is usually worse. LPG can also be difficult to find as many fuel stations don’t serve it, but any LPG model will be dual-fuel capable.2008 Holden HSV range Read More

Hyundai is preparing to launch the world’s first hybrid vehicle powered by advanced lithium-polymer batteries and capable of running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Now ranked as the world’s fifth-largest carmaker in conjunction with its Kia subsidiary, Hyundai is making strides to build a product line that reflects its status among the world’s top manufacturers.

At the Seoul Motor Show today, Hyundai unveiled the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by a liquefied petroleum injected (LPI) engine. The Elantra LPI Hybrid (standard model pictured) is also the world's first hybrid vehicle to run on... Hyundai is preparing to launch the world’s first hybrid vehicle powered by advanced lithium-polymer batteries and capable of running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Now ranked as the world’s fifth-largest carmaker in conjunction with its Kia subsidiary, Hyundai is making strides to build a product line that reflects its status among the world’s top manufacturers. At the Seoul Motor Show today, Hyundai unveiled the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by a liquefied petroleum injected (LPI) engine. The Elantra LPI Hybrid (standard model pictured) is also the world's first hybrid vehicle to run on lithium-ion polymer batteries. This type of battery is claimed to feature a higher energy density, lower manufacturing cost, and better reliability than regular lithium-ion batteries, which most other carmakers are planning to use, and has been developed with LG Chem. Powered by a fuel-injected LPG Gamma 1.6-litre engine and a 20hp (15kW) electric motor routed through a continuously variable transmission, the Elantra LPI Hybrid emits 103g of CO2/km and is expected to be able to recoup the extra price premium for the new technology in just two years through fuel savings (based on current LPG prices in South Korea). Fuel economy is rated at 40mpg (5.8L/100km), which is a 41% improvement over the regular 1.6L petrol Elantra. Hyundai plans to launch the car in South Korea this July, and is expecting to launch its first petrol-electric hybrid in the U.S. next year in the Sonata sedan. Also planned for this week’s Seoul event is the unveiling of the Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept car, which Hyundai’s U.S. chief has hinted at being a possibility for the U.S. market as well. Read More

Ford of Europe will be expanding its flex-fuel vehicle range with the addition of a new variant of the Mondeo capable of running on three different types of fuel. Scheduled to make its debut later this month at the Leipzig Motor Show, the new tri-fuel Mondeo will be able to use petrol, ethanol, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to propel itself.

The new tri-fuel Mondeo will be available as a sedan, hatchback and wagon, but the only engine option will be a 2.0L Duratec with 145hp (108kW). While the car will be able to use three different types of fuel, only two seperate fuel tanks will be required as petrol and ethanol can be stored in one... Ford of Europe will be expanding its flex-fuel vehicle range with the addition of a new variant of the Mondeo capable of running on three different types of fuel. Scheduled to make its debut later this month at the Leipzig Motor Show, the new tri-fuel Mondeo will be able to use petrol, ethanol, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to propel itself. The new tri-fuel Mondeo will be available as a sedan, hatchback and wagon, but the only engine option will be a 2.0L Duratec with 145hp (108kW). While the car will be able to use three different types of fuel, only two seperate fuel tanks will be required as petrol and ethanol can be stored in one tank in any combination. The petrol and ethanol tank will be capable of holding 70L, while the LPG tank will have a capacity just under 49 liters. With two full tanks, the sedan and hatchback variants of the Mondeo will be able to run 286 miles (460km) on LPG and 529 miles (850km) on petrol or ethanol, giving the cars a range of roughly 815 miles (1,311km). The wagon version, which has a smaller LPG tank, has a slightly diminished range at 765 miles (1230km). The tri-fuel Mondeo is expected to enter the European market next month, with prices hovering around the €27,500 ($35,290). Read More

German tuner Irmscher is a specialist when it comes to modifying Opels, having worked with the brand for more than 40 years and previously undertaking the daunting task of installing a V8 engine in the compact Opel GT. Continuing this trend of pushing the envelope with its modified range of cars, Irmscher has developed a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) conversion kit for its already extreme Opel Astra GTC Turbo.

Scheduled to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo with LPG conversion will soon be available for sale in Europe. The good news for Astra owners is that the GTC package is... German tuner Irmscher is a specialist when it comes to modifying Opels, having worked with the brand for more than 40 years and previously undertaking the daunting task of installing a V8 engine in the compact Opel GT. Continuing this trend of pushing the envelope with its modified range of cars, Irmscher has developed a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) conversion kit for its already extreme Opel Astra GTC Turbo. Scheduled to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo with LPG conversion will soon be available for sale in Europe. The good news for Astra owners is that the GTC package is compatible with the entire petrol engine lineup, including the entry-level 1.4L model. Peak output for the 1.6L Turbo with the LPG conversion is rated at 180hp (132kW). The GTC package comes in three different flavors. Starting with the ‘S1’ stage, the cars are fitted with a new radiator grill, front spoiler and roof spoiler. Upgrading to the ‘S2’ stage adds sporty side sills, and finally the ‘S3’ stage adds a completed bodykit plus 18in alloy wheels. Inside, customers can add leather trim, an aluminum-look handbrake and center console, drilled aluminum pedals, and Irmscher floor mats.Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo Read More

The Ford Mustang is many things to many people, but rarely is it considered an efficient or 'green' vehicle. A German LPG advocacy group and tuning shop Rollin on Chrome have come together to change that perception, however, producing a 300hp (228kW) LPG-fueled custom Mustang GT, which joins the growing ranks of alternative-fueled vehicles that are seeking to clean up transport.

Sporting massive 22" wheels and a '3D Carbon' body kit, the car looks anything but green, and with 300hp (228kW) it should be several orders of magnitude more fun to drive than a typical environmentally-friendly car. But since it burns LPG, it produces about 20%... The Ford Mustang is many things to many people, but rarely is it considered an efficient or 'green' vehicle. A German LPG advocacy group and tuning shop Rollin on Chrome have come together to change that perception, however, producing a 300hp (228kW) LPG-fueled custom Mustang GT, which joins the growing ranks of alternative-fueled vehicles that are seeking to clean up transport. Sporting massive 22" wheels and a '3D Carbon' body kit, the car looks anything but green, and with 300hp (228kW) it should be several orders of magnitude more fun to drive than a typical environmentally-friendly car. But since it burns LPG, it produces about 20% less carbon dioxide than petrol, and about 95% less nitric oxides (NOx) than a typical diesel. LPG advocates also hype the secondary effects of the fuel in helping to prevent pollution - since it's a gas, spills will evaporate rather than leeching into the ground or water supply. Biofuels, LPG and other alternative fuels have been gaining increasing popularity as oil and fuel prices climb skyward. Some worry that a price drop in oil may drive a resurgence in traditional fossil fuel use, but cars like this Mustang sponsored by Green Autogas and the BioConcept Mustang GT RTD - a biofuel racecar - prove that power and fun can still be had without traditional fuels. Via: Autoblog.nl Read More