The Fruit of Knowledge
Posts tagged gasoline engine
Production of SkyActiv-equipped Mazda Axela (Mazda3) gets underway in Japan
Aug 9th
Filed under: MPG, Mazda, Japan
2012 Mazda3 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda is betting on its SkyActiv technology to win the fuel efficiency war against plug-in vehicles and so is equipping the 2012 Mazda Axela (known here as the Mazda3) with two parts of it fuel-saving tech as the compact rolls down the production lines over in Japan.
The Mazda Axela gets SkyActiv-G – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The direct-injected unit is tentatively rated at 40 miles per gallon on the highway and cranks out 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The Axela also gets SkyActiv-Drive, Mazda fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission that combines a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a dual clutch trans (DCT).
With production of the Axela underway and sales set for fall 2011, Mazda’s next task is to start cranking out the Mazda3 for export. That, according to the automaker, is scheduled to begin sometime before March 2012.
Continue reading Production of SkyActiv-equipped Mazda Axela (Mazda3) gets underway in Japan
Production of SkyActiv-equipped Mazda Axela (Mazda3) gets underway in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Volkswagen still trying to negotiate changes to CAFE standards
Aug 5th
Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen, Legislation and Policy, USA
While the majority of automakers have officially chosen to back the proposed 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, Volkswagen blasted the requirements, alleging that rules are biased.
Since the proposed 2025 CAFE standards are, well, proposed, VW still hopes to negotiate some modifications before the fuel economy guidelines become official. Jonathan Browning, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group of America, told Ward’s Auto (sub. req.) that, “We still have a dialogue going on with the administration in terms of how we think the policy needs to be adjusted.”
VW says the current proposed rules allow “special compliance flexibility for heavier light trucks” while placing too high a burden on passenger cars. More specifically, VW cries foul, stating, “The proposal encourages manufacturers and customers to shift toward larger, less-efficient vehicles, defeating the goal of reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.”
Diesel engines, according to VW, are ignored by the proposed rules. Clearly, that statement isn’t true, but the German automaker argues that since diesels are growing at twice the rate in terms of U.S. sales compared to electric and hybrid vehicles, oil-burning mills, “should be part of the landscape going forward.” As we see it, even though VW says its diesel mills should be given preferential treatment for being superior to an equally fuel-efficient gasoline engine, that’s just not how CAFE works.
[Source: Ward's Auto - sub. req.]
Volkswagen still trying to negotiate changes to CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Fiat Panda now offered with pair of Euro 5-compliant engines
Aug 3rd
Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Fiat, Europe/EU
Italian automaker Fiat has added a pair of Euro 5-compliant engines to its Panda city car lineup. The clean burning engines are a welcome addition to the Panda, as both offer a bump in top speed, stronger acceleration, reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions when compared to the newly retired engines.
The Panda – in 1.2 Active, 1.2 MyLife, 1.2 Dynamic versions – comes packing Fiat’s 1.2-liter Euro 5 gasoline engine, which replaces the entry-level 1.1-liter unit. The 69-horsepower engine propels the Panda from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a leisurely 13.4 seconds and then on to a top speed of 101 mph. When equipped with this engine, the Pandas return 47 miles per gallon (U.S) combined and emit 113 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
The 1.3-liter MultiJet Dynamic model features a diesel engine that takes the Panda from 0 to 62 mph in 13.1 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 103 mph. Fuel consumption for the 1.3-liter engine rings in at 56 mpg (U.S.) combined while CO2 emissions come in at 109 g/km. Prices range from £8,445 ($13,771 U.S. at the current exchange rate) for the 1.2 Active to £12,285 ($20,033 U.S.) for the MultiJet Dynamic. At this time, Fiat has no intentions of selling the Panda here in the States.
[Source: Fiat]
Continue reading Fiat Panda now offered with pair of Euro 5-compliant engines
Fiat Panda now offered with pair of Euro 5-compliant engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Mazda reveals 2012 CX-5 softroader ahead of Frankfurt
Aug 2nd
Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Etc., Europe, Crossover, Mazda, Diesel
Mazda has finally given us all a peek at the company’s all-new 2012 CX-5 small crossover ahead of its debut at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show. The high-riding five door is draped in the automaker’s new “Kodo” design language and relies on a host of SkyActiv engine and transmission options. European buyers will be able to choose between a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter diesel powerplant, both with lofty 14:1 compression ratios. Each engine will be available in Standard Power and High Power iterations, and the high compression ratio helps return improved efficiency.
So far, details are scarce on exactly what kind of transmission options will be available at launch, though whispers kicking around the web have indicated that a six-speed manual gearbox is likely, as well as an available six-speed automatic. Expect to see serious engineering advances in both transmissions designed to serve up increased fuel economy.
Mazda says that the company’s Kodo design language stands for “Soul of motion.” Whatever it means, we think it’s a huge improvement over the Joker-smile faces of the outgoing Nagare era. The Mazda CX-5 is set to debut in Frankfurt on September 13, and the CUV is confirmed for sale in the North American market. Check out the gallery above and Hit the jump for the press release.
Continue reading Mazda reveals 2012 CX-5 softroader ahead of Frankfurt
Mazda reveals 2012 CX-5 softroader ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Mazda3 with SkyActiv technology to launch in U.S. by early 2012
Aug 1st
2012 Mazda3 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda is banking on its SkyActiv technology to win the efficiency war against plug-in and hybrid vehicles and so will equip the 2012 Mazda3 with at least two forms of it fuel-saving tech for its before-March-2012 North American launch, according to the Nikkei.
First up is the SkyActiv-G – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The direct-injected unit is tentatively rated at 40 miles per gallon on the highway in the Mazda3 and cranks out 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.
Next in the SkyActiv suite of technologies is a choice of two transmissions: a six-speed manual or automatic. SkyActiv-Drive is the name for the auto trans, which Mazda says marries a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a dual clutch trans (DCT). The row-your-own gearbox, called the SkyActiv-MT, seems to be conventional in its design.
The 2012 Mazda3, with its fuel-sipping engine and more-efficient transmissions, is expected to offer a 30-percent bump in fuel economy, compared to the outgoing 2011 Mazda3. Now, all that’s left is to wait several months for Mazda’s 2012 compact to show its face at U.S. dealerships – and to see when Mazda embraces a bit of electrification.
Live photos copyright (C)2011 Jeff Glucker/AOL
[Source: Nikkei (sub. req.) via Green Car Congress]
Report: Mazda3 with SkyActiv technology to launch in U.S. by early 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Daihatsu e:S costs only $10,138 in Japan, returns 70.6 mpg (U.S.)
Jul 25th
Filed under: MPG, Lightweight, Japan
Daihatsu e:S – Click above for high-res image gallery
Back at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu unveiled the e:S. Dubbed an eco-car that “reveals the future role of mini vehicles,” the e:S packs a 660-cc gasoline engine, measures a tick over seven feet and tips the scales at 1,540 pounds.
Daihatsu aims to launch the e:S this September in Japan and, while its price tag of 800,000 yen ($9,844 U.S. at the current exchange rate) makes it a bargain, its fuel consumption of 70.6 miles per gallon (U.S.) as measured under Japan’s national standard is absolutely remarkable. The e:S’ fuel economy nearly matches the official rating of the Japanese-spec Toyota Prius, yet undercuts the hybrid’s price tag by 1,205,000 yen ($15,261 U.S.).
Toru Ueda, executive chief engineer of Daihatsu’s technology division, says of the e:S:
We were aiming to create a car that was cheap with good gas mileage. I would like to put it to you that this car should be seen as a third type of eco car, along with electric and hybrid vehicles.
In regards to the e:S’ fuel efficiency and its bargain-basement price tag, we’d have to say that, come September, Ueda’s aim will be a reality. For some, anyway. We may want numbers like these here in the U.S., but we won’t get them.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL
[Source: Integrity Exports]
Daihatsu e:S costs only $10,138 in Japan, returns 70.6 mpg (U.S.) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Production Volkswagen Up! to be unveiled in Paris in August
Jul 20th
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, Volkswagen, Lightweight
Mark your calendars, the production version of the Volkswagen Up! will be unveiled at the Grand Palais on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, France on August 22. Both three- and five-door versions of the much-anticipated minicar will be on hand, according to VW Up Blogspot. Following its world premiere in Paris, the VW Up! will head to Germany for its on-stage debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in mid-September.
The release date for the three-door Up! – powered by either a 1.0-liter gasoline engine or 1.2-liter diesel – is tentatively set for the end of 2011, with the five-door hatchback slated for launch in late 2012. Sometime in early 2013, an MPV version of VW’s minicar will enter the production mix. Shortly thereafter, the electric-only Up! will debut. Base Up! models are expected to start at around €10,000 ($14,180 U.S. at the current exchange rate) and compete with vehicles like the Fiat 500 and Scion iQ. There’s still no word on the future of the Up! in America.
[Source: Auto Guide, VW Up Blogspot]
Report: Production Volkswagen Up! to be unveiled in Paris in August originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Video: Green Overdrive takes a spin in a solar-charged electric Volvo 240
Jul 18th
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Volvo
DIY electric Volvo 240 – Click above to watch video after the jump
Solyndra engineer Michael Ahern recently looked on Craigslist for a used Volvo 240. Why? The vehicle – a $150 fixer-upper that’s seen better days – was to be the starting point for Ahern’s DIY solar-charged electric vehicle project.
The 240 began life as a lowly family sedan powered by a gasoline engine, but in the hands of Ahern, the Volvo slowly (over a year and about 100 hours of labor) transformed into one of the cheapest electric vehicles on the road. Total cost: around $7,000. With some assistance from his daughter, Ahern’s electrified Volvo went from a gas burnin’ machine to a clutchless, manual transmission-equipped sedan that hits highway speeds and is charged by the power of the sun via tube-shaped, roof-mounted Solyndra solar panels. See more by hitting the jump to check out Ahern’s solar-charged electric Volvo 240 with Giga OM’s Katie Fehrenbacher.
[Source: Giga OM]
Continue reading Video: Green Overdrive takes a spin in a solar-charged electric Volvo 240
Video: Green Overdrive takes a spin in a solar-charged electric Volvo 240 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Video: Keeping your lawn green could make your lifestyle a lot less green
Jul 18th
Filed under: Etc., Green Culture
Lawn mower emissions test – Click to watch video after the break
In my garage there’s a push mower. I don’t mean one with a gasoline engine, or even electric. I mean a push mower, a heavy thing with spiral metal blades that looks not unlike the ones that get pushed around in old Peanuts strips. It’s heavy, it’s clumsy, and it’s roughly a zillion years old, but if you keep the blades sharp and clean it cuts quite well.
Sadly, that mower was really for the tiny yard at my last house. At the current place I use a power mower that runs off little bottles of propane. It’s a semi-green solution, but it’s far from perfect, especially since I’ve been unable to get the propane tanks refilled and even have trouble turning in the empties for recycling. I’m still dreaming of a flock of solar-powered, electric sheep.
In the meantime, the guys at Autosherperd have taken another look at the environmental impact of gas lawnmowers, and as previous studies have indicated, making your yard green makes your lifestyle considerably less green. We’ve written before that a quarter of the gasoline that is put into small engines (i.e., lawnmowers) can come out the exhaust without being burned, which means that some riding lawnmowers can emit as much as 34 cars. See more in the video after the jump.
[Source: Autosherperd.com]
Continue reading Video: Keeping your lawn green could make your lifestyle a lot less green
Video: Keeping your lawn green could make your lifestyle a lot less green originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: GM unpacks Opel Combo van line
Jul 15th
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Opel
Small vans are all the rage overseas, and General Motors has just unveiled its latest European offering, the Opel Combo. Like the majority of small vans found around the world, the Combo will be offered in short- and long-wheelbase forms – measuring 108.5 and 122.2 inches, respectively – and can be had as either a passenger van (with seating for five or seven) or a true cargo-friendly work van.
Obviously, the most attractive feature about the Combo is its cargo area. In short-wheelbase form, the Opel is capable of hauling up to 134.2 cubic feet of stuff, while the long-wheelbase Combo can manage 164.2 cubic feet of cargo.
Under the hood, six engines are available. Of the six, four are (naturally) diesels, with one 1.3-liter, two 1.6-liters and one 2.0-liter powerplant rounding off the choices. From there, a 1.4-liter gasoline engine is offered, as is a 1.4-liter CNG (compressed natural gas) version. All powertrains are available with start/stop for improved fuel economy, as well as a range of five- and six-speed manual transmissions.
The Opel Combo will be available for order in the fall. Follow the jump for GM’s press release to scan over the full details.
Continue reading GM unpacks Opel Combo van line
GM unpacks Opel Combo van line originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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