Diesel
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The two efficient models aren't confirmed for the U.S. yet, but the A5 Sportback is expected to make the trip.
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BMW Unveils 57 mpg 3-series Sedan For Europe
Though it's not (yet) headed for the U.S., the diesel four-banger proves that even luxury sedans can be fuel efficient.
Nelson Ireson -
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...
Alex Kaufmann -
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...
Alex Kaufmann -
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...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
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...
Alex Kaufmann -
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...
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BMW's M Division head talks about M3 GT4 production, diesels and more
Sitting down to dinner with Dr. Kay Segler, head of BMW's M Division and former chief of Mini, is an engaging prospect for any performance and luxury car enthusiast, but this dinner proved not only entertaining, but enlightening. There's no better source for what's planned behind the scenes at...
Nelson Ireson -
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...
Nelson Ireson -
JE Design cranks the VW Scirocco 2.0 TDI up to 205hp
America's love affair with diesel is just being rekindled, but in Europe, it's already in full swing. But even now diesel isn't typically associated with high-performance. JE Design is hoping to change that perception with its new Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI. To make its case, JE starts with...
Alex Kaufmann -
BMW launches new efficient 316d ES for Europe
The U.S. resurgence of diesel may finally be shifting into high gear, but some of the world's best diesels still aren't even offered here. In Europe, however, carmakers such as BMW are introducing new models to meet ever-stricter emissions requirements, and the latest volley is the BMW 316d ES...
Ralph Hanson -
New Opel Astra Cabrio in the works
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 sporty Coupe are almost certain, latest reports indicate that a stylish Cabrio model will...
Kenneth Hall -
It wasn't so long ago that the superior fuel efficiency of diesel-powered vehicles could be rationalized away due to the higher per-gallon price of the fuel compared to gasoline. Now, however, a dip in the price of diesel has pushed it below gas, and lit sales on fire in the process. The price difference is significant, especially when taken in light of the stronger fuel efficiency of most diesel engines. According to the Department of Energy, the average price for a gallon diesel as of June 22 is $2.61, while the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.69. If your car...
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Report: BMW to introduce upgraded 306hp twin-turbo diesel
Diesel is just beginning to make its comeback in the U.S., and BMW is ready to capitalize on that with a more powerful version of its 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine. The extra grunt will help to move larger cars around more efficiently. And larger cars are likely to be the first...
Alex Kaufmann -
Opel shows off interior for new Astra
After months of previews, teasers and small official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag. The hatch has been revealed in high-res photos and for the first time we get a look at the upcoming car’s stylish new interior. The new Astra is crucial for Opel as...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Preview: Abt Sportsline turns up the wick on Audi's Q7 V12 oil burner to 560hp
Not much is yet known about Abt Sportsline's latest take on the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, but the numbers are enough to pique any enthusiast's interest: 560hp (412kW), 886lb-ft (1,200Nm) of torque and sports-car-like 0-62mph (100km/h) times of just 5.5 seconds. How Abt boosted the big V12 diesel from its...
Alex Kaufmann -
Jaguar unwraps Police pursuit XF for the UK
We've all seen the odd supercar in police livery, but it's another thing entirely when the police are actually considering buying fleets of one of the market's highest-rated luxury vehicles. That's exactly what’s happening in the UK as Jaguar has just released a high-performance police...
Kenneth Hall -
Volkswagen Reveals Smaller Engines For Golf And Polo Range At Vienna Motor Symposium
While the horsepower wars may or may not be over, the efficiency wars are just shifting into high gear, with every carmaker on the planet searching for ways to get more power for less fuel. Volkswagen is well-positioned to break new ground in the segment, and it has unveiled a pair of new engines...
Alex Kaufmann -
When Audi's R8 V12 TDI made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the world stood in awe of the sheer beauty of the idea: a fuel-efficient, torquey and potent diesel vehicle that could rival Lamborghinis and Ferraris in performance. But unfortunately new reports say the global industry downturn has claimed the oil-burning R8 as its latest victim. At 5.5L and 500hp (373kW)/740lb-ft (1001Nm) of torque, the R8 TDI's V12 engine was a thing of beauty. Based around the company's dominating Le Mans diesel engine design, the V12 TDI was expected to be a sure hit with high-performance aficionados...
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Mazda backflips on diesel strategy - hybrid and electric vehicles coming in 2015
Just a few weeks ago, Mazda was adamant that diesel engines would be enough to satisfy its needs for more fuel-efficient cars - but now, in a major shift in strategy, the carmaker will be embracing hybrids and electric powertrains in the coming years. The change in heart was revealed by Mazda's CEO...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Honda CEO puts price floor on Insight, has no plans for large diesels
Earlier this year, Honda won a lot of attention with its 'cheapest hybrid in America' pricing on the new 2010 Insight. But now Takeo Fukui, the company's CEO, says he won't be engaging Toyota in a price war for the title. The 2010 Insight starts at just $19,800 before delivery fees and taxes, and...
Kenneth Hall -
Daimler bringing car2go vehicle sharing program to Texas
Daimler commenced trials of a new mobility concept called the ‘car2go project’ in Ulm, Germany, in October last year in an attempt to provide a solution for increasing traffic volume in urban areas. The company is now expanding the program to the U.S., and plans to start the latest...
Ralph Hanson -
Cadillac to pull out of half of European markets, cancels diesel
Say what you will about General Motors' past decade or two of planning, their products have come a long, long way in the past several years. That makes the events of the past several months all the more unfortunate - just when things looked ready to turn around, the market collapses. Now the...
Nelson Ireson -
Mazda plans to battle hybrids with clean diesel technology
Diesel pundits have consistently argued that a good oil-burner can match, and in some cases outdo, a comparable hybrid powertrain when it comes to fuel-economy. Carmakers on the other hand, possibly motivated by the green image presented by hybrid vehicles, have been spending billions of dollars on...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran