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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Saturn, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Insignia.

After a few leaks and an assortment of GM-sponsored "spy shots," the Opel Insignia is here. Take note. Aimed to compete in Europe with the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Citroen C5, the Insignia is set to replace the aging Vectra and could come Stateside sporting a Saturn badge.

The sleeker, sexier Insignia takes a few cues from the GTC concept that helped to inspire the new sedan, with a taut fascia, muscular stance and deeply drawn side blades that extend from the front fenders to run parallel with the side sills. The old V-bar has been nixed in favor of a wider grille, complimented by a pair of intake ducts and the new Vauxhall logo. "Smart" headlights feature daytime running lamps standard and there will be an option for LED lighting on higher-spec models. The rear is sufficiently swoopy, with a tapered tail and smooth haunches, while the rear badge plays double duty as adornment and trunk release button.

The Insignia is 21 cm longer and five cm wider than the Vectra it replaces, and legroom shouldn't be an issue since the Insignia gets an additional 35 mm tacked onto its wheelbase. Three models will be available, including the standard saloon (above), a hatchback and a wagon.

Power is provided by a choice of three diesels or four gasoline-powered engines, with the former producing anywhere between 110 hp to 160 hp, and the latter putting out 115 hp from the standard four-cylinder or 260 hp from the range-topping V6. Power is channeled to either the front or all four wheels through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A VXR model is likely to be revealed sometime next year.

The Opel Insignia will be available for a meet and greet at the London Motor Show this July and will hit showrooms in the UK this October.

Make the jump for Opel's press release.

Continue reading Officially Official: Opel Insignia revealed

 

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written by Damon Lavrinc

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Misc. Auto Shows, Autoline on Autoblog

SAE WRAP-UP

This is what we call SAE week in Detroit. It's when automotive engineers from all over the world get together here to share their ideas on the burning engineering issues of the day. And there's no question that boosting fuel economy and reducing CO2 topped the agenda.

I can't pretend to say I learned everything being discussed at the Society of Automotive Engineers show. This thing goes on for days, has hundreds of technical presentations, all kinds of company exhibits, and is attended by something like 30,000 engineers from almost every continent. But I did manage to pick up some interesting tidbits.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to continue reading this week's editorial.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

 

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written by John McElroy

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, USA

Click on the image for more shots

Here we have an electric car which is not an electric car. When the current owner got the car, is was stripped of its motor, batteries and other assorted bits. For that reason, in went a Ford 2.8 liter V6, meaning that the vehicle you see here is a Detroit Electric in name only. The vehicle has gone through a complete overhaul, with a new custom chassis underpinning the aluminum body. While it’s not uncommon to see a previously gasoline-powered vehicle converted to electric, we collectively shed a tear that this particular piece of motoring history is no longer powered by electrons. It’s a bit ironic that the seller points out the good gas mileage of the small V6 engine. Thanks for the tip, Dad!

[Source: eBay Motors]

 

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written by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Time Warp, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Maserati

With Italian coachbuilders like Bertone and Pininfarina struggling to retain profitability, now may not be the best time to establish (or re-establish) another. But that isn't about to stop Holland-based Zeta Europe BV, which owns Borrani wheels and has acquired the rights to the defunct Carrozzeria Touring. The coachbuilder was originally established in 1926 and popularized the advanced Superleggera construction method, consisting of small-diameter tubular frames draped with thin-gauge aluminum sheetmetal and employed on numerous Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins, among others. The name Superleggera was revived for the recently-terminated lightweight Lamborghini Gallardo, though strictly speaking the supercar did not use the classic construction method.

Carrozzeria Touring is now gearing up for a revival with a new Superleggera, to debut in a week at the famous Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the classic motor show where a trophy honoring Touring's founder is awarded each year. Aside from the teaser silhouette image shown above, little is known about the new Superleggera, but we're looking forward to finding out. The coachbuilder is also anticipated to show the Ballagio Fastback, an estate wagon based on the Maserati Quattroporte (like the one on which we previously reported), previewed by a teaser mixed in with the classic images on the company's new website.

[Source: VirtualCar and AutoWeek]

 

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written by Noah Joseph

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Transportation Alternatives, China

Armada, an “integrated group mainly engaged in bus tourism” with more than 5,500 buses running, is going to purchase 207 hybrid Eaton buses. The buses come from the same company that recently signed a large deal with Coca Cola. The powertrain is made up of a 6-cylinder diesel Cummins unit and a 44 kW electric motor. The buses will be delivered by Eaton from the U.S. but will be mounted completely in China. Guangzhou already has a test fleet of 30 hybrid buses.

Compared to the existing LPG units, fuel consumption is reduced by 60 percent (but let’s not forget to take into consideration the higher energy density of diesel), CO₂ production figures are 25 lower and both NOx and particulates figures drop proportionally. Armada’s fuel bill will be also 40 percent cheaper thanks to fuel savings.

[Source: Eaton via Moteurnature]

 

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written by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: China, Etc., Government/Legal, Green, Safety

The city of Beijing has drawn widely-publicized controversy due to its poor air-quality leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympic games. In fact, the air pollution is at least two to three times higher than levels deemed safe by the World Health Organization at this very moment. To ease the minds of the competing athletes, the city of Beijing is taking steps to improve the situation and has promised clean air for the games. Officials in Beijing have already cut the number of vehicles driving in the city in half by alternating what vehicles are allowed to drive each day and have asked more people to ride bikes. Now, they've banned car repairs and spray painting until after the games are over. We are all for the athletes rights to breathe clean air, but we also have to wonder about the economic cost associated with cutting out all automotive repairs and painting.

[Source: Motor Authority]

 

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written by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Etc., Green

Last July, we told you that Car Talk's Tom and Ray Magliozzi were in the process of creating an animated series for PBS about the Tappet brother's on and off-air hijinks in Harvard Square. While you'll have to wait until July 9th for the first of ten episodes of "As the Wrench Turns," later this month, Click and Clack will be starring in a Nova production entitled "Car of the Future," where Tom searches for a suitable candidate to replace his rarely running and often maligned '52 MG roadster.

Like many of us, Tom and Ray grew up with the idea that transportation in the 21st century would have evolved into a utopian wonderland of flying cars and an oil-free existence. Obvious, that's not the case. So the duo headed out to the Detroit Auto Show and the Alt Wheels Festival in Boston, as well as a brief stint in Iceland where the northern nation is ramping up hydrogen fuel cell development, to find out what the future holds. If you want to get your daily dose of bad jokes and incessant cackling, set your DVRs to record the on April 22nd at 8 pm.

[Source: NYTimes and PBS]

 

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written by Damon Lavrinc

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hydrogen

Click on the image for high-res shots

For all of the jokes that the Segway has had to endure since it was unveiled, there sure are lots of competitors sprouting up all the time. The latest that we’ve heard about is known as the Piemonte H-Due. As far as we know, this is just a concept, and details remain rather scarce. We can see clearly though that the H-Due eschews the balancing act that is the Segway’s real claim to fame in favor of allowing a passenger. From the looks of things, riders on this thing ought to be real close friends. We have no idea what a hydrogen-burning battery is (perhaps they are just referring to a fuel cell?), but the two large wheels are connected to 450 watt hub-motors. Regardless of what it’s powered by, we can’t imagine that this will ever be a real contender for Segway, but it’s still interesting to look at.

[Source: Jalopnik]

 

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written by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, China, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

Imagine a Hyundai Elantra minus the swoopy body line and with a more assertive, Opel-ish beak, and you have the Changfeng Qi Ling CP1A that'll be unveiled this weekend at the Beijing Motor Show. According to thetycho.com, the CP1A designation is simply a code name, and the sedan will get power from a 1.8-liter four of undetermined size and strength. That's the extent of the details at the moment, but we'll keep an eye out for more as Auto China '08 gets underway this weekend. Until then, there are three photos for you to check out in the gallery below.


[Source: thetycho.com]

 

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written by Alex Nunez

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, China

It would seem that a green theme will be present when Auto China 2008 kicks off in Beijing on Saturday. We’ve already seen BYD’s e6 concept, and next up is an electric version of the Great Wall Peri. The Peri is the car that raised the ire of Fiat due to its strong resemblance to the Panda. Copycatting arguments aside, the Peri EV concept is pretty self-explanatory: it’s an electric Peri driven by a 50 kW electric motor. With lithium-ion batteries supplying power, the Peri EV is claimed to have a maximum operating range of 180 kilometers (111 miles), a top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph), and an operating cost of under 100 yuan ($1.43 USD) per 100 kilometers. The reported 70 percent charge in 10 minutes sounds a shade optimistic, however. We expect to hear full details about the Peri EV concept as the show gets underway this weekend.

[Sources: Autoblog Chinese, Autoblog Spanish]

 

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written by Alex Nunez

Filed under: Motorsports

Click either image for a gallery.

When the Singapore F1 Grand Prix begins on September 28th, it will feature the first application of Digiflags, 35 large screens that can display the different flag colors, making it easier for racers to know what's going on while speeding down the track. The system will be used in conjunction with traditional flags, but separate track marshals posted through the circuit will control the electronic boards as the race hums wails along. But fear not, the checkered flag remains, and will be waved from a podium on high when the Singapore F1 race ends.

The full press release is posted below the fold.

Continue reading Singapore's F1 night race to use electronic flags

 

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written by Damon Lavrinc

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Saturn, Lifestyle

GM is working hard to ensure that its newest automotive division, Saturn, is considered cool, hip and edgy. In this day and age, that means the interwebs, specifically a blog and social networking site. According to a post by Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak on GM's FastLane blog, www.ImSaturn.com will feature news about Saturn along with photos and videos you haven't seen anywhere else. Like other social networking sites, you can join in on the fun by starting or joining groups where people with like-interests gather together and talk. The first 400 members get a free t-shirt, but if you want one you'd better hurry 'cause there are already 300-plus members.

What uber-hip marketing strategy would be complete without internet speak? Saturn's got that covered too. I M Saturn and U R 2!

[Source: I M Saturn]

 

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written by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, SAE World Congress

In a back corner of Cobo Hall during the SAE Congress this week, we came upon the Emitec booth featuring the company’s line of diesel filters. We spoke with Markus Downey, an application engineer at Emitec, about what makes these filters different from others on the market, and you can listen to our talk by clicking on the audio widget player below.

Emitec produces a partial flow filter (as opposed to a wall flow filter) made of metal and uses a passively regenerated cleaning system. This means that the soot collected from the exhaust is catalytically combusted with NO₂ generated upstream in the engine. Downey explained that the benefit to this system is a more stable operating system, which makes it easier to be retrofitted. The DPFs can be used on large diesel engines (i.e., buses or trucks) or on diesel engines in smaller passenger cars. Some companies, like MAN, use Emitec filters as a first-fit. Downey said that most of the company’s testing is done in Europe using ULSD, but he figures that a standardized biodiesel - should such a thing ever be widely available - would not pose a problem for the Emitec filters.

Emitec’s press release is pasted after the jump.

Press Release:

Emitec Technologies Aggressively Reduce Diesel Impact on Environment

DETROIT, April 11 /PRNewswire/ — Recognizing the upward trend of growth in clean diesel technology, Emitec Inc. helps lower the environmental impact of diesel engines with its latest range of substrate technology for both OE and retrofit applications. The company delivers innovations such as its new particulate filter and structured turbulent foil substrate solutions that aggressively remove impurities and produce cleaner tail pipe emissions.

Particulate Matter (PM) Filter Catalyst Developed by Emitec, the PM filter catalyst has the potential to reduce particulate matter up to 80 percent in many applications including trucks, and is particularly effective in capturing even the finest particles. The PM filter catalyst works on the principle of a partial flow filter, diverting a portion of the exhaust gas as it travels down each channel of the substrate through a stainless-steel sintered, fleece fiber material. PM from the exhaust gas is then deposited in the fleece material for oxidation through a combination of heat and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In addition, the Emitec PM Filter Catalyst is maintenance free. Due to its open construction design, it cannot become clogged or blocked like traditional wall-flow particle filters and therefore does not require periodic ash cleaning. This is a major advantage from the end customer through to the OEM in terms of total reliability and cost. The first OE application of the PM Filter Catalyst on MAN’s new D20 engine was announced jointly at the 2004 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany. The first OE application in a diesel passenger car followed in the beginning of 2005. Available retrofit applications include diesel passenger cars supplied by major OEMs and trucks through Twin-Tec in Germany.

Structured Foil Substrates Emitec’s new turbulent METALIT(R) substrates constructed from structured foils provide the quantum leap in exhaust gas aftertreatment needed to meet future performance and cost requirements.
— The Perforated (PE) Design METALIT(R) is made of perforated foil and provides for the possibility of mixing and radial flow within the substrate itself.
— The Longitudinal Structure (LS) METALIT(R) with a patented “counter- corrugation” enhances the effectiveness of a 200-cpsi substrate to perform like a 400-cpsi substrate.
— The Mixer (MX) substrate, constructed of foil that re-directs the exhaust gas from one channel to another channel, greatly improves the performance of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and reduces the packaging and length needed between the urea injector and the front face of the hydrolysis catalyst. All three structured foil substrates take advantage of “turbulent flow” characteristics to enhance performance features like backpressure, efficiency and exhaust gas mixing for optimized catalyst performance.

Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Absorber and Sensor Catalyst The NOx Absorber is responsible for the storage of nitrogen oxides prior to converting them by adding hydrocarbons during a regeneration phase. Structured METALIT(R) with LS- and PE-Design permit radial flow and uniform concentration of NOx in the absorber, allowing volume to be reduced. Integrating the NOx sensor into the substrate itself allows for reduced packaging and direct regeneration control.

Pre-Turbo Catalyst(TM) The Pre-Turbo Catalyst(TM) is fitted very close to the engine before the turbocharger. There, it uses the higher exhaust gas temperatures for effective reduction of pollutants. Adapted coatings are used to cope with the increased maximum temperatures of the exhaust gas close to the combustion chamber. The sturdy Pre-Turbo Catalyst features a small metal substrate, thick walls and larger cells, and is mounted close to the engine, which avoids the heat absorbing issues caused by the turbocharger. The robust design provides high durability and high flow, protecting engine efficiency and performance, while significantly reducing hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Catalyst The EGR catalyst is integrated into the EGR line to protect the heat exchanger from harmful deposits and contamination. The catalyst was developed in anticipation of the potential increase in EGR rates for 2007 through 2010.

SCR-System Mixer The Emitec Mixer is located in the SCR system as a hydrolysis catalyst and ensures even distribution and conversion of the urea, which is dissolved in water. The mixing device incorporates structured foil technology to mix the exhaust gas in diesel engines with the SCR reductant. The mixer was designed to offer effective mixing in minimum space requirements by incorporating structured corrugated foil with blades to direct the flow of exhaust gas through a perforated, flat foil layer. These patented design features maximize the mixing of the reductant and exhaust gas, allowing for the urea injector to be placed in an optimum position in the exhaust system. The Emitec Mixer is now in mass production for HC-SCR systems produced by a leading retrofit supplier.

SCR-Catalyst System The SCR-Catalyst System, comprised of the pre-oxidation catalyst, urea hydrolysis catalyst and the actual SCR-Reduction Catalyst, uses ammonia to directly reduce NOx. With this technology, potential NOx reduction rates range from 70 to 90 percent. Using a structured METALIT(R) with LS- and PE- Design, both of which create a turbulence effect, the catalyst volume can be dramatically reduced compared to straight-channel, flow-through catalysts. This dramatic reduction in volume enhances packaging while reducing both weight and cost.

About Emitec Emitec GmbH is the leading designer and manufacturer of metallic substrates and diesel particulate filters for exhaust aftertreatment and evaporative emissions. Founded in 1986, Emitec is headquartered in Lohmar, Germany and currently holds more than 1,400 international patents. The company’s North American operations, Emitec Inc., are headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. Manufacturing facilities are located in Fountain Inn, S.C. as well as Lohmar and Eisenach, Germany. Research and development centers are located in Lohmar and Eisenach, Germany. For more information, visit Emitec at the 2005 SAE World Congress and Exposition in Booth 250 in Wayne Hall.

[Source: Emitec Inc.]

 

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written by Sebastian Blanco

Lewis Hamilton is optimistic of getting his season back on track at the Spanish Grand Prix on 27 April.

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written by BBC Sport | Motorsport | Formula One | UK Edition

Trying to decide which car is perfect for you? With so much choice, why not see what other people are searching for on Auto Trader?

Andy Goodwin crunches the data from our search engine to reveal the most wanted cars in each class.

Read the full story now.

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written by Auto Trader Newshub

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Driving

Whether you call it "premium," "super unleaded," or even "high test," it all means the same thing -- the most expensive gasoline at the pump (except maybe diesel). In a somewhat counterproductive trend, the skyrocketing cost of fuel is forcing automobile manufacturers to use smaller and more powerful engines, often with forced-induction. Unfortunately, these engines require higher octane... the distinguishing feature of premium fuel.

Kelley Blue Book has been following the trend and according to their analysis, there were 166 vehicle models that required premium fuel in 2002. This year, that number is up to 282. While some automakers only require premium for their highest performing models, companies like BMW call for premium fuel across their model range.

While there is no advantage to running premium fuel in an engine that doesn't call for it, you should run the higher octane fuel in a powerplant designed for it (if in doubt, check the owner's manual, or the inside of the fuel filler door). While nearly every late-model high-performance engine on the road can handle a slightly lower octane rating without damage, don't skimp when filling up as your fuel economy and horsepower will suffer (yes, it will likely negate any savings at the pump).

[Source: USA Today]

 

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written by Michael Harley

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK

Move over Modec, there’s a new electric vehicle coming to Britain. LDV has announced they will launch an electric version of their Maxus this summer. Owned by Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (GAZ), Russia’s largest vehicle manufacturing group, LDV plans the new variant as part of a recent £10 million investment by the parent company in the Maxus line-up. According to an article in the Birmingham Post, the all-electric will be offered in both the van (pictured above) as well as the chassis-cab format with only minor changes being made to the chassis. Although the expected performance and battery type or supplier are not named, the motor is said to be “proven.”

Newly appointed CEO Evgeniy Vereshchagin made the company’s environmental commitment clear at the Commercial Vehicle Show where LDV has 9 different Maxus iterations on display stating, “Our responsibility as a manufacturer is look to the future and in particular the effects carbon emissions and vehicle pollutants are having on the environment as a result of the whole life of our range of light commercial vehicles”. Pretty good green talking for the former audit manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers. July is not too long to wait to see if his green walking is just as good.

[Source: Birmingham Post]

 

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written by Domenick Yoney

The latest in Auto Trader's line of commercial spots. Hot sexy phone line! Autotrader.ca Visit www.autotrader.ca, now with new cars Come Meet Your Match

Author: AutoTraderdotca
Keywords: autotrader auto trader autotrader.ca hot sexy phone line
Added: April 17, 2008

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written by roadflytv

Filed under: Spy Photos

Ladies and gentlemen, Hans Lehmann has left the building. After the retirement of Jim Dunne, a thorn in the side of Detroit's finest for decades, comes word that Hans Lehmann, the man that's enraged his fair share of automakers abroad, is hanging up his Nikon.

Lehmann's ability to capture all the happenings on the Nurburgring solidified his place in spy photographer infamy and in several circles, is credited with causing automakers to deliberately run their camo'd mules on the 'Ring, hoping to catch Lehmann's lens.

While it's sad to see this legend of automotive espionage move onto greener pastures, we're comfortable with the knowledge that in this new media landscape, thousands of camera-toting pistonheads and their professional counterparts will continue to provide us with the images we love to obsess over. The players might be changing, but the game remains the same. Let the good times roll.

UPDATE: Brenda Priddy took the time to inform us that Lehmann Photo Syndication is still in existence, but was bought out when Mr. Lehmann retired. So you'll still see the name on photos, but not because Hans was behind the lens.

[Source: Autoweek]

 

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written by Damon Lavrinc

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Mitsubishi

Click on the image for high-res shots

Mitsubishi has an admirable performance record with their off-road Pajero Evolution, racking up a record 12 Dakar wins since 1985. Why is the vehicle relevant to the green audience? This year, Mitsubishi has installed a new 260 horsepower three-liter turbo diesel V6 engine, which is a derivative of their previous gas-powered six cylinder engine. Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart considers this new engine part of a green initiative, with the team’s new president, Osamu Nakayama, saying, “Our motor sports activity has taken a step up to establish the environmentally-friendly engineering strategy of Mitsubishi Motors.” Mitsubishi believes that this new racing engine will further their research into non-food sourced biodiesel, which is something we can appreciate. They also have an Outlander chase vehicle running on diesel fuel. Hit the break for the press release.

Press Release:

REPSOL MITSUBISHI RALLIART READY FOR EXCITING NEW CHALLENGE WITH DIESEL POWER IN 2008

* Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart announces the cross country rally debut of the new diesel-powered Pajero Evolution, code-named MPR14.
* Mitsubishi Technology initiatives take significant measures to make its competition programme even more environmentally aware.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its motor sports unit MMSP have established the team’s objectives for the coming season, as well as for the 2009 ‘Dakar’, which breaks new ground with a start and finish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a rest-day in Valparaiso on Chile’s Pacific coast.

New High-Performance V6 Diesel Power Unit
Meanwhile, the major new feature of the team’s 2008 programme is the introduction of a turbo-diesel version of the highly successful Pajero Evolution, cross-country rallying’s most successful car with a record 12 Dakar wins to its name since 1985. The new 2,997cc V6 powerplant benefits from Mitsubishi’s longstanding expertise in the field of advanced diesel technologies, ranging from low compression ratios to high-pressure fuel injection.

Development of the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution MPR14 started with bench testing of a new three-litre 260bhp diesel derivative of the MPR13’s existing petrol engine in Japan. The capacity of three litres was chosen since it offered the best compromise between performance and weight. The new block was then grafted into an MPR13 chassis to form the first MPR14 which underwent extensive testing in France and North Africa. This program was aimed at building on the proven strengths of the MPR13 and validating work done on the dyno to produce a competitive, reliable package with the new V6 diesel mated to a five-speed gearbox.

While the engine itself was essentially developed in Japan, MMSP was responsible for its integration in the chassis, with specialist of Valeo tasked with a bespoke cooling system. The MPR14 made its debut in the hands of Hiroshi Masuoka/Pascal Maimon (Japan/France) on Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s first outing of the 2008 season, April’s Central Europe Rally which took in Hungary and Romania.

Mitsubishi Tops Rallying’s ‘Green’ Initiatives
Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart has also decided to take a lead by enhancing its environmentally responsible approach to its competition activities in association with its key partners, Repsol, Valeo and BFGoodrich, all of whom stand out as pioneers in their specific domains when it comes to protecting the planet. “Now, our motor sports activity has taken a step up to establish the environmentally-friendly engineering strategy of Mitsubishi Motors” underlines MMSP SAS’s new president, Osamu Nakayama.

Repsol sees the arrival of diesel power for the Pajero Evolution MPR14 as an ideal opportunity to bring its latest research developments into efficient fuels in general and non-food sourced biodiesel in particular to the table. Indeed, the Spanish-based oil and gas firm’s efforts in this field contributed to its recent nomination as a ‘Gold Class’ company in the Sustainability Yearbook 2008 compiled by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Sustainable Asset Management (SAM), an independent company tasked with conducting the annual assessments for the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. And the Michelin Group - which owns the BFGoodrich brand - has always stressed that the transfer of technology between its motor sports activities and road tires is by no means unilateral, and cites its ongoing research into low rolling resistance as one area in which production tires have benefited the competition programmes of partners such as Mitsubishi.

The 1990s saw the Michelin Group take a valuable lead in this domain with the launch of the first green car and truck tire range which has gone on to see the advent of products such as the current award-winning Michelin Energy Saver tire.

Last but by no means least, Valeo’s long experience of automotive systems and electronics proved invaluable during the development of the new diesel-powered Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution MPR14. Its contribution essentially concerned the specific cooling system using the UltimateCooling[TM] architecture. Valeo’s input also concerns the advanced low energy LED front and rear lighting systems used on the car and which further contribute to achieving appreciable fuel savings.

Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s 2008 Programme
In addition to its ongoing testing and development activities, Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart is pleased to confirm its intention to contest three events during the first half of 2008.

The first will see a four-car entry for the inaugural Central Europe Rally with a line-up of four Mitsubishi Pajero Evolutions, including one MPR14 powered by the latest V6 diesel engine and crewed by Hiroshi Masuoka/Pascal Maimon (Japan/France), plus three MPR13s for Luc Alphand/Gilles Picard (France), Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret (France), and Joan Nani Roma/Lucas Cruz (Spain).

“Our 2008 programme has been tailored to prepare for our new challenge which is to contest the 2009 Dakar with our new diesel-engined car,” says Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Director Dominique Serieys. “Our schedule will initially take us to three events: the inaugural Central Europe Rally [Hungary and Romania], the Transiberico [Portugal] and the Baja Espana [Spain].

Exact driver line-ups for the Portuguese and Spanish fixtures will be announced shortly, as will the team’s programme for the second half of the season.

Mitsubishi Outlander Service Car
A European-specification Outlander will serve as support vehicle carrying spares and tools on the Central Europe Rally for the four Pajero Evolutions. It will form part of a total fleet of 13 service vehicles, which include five trucks, Pajeros, L200 pick-ups, and Outlanders.

The first Outlander to serve as support vehicle on a cross-country rally is a SUV aimed at urban motoring. It nonetheless profits from the same three-mode electronically controlled 4WD transmission system as the Pajero and the four-wheel drive L200, and has been specially prepared to take on the punishing conditions associated with rallies like the Dakar.

The Outlander which has been prepared for the Central Europe Rally is a European-spec model powered by a four-cylinder 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine mated to a manual six-speed gearbox. It features the same livery as the competing cars and incorporates specific rally equipment such as roll cage, bucket seats, competition suspension and tires, and guards. Neither the engine, the gearbox nor the electronically-controlled 4WD transmission system have been modified, although their calibration has been tuned to meet the needs of the demanding conditions it will face. Last but not least, a bigger fuel tank has been fitted to ensure the sort of range required for the long distances involved.

2008 Central Europe Rally Itinerary
The Central Europe Rally is the first event to qualify for the newly-created Dakar Series and starts in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday April 20. It features about 2,600km route, including about 1,100km divided into seven special stages in Hungary and Romania. The stages range in length from 100 to 320km, the longest test taking the form of a loop around the reputed Romanian spa town, BaiaI Mare.

The seven-day rally finishes on the shores of Hungary’s Lake Balaton on Saturday April 26.

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution (MPR14) Technical Specification

(T1 Modified Cross-Country Cars)

OVERALL LENGTH 4195mm
OVERALL WIDTH 1990mm
WHEEL BASE 2775mm
FRONT TRACK 1750mm
REAR TRACK 1750mm

ENGINE MODEL 6 cylinder, 24-Valve, DOHC, dry-sump oil system
FUEL SYSTEM common rail
DISPLACEMENT 2997cc
MAXIMUM OUTPUT 190kW (260 PS) 650Nm (66.3 kgfm)
TRANSMISSION 5-speed Ricardo-type, sequential shift gearbox and mechanical gear selection
4WD system full time, mechanical centre diff lock; Front diff Xtrac self-locking differential; Rear diff Xtrac self-locking differential

SUSPENSION Front Independent, double wishbones, coil spring; Rear Independent, double wishbones, coil spring; Dampers 2 shocks per wheel, fully-adjustable damping and anti-roll bar system

STEERING Power-assisted rack and pinion
WHEEL STROKE 250 mm front and rear
BRAKES Front and rear: Ventilated Brembo discs with 6-piston Brembo calipers
WHEELS aluminium 7×16
TYRES BF Goodrich 235/85 - 16
MINIMUM WEIGHT 1900 kg

OTHERS Aeronautic steel multi-tubular frame, Honeycomb body floor and carbon fibre body
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 500 litres

[Source: Mitsubishi]

 

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written by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Chevrolet, GM

As so often happens when the first spy shots of a new car surfaces, we jump all over them trying to get them on-line and then we stop and take a closer look at what we have. Then questions start to arise. Is this really what we think it is? If not, what is it? Well, when it comes to one of the most eagerly anticipated new cars to come out Detroit in recent years, the late night availability of the first photos causes us to jump first and look where we're going later. In this case, it was the first spy shots of Chevy Volt mules that turned up late last night. We already knew that GM has been testing various bits and pieces destined for the Volt in previous model year Malibu body shells, but now, we had pics.

As it turns out the gray car that we posted on last night is only a ride and handling mule. It has various suspension components destined for the extended range EV, but the powertrain is bog standard Malibu. The red Malibu you pictured above, however, is one of the powertrain mules. Notice the big lump in front of the driver? That's to provide clearance for the prototype power electronics module that goes along with the electric drive motor and engine/generator set. Tying all of this together is a standard nickel metal hydride hybrid battery that acts as a power buffer. These cars are being used to validate powertrain hardware (aside from the lithium batteries of course) and start development of control software. Sometime in the next few weeks these mules should start going back on the hoist to have the new lithium battery packs installed and then the real fun starts.

[Sources: General Motors, AutoblogGreen]

 

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written by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, MPG

There’s no doubt that there are a lot of advances in powertrain technology that will improve the efficiency of vehicles over the next few years. There are near-term features like direct fuel injection, turbocharging and dual clutch transmissions. Other features like start stop systems and electrification of accessory drives will help too. The problem is these features all add cost to the vehicle. If consumers don’t buy vehicles equipped with this kind of technology, there is no net benefit. Ernie DeVincent VP of Getrag spoke at the SAE World Congress this week and said that automakers have to do more than just put the new features on vehicles, they have to market it as well. New technology has always been something that has helped sell vehicles and it’s more important than ever now. While some of changes may not provide as much improvement as a diesel or full hybrid system, their lower cost means that far more buyers can afford it. The aggregate improvement from 7-8 million vehicles a year with a 15 percent improvement in efficiency is far greater than 300,000 cars that get a 30 percent boost.

[Source: Ward’s Auto World]

 

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written by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Safety

The view above your left knee in the 2009 Infiniti FX.

In the last 24 hours, we've been accosted with more high-tech, in-car wizardry than we've ever asked for. And while you'll have to wait until next week to read our review of the new Infiniti FX, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has weighed in on the top five new safety technologies that may, or may not, have an effect on crash rates.

The IIHS studied the effectiveness of blind-spot detection systems, adaptive headlamps, lane-departure warning systems, forward-collision warning systems with automatic braking and emergency brake assist, and found that despite the hype, some of them may not be as useful as automakers make them out to be.

Of the 2.3 million frontal crashes that take place annually, 7,200 result in a fatality. The proliferation of systems that can detect an imminent frontal collision, sound a warning and if the drive doesn't react, preload all the safety systems and begin applying the brakes may prove useful. The same goes for lane departure warning systems, which notify the driver with a tone if they begin veering out of their lane. Others, like blind-spot detection systems won't have as much affect on road fatalities since they don't account for a substantial amount of fatal crashes, but they'll certainly make people more aware of their surroundings.

The IIHS also noted that adaptive headlamps, which turn in conjunction with the wheel to illuminate around a curve, might cause drivers to increase their speed, making a crash more probable. While we don't buy that last one, it highlights the point that's often left out of these studies: driver error is the number one cause of collisions. Fix that and all this added technology is superfluous.

[Source: IIHS via Detroit News]

 

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written by Damon Lavrinc

By Adrian Higgins

We test drive the new Mercedes SL, CLS and SLK.

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written by Auto Trader Newshub

Mercedes Benz USA, LLC has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2007 Mercedes Benz SLR. They stated on certain passenger vehicles, the windshields were not installed correctly. ...

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written by Jason

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily

HST International and Tjaarda Design have announced a new partnership that they say will “change the face of electric cars.” Actually, what’s going on here is that the partnership is changing whats under the hood of two iconic vehicles, the Mustang and the Shelby Cobra. As we learned when we spoke with Michael Kadie and Ed Monfort late last year, these conversions aren’t going to be cheap, but the Tjaarda EVX Mustang and the HST Shelby Cobra EVX will certainly turn heads. The vehicles will be on display this weekend at the 34th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach’s “Green Power Prix-View” (Prix-View. Get it?) and can now be ordered from HST.

These lithium ion phosphate-loving EVs can both do 0-60 in under four seconds and go over 100 miles per charge (when you’re light on the pedal most of the time, I’m guessing) with an operating cost of just three cents a mile. But who’s counting when you spend $80,000 (Mustang) or $125,000 (Cobra) on the car in the first place? More details after the break.