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[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.]
Chrysler Portfolio Segment Mix Shifting to Smaller, More Fuel Efficient Vehicles; 25% Improvement in Portfolio Fuel Economy by 2014
November 04, 2009
| Projected shift in volume and segment mix. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler’s worldwide product plan for 2010-2014 envisions a shift in its portfolio segment mix. Micro through mid-size vehicles will increase from 45% to 58% of volume, while large and full-size segments will decline from 55% to 42% of volume, said Joe Veltri, Vice President - Product Planning, Chrysler Group.
Chrysler estimates that diesel engines will represent 14% of its portfolio in 2014, compared to 9% in 2010. Four-cylinder gasoline engines will increase their share to 38% from 19%, Veltri said.
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New 2010 Opel Corsa ecoFLEX Offers More Power, Drops Fuel Consumption to 3.7L/100km, 98 gCO2/km
October 30, 2009
| The new Opel Corsa ecoFLEX debuts in January 20109. Click to enlarge. |
Starting in January 2010, the new Opel Corsa ecoFLEX will offer improved fuel economy with increased power compared to its model year 2009 predecessor. (Earlier post.) Powered by a 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI diesel engine boosted by a turbo with a variable geometry, the new Corsa ecoFLEX offers 28% more power than the previous generation Corsa ecoFLEX even though fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are cut by some 10%. The price is the same as the standard 90 hp Corsa 1.3 CDTI.
With N·m 190 of torque available between 1750 and 3250 rpm, the new Corsa ecoFLEX needs only 3.7 L/100 km (63.6 mpg US), releasing just 98 g/km CO2 as a three-door. The five-door Corsa emits 99 g/km. The 2009 model year Corsa ecoFLEX has a fuel consumption rating of 4.1 L/100km (57.4 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.
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SGL Group and BMW Group Establish Carbon Fiber-Joint Venture; BMW Will Use Output in the Megacity Vehicle
SGL Group and BMW Group have formed a 51:49 joint venture to manufacture carbon fibers and fabrics for the automotive industry. The joint venture will be operated through two companies, one based in North America (SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC), and the other in Germany (SGL Automotive Fibers GmbH & Co KG). The investments in the first stage of development for both production sites will be €90 million (US$134 million).
In the final stage of development, annual carbon fiber and fabric consumption is expected in the range of several thousand tons p.a. Construction of the production facilities will begin in 2010. Production is expected to start in the first half of the next decade. The transaction is subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities.
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Daimler Investing €600M in Center of Excellence for Compact Vehicles; To Begin Limited Series Production of A-Class E-CELL EV in 2010
October 23, 2009
| Powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO E-CELL, introduced in January 2009 in Detroit. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz is further expanding its center of excellence for compact vehicles by enlarging its Rastatt plant with an investment of €600 million (US$902 million). The first vehicles of the successor generation to the current A- and B-Class will roll off the assembly lines in Rastatt from the end of 2011.
From the end of 2010 production at the Rastatt plant will also be expanded with small series production of the battery-electric A-Class E-CELL. Daimler introduced three near-production Concept BlueZERO vehicles in January at the North American International Auto Show: the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive; the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell); and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and internal combustion engine as range extender. (Earlier post.)
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EU SARTRE Project Targets Autonomous Road Trains; Enhanced Safety and Lower Fuel Consumption
October 22, 2009
| An autonomous road train as envisioned by SARTRE. Click to enlarge. |
The new EU project SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) project will develop and test technology for vehicles that can drive themselves in long road trains on motorways. This technology has the potential to improve traffic flow and journey times, offer greater comfort to drivers, reduce accidents, and improve fuel consumption and hence lower CO2 emissions. The energy saving resulting from such a road train is expected to be in the region of 20%, depending upon vehicle spacing and geometry.
Part-funded by the European Commission under the Framework 7 program, SARTRE will be led by Ricardo UK Ltd and will be a collaboration between Idiada and Robotiker-Tecnalia of Spain; Institut für Kraftfahrwesen Aachen (IKA) of Germany; and SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Volvo Car Corporation and Volvo Technology of Sweden.
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UTEP Awarded Nearly $1.3M for 4 DOE Projects On Engine and Turbine Efficiency and CO2 Capture
The Department of Energy (DOE) recently awarded The University of Texas at El Paso grants totaling nearly $1.3 million for research to improve the efficiency of engines and creating technologies for detecting, capturing and storing carbon emissions.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Chintalapalle V. Ramana, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ahsan Choudhuri, Ph.D., will investigate improved materials for thermal barrier coatings, which help protect engine components and improve the efficiency of engines by allowing them to operate at higher temperatures. Ramana will develop nanostructured coatings for hydrogen turbines that have improved resistance to heat and heat-related corrosion.
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Secretary of the Navy Sets Target for 50% of Total Energy Consumption from Alternative Sources by 2020; Role for Biofuels and EVs
October 15, 2009
In a speech at the Naval Energy Forum, US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus set out five energy targets for the department to meet over the course of the next decade, including the overall goal of half of the total energy consumption for ships, aircraft, tanks, vehicles, and shore installations coming from alternative sources by 2020.
Another of the five goals is for the Department of the Navy to reduce petroleum use in its 50,000 strong commercial fleet by half by 2015. It will do that, Secretary Mabus said, by replacing the current fleet, as they go out of service, with a new composite fleet of flex fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles.
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Study Finds That Late Intake Valve Closing and Increased Intake Pressure Can Reduce NOx, Soot, HC, and CO Emissions Simultaneously in Diesel PCCI
October 14, 2009
| Summaries of the different effects of late IVC on engine emissions and performance from recent studies. (LIVC: late IVC; ←: advance; ↓decrease; ↑increase; – remain constant). Credit: ACS, Peng and Jia (2009). Click to enlarge. |
A study by a pair of researchers from the University of Sussex (UK) and Dalian University of Technology, China found that using late intake valve closing (IVC) in diesel PCCI (premixed charge compression ignition) engines, can, with the assistance of increasing intake pressure, reduce NOx, PM, HC, and CO emissions simultaneously.
A certain EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) rate and optimized SOI (start of injection) timing were always necessary to maintain satisfactory NOx and soot emissions for diesel PCCI combustion. Their paper was published online 14 October in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
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Study Finds That Higher Ethanol Blends Result in Improved Energy Efficiency in Flex-Fuel Engines, Partially Offsetting Reduced Energy Density of Fuel
October 12, 2009
| BTU per hp hr at 65 mph for the four ethanol blends. Source: Hanna et al. 2009. Click to enlarge. |
A study of flex-fuel vehicles operating on different ethanol blends (E10, E20, E30, and E85) found that higher ethanol blend ratios provide better energy conversion within the engine. The E85 fuel blend consumed fewer BTUs per mile than all other ethanol fuel blends evaluated.
This improved efficiency partially offsets the lower energy density of ethanol (BTUs per gallon), which results in higher fuel consumption. The research was funded in part by the Nebraska Corn Board and through the Hatch Act (University of Nebraska Agricultural Research Division). Additional support for the project was provided by the State of Nebraska Transportation Services Bureau and The Shop, Inc.
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BMW Outlines Intelligent Heat Management Applications for Reducing Fuel Consumption and CO2; New Thermoelectric Generator Unit Integrated with EGR
| Distribution of energy in the car. Click to enlarge. |
BMW dedicated a portion of its recent Innovation Days 2009 event to the topic of Intelligent Heat management as a mechanism for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Among the projects discussed were reducing cold starts; using waste heat for different heating applications in the car; and a new implementation of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) for waste heat recovery.
Even a highly efficient combustion engine converts only about one-third of the energy in the fuel into traction actually propelling the car. The remaining two-thirds are lost as waste heat going into the environment through the car’s exhaust emissions and through the radiator.
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Daihatsu to Exhibit the e:S Concept at Tokyo Motor Show; Minicar with Stop-Start System
| The Daihatsu e:S concept. Click to enlarge. |
Daihatsu Motor, Toyota Motor’s minicar specialist, will exhibit six concept cars of four different vehicle series and nine production vehicles along with new technologies at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show to be held from 24 October to 4 November.
One of those, the e:S (eco & smart) concept achieves high fuel efficiency of 30 km/liter [70.6 mpg US, 3.33 L/100 km] (10-15 test cycle, measured by Daihatsu) through improvements to existing technologies and the use of a start-stop system—i.e., keeping the cost down while providing fuel consumption competitive with hybrids. (Earlier post.)
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President Obama Orders Federal Agencies to Trim Greenhouse Gases; 30% Reduction in Fleet Petroleum Use by 2020
October 07, 2009
On 5 October, US President Barack Obama signed an executive order setting sustainability goals for federal agencies and improvements in their environmental, energy, and economic performance. The Executive Order requires federal agencies to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2020 within 90 days. It also requires federal agencies to increase their energy efficiency, reduce the petroleum consumption of their fleets, conserve water, reduce waste, support sustainable communities, and leverage their federal purchasing power to promote environmentally-responsible products and technologies.
The new Executive Order makes reducing greenhouse gas emissions a priority for the federal government, which occupies nearly 500,000 buildings, operates more than 600,000 vehicles, employs more than 1.8 million civilians, and purchases more than $500 billion per year in goods and services.
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New Study Shows Fleet Purchases of More Efficient, Lower-Carbon Vehicles Can Spur Major Decreases in Emissions and Fuel Consumption
The “greening” of corporate vehicle fleets presents an opportunity to move a substantial number of highly efficient, clean fuel vehicles onto the road in a relatively short timeframe with results that are both environmentally and economically positive, according to a new report by the Sustainable Transportation and Communities group at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit research organization.
In the report, The Economic and Environmental Impacts of a Corporate Fleet Vehicle Purchase Program, the group examines the economic and environmental contributions of converting corporate fleets from gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid vehicles.
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Delphi Showcases Advanced Powertrain and Vehicle Electrification Technologies at 18th Aachen Colloquium
October 05, 2009
At the 18th Aachen Colloquium of Automobile and Engine Technology this week (5-7 October), Delphi is highlighting a range of its technologies including advanced gasoline and diesel engine management systems, fuel handling systems, powertrain cooling solutions and hybrid and electric vehicle products.
On Tuesday, Delphi’s Dr. Detlev Schoeppe, technical director for Delphi Diesel Systems, will present a paper detailing Delphi’s developments in fuel injection equipment and control strategies for light-duty diesel engines, including the recent introduction of the Delphi Direct Acting Diesel Common Rail System (earlier post). The paper will demonstrate how the system meets the needs of future diesel powerplants that are being designed for high boost, high power density, low emissions, and low fuel consumption, says Dr. Schoeppe.
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Audi Combines Start-stop Function with Dual-Clutch Transmission on A3
Audi is now offering the its start-stop system in conjunction with an automatic transmission. The A3 1.6 TDI with 77 kW (105 hp) and the 1.4 TFSI with 92 kW (125 hp) combine, for the first time, the start-stop function with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. In September, Audi introduced new models of the A3 1.6 TDI featuring start-stop with a manual transmission. (Earlier post.)
The diesel 1.6 TDI A3 with automatic transmission consumes 4.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (56 mpg US); the gasoline 1.4 TFSI with automatic consumes 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (44.38 US mpg) of premium unleaded. The A3 1.6 TDI emits 109 grams of CO2 per kilometer (175 g/mile); the A3 1.4 TFSI emits 124 g/km (200 g/mile).
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National Labs Developing Methodology for Estimating Real World Fuel and Electricity Consumption of Plug-in Hybrids Based on Dynamometer Data
September 29, 2009
| NREL’s proposed adjustment method assumes that the increase in gasoline use during CD mode is the same as the increase calculated for CS mode. This works well for blended PHEVs that have lower electric power capabilities. Source: Gonder et al. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers from the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) are cooperating to develop and test a method for predicting the real-world fuel and electricity consumption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by adjusting dynamometer test results. After examining data on the only PHEV currently available in large numbers, the new adjustment method shows promise for reasonably predicting PHEV average fuel and electricity use, despite differences in design.
Current rules for conventional vehicles do not work for plug-in hybrids because the vehicles run on both electricity and gasoline; industry debate centers on the rules for estimating miles per gallon. This was highlighted by the reaction to GM’s announcement that the Chevy Volt would attain 230 mpg in the city cycle, given a single charge per day, along with combined cycle electricity consumption of 25 kWh/100 miles, based on a draft EPA methodology. (Earlier post.)
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Mazda to Debut Next-Generation Direct Injection Gasoline and Diesel Engines, Transmission and Kiyora Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2009
| The Kiyora Concept uses a 1.3-liter version of the new SKY-G gasoline direct injection engine and achieves fuel economy of 75 mpg US on the Japanese 10-15 cycle. Click to enlarge. |
Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its next-generation engine lineup and automatic transmissions at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, to be held from Saturday, 24 October through 4 November. Mazda will exhibit the Mazda SKY-G direct injection gasoline engine, the Mazda SKY-D advanced diesel engine and the Mazda SKY Drive high-efficiency automatic transmission.
The Tokyo Motor Show, to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, will also mark the Japan debut of the Kiyora concept car as an exhibit of Mazda’s next-generation environmental and safety technologies. Featuring the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction, the Kiyora achieves fuel economy of 32 kilometers per liter under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle (3.13 L/100km or 75 mpg US).
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Ford CEO Unveils New Figo for India Market and Export Sales, New Manufacturing Plant in China with Changan
September 25, 2009
| The Ford Figo. Click to enlarge. |
Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally revealed the new Ford Figo, the anticipated new car to be produced in India and targeted at the India and export market. Ford said that Mulally’s visit for the reveal underscores the strategic importance of India in Ford’s future plans.
The new Ford Figo will be manufactured at Ford’s expanded integrated manufacturing facility near Chennai, which is undergoing a $500 million transformation to become a regional center of excellence for Ford small car production. (Earlier post.) The investment is doubling production capacity to 200,000 units per year.
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Delphi Highlighting New Components and Systems for Improving Fuel Consumption in Spark Ignition Engines
September 24, 2009
| Spray stratified GDi. Click to enlarge. |
Delphi is highlighting new developments in the area of fuel injection systems, ignition, valve train and ancillary systems for improving fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions from spark ignition engines without what it calls the cost and risk of different technologies. The new systems are part of Delphi’s broad portfolio of powertrain technologies for gasoline, diesel, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.
Delphi’s portfolio of technologies for gasoline engines includes port fuel injection, homogeneous and stratified gasoline direct injection (GDi) and compressed natural gas (CNG), new Multi-Charge Ignition, and the new electrically driven cam phaser (e-Phaser).
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CPT VTES Electric Supercharger Selected for Two Projects
September 22, 2009
| The VTES unit (inset) and installed in the AVL VW Passat demonstrator. in Click to enlarge. |
Controlled Power Technologies’ VTES (Variable Torque Enhancement System) electric supercharger (earlier post) is being incorporated in a project by engine developer AVL (earlier post) and will also feature in the Ricardo-led £3 million (US$5-million) HyBoost program announced by the Technology Strategy Board on 9 September (earlier post). Both projects are seeking to maximize powertrain efficiency at the lowest possible cost.
VTES is an air-cooled Switched Reluctance machine, coupled to power electronics and an optimized radial compressor, that delivers high airflow, pressure and efficiency. The electric supercharger operates independently of engine speed, making it suitable to maintaining vehicle transient performance and driveability. The product is designed for integration into both Otto and Diesel engines to deliver enhanced torque, emissions control and CO2 reduction. VTES is optimized to use the standard 12V vehicle architecture.
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US DOT Awards $100M in Recovery Act Funds to 43 Transit Projects to Reduce Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding $100 million in Economic Recovery Act funding to 43 transit agencies for projects to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from both vehicles and facilities.
The 43 winning proposals were submitted by transit agencies from across the country as part of a nationwide competition for the $100 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds. Selection criteria included a project’s ability to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and also to provide a return on the investment. Other criteria included readiness to implement, applicant capacity, degree of innovation and national applicability. The Federal Transit Administration reviewed more than $2 billion in applications for these funds.
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NHTSA Modeling and Technology Projections Underlying the Proposed CAFE Target of 34.1 mpg by MY 2016
September 21, 2009
| Three of the NHTSA scenarios for penetration of technologies for passenger cars for MY 2016. Shown are slow growth (3%), the preferred proposed alternative, and the maximum potential. Data: Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis. Click to enlarge. |
On 15 Sep, NHTSA and the US EPA proposed a joint rulemaking on fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions for light duty vehicles: an average new car 34.1 mpg and 250 g CO2/mile for model year 2016. (The 250 g/mile of CO2 equivalent emissions limit by EPA is equivalent to 35.5 mpg if the automotive industry were to meet this CO2 level just through fuel economy improvements.) (Earlier post.)
Behind the targets is a significant amount of modeling, including revisions to certain aspects of the Volpe modeling process, such as the inputs, data, modeling techniques, and the constraints used in assessing appropriate stringency for future CAFE standards. In developing the proposed preferred alternative for the rulemaking, NHTSA also projected technology penetration and associated costs for the vehicle fleet. NHTSA details the modeling and the projections in the “Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis”, and the NHTSA/EPA “Draft Joint Technical Support Document”.
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Ford Bringing New 7-Seat C-MAX to North American Small Car Lineup in 2011
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| All-new, 7-seat Ford C-MAX. Click to enlarge. |
Ford will launch the all-new, 7-seat C-MAX, introduced this past week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in North America in late 2011 as a “whitespace” vehicle. (Earlier post.) C-MAX is the first of a new generation of Ford global C-cars scheduled for introduction during the next several years, including the next-generation Ford Focus. The new C-car architecture will underpin more than 2 million vehicles per year worldwide.
In North America, the C-MAX will be one of up to 10 unique models the company will create from an all-new global C-car platform developed under its One Ford strategy. The all-new, next-generation Ford Focus sedan and five-door hatchback models are scheduled to launch late in calendar year 2010 in the United States.
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ZF Developing Hybridizable Multi-ratio Transmission and Other Systems for Smaller Cars
September 20, 2009
| ZF is developing a hybridizable multi-ratio transmission for use with front-transverse drives. Click to enlarge. |
At the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA 2009), ZF is highlighting changes in its driveline and chassis technology to adapt to market requirements for smaller vehicles. ZF’s product range for this trend includes a new, hybridizable multi-ratio transmission currently under development for front-transverse drives; new damper technology; electric steering technology; and a lightweight chassis design.
Automatic transmissions for front-transverse drives. At the IAA 2009, ZF is exhibiting for the first time a multi-ratio transmission for vehicles with front-transverse drives. It is adapted to mid-size and smaller vehicle categories. Currently, ZF is working on an entire, modular front-transverse kit which can also be used with hybrid variants.
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Fiat, MINI and smart Beat 130 gCO2/km New Car Average in Europe for First Half of 2009
The average CO2 emissions figure on new Fiat cars sold in Europe during the first half of 2009 dropped 5.2 g/km to 129.1 g/km, according to an analysis by JATO Consult, the bespoke consulting service of JATO Dynamics. That makes Fiat the only mainstream car brand to achieve the European average goal of 130 g/km by 2015, five years early. The MINI and smart brands also came under the 130 g/km mark.
Overall, JATO found an average 6.2 g/km reduction in the CO2 output of new cars sold by the top 25 brands in Europe in 1H 2009, with a similar reduction measured in JATO’s 21 monitored EU markets. The figures underline how incremental improvements to high-volume vehicles can have an impact that far exceeds that of low-volume hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, JATO noted.
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Audi’s Downsized 1.2L TFSI for the A3 and A3 Sportback
September 17, 2009
Audi has introduced a new low-displacement turbocharged gasoline engine in the A3 model line. (Earlier post.) The 1.2L TFSI engine generates 77 kW (105 hp), with fuel consumption of 5.5 L/100km (42.8 mpg US); CO2 emissions are 127 g/km (204 g/mile).
Downsizing entails the replacement of engine displacement with turbocharging. The wholly redesigned 1.2 TFSI—which produces a specific power output of 87.7 hp per liter from 1,197 cc (73.05 cu. in.) of displacement—uses the same technologies as its siblings with 1.8 and 2.0 liters displacement.
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New Ford Focus ECOnetic with Start-Stop Targets 62 mpg US, 99 gCO2/km
September 16, 2009
| The 2010 Ford Focus ECOnetic. Click to enlarge. |
At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford of Europe introduced the new 2010 Focus ECOnetic. When equipped with a new optional Ford Auto-Start-Stop system that was previewed on the Ford iosis MAX Concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the 2010 Focus ECOnetic is targeting average combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km (62 mpg US) with CO2 emissions as low as 99 g/km.
Regardless of whether Auto-Start-Stop is specified, the Focus ECOnetic has Smart Regenerative Charging and Low Tension FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) technologies that are new to the Ford of Europe product line-up, and which combine to deliver lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. The standard Focus ECOnetic offers combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.0L/100km (59 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.
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Ford Debuts Four-Cylinder EcoBoost Engine Family at Frankfurt; 1.6L and 2.0L I-4s to Start, Smaller Displacement Engine to Follow
| 1.6L I-4 EcoBoost. Click to enlarge. |
Ford revealed further details of the upcoming four-cylinder versions of its turbocharged, gasoline direct-injected EcoBoost engine family (earlier post) at the Frankfurt Motor Show, prior to their first European production applications in 2010.
The all-new EcoBoost 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter (earlier post) I-4 engines combine turbocharging and direct-injection technology to deliver fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 20% versus conventional, larger-displacement gasoline engines with similar power output. At the same time, EcoBoost engines will deliver the off-the-line power and performance comparable to diesels.
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US EPA and NHTSA Jointly Propose New Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Regulations for Vehicles
September 15, 2009
| Greenhouse gas and fuel economy levels under the EPA NHTSA joint proposed rulemaking. Click to enlarge. |
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly proposed a rule establishing a national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. The proposal builds upon the core principles President Obama announced in May for a harmonized national policy intended to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all new cars and trucks sold in the US.(Earlier post.)
In this joint rulemaking, EPA and NHTSA are proposing two separate sets of attribute-based standards applying to passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles, covering model years 2012 through 2016, each under its respective statutory authorities:
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Volkswagen Unveils New One-Liter Concept Car; Smallest Production-Intent Diesel Yet from Volkswagen Applied in A Full Hybrid Design
| Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Volkswagen Brand Technical Development, in front of the Volkswagen Concept Car L1 in Frankfurt. Click to enlarge. |
Volkswagen unveiled the L1, its second-generation one-liter class concept car, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The diesel-electric full-hybrid vehicle, weighing just 380 kilograms (838 lbs), offers an initial glimpse at how a future production version might appear.
The “one-liter” designation refers to the design target of fuel consumption of 1 liter per 100 kilometers (235 mpg US). Volkswagen first revealed a one-liter concept at the annual meeting in 2002, then cancelled the project in 2005. (Earlier post.) In 2007, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn confirmed that VW was resurrecting the 1-liter car project and would place it in production. (Earlier post.)
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Study Finds Cash for Clunkers Program Boosted Average Fuel Economy of All Vehicles Purchased by 0.6 mpg in July and 0.7 mpg in August
September 12, 2009
| Average fuel economy of purchased new light-duty vehicles by month, including projection without the program. Source: Sivak and Schoettle 2009. Click to enlarge. |
A study by Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) concluded that the recently concluded Cash for Clunkers program improved the average fuel economy of all vehicles purchased by 0.6 mpg in July 2009 and 0.7 mpg in August 2009.
The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS)—“Cash for Clunkers”—gave buyers a rebate when they traded in a vehicle while purchasing a new one. Generally, the trade-in vehicles must have had fuel economy of 18 mpg or less and be less than 25 years old. The rebate was either $3,500 or $4,500, depending on the difference between the fuel economy of the new and the trade-in vehicles.
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Grail Engine Adopts Enerpulse Pulse Plugs for Forced Semi-Homogeneous Charged Compression Ignition in Concept Two-Stroke Engine
September 08, 2009
| Rendering of the Grail Engine. Click to enlarge. |
Grail Engine Technologies, the designer of a two-stroke engine using forced semi-homogeneous charged compression ignition (FS-HCCI) combustion, has adopted the Pulstar pulse plugs from Enerpulse (earlier post). The Pulstar product offers very high power spark discharge, on the order of 1MW, to accelerate combustion pressures enabling forced semi-homogeneous combustion for all conditions.
HCCI is a combustion regime in which well-mixed fuel, exhaust gas and air are compressed to the point of auto-ignition. Unlike a spark ignition gas engine or diesel engine, HCCI produces a low-temperature, flameless release of energy throughout the entire combustion chamber. All of the fuel in the chamber is burned simultaneously. HCCI combustion can deliver a very efficient engine, potentially providing a 20% to 30% boost in gasoline engine efficiency without the NOx or PM emissions of a diesel.
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Citroën Launches the New C3; 99 g CO2/km Model Available From Launch
September 04, 2009
| The new C3 with Zenith windshield. Click to enlarge. |
Citroën is launching the new version of the C3 supermini (earlier post)—a best-seller that has sold more than two million units since its introduction. (The C3 was also Citroën’s first production vehicle fitted with a stop-start system, beginning in 2004. Earlier post .)
Controlled weight and aerodynamics (Cd 0.30) contribute to management of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions; a 99 g/km HDi DPFS 90 diesel version is available from launch. This will be the first full production Citroën to emit less than 100 g CO2/km.
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Volkswagen to Premiere New Generation of Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion Models; Consumption As Low As 3.3 L/100km (71.3 mpg US)
September 02, 2009
| Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion, Polo BlueMotion and Golf BlueMotion. Click to enlarge. |
Volkswagen will introduce the new generation of the Polo BlueMotion, Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in two weeks.
All three Volkswagens are the most fuel-efficient models in their respective size classes, according to VW; all three are celebrating world premieres as production versions at the IAA; and all three can be ordered later this fall.
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Fiat Punto Evo To Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show; Start&Stop Standard, Dual Fuel Versions
August 31, 2009
| The Punto Evo. Click to enlarge. |
The Fiat Punto Evo, the evolution of the Grande Punto, will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The Punto Evo will offer a range of Euro 5 engines, including a 1.3 second-generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve-timing system developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and eventually to be incorporated in all Fiat Group engines. (Earlier post.)
The new Punto Evo also offers Start&Stop, the system that switches off and restarts the engine in stop-and-go traffic. Start&Stop is being introduced as standard on all Euro5 gasoline and diesel engines. Fiat is also offering methane and LPG units with the Punto Evo.
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Perspective: A View Into the New GM
August 30, 2009
by Bill Cooke
| The Saturn version of the two-mode plug-in hybrid at the Milford Proving Grounds. Click to enlarge. |
On 11 August, GM invited approximately 75 journalists and auto analysts to spend a day learning about the new GM. The day was split between a morning session at the GM tech center in Warren and an afternoon session at the GM proving grounds in Milford, MI.
The morning session started out with an hour long press conference, the highlight being the unveiling of the Volt’s 230 mpg preliminary EPA city fuel economy finding (earlier post), as well as a tour showing selected elements from the studios of the four GM North American brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac.
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Audi Introducing Three New Models at Frankfurt Show; New 1.2L A3, 3.0L TDI A4, and S5 Sportback
August 28, 2009
Audi will unveil three new vehicles at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show (IAA): the efficient A3 1.2 TFSI, the low-emission A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, and the S5 Sportback.
Audi A3 and A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI. Downsizing is a key element of Audi’s efficiency strategy. Designed from scratch, the new turbocharged, gasoline direct injection 1.2 TFSI generates 77 kW (105 hp) from a displacement of 1,197 cm3 (73.05 in3). Due to an aluminum crankcase, this four-cylinder engine weighs just 89.5 kilograms (197.31 pounds).
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New Zealand Will Not Implement Fuel Economy Standard
The government of New Zealand will not proceed with developing and implementing fuel economy standards as proposed by the previous government. (Earlier post.) Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the potential benefits of the scheme would have been outweighed by the cost to motorists.
While the details of the scheme were never confirmed, it would have meant that importers of less fuel-efficient vehicles would have needed to buy credits, and more fuel-efficient vehicles would have been awarded credits. The scheme was separate to the Emissions Trading Scheme.
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Freescale Offers New Electronic Control Solution for Small Combustion Engines
August 27, 2009
| Small engine system controls. Click to enlarge. |
Faced with worldwide emissions regulations and rising gas prices, the small engine market is migrating from mechanical carbureted systems to cleaner, more efficient electronic control and electronic fuel injection (EFI). To meet these requirements, Freescale has combined a highly integrated analog device with a 16-bit microcontroller (MCU) to provide a cost-effective platform solution for small engine control.
Target applications for Freescale’s small engine control platform include small-displacement two- and four-stroke engines used in motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and three-wheeled taxis. The platform is also ideal for small engine designs in a wide range of outdoor power equipment, such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, snow and leaf blowers, tillers, electrical generators and outboard motors.
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Cash for Clunkers By the Numbers
| Cash for Clunkers sales by manufacturer. Click to enlarge. |
The US Cash for Clunkers program (CARS) ended Tuesday night with 690,114 dealer transaction submitted worth $2,877.9 million. Eighty-four percent of consumers traded in trucks and 59% purchased passenger cars. The average fuel economy of the vehicles traded in was 15.8 mpg and the average fuel economy of vehicles purchased is 24.9 mpg: a 58% improvement. Cars purchased under the program are, on average, 19% above the average fuel economy of all new cars currently available.
With the end of transactions under the program, the Department of Transportation is augmenting a team that already includes more than 2,000 people processing dealer applications for rebates.
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Opel to Debut New Astra at Frankfurt; Improved Fuel Consumption Across the Line-up
August 25, 2009
| The Astra (left) and Ampera (right). Click to enlarge. |
Opel will debut the new Astra at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show; the company will also showcase the Ampera, Opel’s implementation of the Voltec extended range electric vehicle architecture. The Ampera made its global debut in march at the Geneva Motor Show. (Earlier post.)
The Astra powertrain line-up features eight engines with high specific power outputs (from 70 kW/95 hp to 132 kW/180 hp), low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. All engines meet the Euro 5 emission norms. Most come standard with six-speed manual transmissions, although five speeds are standard on the naturally-aspirated 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline and the 1.3 turbo diesel. A six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option with the 1.6, 1.4 Turbo and 1.6 Turbo gasoline engines and with the 2.0 turbo diesel motor.
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Citroën to Introduce the DS3 Supermini at Frankfurt; As Low as 99 gCO2/km for Diesel Model
August 24, 2009
| The DS3. Click to enlarge. |
Citroën will unveil the DS3 supermini—the first model from the new DS line—at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 next month.
The DS3 will be available with a choice of Euro V power plants consisting of two HDi diesel units and three BMW co-developed gasoline engines. The two HDi diesels—a 90 bhp (67 kW) and an 110 bhp (82 kW) unit—are fitted with Citroën’s DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System). The three gasoline engines—VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150—are fitted with either 5- or 6- speed manual gearboxes.
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BMW to Introduce 320d EfficientDynamics Edition at IAA; 109 g CO2/km
August 21, 2009
| The 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. Click to enlarge. |
BMW will introduce the new 320d EfficientDynamics Edition at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The sedan develops 163 hp (120 kW) between 3,500rpm to 4,200rpm and 360 N·m of torque from 1,750 rpm to 3,000rpm, with fuel consumption of 4.1 liters diesel/100 kilometers (57.4 mpg US) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometer in the EU test cycle.
Zero to 62mph performance is 8.2 seconds; acceleration in fifth gear from 50mph to 75mph takes 9.6 seconds. The car has a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).
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GM Daewoo Introduces New Matiz Creative Global Mini-Car
August 19, 2009
| The Matiz Creative. Click to enlarge. |
GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) introduced its all-new global mini-car, the Matiz Creative. The new mini will go on sale from 1 September. Based on GM’s global mini-vehicle architecture, the Matiz Creative took 27 months to develop, with an investment of KRW 295 billion (US$236 million).
Following its launch in Korea, the global mini will be sold in more than 150 markets around the world including those in Europe, Asia and North America. The global vehicle was put through more than 1 million kilometers of intensive durability tests, extreme weather tests, and crash tests worldwide.
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GM Developing New Concept for Emission Control for Lean-burn SIDI Engines: Passive Ammonia SCR
August 14, 2009
Engineers at GM’s R&D Center are developing a new low-cost concept for NOx control from lean-burn spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) engines: passive ammonia SCR.
Lean-burn (i.e., a high air-to-fuel ratio) SIDI (e.g., gasoline) engines, with a higher charge mass and higher temperature spread, can deliver improved thermal efficiency and better fuel economy. However, SIDI engines also have the potential for increased pollutant formation, and require either careful control of combustion for reduced engine-out emissions, or an exhaust after-treatment systems similar to those under development for diesel vehicles.
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Study Concludes Cash for Clunkers Program Is an Expensive Way to Reduce Carbon; Paying Nearly 10x the Projected Price of Carbon Credits
The federal government’s Cash for Clunkers aims to stimulate the economy, provide relief for automobile manufacturers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the program is paying nearly 10 times the projected price of carbon credits per ton in the best-case scenario, according to an analysis of the implied cost of carbon dioxide reductions under the program by UC Davis transportation economist Christopher Knittel.
While carbon credits are projected to sell in the US for about $28 per ton (current price in Europe is about $20), Knittel found that the best-case estimates of the cost of the clunkers rebate is $237 per ton. Conservative estimates resulted in an implied carbon cost exceeding $365 per ton, and more likely scenarios produced a cost of more than $500 per ton.
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Opel Reduces CO2 Emissions on Vivaro Combi ecoFLEX by 11%
August 12, 2009
| Opel’s Vivaro Combi ecoFLEX. Click to enlarge. |
Opel has introduced a new member to its ecoFLEX family: the Vivaro Combi ecoFLEX. With the 114 hp (85 kW) 2.0 CDTI engine and automated Easytronic six-speed manual transmission, the nine-seater consumes 7.4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (31.8 mpg US), a CO2 value of 194 g/km.
The ecoFLEX variant of the Vivaro reduces CO2 emissions by 19 grams and reduces fuel consumption by 0.6 liters per 100 km compared to the standard van.
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Advanced Turbocharged, Direct Injected Gasoline Engines Poised to Take on Diesels in US and in Europe for Reduced Fuel Consumption and Emissions
August 10, 2009
A confluence of technology developments, future emissions regulations and economic conditions will not only allow advanced light-duty spark-ignited gasoline engines to keep diesels at bay in the US market, but may also allow the gasoline units to push into the diesel-dominated medium-duty commercial truck and off-highway segments in the US, according to several presentations at the US Department of Energy’s 2009 Directions in Engine-Efficiency and Emissions Research (DEER) conference last week.
Additionally, suggested one of the speakers, advanced SIDI (spark-ignited, direct-injection) engines can take light-duty market share back from diesels in Europe based on the same trends.
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Ford Exec Cites US Energy Policies As Critical Factor in Shaping Future Vehicle Fleet, Calls for Cap-and-Trade Program
August 09, 2009
| Actual and projected greenhouse gas emissions for passenger vehicles by region/country through 2022. Adapted from ICCT. Click to enlarge. |
Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, pointed to the “key role” government policies such as fuel standards and greenhouse gas emission regulations, play in the development and support of Ford’s product and technology pathways. Cischke was speaking at the Center of Automotive Research’s Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City last week.
Cischke cited the recent agreement on one national standard for fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions regulations as an example of how the government, the auto industry and the environmental community can work together toward common goals. (Earlier post.) The agreement provides a framework to reach an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016.
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BorgWarner to Supply VTG Turbochargers for Deere Off-Road Engine Emission Compliance, Improved Fuel Economy
August 06, 2009
| BorgWarner VTG turbochargers are the first to help industrial diesel engines for the off-highway market meet new emissions regulations while improving fuel economy. Click to enlarge. |
BorgWarner will supply variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers to boost John Deere Power Systems Interim Tier 4/Stage III B PowerTech PVX and PowerTech PSX 4.5L, 6.8L and 13.5L diesel engines for agricultural, construction, forestry and OEM applications.
BorgWarner’s turbocharging technology helps these new industrial engines meet the more stringent Interim Tier 4/Stage III B regulations for off-highway applications. These regulations require up to a 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared with previous standards.
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Detroit Diesel Developing a Model-Based Controller for Real-Time Fuel Efficiency Optimization in a Heavy-Duty Diesel
August 05, 2009
A team of researchers from Detroit Diesel and Chris Atkinson, of Atkinson LLC, are developing, demonstrating and validating a next-generation, model-based diesel engine controller that can optimize fuel efficiency in real time in low-emissions heavy-duty diesel engines under fully transient engine operating conditions.
To meet increasingly stringent emission control standards, heavy-duty diesels have become increasingly complex. While a diesel engine in 1998 would typically have one actuator, noted Marc Allain in his presentation of the project at the DEER 2009 conference in Dearborn, engines for 2010 and beyond will have 7-8 actuators.
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Study Assesses Product Attribute Trade-offs and Technological Progress; Meeting Proposed Obama Fuel Economy Standards Will Require Downsizing and Change in Fleet Mix
August 02, 2009
| Changes in the attributes (clockwise from upper left, weight, power, fuel economy and torque) of the Honda Accord over time as an example of fleet trends in the US. Knittel, 2009. Click to enlarge. |
Based on detailed model-level data for US light-duty vehicles from 1980 to 2006, a recent analysis by a UC Davis researcher found that if weight, horsepower and torque had been held at their 1980 levels, fuel economy for both passenger cars and light trucks could have increased by nearly 50% from 1980 to 2006. In contrast, fuel economy actually increased by 15% during that period.
Christopher Knittel, of the UC Davis Department of Economics and Institute of Transportation Studies, developed a model to examine the technical relationship between vehicle weight, engine power and fuel economy—to which he refers as a production possibilities frontier (PPF)—and how this PPF shifts out over time. As part of the study, Knittel also investigated the relative efficiencies of manufacturers. He found that:
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Ricardo Launches Consortium to Evaluate Lubricant Challenges of Future Low Carbon Engine Technologies
July 30, 2009
Ricardo has launched a new consortium to evaluate the lubricant innovations required to enable implementation of many very promising low-friction and high-efficiency engine technologies and increasing use of biofuels.
While previous advances in engine technology have been based on separate and parallel developments by the fuels and lubricants industries, it is increasingly apparent that further significant improvements in diesel and gasoline engine fuel economy will require an integrated approach between automakers, Tier 1 equipment providers, oil companies and lubricant additive manufacturers, Ricardo said.
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Study Finds Both Unemployment Rate and Fuel Price Influence Buyers’ Decisions on Fuel Economy of Vehicles Purchased
July 22, 2009
From October 2007 to April 2009, the average fuel economy of purchased new light-duty vehicles improved from 20.2 mpg US (11.6 L/100km) in October 2007 to 21.3 mpg (11 L/100km) in April 2009. A new study by a two researchers at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) found that during this period both the unemployment rate and the cost of gasoline influenced buyers’ decisions concerning the fuel economy of vehicles purchased.
During the same period, the volume of sales plummeted. Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle also found that while there was a significant negative relationship between the unemployment rate and the number of vehicles purchased, the price of gasoline did not have a major impact.
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DfT Publishes Ricardo Report on Technology Options for Reducing CO2 Emissions from Heavy Goods Vehicles; Focus on Vehicles, Powertrains and Fuels
July 18, 2009
| Representation of cost vs. benefit of low-carbon HGV technologies. Source: Ricardo/DfT. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Department for Transport has published a report prepared by Ricardo on the potential of various technologies for reducing CO2 emissions that are applicable to the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector. HGVs (goods transport vehicles with >3.5t GVW) represent 24% and vans 12% of total UK road transport greenhouse gas emissions.
The report presents an analysis of a number of HGV technologies with carbon saving potential and evaluates these technologies in terms of CO2 benefits, technology costs, environmental costs arising from production of the technology, safety and other limitations, and the maturity of the technology within the market. The report then summarizes which technologies are the most promising in terms of CO2 benefits when all these other factors are taken into consideration.
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GKN Driveline Says Countertrack Constant Velocity Joint Technology Saves Fuel
July 17, 2009
| GKN Driveline countertrack technology for fixed joints. Top: sideshaft SX CVJ. Bottom: propshaft PX CVJ. Click to enlarge. |
GKN Driveline’s new constant velocity joint (CVJ) technology “countertrack” offers potential for fuel savings, according to the company. CVJs allow the transmission of power through a variable angle at constant rotational speed; they are used on both ends of front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts and also in other vehicle applications as well. Most vehicles today have two CVJ driveshafts per vehicle and some SUVs have up to seven.
GKN cited independent engineering analysis showing the countertrack technology improves fuel economy by an average of 0.2 mpg US on a typical FWD mid-size vehicle, resulting in a CO2 emission reduction of 1g/km. For special vehicle segments such as SUVs, GKN said that case studies have shown that countertrack technology can lead to CO2 emission reductions of 3g/km and more.
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GM Brazil to Invest R$2B in Expansion and New Line of Chevrolet Small Cars
July 16, 2009
General Motors Brazil will invest R$2 billion (US$1.033 billion) to launch a new Chevrolet line of vehicles and to expand its plant in Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul. The investment is the largest made by the company in its 84 years in Brazil.
Included in the investment program is the renewal of the current line of Chevrolet vehicles in 2012, and the launch of a new line of small cars (two models) for Brazil and emerging markets—“Project Onyx.”
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UK Publishes Strategy for Low Carbon Transport
July 15, 2009
The UK’s Department for Transport has published a strategy designed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from the transport sector by around 14% (17.7 million tonnes) by 2020 compared to 2008.
The document, entitled “Low carbon transport: a greener future”, also frames the debate for a longer-term decarbonization of transport to give people and businesses more low-carbon choices about when, where and how to travel or transport goods. Transport currently makes up 21% of all UK domestic carbon emissions. The Carbon Reduction Strategy for Transport is based on three main themes:
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Audi’s A4 2.0 TDIe: 4.6L/100km (51 mpg US) and 120 g CO2/km; Stop/Start and Energy Recuperation
July 10, 2009
| The A4 2.0 TDIe. Click to enlarge. |
Audi has introduced its fuel-consumption optimized version of the A4 mid-size sedan, the A4 2.0L TDIe, in Europe. Noted by Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management in his talk at the 120th Annual General Meeting of Audi AG in May, the A4 TDIe consumes an average 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (51.13 miles per gallon US gallon) and consequently emits 120 g CO2/km.
The A4 Saloon TDIe adopts the 100 kW (134 hp) 2.0-liter TDI engine first seen in A6 TDIe. (Earlier post.) The turbocharged diesel features high pressure common rail injection and incorporates stop/start and energy recuperation systems. Further fuel savings come from grille and under-body modifications to enhance aerodynamics.
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UPS Adopts Plan to Cut Its Airline Carbon Emissions An Additional 20% by 2020; Biofuels Part of the Plan
July 08, 2009
| UPS Airlines CO2 emissions per Available Ton Mile, historical and targeted. Click to enlarge. |
UPS has adopted a plan to cut the carbon emissions of its airline by an additional 20% by 2020 to 1.24 CO2 lbs/ATM (Available Ton Mile), for a cumulative reduction of 42% since 1990. UPS intends to achieve its 2020 airline goals by:
- Investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft types and engines;
- Fuel-saving operational initiatives, such as lower flight speeds; reduced flight segments, where viable; computer-optimized flight plans; computer-managed aircraft taxi times; and jet engine washing; and
- The introduction of biofuels, which UPS says it believes will be available before 2020.
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Nissan Launches Intelligent Driver Project in UK; First Such Outside of Japan
June 26, 2009
Nissan has launched the Nissan Intelligent Driver Project (NIDP): an eight-month study of drivers in the United Kingdom (UK) beginning this month that uses satellite navigation systems, mobile phone technology and advanced vehicle telematics to analyse driving habits and suggest ways of improving fuel economy. Reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 are the two main targets behind the project.
In a similar trial in Japan, drivers reduced fuel usage by an average of 18%, with comparable reductions in CO2 emissions. It led to savings at the pump of an estimated €350 (US$492) per year. If similar improvements can be realized in Europe, the results would make a significant contribution to the development of these features in next-generation Information Technology (IT) & Telematics systems.
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California Adopts Cooler Cars Regulation
| Infrared reflective glass is the more efficient—and costly—technology for reducing vehicle cabin temperature. Click to enlarge. |
The California Air Resources Board adopted a regulation that will require new cars sold in California starting in 2012 to have windows that reflect or absorb heat-producing rays from the sun. This will help keep cars cooler, increase their fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cooler cars mean less air conditioning thereby increasing fuel efficiency and preventing about 700,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere in 2020—roughly the equivalent of taking 140,000 cars off the road for a year.
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BMW Technology Day 2009: Focus on Aerodynamics, Two New Engines and 8-Speed Transmission
June 25, 2009
| The new 3.0-liter gaosline engine combines turbocharging, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC for the first time. Click to enlarge. |
For its Technology Day 2009 in Germany, BMW focused on describing its work with aerodyanmics, engines and transmissions in the context of its EfficientDyanmics development strategy.
The company presented the capabilities of its Aerodynamic Test Center and Aerolab; a new 3.0-liter gasoline unit combining turbocharging, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC fully-variable valve management; a new 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel with 2,000-bar injection pressure; and an 8-speed automatic transmission that can also be used in a hybrid application.
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First Three Conditional Loan Commitments Under DOE’s ATVM Program go to Ford Motor Company, Nissan Motors and Tesla Motors
June 23, 2009
The Obama Administration is awarding $8 billion in three conditional loan commitments for the development of innovative, advanced vehicle technologies: $5.9 billion for Ford Motor Company; $1.6 billion to Nissan North America, Inc.; and $465 million to Tesla Motors.
These are the first conditional loan commitments reached as part of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program. The Department plans to make additional loans under this program over the next several months to large and small auto manufacturers and parts suppliers up and down the production chain.
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University of Michigan Report Finds Focus on Fuel Economy Would Be Very Profitable for Detroit 3; Says Rapid, Wide-Reaching Change in Business Models Required for Turnaround
| According to the study, higher fuel economy standards would benefit the Detroit 3 automakers the most. Source: McManus and Kleinbaum. Click to enlarge. |
A new report released by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) analyzes critical choices faced by automakers and finds that broad, deep, fast change is necessary for success in the context of the worst financial crisis in the history of the domestic automobile industry.
According to the report, “Fixing Detroit: How Far, How Fast, How Fuel Efficient?” successful turnarounds hinge on rapid cultural transformation, which requires replacement of management teams. Further, the report finds that the existing culture within the domestic auto companies systematically underestimates the value of fuel economy, which has crippled profitability.
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Integral Powertrain Developing New Variable Ratio Drive B-ISG System for Stop-Start Applications
June 18, 2009
| A variable ratio pulley allows improvements in cost and functionality. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based engineering consultancy Integral Powertrain has developed a new generation of belt-integrated starter generator (B-ISG systems) for stop-start applications using a new multi-mode, variable ratio drive pulley. The company anticipates that the total CO2 reduction achieved by the system will be greater than that possible with current B-ISG systems.
The core of the new system is the Variable Ratio Pulley, which packages a two-ratio epicyclic gearbox into the belt drive pulley hub. To start the engine, the high ratio (3.1:1 in the development system) is engaged to substantially reduce the torque requirement, allowing a medium-sized diesel engine to be cranked without the need for a high belt tension and the associated friction and wear.
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Argonne Study Examines Impact of Real World Drive Cycles on Efficiency and Cost of Different PHEV Configurations
June 11, 2009
Results from a study by Argonne National Laboratory on the impact of real world drive cycles on the fuel efficiency and cost of different plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configurations suggest that while different PHEV configurations all demonstrate great potential for displacing petroleum use (with fuel displacement increasing linearly with available electrical energy), the relative benefits of adding more battery capacity seem to decrease with increasing pack size.
Aymeric Rousseau, program manager at Argonne, presented a small slice of this wide study at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference 2009 (AABC) this week in Long Beach.
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DOE to Fund Up to $240M for Class 8 Supertruck and Advanced Technology Light-Duty Powertrains
June 10, 2009
The US Department of Energy will provide up to $240 million in funding for research projects in two specific areas of interest: (1) developing systems for and demonstrating a 50% total increase in vehicle freight efficiency measured in ton-miles per gallon in Class 8 trucks (Supertruck); and (2) accelerating the development of cost-competitive engine and powertrain systems for light-duty vehicles capable of attaining at least a 25% fuel economy improvement for gasoline-fueled vehicles and at least 40% fuel economy improvement for diesel-fueled vehicles while meeting future emissions standards (ATP-LD). Measured fuel economy improvements cannot factor in a hybrid system.
Projects under this funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0000079) will be financed, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Applications are due by 9 September 2009.
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UK LowCVP Launches ‘Technology Challenge’ to Accelerate Low Carbon Vehicle Innovation; Libralato Engines First Registrant
June 08, 2009
| The first registrant in the Challenge is Libralato Engines, developer of a novel rotary engine (cutaway shown) promising a 5.5% gain in combustion efficiency and 50% reduction in NOx emissions. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership is launching a Technology Challenge to provide a platform for promising innovations to be showcased to senior managers and directors of the component and vehicle manufacturers. The LowCVP is calling on UK innovators to submit creative concepts with the potential to cut emissions from road vehicles without the need for radical new infrastructure. The target of the Challenge is mainstream passenger cars producing less than 80 g CO2/km.
The LowCVP Technology Challenge is supported by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and with an associated media partner, Cleantech Investor.
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Oil Drum Licenses On-Board Hydrogen Generator for Baltic States
June 03, 2009
University of Kent (UK) spin-off Oil Drum Ltd, has signed a licensing deal with UAB Hydro2 that will enable its on-board hydrogen generator technology to be manufactured, sold and installed in the Baltic States. The deal will allow UAB Hydro2 to manufacture, sell and install the Save-Fuel On Demand Hydrogen Technology for the truck, bus and coach industries in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
The retrofit device reduces fuel consumption by adding hydrogen, produced by electrolysis, into the engine via the air intake of the vehicle before the combustion process. As a result the engine burns fuel more efficiently and produces less particulate emissions and reduces the vehicle’s environmental impact.
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Waggling Air Flow Sideways Over Wings Could Cut Aircraft Fuel Consumption And Emissions by 20%
May 25, 2009
Aircraft wings which redirect air to waggle sideways over their surfaces could significantly reduce drag and thus cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20%, according to researchers at the University of Warwick (UK). The new approach, which promises to dramatically reduce mid-flight drag, exploits Helmholtz resonance—the same phenomenon that happens when blowing over a bottle—to produce micro-scale jet flows in response to turbulent noise.
The main contributor to aerodynamic drag, and thus fuel consumption and emissions, is fine-scale turbulence that exists very near to the aircraft’s surface during cruise. The Turbulence Flow Control group at the University of Warwick has been studying non-powered (passive) flow control actuators as a means of reducing drag for some time, with the goal of developing flow-control technologies capable of major drag reductions on passenger jet aircraft.
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Controlled Power Introduces 12V Belt-Driven Integrated Starter Generator for Cars with Diesels
May 20, 2009
| Left: The SpeedStart B-ISG. Right: Installation in Volvo demonstrator with INA damper. Source: CPT. Click to enlarge. |
Controlled Power Technologies has developed the first belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator (B-ISG) to use a conventional 12-volt vehicle electrical system with the high power output necessary to provide excellent stop-start functionality on the majority of European cars equipped with diesel as well as gasoline engines.
The CPT SpeedStart B-ISG system can deliver up to a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions over the New European Drive Cycle when integrated into a modern powertrain, with the potential for even greater savings in real world urban driving situations.
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Obama Announces New National Fuel Policy; Two Harmonized Standards, with Fleet Average of 35.5 mpg, 250 gCO2/mile by 2016
May 19, 2009
US President Barack Obama today announced a new harmonized national policy intended to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all new cars and trucks sold in the US. The resulting new standards will cover model years 2012-2016, and will require an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016 (39 mpg for cars, 30 mpg for trucks), or approximately 250 grams CO2/mile. The CAFE program established by the EISA 2007 legislation specified a minimum 35 mpg in 2020.
However, there will not be an exact one-to-one correspondence between the two standards—GHG and fuel economy—which will be the foundation of the national program.
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GM Quantifies CO2 and Fuel Consumption Reductions Via E-REVs And PHEVs, As Compared To “Conventional” Hybrids
May 16, 2009
by Jack Rosebro
| Energy sources, paths, storage media, and propulsion systems available or in development. “FCEV” refers to all fuel cell vehicles, including E-REVs and fuel cell hybrids. Adapted from Tate et al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
General Motors has released a white paper that evaluates the CO2 reduction potential of extended-range electric vehicles (E-REVs) as well as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), in combination with multiple vehicle charging scenarios, as compared to conventional hybrids. The paper was presented by authors Ed Tate and Peter Savagian at last month’s SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit.
In the paper, the GM team broke down CO2 and fuel consumption reduction potentials into several categories:
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Volkswagen Emphasizes Downsizing at 30th Vienna Engine Symposium; Highlights 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI
May 14, 2009
| The new 1.6-liter TDI. Click to enlarge. |
Continuing to emphasize a downsizing approach, Volkswagen presented two new engines at the at the 30th Vienna Engine Symposium (7-8 May): the 1.2-liter TSI gasoline engine and the 1.6-liter TDI diesel. Both engines will be available to order for the new Polo and the Golf this year. (Earlier post.)
Due to its modular structure, the 1.6-liter TDI engine will serve as a basis for all future four-cylinder diesel engines of Volkswagen.
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Sentience Project Intelligent Automotive Air Conditioning Control System Delivers Fuel Savings in Excess of 9% in Urban Cycle
May 11, 2009
| The Sentience project vehicle. Click to enlarge. |
Testing of an intelligent air conditioning control system integrated with a hybrid powertrain as part of the UK’s Sentience project (earlier post)—showed that, under conditions representative of UK summer weather, the new system consistently delivers fuel savings in excess of 9% over the urban portion of the NEDC drive cycle.
Sentience is a research collaboration led by Ricardo, and also involves Jaguar-Land Rover, TRL (Transport Research Laboratory), Ordnance Survey and Orange Business Services, with part-funding provided by innovITS, the UK center of excellence for intelligent transport systems and sustainable mobility.
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Audi Adds Start-Stop System, On-Board Computer with Efficiency Program; Targeting 20% Drop in Fuel Consumption by 2012
May 07, 2009
| Audi start-stop system display. Click to enlarge. |
Beginning in the second quarter of 2009, Audi will add a start-stop system and an on-board computer with an efficiency program to what it calls its modular efficiency platform. These new technologies complement the energy recovery system, already standard on many Audi models, which feeds energy back into the vehicle’s electrical system during deceleration phases.
The modular efficiency platform focuses on the further development of powertrain and transmission technologies, and the recovery and storage of mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Audi also employs a number of measures to minimize driving resistance and optimize aerodynamics. By 2012 Audi plans to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20% compared with the 2007 level.
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Ford Investing $550M to Retool SUV Plant to Produce Focus Small Car and EV
May 06, 2009
Ford Motor Company is investing $550 million to transform its Michigan Assembly Plant into a flexible manufacturing complex that will build Ford’s next-generation Focus global small car along with a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market. (Earlier post.) The 2.866 million square-foot plant was built in 1957.
The plant, formerly the Michigan Truck Plant and the production site for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigators SUVs, is one of three North American light truck plants Ford is retooling to build fuel-efficient global small cars in the coming years. The new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year and the battery-electric version of the Focus—Ford’s first all-electric passenger car—debuts in 2011.
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Transonic Combustion Completes New Round of Venture Funding
Start-up Transonic Combustion, Inc., has raised a C-round of equity funding. Existing investors Venrock, Khosla Ventures, Rustic Canyon Partners and Saints Capital all increased their support of Transonic in the round.
Transonic Combustion is developing an advanced lean combustion process and associated gasoline fuel injection system which it projects will enable practical 100 mpg cars. The patented combustion process remains stable well above a 200:1 air/fuel ratio and can support vehicle cruise power at a 100:1 air/fuel ratio.
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Controlled Power Technologies and AVL Collaborate on Advanced Direct Injection Gasoline Engine Demonstrator
May 05, 2009
| CPT electric VTES installed in AVL demonstrator. Click to enlarge. |
Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) and AVL List GmbH (AVL) have developed a gasoline engine that retains all the traditional cost, weight, NVH refinement and emission benefits as well as the fun-to-drive factor, while reducing CO2 levels to that of an equivalent diesel powertrain.
The AVL demonstrator vehicle incorporates an advanced 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI), double cam phasing and single-scroll, waste-gated turbocharger to deliver high power and torque outputs of 200 PS (197 hp, 147 kW) and 400 N·m (295 lb-ft) respectively.
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BMW Study on Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery Shows Potential Additional 10% Power Output at Highway Speeds
May 03, 2009
| Energy utilization vs. complexity of different heat recovery systems. In this study, BMW focused on Rankine A (exhaust gas only) and Rankine B (exhaust gas and coolant). Adapted from Ringler et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
BMW is exploring two pathways for waste heat recovery in vehicles: one thermoelectric, the other thermodynamic. In 2005, BMW Group Research and Engineering announced it was developing a steam-powered auxiliary drive—the Turbosteamer—to use the waste heat present in the exhaust gases and cooling system from a conventional gasoline engine as its source of power. The long-term development goal articulated at the time was to have a system capable of volume production within ten years.(Earlier post.)
At the recent SAE 2009 World Congress, BMW presented an analysis of two basic configurations of the Rankine cycle applied to a thermodynamic heat recovery system for a four-cylinder combustion engine. Based on bench test measurements, BMW has concluded that waste heat recovery can provide an additional power output of about 10% at typical highway cruising speeds.
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The Long View from SAE 2009 World Congress
April 29, 2009
by Bill Cooke
On 20 April, the opening day of the SAE 2009 World Congress, the AVL Technology Leadership Theater presented a forum on “Green Mobility—The Long View”. Organized by Shane Chang at Honda Research Institute USA Inc., the session counted among its panelists:
Professor John Heywood, Sun Jae Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Sloan Auto Laboratory at MIT. Dr. Heywood recently co-authored a study called “On The Road in 2035—Reducing Petroleum Consumption and GHG Emissions.”
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Ford E85 Direct Injection Boosting Study: A Less Expensive Alternative to Diesel
April 26, 2009
Using a separate E85 direct injection boosting system combined with gasoline port fuel injection (PFI) makes the engine more efficient in its use of gasoline, and can be viewed as a more cost-effective alternative to a modern diesel, according to a Ford study presented by Robert Stein, currently of AVL, formerly of Ford, at the SAE 2009 World Congress.
Proposed by John Heywood and colleagues at MIT in 2005, the basic premise of E85 boosting is that ethanol (or other lower alcohols) suppresses knock due to the large evaporative cooling effect it has on the air-fuel mixture when injected directly into the cylinder, supplemented by ethanol’s inherent high octane number. Using the E85 boosting concept requires two fuel tanks and vehicle owner acceptance of dual fueling.
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New 2.0L Diesel Opel Insignia ecoFLEX: 136 g CO2/km
April 20, 2009
| The Opel Insignia EcoFLEX. Click to enlarge. |
The new ecoFLEX version of the Opel Insignia features a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with an output of 118 kW (160 hp) and a maximum 380 N·m (280 lb-ft) of torque with overboost, with emissions of 136 g CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.2 L/100km (45 mpg US) on the MVEG/NEDC cycle.
The Insignia ecoFLEX accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 221 km/h (137 mph). The maximum torque of 350 N·m is available from 1,750 rpm, and can be temporarily increased for 15 seconds to 380 N·m via an ‘overboost’ function.
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Grand Prize Combustion-Engine Winner at 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas Achieves 2,757.1 MPG
April 19, 2009
| Some of the vehicles in the 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas. Click to enlarge. |
The student team from Laval University (Quebec, Canada) took the grand prize in the “Prototype” category at the 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas, held 15-18 April at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA, with 2,757.1 miles per gallon (0.085 L/100km). The team from Mater Dei High School (Evansville, Ind.) took the grand prize in the new “UrbanConcept” by achieving 433.3 mpg (0.543 L/100km).
More than 500 students in 44 participating teams participated in the event, a challenge for students to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. The 44 teams were from six high schools and 29 universities from North and South America, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States. Additionally, a guest team from India joined the roster with a Prototype vehicle.
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Toyota Brings New Gasoline and Diesel Engines With Optimal Drive Technology to the Auris
April 17, 2009
| Toyota Auris. Click to enlarge. |
Following on its introduction late last year of the Toyota Optimal Drive 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i engine with Stop & Start (earlier post), the Toyota Auris is now gaining the new 1.6-liter Valvematic gasoline engine and revised versions of the 1.4 and 2.0 D-4D and 2.2 D-CAT 180 diesel units.
Toyota launched the Auris—a strategic compact passenger vehicle for both Japan and Europe—in Japan in 2006 and Europe in 2007. (Earlier post.) Since its debut, it has become one of Toyota’s top models. Cumulative sales in Europe reached 318,236 units by the end of 2008.
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IIHS Says Its Crash Test Study Suggests Small Cars Can’t Protect People in Front-to-Front Crashes as Well as Bigger, Heavier Models
April 14, 2009
Three 40 mph car-to-car front-to-front crash tests, each involving a microcar or minicar into a midsize model from the same manufacturer, indicate that extra vehicle size and weight enhance occupant protection in such collisions, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which ran the testing. A summary of the study is published in the 14 April IIHS Status Report.
The choice of midsize cars reveals how much influence some extra size and weight can have on crash outcomes, the Institute said. The Institute chose pairs of 2009 models from Daimler, Honda, and Toyota because these automakers have micro and mini models that earn good frontal crashworthiness ratings, based on the Institute’s offset test into a deformable barrier.
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European Investment Bank Approves €866M in Loans for Cleaner Cars; Majority to Nissan and Jaguar
April 12, 2009
The European Investment Bank Board of Directors last week approved loans worth a total of €866 million (US$1.14 billion) to European-based car makers to help design and build cleaner cars with lower CO2 emissions. The loans include €400 million to Nissan’s European operations to develop and build more fuel-efficient vehicles in the United Kingdom and Spain, and €366 million to Jaguar Land Rover to help cut vehicle emissions.
Autocar reported that Jaguar will use the EIB funding to build an extended range electric vehicle based on the next-generation XJ. In May 2008, Jaguar Land Rover received funding from the UK government in support of the development of a number of clean vehicle projects through partnerships with suppliers, government agencies, and universities. These included the extended range electric vehicle; a flywheel hybrid system for premium vehicles; “Limo-Green” and other lightweighting and lower-emitting powertrain projects. (Earlier post.)
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111 Teams Officially Registered for Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE
April 08, 2009
| Distribution of entries by fuel sources. Click to enlarge. |
The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles, announced its official list of 111 Registered Teams. Having passed this first judging hurdle, these teams now move one step closer to competing for their share of the $10-million prize purse that will be awarded to teams that win a rigorous long distance stage competition and can exceed 100 mpg US equivalent fuel economy (MPGe).
The teams, which collectively represent 136 vehicle entries with 14 different fuel sources, include diverse groups from 25 US states and 11 countries. Established automakers, emerging start-ups, universities and inventors are among those represented. Six of the Registered Teams remain confidential.
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All Western European Countries Will Have CO2-Related Car Taxation This Year; European Auto Industry Urges Harmonization of Schemes
April 07, 2009
The number of EU countries with CO2-related car taxation rose to 15 in 2008. With Germany set to introduce CO2-related taxation in July of 2009, all Western European countries levy passenger car taxes that are partially or totally based on the car’s carbon dioxide emissions and/or fuel consumption, completing a trend that peaked in 2007 and 2008, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association’s (ACEA) Tax Guide 2008 published this week.
Romania was the first and so far only Eastern European Member State to introduce CO2-related taxation last year as part of a more comprehensive overhaul of vehicle taxation in the country. In most Central and Eastern European countries, the main concern of policy makers remains to reduce the level of old vehicles on the streets with pollutant emission standards of below Euro 3.
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GM Opel Cuts CO2 from 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira Van 9% to Below 140 g/km
April 06, 2009
| The 1.7 CDTI Zafira. Click to enlarge. |
Opel has improved the efficiency of its 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira seven-seat van, reducing the CO2 emissions by nearly 9% to 139 g/km, with fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100km (44.4 mpg US).
The 1.7-liter diesel with 81 kW (110 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque available from 2,000 to 2,300 rpm is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The ecoFLEX Zafira reaches a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.5 sec.
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McKinsey Report Finds 47% Reduction in Global Automotive Emissions Feasible by 2030; Timely Action By All Stakeholders Required
| Global passenger vehicle CO2 emissions and abatement potential under three primary scenarios. Source: McKinsey. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by management consultants McKinsey & Company estimates that an integrated approach to carbon abatement in the automotive sector, much of it using proven technologies, could reduce global passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 47% (2.2 gigatons) relative to a ‘do nothing’ scenario, even in the context of ongoing growth in the global vehicle parc.
Without action, carbon emissions from the use of passenger vehicles are projected to increase by 54% (1.8 gigatons) between 2006 and 2030, fueled by a growing number of cars on the road (from 730 million to 1.3 billion).
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Energy Learning Curve Survey Finds Americans Support Wide Array of Proposed Energy Policies, But Are Not Yet Ready to Make Tradeoffs
April 05, 2009
At least 10 major energy proposals that would provide incentives for energy efficiency, reduce gasoline usage and support alternative energy have the support of more than two-thirds of Americans, according to a new survey, “The Energy Learning Curve” released by Public Agenda, an opinion research and citizen engagement organization.
However, the survey also found that the public may not yet be prepared for the tradeoffs and challenges needed to make these proposals a reality, with majorities rejecting measures such as a floor on gasoline prices, congestion charges, or higher fuel taxes.
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NHTSA Sets MY 2011 CAFE Standards; Estimates Industry-Wide 27.3 mpg
March 27, 2009
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has set the model year 2011 CAFE standards, which it estimates will raise the industry-wide combined light-duty vehicle fuel economy average to 27.3 mpg, save 887 million gallons of fuel over the lifetime of the MY 2011 cars and light trucks, and reduce CO2 emissions by 8.3 million metric tons during that period.
In one of his first official acts in office in January, President Obama requested a final order for federal fuel economy standards for only model year 2011, with further consideration and analysis to occur prior to issuing rules for subsequent model years. The MY 2011 standards issued by NHTSA in response to that request rely heavily on the analysis and proposals in a final draft rule prepared, but not released, last fall. (Earlier post.)
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New Engines for the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé: More Power, Less CO2
March 25, 2009
| The newly developed and modified four-cylinder powerplants have a higher output, despite the reduction in displacement. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz is offering five newly developed and modified engines—four of them with direct injection—for the new E-Class Coupé, offering more power with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than their predecessors. Included in the lineup are four-, six- and eight-cylinder diesel and gasoline powerplants with outputs ranging from 150 kW/204 hp to 285 kW/ 388 hp. All of the engines for the new E-Class Coupé are EU5-compliant.
New four-cylinder diesel. A new 2.1-liter, four-cylinder diesel features latest-generation common-rail direct injection, fast piezo injectors, enhanced exhaust gas recirculation, and new twin turbochargers to ensure spontaneous power delivery and excellent performance characteristics. The E 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, with an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and a torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) is around 36% more powerful and produces 47% more torque than the previous four-cylinder engine in the outgoing model. It consumes around 17% less fuel: 5.1 L/100km (46 mpg US) (provisional NEDC combined figure), equivalent to 135 g CO2/km.
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CMU Paper: Market-Based Mechanisms for CO2 Reduction Will Be Insufficient to Attain Mid-Century Goals
March 24, 2009
A new paper from the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center concludes that while a market-based mechanism (e.g. cap and trade or a carbon tax) is a likely key part of a US strategy to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, such a market-based approach alone will not induce the investments in long-lived technology required to achieve a 50 to 80% reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide by mid-century.
Although market-based mechanisms need to be implemented soon to establish a framework for emissions reductions, the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) team argues, the range of prices for CO2 currently under discussion will be too low to enable achieving the longer-term targets. In the paper “Cap and Trade is Not Enough: Improving US Climate Policy”, the authors argue that the US Congress should simultaneously design, integrate and implement these targeted strategies:
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Toyota Applying Optimal Drive Technology in New Urban Cruiser
| The Urban Cruiser. Click to enlarge. |
Toyota is applying its gasoline and diesel “Optimal Drive” technology in the new B-segment hatchback crossover Urban Cruiser, unveiled as a design preview at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show (earlier post) and in a production version at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 (earlier post). The Urban Cruiser begins arriving in UK showrooms in May.
The gasoline option is a 1.33 Dual VVT-i 2WD model with Stop & Start that emits 129 g/km of CO2. The diesel option is a 1.4 D-4D AWD model; with CO2 emissions of 130 g/km, it offers the lowest CO2 emissions of any four-wheel drive car using an internal combustion engine, according to Toyota.
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Tata Motors Launches the Nano in India, Details Booking Process
March 23, 2009
| The Tata Nano. Click to enlarge. |
Tata Motors held the commercial launch of the low-priced Tata Nano—the much-anticipated Rs 1-Lakh (about US$2,000) “People’s Car”. (Earlier post.) The Tata Nano is BS-III compliant and comes with an all-new 2-cylinder aluminium MPFI 624 cc petrol engine mated to a four-speed gear box and will be available in three variants. The cars will be on display across India at Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships and other select authorized outlets from 1 April.
The Nano is also available in BS-II variants and is BS-IV ready. BS II, BS III and BS IV are the India mandatory norms for NOx, HC, CO and particulates. These norms are substantially aligned with the European norms Euro II, Euro III and Euro IV; the main difference is that the peak speed in the extra urban driving cycle is 90 km/h in India and 120 km/h in Europe.
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GE Aviation Advancing Next-Generation Engine Core Program eCore
March 15, 2009
GE Aviation is advancing jet propulsion and its next-generation engine core program, called eCore, through several private- and government-funded R&D programs, many with key technology milestones this year. eCore is designed to offer aircraft operators better fuel efficiency and lower emissions over GE’s best engines in operation today. (Earlier post.)
The engine core—comprising the compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine—is the heart of a jet engine. To this core, the fan system is attached to complete a jet engine. The fan provides thrust; the core provides the power to operate the fan and some thrust. The eCore program involves testing demonstrator engines and engine hot sections with aggressive technical goals, new materials and 3D aerodynamic designs, unique architectures, as well as advances in electric power and thermal management.
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UK New Car CO2 Emissions Drop to 158.0 g/km in 2008
March 12, 2009
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| UK average new car CO2 emissions. Source: SMMT. Click to enlarge. |
Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the UK in 2008 fell to 158.0 g/km in 2008—4.2% less than the 2007 figure and 16.8% down on the 189.8 g/km base level in 1997, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) annual New Car CO2 Report. The drop marks the sharpest annual decline yet. (Using US EPA conversion factors (earlier post), 158 g/km is roughly equivalent to 34.8 mpg US for gasoline and 39.9 mpg US for diesel.)
Although the UK new car fleet has made above-EU15 gains in six of past seven years to 2007, the UK average new car CO2 emissions remains 3.7% above the EU15 average, which reached 158 g/km in 2007, according to the report.
