Technology archives

Porsche’s Mid-Engined Sports Cars with New, Even More Fuel-Efficient Engines

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the second generation of the mid-engined Boxster and Cayman sports cars for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The highlight of the new generation is of course the new flat-six boxer engines developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. A further improvement of both fuel economy and perf

Honda Launches First Ever Diesel Automatic

Honda will launch its first automatic transmission for a diesel engine in the New Year, with the new gearbox debuting in the latest Accord. The eagerly-awaited auto ‘box for Honda’s i-DTEC engine means the Accord will appeal to a new segment of customers, particularly in the corporate market, where high mileage user choosers often will only consider an automatic transmission. “Company car tax legislation has driven much growth in diesel sales and resulted in traditional ‘petrol heads’ re-assessing their choice o

AUTOSAR marks its series production debut - in the new BMW 7 Series

The new BMW 7 Series sees the global debut of ECUs with AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture) in series production. AUTOSAR has been introduced both on the software applications layer of the 7 Series and in its infrastructure software. The BMW Group will continue to pursue the standardisation of interfaces together with its development partners. Step by step, AUTOSAR is set to make increasing inroads into future generations of vehicles. E

Opel Zafira 1.6 CNG Turbo: First Turbo-charged CNG Van

The most powerful natural gas-propelled vehicle premieres in December when Opel presents its first Compressed Natural Gas compact van with a turbo-charger at the Bologna motor show (December 5 to 14, 2008). The new Zafira 1.6 CNG Turbo has an output of 150 hp and a top speed of 200 km/h but consumes only 5.3 kg of n

In the new E-Class and S-Class from spring 2009

By introducing around a dozen new or modified systems, Mercedes-Benz is adding a new chapter to its long history of passenger- car safety. Following on from their successes achieved in the domain of occupant protection, the Mercedes experts will be focussing more than ever on avoiding traffic accidents and reducing accident severity, with the driver assistance systems being unveiled in the new E-Class and the model year 2009 S-Class from spring 2009 onwards set to play a crucial role. Mercedes-Benz is implementing

Nissan's "All-Around Collision Free" Prototype

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will demonstrate its advanced "All-Around Collision Free" prototype vehicle - complete with two all-new accident avoidance technologies- at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The ITS World Congress, to be held at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Center, from Nov. 16 - 20, showcases future vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems. This is the first time the "All-Around Collision Free" prototype will be displayed i

"Green Steering Wheel" award for Mercedes-Benz - BlueTEC Diesel Technology

BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz for diesel vehicles is the most outstanding environmental innovation in the automotive sector and offers a sustained reduction in the burden on the environment. In recognition of this achievement, Bild am Sonntag has awarded the Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer the "Green Steering Wheel". BlueTEC is the cleanest diesel technology in the world because it brings about a drastic reduction in emis

Coming Soon - All-New Four Cylinder Engine For 2009 Toyota Highlander

When it arrives at dealerships in mid-to-late January, Toyota's new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine will help make the Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) one of the best in its segment in the areas of fuel economy, low emissions, performance, and value. It is expected to appeal to value-driven, mid-size SUV buyers seeking these characteristics without the price premium of a V6. The four-cylinder Highlander will be among the

Kumho Launches World’s First 15 Series Tyre

Ever the innovator, Kumho is launching the world’s first ultra low profile 15 Series tyre at the 2008 SEMA (Speciality Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas this week (November 4-7). The 385/15ZR22 size ECSTA SPT KU31 has been developed as a conversion option for such exotic sports cars as the Ferrari F430, Dodge Viper, and Corvette Z06. The company has used cutting-edge computer simulation technology to optimise the sidewall structure, thereby preventing the formation of standing waves or ripples in

Hyundai Introduces New R-Diesel Engine

On the occasion of the 8th Advanced Diesel Engine Technology Symposium held at the company's Namyang R&D Center, Hyundai Motor Co. today unveiled details of its newest passenger diesel powerplant, the R-Engine .  With an output of 184ps and 40kg of torque, the R-Engine is ahead of the rest of the class, surpassing all German and French competitors (200ps and 44.5kg-m for the 2.2-liter). "R proves Hyundai's diesel development capabilities really are world-class.  With diesels becoming clea

BMW iDrive: The Original Sets New Standards

Second generation of BMW's innovative control concept even more intuitive and easier to use after intense development and testing. Already featured throughout the BMW model range from the 1 to the 7 Series. Munich. Everything in view. Everything under control. Proceeding from this clear-cut principle, BMW presented the innovative iDrive control concept back in 2001, becoming the world's first car maker to offer a system allowing the user to mastermind essential vehicle, entertainment, navigation and telecommuni

Ford’s Smartgauge With Ecoguide Coaches Drivers To Maximize Fuel Efficiency On New Fusion Hybrid

Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide – an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximum fuel efficiency. “SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury h