V6 – Automobiles Review

Here are some neat details regarding Lexus’ power units!

2018 Lexus V-Shape Engines Lexus has always featured incredible drivetrain technologies. Recently we have seen incredible vehicles with comprehensive and contemporary engine systems that are definitely worth the check out. In fact, Lexus team has revealed some stuff about their V6 and V8 premium engines. And believe us, there is a lot to be discussed, so stick with us!

First of all, both engines are offered with advanced technologies, influenced by the demands of pure motorsport spirit. And as we are talking about motorsport, we should also mention that all these V6 and V8 systems are track compliant. Sweet, right?

2018 Lexus V-Shape Engines

As you know, there are these V-type engines that adopt robust building technology and aluminum-alloy engine block – this is the preferred method by engineers at Lexus for ensuring high performance and durability and reducing noise and vibration to the minimum.

Furthermore, all V6 and V8 engines, produced by Lexus have been engineered by using modern applications and modifications. For example, the V-type engines are arranged by placing two rows of cylinders, angled 60-degrees while the cylinders in the V8 version are angled at 90-degrees, which ensures compact packaging and maximum power and fuel efficiency. Also, there is a detail that still impresses engineers – the crankshaft at the bottom of the V rotates in main bearings secured into the engine block by numerous bearing caps – four for the V6 and five for the V8 engines. Sweet!

2018 Lexus V-Shape Engines

Source: Lexus

June 1, 2018

Volkswagen Amarok Concept V6 TDI – Worthersee

Volkswagen has revealed the Amarok Power-Pickup Concept at the 2013 Worthersee Motor Show.

The Power-Pickup is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 TDI with 272HP (200 kW) and 600Nm (444 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds thanks to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and permanent 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

The striking exterior design features widened wheelarches to accommodate 22” alloy wheels, 80 mm lowered suspension, bi-xenon headlights with chrome surround and a chrome grille plus an enlarged lower air intake. At the rear there is also a carbon fibre diffuser and dual exhausts, plus tinted taillights and red, white and black side decals.

Inside, the dashboard, door trims and exclusive Nubuck leather sports seats have a black, red and white colour theme. In-car entertainment is supplied via an infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen and 500 watt subwoofer

Source: Volkswagen

May 13, 2013

Affordable Infiniti M35h GT

The acclaimed fastest accelerating hybrid V6 saloon – the Infiniti M line – gets a new version model. It’s the M35h GT: a notch cheaper than the M35h GT Premium. Quite a notch actually, with £3970 in savings.

It is actually cleaner and more economical as an entry level version. It’s bellow the 160 g/km CO2 emission threshold. Nevertheless, you still get 302 hp from the 3.5 V6 power plant and 67 bhp from the electric motor that sends its power through a second clutch to the back axle.

Also, recent customer feedback have prompted the Infiniti people to offer separately the Connectiviti+ navigation system and the 16-speaker Bose surround sound system. Two entities that usually went as a package previously. As an option, you can also get a climate control system which Infiniti have named Forest Air. The seats will also be heated or ventilated, the lights will be bi-Xenon and will veer left and right depending on the steering input and the interior will be garnished with a white ash wood trim that’s been sprinkled with real silver powder.

What you don’t get on the GT but on the Premium GT is Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP).

Source: Infiniti

July 5, 2012

EcoBoost for the All-new Ford Escape

The all-new Ford Escape will pamper itself with a clever EcoBoost engine. It develops 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque and provides 3,500 pounds of towing capability.

Smaller is better these days. Especially when we take into account the soaring gas prices. That’s why, as an alternative to the 3.0-liter V6 engine in the current Escape, the 2.0 liter EcoBoost seems the logical choice.

Escape’s greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile on a trailer. And chances are that you are going to link a trailer behind, even if it is only to make use of Ford’s trailer sway control.

Besides the 2.0 EcoBoost, there will be a 1.6 liter unit of the same line that returns 177 horsepower and lastly, a 2.5 naturally aspirated engine with a 171 horsepower ability. All three engines are mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Another good thing for the economy will be the electric power-assist steering.

Interested? Well, the all-new Escape arrives at showrooms sometimes later this spring. Until then, we’ll have to wait and read frugal figures.

Source: Ford

March 15, 2012

The New 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL – Simply Better

The Mercedes SL. “Open top” immediately springs to mind. We tend to think of cabriolets as slow, wobbly and impracticable – a direct contradiction to what SL stands for. “Super Leicht“ or “Super Light” is the exact way where Mercedes are going with the new SL in town. Its more powerful, more economical, lighter and smarter.

The body is almost entirely made up of aluminum. The A pillars have some heavy duty steel in them but that’s understandable. The cover behind the fuel tank is from magnesium which is even lighter than aluminum. Compared to it’s predecessor, the new, longer and wider SL 350 weighs 140 kg less. That means more agility, better handling, better delivery of power and better economy. Most importantly, that diet does not compromise on rigidity, safety and comfort.

The all-new suspension set, which also has some bits and pieces in aluminum, is supposed to be comfortable yet up for occasional thrashing around the bends. Semi-adjusting damping control comes as standard but those who want even more flexibility can opt for the active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control). Either way, you are going to get some great feedback from the steering wheel as it uses an electromechanical Direct-Steer system which adjusts the firmness of the power steer in accordance with the current speed.

For power, the SL 500 uses a 4663 cc V8 that is 0.8 liters smaller than the one in the fifth generation SL. Despite that, it develops 435 hp – 12 percent more power. It’s more economical as well. 22 percent more economical to be exact. In the mean time torque now, is not 530Nm but the staggering 700Nm. The engine in the SL 350 is still a 3499 cc V6 but it too is more powerful than before. 306 hp and 370Nm of torque drink up only 6.8 litres of fuel per 100km – 30 percent less than before. All those percentages seem overblown but when we inspect the tech under the bonnet, all seems plausible. The engines are from a line called BlueDIRECT and as we all know, blue is the new green. ECO start/stop systems come strictly with both engines. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission that crunches all that power is fully optimized with comfort and frugality in mind. That however, does not mean, in any way, power compromising: The SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, making it three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The SL 500 takes just 4.6 seconds – eight tenths less than the previous SL 500.

The options list is admirably lengthy. Among the many extras, there’s this Magic Vision Control and Magic Sky Control. One makes your wipers sprinkle water and the other is basically a panoramic vario-roof that can go from opaque to transparent with the push of a button. Pretty neat stuff but people wont be piling up to see you in the car. They’ll want to see the car itself because its too damn pretty.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 13, 2012

New Morgan Roadster 3.7

Morgans have always been about the nostalgic spirit of classical roadsters and coupes. That is why almost all of the current Morgan cars look like as if they have been stolen from a collector’s garage. They are for people who would love to take a ride around the country side in a real time machine. No, really, they can go fast enough to throw you back to the past because underneath the hood one won’t find a grandfather’s clock but a masterful modern engine. The Morgan Roadster is no exception from that rule – techy performance concealed in an old-school shell.

Power comes from a Ford 3.7 Cyclone V6 engine that develops 280 hp at 6000rpm and 352 Nm of torque. A Ford six speed manual gearbox on the other hand, crunches those numbers into sheer force on the tarmac. Keeping in mind that this car weights only 950 kg, the engine propels it to 60mph from a stand still in just 5.5 seconds. Mighty brisk! That is why the suspension is also clever enough to keep the car on the road – there’s a limited slip differential with cone drive for that extra grip and sideways buffoonery.

Inside, leather welcomes you to strap yourself in and enjoy the dashboard blend of digital and analogue dials – a surreal combination of both worlds. Most of the instruments are framed in woods which is just an example of how exotic this car really is. The convertible roof, although not automatic, is easy to install and creates a warm and private atmosphere.

Source: Morgan

February 23, 2012

Production Acura ILX and Revised RDX on Chicago Auto Show

A ready-for-production Acura ILX will premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, along with a redesigned Acura RDX SUV.

The 2013 ILX luxury compact sedan is the latest offering from Acura which emits a sleek and sporty essence. The car will be available in three distinct powertrains, including Acura’s first ever hybrid. Inside it will all be about space and cleverness. High value luxuries will be in the form of a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry, an engine start button and Pandora® internet radio. The exterior on the other hand, speaks for itself.

The 2013 RDX however, will be for those who want to make maximum use from their vehicles . It’s a compact crossover SUV that balances luxury and utility to a fine medium. The powertrain is a V6 with 3.5 liters of displacement that has 33 more horsepower than the previous one. In no way however, that increase has influenced the fuel economy, Acura say. In fact it is set to be the most fuel efficient SUV in its own class. Priority for the RDX is also spaciousness – it will now have larger door openings, more legroom, more headroom, more than ever cargo space (with a power tailgate) and better overall flexibility.

Both vehicles will be on display in the Acura booth at McCormick Place, Chicago where the auto show is set to step in motion. Photos and more information are yet to come.

Source: Acura

February 1, 2012

Jaguar XJ220 20 Years Later

It has been 20 years since the first XJ220 rolled out from it’s own factory in Bloxham and even by today’s standards it still is a masterpiece. In 1992, the fastest one could go was 213 mph, in an XJ 220. That threshold is a challenge for today’s M5.

Originally conceived as a concept car, designed by Keith Helfet, the XJ220 was showcased on the 1988 British Motor Show. It was the kind of concept that nobody believed that it would be built but an year later production was given a green light and the TWR company was appointed as a partner.

The XJ engineers started off with some goals and then set on to build the car that can meet them. The ideas back then were visionary, daring and some even sounding impossible – it had to be light, it had to be RWD and it had to do 220 mph (hence the name XJ220). The obvious thing to do to reach such heights in velocity was to throw in a gigantic engine and let it do its job. However, fitting a V12 proved tricky (mechanically) and also because of the emissions regulation there was no way for this car to be street legal and that powerful if it were with 12 cylinders. The next best thing was turbocharging – two massive Garrett T3 turbines were bolted on the modest 3.5 L, V 6 engine and the end result was just mesmerizing: 550 PS and 475 lbs ft of torque surging trough a 5-speed gearbox and space devouring 345/35 Bridgestones. Other highlights included the AP racing twin-plate clutch and AP disc brakes with four-pot callipers. They were a bit of a handful for the ordinary everyday driver for one had to be fairly built to operate them but it all worked as charm nevertheless.

Jaguar XJ220 (1993) — Jaguar XJ220 (1992)

Despite the positive reaction of various critics and motoring enthusiasts, the XJ was a commercial failure. Production ceased in 1994, by which time only 275 cars had been built. The price was a bit too steep (740 861 U.S. Dollars) and undoubtedly it was hard to live with.

The point of this car however, was to prove how with the apt engineers of Jaguar, there are no boundaries. The silver car in attendance at the recent Jaguar Experience Day held at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon is chassis 004, one of 10 pre-production vehicles. This example was used for extensive tyre and high speed testing at Fort Stockton, Texas, in 1991. Andy Wallace achieved a maximum speed of 213 mph in the car during the testing process.

The XJ220 S was another daring project which was basically built from scrap (Le Mans spare parts really). It had single-piece carbon fibre front and rear clamshells, tweaked suspension and a claimed power of 700 PS. Inside the otherwise luxurious trim was sacrificed for the sake of Kevlar bucket seats and carbon fibre panels. It was a true sporting breed. And today it is a classic on top of that.

Source: Jaguar

January 31, 2012

Prices For The Toyota RAV4 and Prius

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. have released their manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2012 RAV4 and the Prius Liftback. They will both hit the showrooms today and on the in January 2012 respectively.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 SUVs can be ordered in three different trim levels – RAV 4 (base), Sport and top-of-the-range Limited. Whatever the class, all vehicles can carry a 2.5 four-cylinder engine or a 3.5 V6 which develops 269 hp. Even further, either engine can be paired with a front-wheel drive or an electronic on-demand four-wheel drive. That makes a total of 12 possible combinations and thus 12 price listings. When compared to the old model, the RAV4 MY 2012 differs little in price which will preserve Toyota’s rock-solid image on the market – the base and Sport editions get an overall 0.7% increase while the Limited RAVs actually get a decrease in price by 0.5%. The cheapest of all is the 2.5 liter, front-wheel drive, 4 ratio automatic gearbox base model standing at $22,650 as the Limited V6 4WD model with a five-speed automatic transmission receives a price tag of $28,650.

All models include as standard equipment hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. RAVs from the Limited range get an extra Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™. Optional extras come in the form of a 6.1-inch touch-screen CD player with MP3/WMA compatibility, six speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio™ with iTunes ® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, and USB port with iPod® connectivity and control.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius segment has managed to stay on top of it’s competition in terms of hybrid technology mainly because of the midsized Prius Liftback. Up until know it has been shipped to over a million environmentally conscious customers. And now the 2012 MY has received a minor update – revised front fascia and tail lights, freshly styled 15 inch wheel covers and LED Daytime Running Lights with an on/off function.

There will be four available trim grades in the U.S. (the Two, Three, Four and Five) all of which have overall increased MSRP listings with around 3.3%. with the cheapest one standing at $24 000 while the Prius Five $29 805. You still get your money’s worth though because whatever you choose, it will be packed full of technology.

All models come with a 6.1-inch Display Audio system including a USB port for iPod® connectivity and control, Bluetooth® with phone book access for hands-free calling and a more advanced Multi-Information Display. Owners of the previous Prius model will be able to recognize some carryover technology as well. There’s a Touch Tracer Display, driver door Smart Key with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry, Star Safety System and an adjustable steering wheel with controls on it for the audio and climate systems as well as controls for the phone.

The Prius Three has its Display Audio system enhanced by the EntuneTM and Navigation pack. It also gets an integrated backup camera and three-door Smart Key.

The Prius Four implements a more powerful audio system consisting of eight JBL® GreenEdge™ speakers and an amplifier. SofTex-trimmed seats, headlamps with auto on/off feature and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar power support are also included.

As optional extras the Four and Five can be equipped with Toyota’s Premium HDD Navigation with EntuneTM and JBL®, which features an exclusive seven-inch touch-screen with split-screen capability. These two models are also the first of their kind to be offering a Head-up Display (HUD) which projects information such as speed, fuel etc. on the windscreen.

Here is the complete list of the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices in comparison to the previous 2011 model year counterparts:

TOYOTA 2012 MY	MODEL CODE	SERIES	DESCRIPTION	2011 MSRP	MSRP INCREASE ($)	MSRP INCREASE (%)	2012 NEW MSRP
2012	4430	RAV4	Base 2WD 4AT	$22,475	$175	0.8%	$22,650
2012	4431	RAV4	Base V6 2WD 5AT	$24,510	$175	0.7%	$24,685
2012	4440	RAV4	Sport 2WD 4AT	$24,175	$175	0.7%	$24,350
2012	4441	RAV4	Sport V6 2WD 5AT	$26,105	$175	0.7%	$26,280
2012	4450	RAV4	Limited 2WD 4AT	$25,465	($135)	-0.5%	$25,330
2012	4451	RAV4	Limited V6 2WD 5AT	$27,385	($135)	-0.5%	$27,250
2012	4432	RAV4	Base 4WD 4AT	$23,875	$175	0.7%	$24,050
2012	4433	RAV4	Base V6 4WD 5AT	$25,910	$175	0.7%	$26,085
2012	4442	RAV4	Sport 4WD 4AT	$25,575	$175	0.7%	$25,750
2012	4443	RAV4	Sport V6 4WD 5AT	$27,505	$175	0.6%	$27,680
2012	4452	RAV4	Limited 4WD 4AT	$26,855	($135)	-0.5%	$26,720
2012	4453	RAV4	Limited V6 4WD 5AT	$28,785	($135)	-0.5%	$28,650

TOYOTA 2012 MY	MODEL CODE	SERIES	DESCRIPTION	2011 MSRP	MSRP INCREASE ($)	MSRP INCREASE (%)	2012 NEW MSRP
2012	1221	Prius One (fleet only)	Five-door Liftback	$22,120	$895	4.0%	$23,015
2012	1223	Prius Two	Five-door Liftback	$23,520	$480	2.0%	$24,000
2012	1225	Prius Three	Five-door Liftback	$24,520	$1,045	4.3%	$25,565
2012	1227	Prius Four	Five-door Liftback	$27,320	$915	3.3%	$28,235
2012	1229	Prius Five	Five-door Liftback	$28,790	$1,015	3.5%	$29,805

*Prices do not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee on neither of the cars. The fee comes as an additional expense standing at $810 for the RAV and $760 for the Prius.

Source: Toyota

December 20, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – V8 and wind in the hair

Chevrolet has officially unveiled the 2011 Camaro Convertible just before its debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The stunning car will go on sale in February next year.

The top is made out of a durable canvas material and features an acoustic headliner as well as a glass rear window with a defogger. It needs just 20 seconds to fold down with a single push of a button. When the roof is down, the luggage capacity drops to 222 liters, instead of 290 liters.

The car is powered by 3.6 liter V6 Pentastar with 312HP (232 kW) and 370Nm (278 lb-ft) of torque. (more…)

November 16, 2010

Renault launches new alliance v6 dCi engine

The Renault-Nissan Alliance unveiled its brand-new V6 dCi diesel engine in the Laguna Coupé at the Paris Motor Show, in October. This engine is the first diesel V6 engine developed and produced by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. It will equip top of the range vehicles to meet the growing worldwide demand for engines that are powerful and yet fuel and CO₂ efficient. The Alliance cooperation has made it possible for both Renault and Nissan to offer a state-of-the art premium powertrain to their customers, all around the world. (more…)

November 20, 2008

3.0 TFSI: Hi-tech V6 with compressor supercharging

Powerful, spontaneous and ultra-efficient: this is the new top version in Audi’s V6 engine range. The 3.0 TFSI develops 213 kW (290 hp) and a huge 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) of torque. It combines two state-of-the-art technologies in perfect style – gasoline direct injection and compressor supercharging. The hi-tech V6 will go into production later in the year. (more…)

June 27, 2008

Tag: V6