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Tag: FUEL

Toyota Will Premiere Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle In Frankfurt

At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Toyota will premiere its new Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle Concept with the aim to offer one of the best solutions to the challenges of energy sources and emissions. In these terms the hydrogen is the ideal and ultra-clean fuel.

Another goal that the brand has achieved with this model is to offer a driving range and performance comparable to conventional petrol and diesel engines. The advantage here however is that there is no harmful tailpipe emissions.

In the vehicle has been utilized Hybrid Synergy Drive technology which is also used in the famous Prius and other full hybrid production models. At first the Toyota FCV-R Concept was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Now the brand continues to make progress towards its planned introduction of an affordable FCHV saloon model by 2015.

The FCV-R concept is 4,745mm long, 1,510mm high and 1,790mm wide. It achieves a maximum driving range of about 420 miles and doesn’t produce any emissions. The only by-product of the hydrogen fuel cell is water vapour. The twin fuel tanks and the fuel cell stack are positioned beneath the floor. This of course results in no impact on the cabin and load space.

Toyota aims that its FCHVs will be in a mass-market production during the 2020s. In addition, this commercialization will be supported by the wider roll-out of fuel cell vehicle technology as well as the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

The fuel cell which is going to be utilized in Toyota’s production FCHV achieves the world’s highest power output density at 3kW per litre. In addition, it also delivers improved range of the vehicle from about 205 miles to more than 350 miles. What is more, the fuel cell has a greater operating range, with the help of materials in its construction making cold start possible at temperatures around -30°C.

Toyota’s FCHV has currently a price around US $108 367, however the brand is planning to significantly reduce the cost and make it more affordable.

Source: Toyota

August 30, 2013
Fuel efficiency and ways to achieve it

With the prices of the petrol rising, I assume that is a good idea to explore some ways on how one can drive any car more fuel-efficiently. The question here is whether it possible for everybody to save money on gasoline, depending on the car they are driving.

Well, believe it or not, the answer is obviously yes. And now is the perfect moment to know how to do this, if you aren’t already aware about it.

The only thing you have to do is to be smart about what makes your car consume more fuel. And this is exactly what I am going to discuss below, offering some practical ways which will save you some money.

Nowadays we have a lot of examples of cars, which are extremely fuel efficient, such as Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Golf TDI, Smart for two, etc.

In addition, on the market there are a lot of Hybrid technologies and Electric vehicles, which can significantly be beneficial in terms of fuel efficiency. Here are some suggestions: Toyota Prius Hybrid, Mitsubishi MiEV, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Nissan LEAF, etc.

However, not everybody can afford buying an expensive new Plug-In Hybrid in order to make this crucial shift in fuel economy. So this is why I think it is advantageous for everyone to know what little adjustments to the present vehicle we have, will make it consume less gasoline.

First and foremost, you should always drive mindfully. Driving mindfully can make your ride more enjoyable and safer. In addition to this, it is important to know that what I call “compulsive driving” – speeding up very fast and braking suddenly – is actually very expensive, because this style of driving demands a lot of gasoline consumption.

Therefore what you can do is to be aware of how you actually drive, and start accelerating carefully as well as braking in the same manner. In fact, keeping up with the ease off the gas pedal and accelerating with moderate throttle makes the engines more efficient.

Secondly, an important fact is of course the speed of driving. Studies show that the most fuel-efficient speed is around 55 mph/ 90 km/h.

Thirdly, what really matters is how much your car weights. What I mean is that the lighter it is the more efficiently it works. It is “simple” physics, according to which, weight is among the major causes of kinetic energy loss. For instance if your car is 45 kg (ca. 100 pounds) lighter it will save you from fuel consumption by one or two percent.

What you can basically do is to get rid of things in the car which you don’t use frequently and won’t need in case of an emergency.

Next, it is important to highlight that efficiency can be found where there are improved aerodynamics. Reducing drag is crucial for how much your vehicle consumes.

Moreover, if you utilize gasoline with the lowest octane level (in short, this is the standard measure of the performance of a motor), then you can save a lot of money without making compromises with the performance of your vehicle.

Furthermore, I am going to suggest something very simple, which can result in a lot of savings. If you are planning your trips wisely and spend few minutes on contemplating where you should go, before getting in the car, then you can drive less and save from driving on the same way several times.

Did you asked yourself recently about the condition of your car? Because if you don’t, I have some news for you! The maintenance and fuel efficiency go together. One of the best ways to keep the fuel efficiency high is to keep your vehicle always “in shape”.

For instance, on of the most important factors which affect the car’s gasoline consumption is the oil. Indeed, it is a crucial element in minimizing the wear made by the friction of the moving parts in the engine. The key to most efficiently performance is the oil to be as clean as possible. So, it is important to remember when the time to change the oil is.

In addition to this it is also substantial to use the right grade of motor oil. This little detail will not only improve your efficiency but also keep your car running effortlessly. For example, if you are utilizing synthetic oil instead of the regular one, this will save you around five percent on gasoline.
Other advantageous change that you can make is to inflate the tires of your car properly. As I’ve said already – it is all about keeping your car in shape. This means that if you are driving without properly inflated tires, your car surely uses more fuel to run. In particular, the air pressure in your tires should be at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

At last, but not least I will remind you an interesting fact. Did you know that if you park on shade or use a garage, then your fuel consumption will be lower? Yes, staying under the sun makes your fuel evaporate easier and thus making it far more expensive for you.

Making some adjustments to your vehicle and changing your driving habits will definitely reduce the amount of fuel you put in your gas tank. So make a conscious effort to apply some of the suggested changes, and you’ll definitely benefit in terms of fuel consumption and money savings.

April 14, 2012
A New Model Year – A New Range Of Additions And Enhancements From Volvo

A new model, new engines and new engine technologies are the key additions to the Volvo range for the 2010 model year, all of which offer enhanced drivability, lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption.

Volvo C30, S40 and V50
The Volvo C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon DRIVe models now all feature the intelligent new Start/Stop function which brings CO2 emissions down to 104 g/km and improves fuel consumption up to 72.4 mpg. The sports-inspired R-DESIGN specification and body styling has also been introduced to the DRIVe range offering CO2 emissions of up to 119 g/km and 62.8 mpg in all three models1.

Prices for the C30 range start at £14,995 OTR for the entry level 1.6 S. The 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop variants start at £15,745. The S40 and V50 ranges start at £14,745 and £16,495 OTR for the 1.6 S models with the DRIVe with Start/Stop range commencing at £17,495 for the S40 and £18,845 for the V50.

Volvo XC60
A new front-wheel-drive variant of the Volvo XC60 is now available with the upgraded 2.4D 175 PS engine. This combination with a manual transmission reduces CO2 emissions to 159 g/km and is badged DRIVe. In addition to the lower CO2 emissions, fuel economy is also dramatically improved; from 37.7 mpg (combined) to 47.1 mpg, a 25% improvement. The new D5 engine is also now available in the XC60 offering up to an 11% increase in performance and an 8% reduction in CO2 emissions to 183 g/km.

Prices for the XC60 range start at £24,995 for the 2.4D DRIVe S model, with the new D5 engine joining the range at £26,745.

Volvo XC70

The Volvo XC70 benefits from the two new diesel engines – 2.4D and D5 – which join the range in SE specification and cost £27,995 and £31,495 OTR respectively. The 2.4D engine will only be available with front-wheel-drive and models with manual transmission feature CO2 emissions of just 159 g/km and will be badged DRIVe. It will also benefit from improved fuel consumption of up to 47.1 mpg.

Other changes to the XC70 range include a new front grille displaying the large iron mark and new steering wheel chrome highlights and chrome trim around the ignition area. Cars with the D5 and T6 AWD engines will also have visible twin rear exhaust pipes as standard.

The new Volvo S80

As announced on 26 February 2009, the Volvo S80 has benefitted from a full re-fresh this model year, both externally and internally.2

The driving dynamics and ride of the new Volvo S80 have also been updated and improved by the introduction of two new chassis – the Lowered Dynamic Chassis and the Comfort Chassis. The Lowered Dynamic Chassis has been developed to offer drivers enhanced sporting driving characteristics and more responsive handling, while the Comfort Chassis offers a compliant and un-interrupted smooth ride. The introduction of these new chassis’ gives customers the opportunity to tailor their S80 to suit their driving style – for inspired, enthusiastic driving or relaxed comfort.

The Lowered Dynamic Chassis will be offered as standard on the SE and SE Lux models. The Comfort Chassis will be the only chassis available on the Executive trim level.

The new Volvo S80 will also feature three new diesel engines, the 2.4D, D5 and the low CO2-emitting DRIVe. As well as providing the Volvo S80 with a different driving experience, the car will also benefit from lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. An upgraded 2.5T is available, offering a 31 PS performance boost to provide 231 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Despite this 13% increase in power, CO2 emissions have been reduced to 206 g/km and fuel consumption improved to 32.8 mpg with the manual transmission.

A new R-DESIGN Interior Pack has been introduced which includes Dynamic Sports leather faced front seats, R-DESIGN leather sports steering wheel and gearknob, instrument dials, aluminium pedals and sports floor mats. The pack is available on SE Premium and SE Lux premium models and is priced at £500.

Prices for the new Volvo S80 range start at £21,745 for the new low-CO2 emitting DRIVe SE model. The new 2.4D starts at £25,845 in SE specification, while the D5 joins the range at £27,745.

Volvo V70
The Volvo V70 gains the two new diesel engines with prices for the 2.4D starting at £26,845 OTR and £28,745 for the D5 both in SE trim. Changes to the V70 range also include a new front grille displaying the large iron mark and new steering wheel chrome highlights in SE and SE Lux and chrome trim around the ignition area. Cars with the D5 and T6 AWD engines now have visible twin rear exhaust pipes as standard.

The 2.5T engine has been updated to offer a performance boost to 231 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Despite this 13% increase in power the CO2 emissions have been reduced to 209 g/km and fuel consumption improved to 32.1 mpg with the manual transmission.

Prices for the Volvo V70 range start at £22,745 for the new low-CO2 emitting DRIVe model.

Volvo C70

The 2.0D engine in the C70 has been updated to offer CO2 emissions of 158 g/km to enable the car to fall below the 160 g/km threshold for the Capital Write Down Allowance. The Volvo C70 range starts at £24,995 OTR for the 2.0D S model.

Volvo XC90

Volvo’s seven-seat XC90 receives a new, lighter chassis and new dampers designed to improve drivability. In spite of this new chassis there are no price rises for the XC90. The range starting price remains static at £29,995 OTR for the D5 Active model, while prices for the flagship Executive variant have been reduced for the 2010 Model Year. The Executive now starts at £42,985 OTR for the 3.2-litre petrol model, a decrease of over £4,000 with minimal specification changes.

New D5 and 2.4D engines

The Volvo S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 all benefit from the new and improved D5 and 2.4D diesel engines which were announced earlier this year3. The new D5 engine with its twin sequential turbo charging offers a 20 PS performance boost to provide 205 PS and 420 NM of torque. Despite this power increase, CO2 emissions have been cut to 169 g/km in the XC70 and V70, 183 g/km in the XC60, while the S80 offers 164 g/km.

The 2.4D has also been upgraded and the new engine offers a 12 percent improvement in performance to 175 PS and 420 Nm of torque whilst bringing down CO2 levels to 155 g/km in the S80 and 159 g/km in the V70. In the XC60 and XC70 the 2.4D coincides with the introduction of front-wheel-drive and together, they reduce emissions to just 159 g/km. Crucially, this figure enables these two models to fall below the 160 g/km threshold for the Capital Write Down Allowance.

New Premium Pack and updated Satellite Navigation system
Volvo is offering the ultimate upgrade with an additional Premium Pack specification on all trim levels and engines in XC60, V70, XC70, S80, XC90 models for an extra £2,000. The Premium Pack includes the addition of Leather-faced Upholstery and Satellite Navigation System (RTI) in the XC60, V70 and XC70. On the XC90 the Premium model adds Satellite Navigation System (RTI), Dual Band Integrated GSM Telephone and Volvo On Call. Meanwhile the C70 also gets a Premium Pack for an extra £1,800 and features Satellite Navigation System (RTI), Bluetooth Handsfree System and Keyless Drive. The Premium Packs are designed to complement the existing high levels of specification on whichever engine or trim level chosen.

An updated Satellite Navigation system (RTI) has also been introduced in the XC60, V70, XC70, S80 and XC90 to bring them in line with the smaller cars in the Volvo range. A new driver interface, new colours and an improved premium feel to the menu and symbols are the key features and the unit costs £1,950 (including VAT).

All new MY’10 models are available to order now with first customer cars expected in July.

May 28, 2009
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
2009 Ford F-150 unsurpassed in fuel economy, capability

America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, is raising the bar once again – this time with unsurpassed fuel efficiency on the new 2009 F-150, thanks to significant miles per gallon improvement across the entire F-150 lineup. (more…)

September 19, 2008

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