ECO – Automobiles Review

2014 Jaguar XF 2.2 ECO Diesel – 163HP and 400Nm

Jaguar has announced the new 2014 XF 2.2-liter ECO diesel, which comes with improved fuel consumption at lower price.

The engine is available for the Saloon and Sportbrake versions. It delivers 163HP (120 kW) at 3,500RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM. The fuel consumption is just 4.9 liters / 100 km – 57.7 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km. 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph).

Aside from the revised engine, the Jaguar XF also benefits from an updated SAT NAV system which packs one-way road visualization, smart keyboard and more intuitive mapping.

“The 2014 XF with this revised engine calibration opens up the unique Jaguar ownership experience to a whole new segment. Cost-conscious drivers, business users and fleet managers will be able to enjoy the refinement, luxury and seductive design of a Jaguar while benefiting from its low emissions and high fuel efficiency.”, commented Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover UK.

XF MY14 ECO 2.2-litre diesel technical specification*

	XF 2.2 ECO Diesel
Engine	2.2-litre in-line 4cyl diesel
Capacity (cc)	2179
Peak Power (PS@rpm)	163@3500
Peak Torque (Nm@rpm)	400@2000-5500
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Intelligent Stop/Start	Yes
0-60mph (secs)	9.8
0-100km/h (secs)	10.5
Top Speed (mph \| km/h)	130 \| 209
Combined Economy Saloon (UK mpg)	57.7 w/ 17” tyre 55.4 w/ 20” tyre
CO₂ Emissions Saloon (g/km)	129 w/ 17” tyre 135 w/ 20” tyre

Source: Jaguar

June 11, 2013

2013 Volkswagen eco Up! – Price €12,950

Volkswagen has announced the new 2013 eco Up!, which will join the range of small cars by the manufacturer. It is available as 3- or 5-door hatchback and the prices start from €12,950 in Germany and it will be eligible for rebates in excess of €1,000.

The new eco Up! is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that has been specially modified to run on natural gas. The engine has 68HP (50 kW) and 90Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 16.3 seconds and a top speed of 164 km/h (102 mph). However, this car is not about performance, it is about savings and going cheap. Furthermore, the new eco Up! has an engine start/stop system, regenerative brakes and low-rolling resistance tires. This means an average 2.9 kg of natural gas/100 km and have CO2 emissions of 79 g/km.

Volkswagen estimates the cost of traveling 100 km (62 miles) in Germany would only be about €3 using natural gas. This is a perfect value for money and still you have air conditioning, navigation system and power windows. In other words, there is enough comfort in this small car and awesome fuel consumption.

The car has three fuel tanks: two for natural gas and one for petrol. The overall range is 600 km (373 miles) – 380km on CNG and around 220km on petrol.

Volkswagen also offers five natural gas powered vehicles in various classes: the Caddy 2.0 EcoFuel, the extended Caddy Maxi 2.0 EcoFuel (109 HP), the Touran 1.4 TSI EcoFuel, the Passat and Passat Estate 1.4 TSI EcoFuel (150 HP).

In the upcoming year, the new Golf will also debut in an EcoFuel version. In this vehicle, Volkswagen is offering one of the world’s most versatile natural gas vehicle programmes.

Source: Volkswagen

December 6, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco equipped with Ecotec 2.5 liter engine

The new Ecotec 2.5 liter engine is going to be included in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan this summer. The engine is one of the most-powerful naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines in the midsize segment, and will deliver even more horsepower in comparison to the previous engine of Malibu. The Ecotec 2.5L delivers a 197 horsepower (147 kW) and 191 lb.-ft. of torque (259 Nm). These numbers mean that this is the most torque of any naturally aspirated four-cylinder in the segment. In addition, the other Ecotec engine, featured in Malibu’s range is the Ecotec 2.0L turbo, which in turn delivers 259 horsepower (193 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). Its peak torque is sustained from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm and thus it is possible for the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Both engines direct injection for increased fuel efficiency and higher power. In some countries the Malibus will include powertrain lineup that also features the segment-exclusive, fuel-saving eAssist™ technology. This specific technology combines start-stop with regenerative braking and a lightweight lithium-ion battery to provide an electric boost in certain conditions, delivering a GM-estimated 25 mpg in the city 37 mpg on the highway.

Furthermore, the new 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Eco was designed to be the most tuned Chevrolet midsize sedan ever and is in addition built on an award-winning global architecture that helps deliver a more confident, responsive and connected driving experience. In details, the body structure is 20-percent stiffer for a greater feeling of solidity, quietness and quality. Moreover, the driving experience is further improved by Chevrolet’s MyLink technology, which is an infotainment package that gives customers a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options. In particular, it adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability. Additionally, MyLink comes along with a seven-inch touch screen display that media navigation easier.

Source: Chevrolet

March 9, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco – Price $25995

With the first shipment of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan today, Chevrolet makes a continuation of its global rollout. This is the most fuel-efficient model of Malibu ever created, and now it is available at dealers across the United States. However, this version of Malibu is only the first model of the all-new 2013 Malibu lineup, which is going to reach showrooms in the U.S. Now, it is more appealing than ever, because it features a sporty exterior shaped to save fuel, an all-new interior with more room, comfort and premium materials, sound-reducing and sound-absorbing components to make it the quietest Chevrolet in history, all-new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system that enhances customer connectivity, all-new ride-and-handling package, and engineering to meet top safety results around the world!

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is Ready for Delivery to Dealers

However, the heart of the Malibu Eco is its most important and exclusive segment, is the fuel-saving eAssist™ technology. Thank to it the car now has GM-estimated 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway fuel economy. Moreover, it combines start-stop technology with regenerative braking. There is also a lightweight lithium-ion battery which provides an electric boost in certain conditions, improves fuel economy by 12 percent over today’s four-cylinder engine – and delivers better fuel economy than any non-hybrid midsize sedan currently available. In addition the all-new Ecotec 2.5L engine will debut in the Malibu later this summer, followed by an all-new Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine.

The great news continues, because the all-new Malibu Eco is priced less than a full hybrid vehicle. The suggested retail price is $25,995 and it includes a $760 destination charge. The 2013 Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan. It will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. More importantly, last year, the Malibu was GM’s second-best selling car in the United States behind the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan. The new Malibu is already on the world market, in particular is on sale in South Korea and will soon arrive in dealerships in China.

Source: Chevrolet

January 20, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced Under $26,000

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco thumb Yes, you haven’t read the title wrong: the brand new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995. The sales will start from the first quarter of next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate. The stated price will include a $760 destination charge; however it will exclude tax, title, license and dealer fees.

According to the data given from the manufacturers the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is the most fuel-efficient Malibu that the brand had ever produced. Can you imagine that you can now own a fuel efficient hybrid car at an absolutely exclusive non-hybrid-like price?! Do go further into details this is also the first Chevrolet that will feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses unique lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator. Both will enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. Moreover it will deliver a GM-estimated 25 mpg (10,6 km/l) in city driving and 37 mpg (15,7 km/l) on the highway.

Chevrolet has prepared a all-new 2013 Malibu lineup, in which the Malibu Eco as Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan. The aim of the design of the vehicle is to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities. And compared to some of the most popular hybrids it has more powerful engine – 182 hp/134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp/116 kW), Camry (178 hp/132 kW) or Passat (140 hp/104 kW).

The design for the North American comes with an expressive exterior with smooth curves and athletic outlook. Moreover the exterior was aerodynamically improved, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille. Their function is to close at higher speeds and push more air over and around the vehicle. To bring more comfort to the passengers Chevrolet has made more spacious interior using premium materials thus making it the quietest in the midsize segment. Another likable detail is the new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. And thinking about the safety ride, this time Chevrolet has included eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.

However the most important highlight in this model is the fuel-efficiency, which Chevrolet has achieved through additional fuel-saving features such as eco-specific lightweight components and systems, Eco gauge, seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires and the eAssist system. To be more precise, the first of the mentioned includes an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-Eco model. In addition the Eco-gauge in the cluster continuously responds to the driving behavior in order to reassure a fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode. And at last, the eAssist system is mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. First of all to be mentioned here is that this 2.4L engine is a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010. Moreover it is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. In addition, it also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.

The great news form Chevrolet continues: the new Malibu Eco comes with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Furthermore, certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

And for the every individual taste the Malibu Eco is being offered with cloth or leather seats, in eight exterior (Silver Ice Metallic, Black Granite Metallic, Summit White, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Taupe Gray Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic) and three interior color choices (Jet Black, Jet Black/Titanium and Cocoa/Light Neutral). It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Power Convenience; Premium Audio; Leather; and Navigation. The first one includes all standard equipment eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control, rearview backup camera system, remote start, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, universal garage door opener. The second package – the Premium Audio – includes all content in the first one plus pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier, fog lamps, leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel. The Leather Package includes everything from the second one, plus leather-trimmed seating, eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control and heated front seats. The last package has it all and in addition includes navigation system, memory seats and mirrors, and auto-up driver’s window.

Source: Chevrolet

December 12, 2011

Renault Launches Laguna 2010 Range

Continuing its inexorable product offensive, Renault has now released UK pricing for the new Laguna 2010 range, ranging from £16,795 to £25,650.

Featuring a new ‘GT’ sport look for the core-selling versions in the Hatch and Sport Tourer ranges, Laguna 2010 also introduces several new equipment features and ten eco² versions. Emphasising the increasing growth of Renault’s eco² programme, all eligible versions of Laguna 2010 will feature its badging, as well as the label as part of their full model name. (more…)

May 28, 2009

New Prius Turns Drivers Into “Bowser Wowsers”

Next-generation Prius will turn drivers into “bowser wowsers” with multiple driving modes and an energy monitor to help them achieve the best possible driving efficiency and fuel economy. (more…)

March 24, 2009

Ford Focus Wrapped With Special ‘Green’ Designs Showcase At “100 Designs To Save The World”

Inspired by “green” energy in motion, Ford Thailand brand ambassador “Tata Young” and two leading designers “Vasu Virajsilp” and “Issariya Virajsilp” will unveil three Ford Focus wrapped with special graphic designs at the “100 Designs to Save the World” show. (more…)

November 27, 2008

BRABUS ECO PowerXtra Tuning Mercedes-Benz

BRABUS ECO PowerXtra Tuning Mercedes-Benz Better diesel fuel economy through professional tuning: A Mercedes ML 320 CDI equipped with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) consumed more than one liter less diesel fuel (+2 mpg) than the production car in a test conducted by ntv Motor in Germany.

n-tv, Germany’s leading news channel, wanted to know for sure: Does BRABUS ECO PowerXtra diesel tuning really improve fuel economy despite producing more power? The editors of n-tv Motor, the weekly car magazine on n-tv, hired Klaus Niedzwiedz to conduct the test. Niedzwiedz is not only a renowned car expert; he is also an experienced race driver who among other titles finished second in the touring car world championship in 1987.

Niedzwiedz first drove a stock Mercedes ML 320 CDI (stock except for BRABUS Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels) on a specific test route that covered 94 kilometers (59 miles). The route included city streets, country roads and an Autobahn passage to simulate all the elements of a typical daily commute. The journalist’s goal was to drive as economical as possible.

To ensure a comparison under identical conditions, upon Niedzwiedz’s return the very same car was equipped with a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) tuning module in less than 30 minutes. It bumped power output of the V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine by 48 hp (47 hp SAE net) / 35.3 kW above the standard output of 224 hp (221 hp SAE net) / 165 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 510 to 590 Nm (376 to 435 lb-ft).

Already the first few kilometers on the same route impressed the tester with the improved performance characteristics of the SUV: “Immediately apparent is the fact that the increase in torque by some 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) results in much better engine response and I have to use less throttle. Highly positive: The vehicle accelerates at low engine speeds, the foot operating the gas pedal remains entirely relaxed.”

After the second 94 kilometers Niedzwiedz was even more impressed by the improved fuel economy. For the stock ML 320 CDI the test resulted in a fuel economy of 11.1 liters per 100 km (21.2 mpg), the more powerful BRABUS version on the same route turned in a fuel economy figure of just 9.4 liters per 100 km (25 mpg) –a difference of 1.7 liters per 100 km (3.8 mpg)! And all that while recording an average speed of 75 km/h (47 mph), nine km/h (six mph) faster and ten minutes less than during the first round. “During the first lap I was stopped at red lights more often but I never turned off the engine. Taking this into account the fuel economy improved by at least one liter per 100 km (2 mpg) compared to the production car.”

This verdict confirms the philosophy of BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) of creating more driving fun through modern tuning while at the same time also improving fuel economy under identical driving conditions. BRABUS-CEO Prof. h.c. Bodo Buschmann was very pleased by the outcome: “This test confirms that our concept works: We follow a simple principle: More torque means lower engine speeds mean better fuel economy. And better fuel economy also translates into a reduction of CO2 emissions.”

BRABUS ECO PowerXtra® diesel tuning is available for almost all current Mercedes CDI models, starting at 1,290 Euros MSRP. The BRABUS-tuned engines all meet the same strict

Euro IV emission limits as the production engines. And all BRABUS ECO PowerXtra® kits are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS tuning warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

June 27, 2008

Ford’s Eco-Friendly Fumes-To-Fuel technology ramping up for operation at Oakville Assembly

Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) in Ontario, Canada, will begin producing ‘green’ energy this summer through the use of the company’s patented Fumes-to-Fuel system, an eco-friendly, industry-leading pollution-control system that converts emissions from the plant’s paint shop into electricity to help power the plant. (more…)

June 4, 2008

Tag: ECO