Back in the 90s, shortly after Lotus introduced the original Elise, the company made it known that platform was designed to be easily adapted to different applications including different powertrains. Any companies that were interested in a platform…
Category: Autoblog
Volkswagen adds new members to the TSI engine and DSG gearbox families
Volkswagen has added a new version to their range of TSI engines as well as an updated DSG dual clutch gearbox. At the Vienna Motor Symposium they are showing a 122 hp 1.4L TSI that like it's 138 hp and 168 hp siblings uses direct fuel injection and…
Chrysler adds integrated temperature humidity sensors on hybrid SUVs
In the course of developing hybrid vehicles, automakers typically try to minimize parasitic losses wherever possible to maximize the fuel efficiency numbers. For Chrysler's first production hybrids, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, the…
Detroit 2008 Preview: 2009 Ford F-150 could add hydraulic launch assist
One of Ford's most important debuts at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show is the new 2009 F-150. While Ford doesn't have a gas-electric hybrid system suitable for big trucks like GM's Two-Mode system, they will have offer some technology to improve fuel…
2011 Ford Explorer gets soy-foam seats and 25% better fuel efficiency
We're still about a month or more away from seeing the new 2011 Ford Explorer devoid of camouflage, but the automaker is continuing to trickle out information. The latest news is that the new unibody SUV will use soy-foam seat cushions like the ones…
BMW twin-turbo 2.0L diesel wins Best New Engine of 2008
Another of the honorees in this year's International Engine of the Year competition is BMW's latest diesel engine. The dual turbo 2.0L four cylinder that debuted in the 123d this year was selected by the 65 member jury as the Best New Engine for…
EV sellers will have to teach drivers to treat their car like their phone, plug it in!
Chevrolet Volt – click above for high-res image gallery
As much as we talk about range anxiety here, the reality is the vast majority of drivers in America probably aren't even really aware of the term in the automotive context. Yet. But that's…
Next-gen Audi RS6 to drop V10 in favor of V8?
2009 Audi RS6 – Click above for high-res gallery
The next generation Audi A6 is expected to debut early in 2010 and that means a new performance S6 and super-performance RS6 will likely follow a couple of years later. As improved efficiency and…
Delphi to get into retail diesel service business in Europe
Europe is the land of the diesel, with oil-burners taking at least half the market in most of western Europe and as much as eighty percent in places like France. In spite of their problems in North America, Delphi has long been a major supplier of an…
Rahal-Letterman to quit IRL unless a sponsor steps up
Click for a gallery of shots from the 2008 Detroit Grand Prix
Roger Penske once said “the quickest way to make a small fortune in racing is to start with a large fortune.” Bobby Rahal is a racer, but he's no fool, and he appears to be taking Penske's…