Green Cars, Hybrid Cars, Electric Cars and Clean Diesel News

2014 Maserati Ghibli Unveiled

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:13:00 -0500

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli, the first diesel-powered Maserati production car in history, has been unveiled ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli will have a sportier character compared to the larger Quattroporte, launched at the beginning of this year.

Interior of the Maserati Ghibli features a sporty and distinctly Italian look, with some elements also borrowed from the more upmarket Quattroporte. The interior is highlighted by a large touchscreen on the center stack, topped by an analog clock, as well as red leather dashboard accents, a chunky shifter for the automatic transmission, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a simple two-binnacle instrument cluster with a central LCD display.

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli will be available with two turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and the new “Q4” all-wheel drive system.

The 2014 Ghibli will also become the first Maserati production car in history to be powered by a diesel engine, with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel.

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli will crash the prestigious midsized-executive party where it will face up to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The Ghibli is a key part of Maserati’s bold plan to expand its range, broaden its appeal, and ramp annual sales up to 50,000 units globally by 2015. In 2012, Maserati sold 6307 cars worldwide.

VW Survey Reveals Clean Diesel Drivers to Their Vehicles

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 03:22:00 -0500

Volkswagen of America released the findings of its first annual Clean Diesel IQ Survey.

The survey found that clean diesel drivers have an overwhelming commitment to clean diesel vehicles and are acutely aware of its benefits, but broad understanding of clean diesel technology remains uneven among non-diesel drivers.

The survey of 1,511 U.S. gasoline, hybrid and clean diesel drivers revealed that 88 percent of clean diesel drivers believe that clean diesels are some of today’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, and that more than half of gasoline and hybrid drivers agree.

For clean diesel drivers, 53 percent listed better mileage as their top clean diesel vehicle attribute. Additionally, more than half of clean diesel drivers who responded to the survey characterize their vehicles as having strong acceleration capabilities.

The Clean Diesel IQ measured the attitudes, opinions and beliefs about clean diesel vehicles among current gasoline, hybrid and clean diesel drivers. Specific insights from the survey include:

- Clean Diesel Time Warp – There is broad recognition among all drivers that diesels today are better than they were 10 years ago, but gasoline and hybrid drivers still only believe they are “somewhat” better and clean diesel drivers recognize the vast improvements. More than one-third of gasoline and hybrid drivers believe that clean diesel vehicles are noisy and smell bad. Only three percent of clean diesel drivers would describe their vehicles as smelling bad and five percent of clean diesel drivers would describe their vehicles as noisy. Clean diesel drivers understand that they can reach the break-even point between vehicle cost and fuel savings in four years on average. Though clean diesel vehicles are 20 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline cars, gasoline and hybrid drivers believe it takes clean diesel vehicles closer to five years to see the cost and fuel savings.

- Clean Diesel Dedication – Ninety-four percent of current clean diesel drivers would consider a clean diesel vehicle for their next purchase, while only 26 percent of gasoline and hybrid drivers would consider clean diesel. All drivers surveyed recognized that that clean diesel vehicles are more durable than gasoline and hybrid vehicles.

- Clean Diesel IQ Persona – The drivers surveyed fall into three specific personality types when it comes to their diesel knowledge: “Clean Diesel Dedicated;” “Clean Diesel Maligner;” and “Clean Diesel Curious.”

The “Clean Diesel Dedicated” are acutely aware of the acceleration, styling and clean aspect of clean diesel vehicles, while less than 20 percent of gasoline drivers and hybrid drivers recognize these benefits.

The “Clean Diesel Malingers” are entrenched in the diesel time warp, with one-in-five gasoline and hybrid owners classifying clean diesel vehicles as being dirty and three-in-five clean diesel owners classify these vehicles as clean.

The “Clean Diesel Curious” are beginning to understand how clean diesel has evolved but have yet to purchase a clean diesel vehicle. These individuals want to see direct fuel economy comparisons of clean diesel versus hybrids, as well as have a better understanding of emissions and environmental impact.

Five Million 1.3 MultiJet Engines Produced

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 07:34:00 -0500

Fiat Powertrain Technologies Poland plant in Bielsko-Biała reached a historic milestone: the 5,000,000th 1.3 MultiJet engine has rolled off the lines at the Polish plant.

The record demonstrates the great success of this small diesel engine – four cylinders in line, 16 valves and 1248 cm3 capacity – in production from 2003 and the world’s first application of MultiJet technology, the evolution of the Common Rail system developed by the Fiat Group in 1997.

Constantly updated in terms of technology – its latest development is the one offered today, the MultiJet II – the 1.3 MultiJet isnow available with various power levels: from the versions with fixed geometry turbocharger (from 70 to 75 HP), to more high-performance variable geometry turbocharger versions (from 85 to 95 HP).

The winner of prestigious international awards, including Engine of the Year (1.0–1.4 litre category) in 2005, the 1.3 MultiJet is fitted on many cars in the Fiat Group Automobiles range: Fiat Panda, Fiat Punto, Chrysler Ypsilon, Alfa Romeo MiTo, Fiat Qubo, Fiat Doblò, Fiat Strada, Fiat Fiorino, Fiat 500 and 500L, as well as various models by other car manufacturers. The 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet no. 5,000,000 will be fitted on a 500L, the new Fiat City Lounge, which rethinks the category of compact cars for the modern family, with brand-new developments of the 500’s stylistic traits.

The historic milestone also highlights the production qualities of the Fiat Powertrain Technologies Poland plant in Bielsko-Biała, which, together with the entire Fiat Group, has adopted the WCM (World Class Manufacturing) rules, the international methodology for the organisation of the production process in line with the highest standards at an international level. Certified in 2012 with the WCM gold medal, the Polish plant is one of the most advanced in the automotive sector and also produces the 0.9 TwinAir, the revolutionary two-cylinder petrol engine which won the prestigious ‘International Engine of The Year 2011’ award, assigned by a panel of 76 journalists from 36 countries. The TwinAir engine also distinguished itself in three other rankings: in the category dedicated to engines with a capacity of less than a litre, in ‘Green Engine of the Year’ and in ‘Best New Engine of the Year’.

These prestigious awards for the engines produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies Poland at Bielsko-Biała are in recognition of the innovative solutions applied by the engineers to reduce environmental impact, both in terms of the product and its production processes, in addition to confirming a high level of employee involvement at all levels.

2014 Ram 1500 to Get V6 EcoDiesel Engine

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:21:00 -0600

Chrysler announced today that the 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a V6 EcoDiesel engine when it goes into production in third-quarter 2013.

The 2014 Ram 1500 will offer a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine, mated with the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

The 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel powertrain is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class torque and impressive capability.

The new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel is among today's most advanced diesel engines. Its emissions are 60 percent less than those produced by diesel powertrains 25 years ago.

The impressive combination of torque and fuel economy marks new levels of performance for small V-6 engines.

Ram's newest turbo diesel engine is manufactured by VM Motori, a Chrysler Group diesel engine supplier since 1992.

GM Unveils 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:24:00 -0600

General Motors is entering the U.S. and Canadian diesel car markets this summer with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of its hottest-selling sedan, the Chevrolet Cruze, featuring the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.

Built in Lordstown, Ohio, the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel delivers a combination of segment-leading features and efficiency.

Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has demonstrated estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway with spirited performance and the durability diesel owners value around the globe.

The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel features 2.0L turbo-diesel that delivers a segment-leading estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm) with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds, which is competitive with German diesel cars that dominate the U.S. market.

Peak torque is achieved at a low 2,000 rpm for a sustained feeling of power on demand at almost all speeds – particularly when passing or entering a freeway onramp. The engine has an overboost feature capable of increasing torque to an estimated 280 lb-ft (380 Nm), for stronger acceleration periods of about 10 seconds.

Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

With a starting price at $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees) Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

GM produced more than half a million small diesel-engine cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including Cruze. In Europe, approximately 40 percent of Cruze models are diesel-powered.

VW Launches Fuel-Efficient Golf 4MOTION in Europe

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:02:00 -0600

Volkswagen is expanding the new Golf range: following the models with front-wheel drive launched at the end of 2012, the versions with 4MOTION all-wheel drive are now being unveiled.

The new Golf’s permanent four-wheel drive system is one of the most modern and efficient of its kind in the world. In this latest version of the Golf 4MOTION Volkswagen is using a four-wheel drive system with an enhanced, fifth-generation Haldex coupling.

The intelligently controlled 4MOTION drive weighs 1.4 kilograms less than the previous system, requires no pressure accumulator and reacts extremely quickly to every conceivable influence exerted on it. The result is greater active safety and improved handling.

Volkswagen is offering the new Golf 4MOTION in Europe in three levels of specification (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline) and with two turbo diesel engines that provide both high torque and great fuel efficiency. The common rail four-cylinder engines deliver 77 kW / 105 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS and consume just 4.5 / 4.7 liters of fuel (52.2 / 50 mpg US) respectively per 100 kilometers. Just how efficiently the four-wheel drive Golf works is shown by a fuel consumption comparison between the 103 kW / 140 PS version of the old Golf 4MOTION and the new 150 PS model: despite being 10 PS more powerful, the 2013 Golf 4MOTION consumes 0.8 liters (15 percent) less diesel.

Like the front-wheel drive versions the new 4MOTION models are equipped as standard with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration. Also included as standard even on the base version (Trendline) are features such as the four-wheel EDS (electronic differential locks on both axles), the XDS front and rear axle transverse lock, the electronic stabilisation programme, an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, seven airbags, daytime running lights, air conditioning, electric windows front and back, a multi-function display (on-board computer) and a TFT display with touchscreen operation.

The premium payable for the permanent four-wheel drive system on the Golf 4MOTION – sold fundamentally as a four-door vehicle – is €1,800 ($2,420) in Germany.

Opel Announces New 1.6L Diesel Engine Family

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 03:13:00 -0600

Opel continues the renewal of its powertrain portfolio with an all-new four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine.

The second family of new downsized power units to be introduced after the gasoline 1.6-liter SIDI ECOTEC, the 1.6-liter CDTI ECOTEC diesels will replace existing 1.7-liter engines and certain lower powered versions of the 2.0-liter range.

Featuring closed-loop combustion control and an aluminum block, the new 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC is the first diesel from Opel to comply with future Euro 6 emissions requirements. The engine will be available in a variety of power outputs across several carlines.

Class-leading attenuation of noise, vibration and harshness, high power/torque density and low fuel consumption were the main development objectives. Initially maximum power and torque have been increased versus the 1.7-liter engine to 136 hp and 320 Newton meters respectively, while fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10 percent compared with similarly powerful 2.0-liter diesels.

The new 1.6-liter diesel and its innovative engine control unit have been entirely developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin, Ruesselsheim and the USA. This approach has enabled a comprehensive system optimization from the very beginning of the design process. Beginning in spring, the 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC will be manufactured at the same “flex plant” as the new 1.6-liter gasoline engine, in Szentgotthard in Hungary.

“The comprehensive renewal of our powertrain portfolio continues at wide-open throttle,” said Dr. Thomas Sedran, Deputy Chairman of the Opel Management Board. “Our new 1.6-liter diesel will set benchmarks for refinement, performance and environmental compatibility. By the end of this year we will have launched three all-new generations of gasoline and diesel engines, as part of our roll-out of 23 new models and 13 new powertrains by 2016.”

German Companies Launch Clean-Diesel Campaign in US

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:33:00 -0600

Six German automotive companies - the passenger car manufacturers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen, and the supplier Bosch - are starting their first ever joint information campaign for "clean diesels" in the US.

Under the slogan "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." they will publicise the advantages of modern diesel passenger car technology over gasoline engines in terms of cleanliness, consumption and performance.

The "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." campaign, which has been developed jointly by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and VDA member companies, comprises a website (clearlybetterdiesel.org) and flanking offline activities on the US market by the companies involved.

Their common goal is to create a multi-brand information platform for clean diesels among the US population and to make the clear advantages of this technology better known using first-hand information. Even today, the market share of diesels among all newly registered light vehicles in the USA is in fact still quite low (2.6 percent) compared with a diesel share of 55 percent in Western Europe.

Yet sales of diesel passenger cars by German manufacturers - who take 100 percent of the market in diesel cars in the USA - have more than doubled over the last three years. In the first nine months of the current year around 69,600 diesel cars were sold in the USA, whereas in 2009 there figure was only 30,600. This represents a rise of 127 percent.

Diesel vehicles have also shown strong gains among total light vehicles (passenger cars and light trucks). Up to September 2012, 284,400 light vehicles with diesel engines were sold, compared with only 160,000 units in the year 2009, which is an increase of 78 per cent. The German manufacturers pushed up their market share of the diesel light vehicle segment from 25 to 37 percent. Their sales multiplied by two and a half (from 40,000 units to over 104,000).

Using brief examples from everyday motoring in the USA, the website explains facts - simply and comprehensibly - about the dynamics of the diesel drive train and its advantages in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, low noise emissions and refuelling costs and also clears up with a deal of humour outdated concerns regarding diesel cars. This is done using small, playful online animations informing users of computers and mobile devices about clean diesels and their efficiency. For example, website users can not only calculate in a split second the consumption advantage of a diesel vehicle, but can also hear how quiet a modern clean diesel drive train is these days compared with a passenger car from the 1990s.

In addition, the participating companies present current models of cars that deserve to bear the "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." logo. These clean diesel vehicles comply with the very strict environmental standards in all 50 US states. On average, their fuel efficiency is 18 percent higher than corresponding models with gasoline engines. The campaign participants are aiming to put over the clean diesel alternative to interested US citizens in as much detail as possible, so the website also provides background information on the latest research and development, and on the overall environmental framework in the USA. Furthermore, it is linked to US initiatives that are active on the topic of clean diesels in the States.

2014 Ford Transit Will Offer Fuel-Efficient Turbo Diesel in North America

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:35:00 -0600

Ford’s all-new Transit full-size van, which goes on sale late next year, will be offered with a new clean-running 3.2-liter Power Stroke five-cylinder diesel, further bolstering Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and SUVs.

The new diesel, Ford’s second in North America, already has established a proven record for reliability, durability and refinement in the global Ford Ranger truck sold in world markets. The new Power Stroke Diesel will be the only five-cylinder diesel engine available in a commercial van in North America.

While power has not been certified for North America, the new diesel engine is rated in Europe at 197 horsepower and 347 lb.-ft. of torque.

Like the larger 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 offered in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, the fuel system has been carefully tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency. It enables the newest Power Stroke to achieve exceptional fuel economy ratings without affecting power levels.

The 3.2-liter turbo diesel features state-of-the-art piezoelectric fuel injectors fed through a high-pressure common rail fuel system, and advanced emissions technologies.

Precise injection timing and calibration also ensures a smooth combustion process to reduce hard diesel combustion clatter, resulting in lower noise levels that are more like a gasoline engine.Each injector nozzle has eight spray holes and can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle. A pilot injection controls noise levels and a main injection is used for power generation.

Technical features of the new Power Stroke 3.2-liter include:

- Quick-start glow plugs that enable smooth and fast startups at temperatures down to 25 degrees F
- Durable, rigid sand-cast gray iron cylinder block
- Aluminum cylinder heads with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder
- Advanced common rail piezoelectric fuel injectors that deliver multiple injections per stroke to improve performance and reduce NVH; maximum fuel pressure is 26,100 psi
- Variable nozzle turbocharger with electronic actuation; maximum impellor speed of 197,800 rpm
- First application of selective catalytic reduction for reduced nitrogen oxide emissions in a Ford van
- Integrated diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter to save space
- Expected to be B20 biodiesel compatible

Additionally, the engine features cast-aluminum, low-friction coated pistons with piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. Also included is a water-cooled high-performance electric-controlled exhaust gas recirculation valve that is better able to withstand coolant pressure drops.

The 3.2-liter Power Stroke is one of several engines that will be available for Transit in North America, including the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost® gasoline engine. All engines are mated to a Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.

With a flat torque plateau – 90 percent of its peak torque is available from 1,700 to 3,500 rpm, providing better engine flexibility – Transit will be able to effortlessly haul full loads in town and on the highway, while offering flexible performance across each gear in the six-speed automatic transmission.

The Power Stroke 3.2-liter is manufactured in Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It will be exported to Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo., which received a $1.1 billion investment for the Transit.

BMW 116d Achieves 103mpg in RAC Future Car Challenge

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:27:00 -0600

A BMW 116d EfficientDynamics five-door Hatchback entered into the RAC Future Car Challenge 2012 achieved an outstanding103mpg over the 64-mile Brighton to London route, winning the Best Internal Combustion Engine class in the process.

The route from Brighton to London included many miles of uphill section and busy London traffic, but event organisers measured the fuel used over the challenging route recording a 39 per cent improvement over the official 74.3mpg combined economy figure.

The Brighton to London RAC Future Car Challenge event was first introduced in 2010 to showcase low energy use vehicles. It features competitors driving electric, hybrid, hydrogen and low-emission conventional petrol and diesel cars on a route from Brighton to London, using the least amount of energy possible. The event is a real-world test of current and future vehicle technology.

The BMW 116d benefits from a suite of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies, which are designed to maximise fuel economy and lower emissions. These technologies were put to good use on the completely standard car by an experienced driving duo from Green-Car-Guide.com editor, Paul Clarke, and engineering specialist Paul Andrews from Oaktec, who between them have won nine eco-driving events and 24 class wins in special stage rallies.

The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics is a rear-wheel-drive family hatchback that can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 10.5 seconds, has a top speed of 121mph yet still achieves impressive performance figures. With its 99g/km emissions figure the BMW 116d qualifies for zero Vehicle Excise Duty, is exempt from the London Congestion Charge and it has a benefit in kind rating of just 13 per cent for company car drivers.