Diesel
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Istanbul Orders 50 Trams With GM-Allison Hybrid System
May 15, 2008
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| The concept of APTS’ Phileas system. Click to enlarge. |
The Istanbul (Turkey) Transportation Authority has ordered 50 Metrobus trams equipped with the GM-Allison hybrid system. This will be the largest fleet of the hybrids in Europe by next year. The first of the 50 trams, built by Dutch bus company Advance Public Transport Systems BV (APTS), was recently delivered. (Earlier post.) The remainder of the order will be fulfilled this year and in 2009.
The APTS Phileas rubber-tired trams run on a free bus lane which is fitted with magnetic markers for electronic lane assistance and precision docking, offering the advantages of rail transport with the lower costs and flexibility of a bus system. The Phileas has a lightweight body, the hybrid propulsion system from GM-Allison, and a large transport capacity.
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Audi Tunes 2009 A3 for Improved Efficiency; E85 Option
May 10, 2008
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| New generation Audi A3. |
Audi is introducing the 2009 model year A3 series equipped with wholly new or revised engines delivering reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 15%. The output of the 1.8 TFSI S tronic model, for example, drops from 179 g/km to 153 g/km.
As before, Audi is bringing the A3 and A3 Sportback onto the market with eight different engines—five gasoline and three diesel versions—six of them being four-cylinder direct injection units with turbocharging. The 1.6-liter gasoline engine can also be supplied in conjunction with a manual transmission for running on ethanol E85 fuel.
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MIT Study Concludes US LDV Fleet Can Reduce Fuel Consumption by 2035 to Pre-2000 Levels
May 09, 2008
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| Reducing demand growth (sales and Vehicle Kilometers Traveled, VKT) makes the task of reducing fuel consumption easier. ERFC = Emphasis on Reducing Fuel Consumption. Click to enlarge. |
An MIT study on projected fuel use by the US light-duty vehicle fleet concludes that, at constant performance and increased cost, a 30-50% reduction in fleet fuel consumption and a 25-40% reduction in fleet fuel use is feasible by 2035—i.e., to pre-2000 levels. Achieving this, however, will require focusing advancing technology on reducing fuel consumption rather than size or power, as well as likely requiring reduction in growth demand for vehicles and they distance they travel.
The study also concludes that there are a greater number of vehicle and fuel alternatives to displace petroleum use than to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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US Trucking Industry Launches Program to Reduce Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions
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| Reductions in CO2 emissions achievable by lowering the speed limit to 65 mph. Click to enlarge. |
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) launched a program of six initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Fully implemented, they can reduce fuel consumption by 86 billion gallons and CO2 emissions by 900 million tons for all medium-and heavy-duty trucks over the next 10 years, according to ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.
The six key recommendations to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 are displayed on a new website, www.trucksdeliver.org, and include:
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Neste Oil Launches 10%+ NExBTL Diesel Blend Commercially in Finland
May 06, 2008
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| NExBTL is produced by a refinery-based process that hydrogenates fatty acids from fats or oils. Click to enlarge. Source: Neste Oil |
Neste Oil has commercially launched a blend of its NExBTL renewable diesel (bio-hydrocarbon fuel), branded as Neste Green diesel, in Finland. Neste Oil guarantees that Neste Green diesel contains at least 10%. Neste Green is suitable for all diesel motors, according to the company.
Using the NExBTL component improves the air quality in cities due to reduced particle emissions and reduces also greenhouse gas emissions. Neste Green diesel will first become available in the metropolitan region around Helsinki after which distribution will be extended to other parts of Finland on a phased basis.
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Study: Adding Aluminum Nanoparticles to Diesel Can Improve Ignition Properties
May 01, 2008
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| The addition of Al or Al2O3 nanoparticles increases the probability of ignition. Click to enlarge. |
Adding aluminum and aluminum oxide nanoparticles to diesel can improve the fuel’s ignition properties, according to a new study published online in the journal Nano Letters.
Arizona State University mechanical engineer Patrick E. Phelan and colleagues varied both particle size (15 and 50 nm) as well as the volume fraction (0%, 0.1%, and 0.5%) of aluminum (Al) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles at several temperatures within the range 688 °C up to 768 °C. In a series of hot plate studies, they found that in all cases the ignition probability of the nanoparticles + diesel mixtures was much higher than that of pure diesel.
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TNT Launches Australia’s First Hybrid Truck Fleet
April 30, 2008
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| A Hino hybrid truck. |
TNT Express Australia has put 10 Hino Hybrid trucks into service, becoming the first business in Australia to start operating a fleet of diesel-electric hybrid as replacements for conventionally powered vehicles.
Speaking at the official launch of the hybrid truck fleet in Sydney, TNT Express Australia Managing Director Roger Corcoran said the new vehicles would reduce TNT’s greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 kilograms of CO2 a year per vehicle.
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Mazda Wins Award for Diesel Emissions Catalyst Research
April 28, 2008
Mazda Motor Corporation will receive the “Outstanding Technical Paper Award 2008” at the 58th Annual Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (SAEJ) awards ceremony to be held in May. The company is being recognized for a method for the in-depth analysis of the combustion mechanism of catalysts in diesel particulate filters.
Mazda has been conducting research into more efficient combustion mechanisms to eliminate particulate matter from diesel engine exhaust emissions. Active regeneration of diesel particulate filters can use a variety of mechanisms to enable combustion to remove the particulate matter (soot) that accumulates in the filter. All the mechanisms, however, require extra fuel—although the amount will vary based on the strategy—which is one of the causes of impaired fuel economy.
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VW Introduces Production Version of BlueTDI Engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium
April 24, 2008
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| The Jetta Blue TDI. |
At the International Vienna Motor Symposium (24-25 April), Volkswagen introduced the production version of the BlueTDI, a next-generation turbo diesel developed especially for the North American market. The common rail engine is based on the TDI, which was first introduced in Europe in 2007 with the Tiguan.
This engine already satisfies the Euro-5 standard that comes into effect in autumn 2009. In order to meet the Bin 5/LEV2 requirements in the US, VW redeveloped the four-cylinder engine. The BlueTDI engine will debut in the US Jetta this summer. (Earlier post.)
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SsangYong to Launch 20 New Models Over Next Five Years; Diesel Hybrid Included
April 21, 2008
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| Ssangyong’s diesel hybrid chassis shown at the Geneva show. Click to enlarge. |
SsangYong Motor, a South Korean automaker now 51% owned by China’s SAIC, plans to introduce 20 new models between 2009 and 2014. The company will invest more than €1.9 billion (US$3 billion) to develop the new models, which will be based on five different platforms, with five new engines and with monocoque construction.
SsangYong’s new diesel hybrid technology, developed in partnership with FEV (earlier post) and unveiled at last month’s Geneva Motor Show, will feature in the new model line-up.
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Rhodia Launches New Materials for NOx Reduction On Diesel Vehicles
April 15, 2008
International chemical company Rhodia is launching two sets of materials for the formulation of deNOx catalysts showing high performance and hydrothermal durability for NOx trap technologies. Rhodia presented the emissions control materials, along with new light weight materials for weight reduction, at this week’s SAE 2008 World Congress in Detroit.
Both NOx Storage Catalyst (NSC) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technologies have shown limited efficiency at low temperature (<250°C) and poor durability due to the thermal deterioration at temperatures > 750°C with steam. Rhodia’s new materials address these limitations.
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Scania Extending Heavy-Duty Ethanol Engine Technology to Trucks
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| Scania’s third-generation CI ethanol engine. |
Scania is now extending the application of its third-generation heavy-duty, ethanol-fueled engines to a range of trucks.
Scania’s ethanol engines work according to the diesel principle (compression-ignition, CI). At 43%, the thermal efficiency of Scania’s new ethanol engine is on a par with its diesel engines (44% thermal efficiency). The ethanol used for diesel combustion contains 5-7% additives that improve ignition and lubrication.
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Mercedes-Benz Introduces New Generation of Four-Cylinder Diesel Engines
April 10, 2008
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| The new four-cylinder diesel family offers improved performance, torque, emission properties and fuel economy. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines with improved performance, torque, emission properties and fuel economy. The new engine family will supersede four different powerplants. The new engine will debut in the C-Class this fall, but will eventually be fitted in a number of variants across a wide range of model series, including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Mercedes-Benz says it also earmarking the engine family for use in hybrid vehicles.
In its most powerful variant, the new 2,143 cc four-cylinder unit delivers up to 150 kW (204 hp)—about 20% more power than the engine it replaces. Peak torque has risen from 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) to 500 Nm (369 lb-ft)—an increase of 25%. Despite the 25 kW increase in output, the new four-cylinder diesel burns less fuel than its predecessor, and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 13%. The new engine is Euro-5 compliant.
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FEV to Show Mahindra & Mahindra Diesel-Electric Hybrid Scorpio at SAE World Congress; Other Powertrain Developments
FEV will exhibit a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Mahindra & Mahindra Scorpio SUV at the 2008 SAE World Congress, 14-17 April in Detroit, Michigan. Mahindra developed the diesel hybrid version of the vehicle with support from FEV, a global powertrain and vehicle engineering company.
FEV will also show a number of other powertrain developments at the event, including a 2-step variable compression ratio (VCR) mechanism for medium- and heavy-duty engines; a spray-guided turbocharged gasoline engine; a new diesel aftertreatment control system; and a new low-height cylinder head concept.
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Citroën Refreshes the C2 Supermini; New Diesel Engine
April 06, 2008
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| The new C2. |
Citroën has refreshed its C2 supermini with some design changes and a new diesel engine. From May 2008, depending on the country, the C2 diesel range will be available with the 110 bhp HDi engine and particulate filter. The 1.6 liter 16V HDi 110 engine made its debut on Citroën’s C3 range.
The engine consumes 4.4 L/100 km (53.5 mpg US) for CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. As a result, the C2 HDi 110 DPFS carries the Airdream label which identifies Citroën’s most efficient models.
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100% NExBTL Renewable Diesel in Use in Helsinki Buses
April 03, 2008
Neat (100%) NExBTL renewable diesel from Neste Oil is now in use in Helsinki, Finland in Helsingin Bussiliikenne buses as part of a collaborative trial started last autumn by the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV), Helsinki City Transport (HKL), Proventia, and Neste Oil. (Earlier post.) The aim of the partnership is to promote the use of biofuels and improve the quality of city air.
Previously, the buses ran on a blend of 30% NExBTL diesel and 70% fossil diesel. Now, for the first time, pure NExBTL diesel is being used in vehicles running in city traffic.
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Study: Fuel Cell Vehicles Necessary for Long-Term Significant Reduction in GHG, Criteria Pollutants and Oil Consumption
April 01, 2008
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| Projected greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles under five of the vehicle scenarios: reference case gasoline ICE, gasoline HEV, gasoline PHEV, biofuel PHEV, and fuel cell vehicle (FCV). Click to enlarge. |
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be essential to cutting greenhouse gases by 60% below 1990 levels in the transportation sector; virtually eliminating urban air pollution; and reducing oil consumption to a point that US domestic oil production can supply all non-transportation petroleum needs, according to a paper presented at the National Hydrogen Association’s Annual Meeting by Dr. Sandy Thomas, the president of H2Gen Innovations, Inc. H2Gen Innovations is a manufacturer of hydrogen generation and gas purification systems.
The paper, Comparison of Transportation Options in a Carbon-Constrained World: Hydrogen, Plug-in Hybrids and Biofuels, modeled emissions and fuel consumption in eight types of vehicle—including combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), fuel cell (FCV) and battery electric (BEV)—and five different fuels: gasoline, diesel, cellulosic ethanol, hydrogen and grid electricity.
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Johnson Matthey SCRT System Cut NOx Emissions by 84% in Fleet Trial of Retrofitted Class 8 Trucks
March 27, 2008
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| Retrofit SCRT System Diagram. Click to enlarge. |
In a demonstration using 16 older retrofitted Class 8 grocery trucks that are part of Raley’s fleet, the Johnson Matthey (JM) SCRT four-way control heavy-duty system reduced NOx by an average of 84% compared to pre-retrofit levels.
The trucks involved had 2004 Cummins, 400 hp ISM engines with an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system. The ISM is a commonly used engine in Class 8 trucks hauling heavy loads. Working with partner Cummins Emissions Solutions, the Johnson Matthey emissions system was tested for more than 1,000 hours as the trucks traveled throughout Northern California hauling grocery products to Raley’s family of grocery stores.
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ARB Study: West Oakland, CA Community Exposed to Diesel PM 3X Average in Bay Area
March 24, 2008
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| Estimated potential cancer risk in the regional domain from port diesel PM emissions sources. Click to enlarge. |
Residents of the West Oakland, California area are exposed to diesel PM ambient concentrations that are almost three times the average background diesel PM ambient concentrations in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, according to a comprehensive health risk assessment study released by the California Air Resources Board (ARB).
The diesel particulate matter emissions from trucks traveling on nearby freeways and marine vessel traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area unrelated to the Port of Oakland are causing an increased potential cancer risk to the West Oakland community.
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Study: Black Carbon Pollution Major Factor in Global Warming
March 23, 2008
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| Left, reconstructed levels of black carbon pollution from 2004 and 2005 in south Asia, illustrated through a measurement of aerosol optical depth. Right, the reconstructed data with the effects of biofuel cooking removed. Click to enlarge. Source: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD |
Black carbon, a form of particulate air pollution most often produced from burning biomass, cooking with solid fuels and diesel exhaust, has a warming effect in the atmosphere that is three to four times greater than prevailing estimates, according to a new study published online in the journal Nature Geoscience. (Earlier post.)
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego atmospheric scientist V. Ramanathan (earlier post) and University of Iowa chemical engineer Greg Carmichael said that soot and other forms of black carbon could have as much as 60% of the current global warming effect of carbon dioxide, more than that of any greenhouse gas except CO2. The researchers also noted, however, that mitigation would have immediate societal benefits in addition to the long term effect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Canadian Project to Field Test New Syngas-Based Diesel Emission Reduction System
March 14, 2008
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| NxtGen Syngas Diesel Aftertreatment System. NxtGen components are in blue. Click to enlarge. |
Officials from the Government of Canada, EnCana Corporation and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) are committing C$5.5 million (US$5.6 million) in financing to demonstrate a new syngas-based diesel emission reduction system from NxtGen Emission Controls.
When retrofitted onto existing trucks, NxtGen’s system is expected to reduce particulate emissions by 85% and NOx emissions by 65%. The syngas technology also has the potential to enable manufacturers to increase fuel economy by reducing fuel requirements for regeneration of diesel particulate filters, according to the company.
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Mercedes-Benz Firms Up Launch of Three New BlueTEC Diesels in US; First AdBlue Light-Duty Vehicles for the US
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| The R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC. Click to enlarge. |
As it announced previously, Mercedes-Benz is introducing three new BlueTEC diesels—the new models R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC—which will initially be available exclusively in the US, beginning in autumn 2008. (Earlier post.) The GL- and ML-class vehicles are SUVs; the R-Class is a tourer (wagon).
The diesel SUVs are powered by a 3.0L, V6 engine featuring the Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC technology for emissions control. The new models are equipped with AdBlue injection for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx, and exceed the US Tier 2 Bin 5 limits. Hence, they can be sold in all 50 states.
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Hyundai Unveils New Concept Car HED-5 “i-Mode” With New Two-Stage Turbocharged Diesel Engine
March 06, 2008
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| The i-Mode concept. |
At the Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai Motor Co. is introducing the HED-5 “i-Mode” concept. The 6-seater monocab study incorporates a new 2.2-liter two-stage turbocharged diesel engine that is planned for production in the first half of 2011 and lighter weight high-tech materials to reduce fuel consumption.
The engine in the i-Mode is an all-new 2.2-liter R diesel which first passes intake through a low-pressure turbocharger from which it is forced into a high-pressure turbocharger to deliver maximized boosts. The R engine delivers 158 kW (212 hp) of power and 461 Nm (340 lb-ft) peak torque respectively, for a power density in excess of 70 kW/L.
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Hyundai Introduces i-blue Systems at Geneva; Diesel and CNG Applications
March 05, 2008
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| The i10 blue offers CO2 emissions of 95 g/km. |
Hyundai Motor Co. is presenting its i-blue systems concept, an optimized combination of currently available technologies (i-blue package) with a completely new engine and a CNG application, at the Geneva Motor Show. The result is a range of technologies, based upon the i10, i10 CNG, i30 and the forthcoming i20, that are engineered to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and that can be applied across existing models.
While the individual models differ in the exact combination of i-blue features, the overall package comprises advances in drag reduction, increased engine and transmission efficiency, and chassis fine-tuning.
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The Golf TDI Diesel-Electric Hybrid Concept: 69 MPG US
March 04, 2008
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| The Golf TDI Hybrid concept. |
The Golf TDI Hybrid concept (earlier post) introduced by Volkswagen at the Geneva Motor Show combines an advanced diesel engine with an electric motor and the latest generation of VW’s seven-speed DSG gearbox. The hybrid concept vehicle is capable of achieving 3.4 L/100km (69 mpg US) of fuel consumption.
At the core of the new Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine developing 55 kW (74 hp) and 179 Nm (132 lb-ft) of torque. Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, if required, on its own in all-electric mode, is an electric motor developing 20 kW and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging.
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Audi Puts A Diesel in the TT; First Diesel-Equipped Series-Production Sports Cars
February 27, 2008
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| Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro. |
Audi is introducing the Audi TT 2.0 TDI Coupe quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro—the first series-production sports cars to feature diesel engines.
The two-liter engine generates 125 kW (170 hp) of power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, with fuel consumption of 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters per 100 km (44.4 mpg and 42.8 mpg) on the TT Coupe and TT Roadster respectively. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 140 g/km and 145 g/km.
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China Yuchai in Joint Ventures with Geely and Yinlun for 2.0L, Euro-5 Diesel Passenger Car Engine
February 25, 2008
China Yuchai International Limited, the leading manufacturer and distributor of diesel engines in China, has entered into an Equity Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (Geely) and Zhejiang Yinlun Machinery Co, Limited (Yinlun), to form two joint venture companies in Tiantai, Zhejiang Province and Jining, Shandong Province.
The joint venture companies will be primarily engaged in the development, production and sales of a proprietary 2.0-liter diesel engine and its parts for passenger vehicles. Geely will develop the first generation prototype of the diesel engine and will purchase all its requirements from the JV companies, provided the conditions of quality, price and production capacity are met.
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BMW To Introduce New Diesel Mild Hybrid Concept in Geneva
February 22, 2008
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| The elements of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept. Click to enlarge. |
BMW will introduce the concept BMW Vision EfficientDynamics at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (6-16 March)—the company’s first combination of a 4-cylinder diesel engine with BMW ActiveHybrid Technology in a large Sports Activity Vehicle.
Based on a BMW X5, the diesel mild hybrid concept delivers average fuel consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers (36 mpg US) in the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission level of 172 grams per kilometer. Acceleration from 0-100 kph is 8.9 seconds.
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European Automobile Production Grows by 5.3% in 2007; Diesel Accounts for 53.3% of New Car Registrations
February 20, 2008
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| Diesel share of new car registrations in Western Europe, 1990-2007. Click to enlarge. |
Automotive production from the European motor vehicle industry in the EU27 grew 5.3% in 2007, reaching nearly 19.7 million vehicles (passenger cars, trucks and buses), according to the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) winter Economic Report.
Diesel-powered cars accounted for 53.3% of total new car registrations in Western Europe in 2007, up from 13.8% in 1990. Luxembourg (77.2%), Belgium (77%), France (73.9%) and Spain (70.9%) had the highest diesel share of new car registrations in 2007. The share of 4x4s has increased steadily as well, rising from 2.6% in 1990 to 9.9% in 2009.
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GM Invests $69 Million In DMAX Diesel Engine Plant for 2010 T2B5 Duramax 6.6L V-8 Turbodiesel
February 05, 2008
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| The 2008 Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8 Turbo. |
General Motors Corp. (GM) will invest $69 million in its DMAX diesel engine plant in Moraine, Ohio to manufacture a new Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 turbo diesel engine that will meet 2010 emissions standards. DMAX Limited is a joint venture between GM and Isuzu Motors Limited and was established as a diesel engine company in 1998.
The 2010 model year 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax diesel will use a selective catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter to help achieve the 2010 Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV 2 emissions standards, and it will be compliant in all 50 states.
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SwRI Full-Load Study of Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine Indicates Higher Power, Torque and Efficiency Than Conventional Engines of Equal Displacement
January 30, 2008
The first independent laboratory study of the Scuderi Split-Cycle Engine (earlier post) under full-load conditions indicates that a gasoline-fueled version of the engine will have higher power, torque and efficiency ratings than the current state-of-the-art turbocharged gasoline engines of equal displacement on the road today.
The Full Load (FL) Study by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is the first of three reports to be published by the laboratory prior to the assembly of the first prototype, which is scheduled for completion later this year. A Part Load Study and an Air-Hybrid Study will be published in early and mid-2008 respectively.
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Survey: US New-Car Shoppers Do Not See Diesels as a Likely Mainstream Powertrain
January 28, 2008
According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study, only six percent of new-car shoppers in the US think that diesel is most likely to succeed in becoming a mainstream vehicle powertrain type, compared to 40% identifying hybrids, 20% selecting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and 17% citing flexible-fuel systems.
When asked about their perceptions of diesel engines, nearly half of the in-market new-vehicle shoppers say that diesels are dirty and noisy. In addition, the latest study shows that shoppers increasingly believe that diesel-powered vehicles get poorer fuel mileage than conventional gasoline engines, and fewer consumers are seeing diesels as fuel-efficient.
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Fiat Adds New 1.6 Multijet 16v Diesel to Bravo Lineup
January 25, 2008
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| The Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet. |
Fiat has added a new 1.6 Multijet 16v turbodiesel engine to its Bravo compact model lineup. Introduced last year, the Bravo is performing well, with 90,000 vehicles sold in Europe during 2007. Fiat had targeted sales of 70,000.
The new 1.6-liter diesel is available in two power versions—105 bhp (77 kW) or 120 bhp (88 kW)—with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. Compared to the older 1.9-liter Multijet 120 bhp model (chosen by 55% of Bravo buyers last year, according to Fiat), the 1.6 Multijet 120 bhp delivers almost 25% more torque (300 Nm at 1500 rpm) while reducing fuel consumption by 8%, measured on the NEDC cycle.
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On-Road Testing Phase of Alberta Renewable Diesel Demonstration Begins
January 23, 2008
The on-road testing phase of the Alberta Renewable Diesel Demonstration, Canada’s largest evaluation and demonstration of renewable diesel fuels to date, has officially begun. More than 60 trucks of various sizes are operating throughout Alberta on B2 and B5 blends of various renewable diesel fuels to test for performance, cold weather operability and impact on engine components.
Alberta’s climate poses extreme challenges to renewable diesel use. The demonstration will provide hands-on, cold-weather experience for fuel blenders, distributors, long-haul trucking fleets and drivers.
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Orders for Up To 1,700 Hybrid Buses Will More Than Double Existing GM-Allison Fleet
January 22, 2008
Allison Transmission has received major orders from transit agencies in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Minneapolis/St. Paul for up to 1,732 GM-Allison hybrid-powered buses (earlier post). The hybrid technology is licensed by General Motors to Allison Transmission, which assembles and sells the hybrid transmission to bus manufacturers.
These new deliveries will more than double the current fleet of nearly 1,000 GM-Allison hybrid buses, and potentially include the largest single hybrid bus fleet acquisition yet—an order for 952 by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
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Subaru’s First Boxer Diesel Passenger Cars: Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback
January 21, 2008
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| Boxer Diesel Outback 2.0 TD. |
Subarus’s first boxer diesel (earlier post) passenger cars—Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback—will go on sale in regions of Europe in February 2008.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed diesel engine develops 110 kW (148 hp) of power at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at 1,800 rpm, and is coupled with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The Boxer Diesel meets Euro 4 emission standards with oxidation catalytic converters, a particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation.
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Study Suggests Unregulated Nano-sized Ultrafine Particles May Be Most Damaging Component of Air Pollution for Heart Disease
January 18, 2008
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| Representative histological photomicrographs. Red staining in sections of the aorta represents lipid and macrophage content, which are part of the atherosclerotic plaque development. Exposure to ultrafine particles shows highest degree of plaques. Click to enlarge. |
A new study indicates that ultrafine particles—particles of less than 0.18 micrometers—from vehicle emissions may be the most damaging components of air pollution in triggering plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. The findings appear in an open access article in the 17 January online edition of the journal Circulation Research.
A team from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); the University of Southern California; the University of California, Irvine; and Michigan State University contributed to the research, which was led by Dr. Andre Nel, UCLA’s chief of nanomedicine. The study was primarily funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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Audi’s R8 V12 TDI Concept
January 16, 2008
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| Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, presenting the new Audi R8 V12 TDI concept at NAIAS. |
Audi presented the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance road-going sports car at the North American International Auto Show. The 6.0-liter V12 TDI powers a mid-engine concept car based on the Audi R8.
The relatively compact engine generates 500 hp (373 kW) of power and 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. The R8 V12 TDI is Euro 6 compliant, and uses an AdBlue urea-SCR system for NOx reduction. Audi projects that the R8 V12 TDI would deliver 23 mpg US (10.2 L/100km) on the European test cycle.
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Mercedes Vision GLK Features First Implementation of 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine with BLUETEC
January 15, 2008
Mercedes-Benz presented two versions of its concept Vision GLK compact SUV at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Both models, which differ in styling approach, feature new BLUETEC four-cylinder diesel engines mated with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and the new 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
This marks Mercedes’s first implementation of the BLUETEC emission control system with a four-cylinder engine. A similar 2.2-liter diesel with BLUETEC will be used in the planned S 300 BLUETEC hybrid. (Earlier post.)
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Land Rover Shows LRX Diesel Hybrid Concept with 120 g/km CO2 Target in Mind
January 13, 2008
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| Land Rover LRX hybrid concept. |
Land Rover staged the world debut of the LRX diesel hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show. The three-door diesel LRX, with its compact size and lighter weight, offers the potential of achieving 120 g/km CO2 emissions, according to Land Rover.
The LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient, 2.0-liter, turbodiesel hybrid that meets US emissions standards and is capable of running on biodiesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other SUVs of comparable size, and reduce emissions to approximately 120 g/km.
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Toyota to Expand Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid Efforts; New Lexus and Toyota Dedicated Hybrids to Premiere Next Year
At a media reception at the North American International Auto Show tonight, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe said that he has challenged the company’s engineers to meet the new US 35 mpg CAFE standard “well in advance” of 2020.
Some of the steps he outlined to accomplish that goal include the planned offering of a new advanced diesel engine in both the Tundra and Sequoia. Watanabe also said that by 2010, Toyota will accelerate its global plug-in hybrid R&D program. As part of this plan, Toyota will deliver a “significant” fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), powered by lithium-ion batteries, to a wide variety of global commercial customers, with many coming to the US.
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Mitsubishi Introduces 40+MPG Tier 2 Bin 5 Diesel Sport Coupe Concept in Detroit
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| The Concept-RA. |
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation unveiled the Concept-RA (Road Alive) two-seat diesel sports coupe concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Powered by a 2.2L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel, the Concept-RA will deliver fuel efficiency of more than 40 miles per gallon, according to Tetsuro Aikawa, Managing Director of the Product Development Group.
The engine features a MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) valvetrain that offers continuously variable valve timing control as well as low and high speed camshaft profiles actuating the intake valves.
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Volvo to Show Diesel Version of ReCharge Plug-in Hybrid Concept; 60-Mile Battery Range
January 11, 2008
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| The layout of the ReCharge. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo will show a diesel-engined version of its ReCharge Concept plug-in series hybrid at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Volvo introduced a flex-fuel version of the ReCharge at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. (Earlier post.)
The diesel ReCharge uses a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine (81 kW/109 hp) to drive a generator to power the four in-wheel motors when the 12 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack is depleted. The car has a battery-powered range of about 60 miles.
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Volvo Cars Launches New Powershift AMT for Diesels
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| The Getrag-Ford Powershift transmission. |
Two-liter turbodiesel versions of the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 are now available with a new six-speed Powershift automated manual transmission. (Earlier post.) The new Powershift transmission is produced by Getrag-Ford Transmissions, a 50:50 joint venture between Getrag and Ford. The transmission was introduced at the 2006 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
In the Powershift, two manual gearboxes work in parallel and are controlled by separate wet clutches arranged on two main shafts. One clutch controls the odd gears (1, 3, 5 and reverse) while the other handles the even ratios (2, 4 and 6). The clutch function is operated by an electro-hydraulic control unit that ensures that one clutch is shut while the other is open, and vice versa. The two clutches thus operate alternately, with one engaging while the other disengages.
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Ford Plans $500M Investment in India Operations; Small Cars and Diesel Engines
January 08, 2008
Ford Motor Company plans to invest US$500 million to expand its India operations, reaffirming its commitment to developing and implementing an aggressive growth strategy in the country. The new investment will fund several new initiatives, including the expansion of Ford India’s current manufacturing facility in Chennai to begin production of a new small car within the next two years, and construction of a fully integrated and flexible engine manufacturing plant that will go online by 2010.
The new investment increases Ford’s total financial commitment in India to more than US$875 million, and underscores its plan to elevate India as one of the strategic production hubs for small cars in the Asia Pacific and Africa region.
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BMW to Show Diesel and Hybrid Models for US Market in Detroit
January 04, 2008
At the upcoming North American International Autoshow in Detroit (13-27 January), BMW will introduce two different approaches to more fuel efficient technology for the US market: the Advanced Diesel with Bluetec system, featured in the X5 xDrive35d and the 335d (earlier post) and the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid (earlier post).
The two Bin 5 compliant diesels are MY 2009 production vehicles, and will be on the market in all 50 states in the fall of 2008. BMW has already stated that the X6 will be the first BMW product to offer the two-mode hybrid technology. However, although the X6 is available with a diesel powerplant in Europe, the company has no plans to offer the X6 in the US with the diesel.
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