Over 60 vehicles vied for the 2009 Scottish Car of the Year award but in the end it was Tata Motors’ Land Rover Discovery 4 which stood tall. Now on sale for about £31,995, the Land Rover Discovery 4 boasts of appealing features that include 3.0 liter TDV6 powertrain and state of the art technology add-ons with the likes of a Surround Camera System, Gradient Release Control, Tow Assist and a Push Button Start system. The Land Rover Discovery 4 garnered the most votes for its go-anywhere capability and premium package.

(Source) Wheels Unplugged

Tags: camera system, capability, car of the year, gradient, Land Rover, land rover discovery, liter, package source, plum, powertrain, push button, state of the art, state of the art technology, tata motors, wheels

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Mazda will be among the many car manufacturers at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show on October 24. For their part, Mazda is expected to debut the Mazda Kiyora Concept Car although that is not the only thing they will be unveiling. They will also unveil their next-generation engine and automatic transmissions lineup. This includes the Mazda SKY-G direct injection gasoline engine Mazda SKY-D clean diesel engine and the Mazda SKY Drive high-efficiency automatic transmission.

These new technological advancements are expected to help in the improvement of fuel-efficiency as well as some eco-friendly enhancements and optimized combustion systems. But a lot of the focus is sure to be on the Mazda Kiyora Concept car which highlights the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction for better fuel economy at 32 kilometers per liter.

(Source) Auto Racing

Tags: auto racing, automatic transmission, automatic transmissions, car manufacturers, combustion systems, concept car, diesel engine, fuel economy, fuel efficiency, gasoline engine, generation engine, high efficiency, kilometers, Mazda, new technological advancements, october 24, powertrain, sky drive, tokyo motor show, weight reduction

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If a recent job listing is anything to go by, McLaren is prepping to being work on a hybrid supercar at some point in the future.

According to said job listing, McLaren is looking for a senior engineer to deal with powertrain hybrid technology who will “lead the technical assessment integration and application of appropriate hybrid powertrain technology”.

It only makes sense that McLaren release a hybrid vehicle, right? I mean with other supercar makers reportedly working on the same thing, it would be the logical next step.

Tags: hybrid, job listing, McLaren, powertrain, rumor

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Count another falling brand under the GM logo sold. The latest car brand made famous by General Motors has been officially sold to Koenigsegg Automotive AB, a tiny company that produces only a dozen custom-made super cars a year.

GM bought a 50 percent stake in Saab for $600 million in 1990 and acquired the rest for $125 million in 2000. GM CEO Fritz Henderson said GM could build another car for the Saab brand. “Based on the preliminary plan, we expect the buyer to ask GM to build the 9-4x,” Henderson told reporters during an online chat Tuesday. “We will also provide support in terms of powertrain and other technologies.”

While the task to rebuild the Saab brand seems like a daunting task, Koenigsegg has been known to be successful without the expensive modes of advertising and promotions. Can you imagine a car company that does not advertise prices but is doing good in the business? That alone speaks highly of what the company can do to turn around the sagging fortunes of the Saab.

No financial figures have been revealed but many speculate the deal to be a virtual giveaway. The deal is expected to be finalized by the third quarter of the year.

(Source) CBS News

Tags: car brand, car company, Cars, daunting task, fortunes, General Motors, GM, gm logo, koenigsegg, modes, percent stake, powertrain, promotions, Saab, tiny company

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Toyota is looking at a new state-of-the-art transmission test cell and has chosen A&D Technology to be the supplier for it. Under the agreement, A&D will be supplying Toyota with three low-inertia permanent magnet dynamometers and high-performance AC drives together with their iTest data acquisition and control system.

Also, Toyota will be supplied with a system that includes A&D’s Andromeda real-time, multi-processor simulation platform, allowing Toyota to simulate virtually any combination of engine, vehicle, and powertrain configurations, including hybrid systems, in conjunction with the physical transmission.

With this advanced technology platform, Toyota can perform a variety of transmission development activities, from durability testing to conceptual studies.

(Source) Press

Tags: advanced technology, conceptual studies, conjunction, data acquisition and control, durability testing, high performance, hybrid systems, inertia, physical transmission, powertrain, state of the art, technology platform, test cell, transmission development, transmission test

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Motorists eyeing the best pre-owned programs in the market today may want to shift their attention a bit to Hyundai. Hyundai’s certified pre-ownership program has suddenly found itself at number three in the non-luxury category, making 24 jumps since its debut two years ago. At the moment, it is trailing the Mini and the Volkswagen.

Those are quite glaring numbers and considering that Hyundai is aggressively exhausting all efforts to make its business flourish, it seems that Hyundai has become the people’s choice with their various tactics.

Here is what the CPO program of Hyundai offers:

• Vehicles up to five model years old with less than 60,000 miles are eligible
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (from original purchase date)
• 150 point inspection
• $50 deductible
• Roadside assistance
• Rental car coverage (up to $35/day for up to 10 days per occurrence)
• Towing coverage (up to $75 per occurrence)
• Travel breakdown coverage (up to $375 per occurrence)
• Diagnostics
• Related damage for specific parts
• Fluids
• New car financing rates through Hyundai Motor Financing Company

These numbers may seem common but what you don’t see is what Hyundai provides as far as comfort and economical factors are concerned. But with practically the motoring industry acknowledging it, what else would you need to be convinced?

(Source) Press

Tags: blossoms, car coverage, debut, economical factors, financing company, flourish, glaring numbers, Hyundai, hyundai motor, luxury category, motorists, new car financing, new car financing rates, occurrence, powertrain, rental car, roadside assistance, volkswagen, warranty

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Subaru has officially announced the pricing for its 2010 Legacy Sedan. Pricing will start at $19,995 — $800 lower than the previous generation Legacy sedan — which set a sales record in 2008.

The new Subaru Legacy provides for a bolder design language in a larger midsize package. The 2010 Legacy, whose predecessor is renowned for its sporty handling and reliability, now has a longer wheelbase, four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

All Legacy models now feature an all-new front McPherson strut, rear double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars for improved ride & handling. Additionally, all Legacy models are upgraded with a much larger 18.5 gallon fuel tank for better operating range.

The 2.5i is equipped with a either the 6-speed manual transmission with a starting price of $19,995 or the all-new Lineartronic CVT as an option with a starting price of $20,995.

(Source) Press

Tags: design language, double wishbone suspension, four inches, gallon fuel tank, legacy models, manual transmission, mcpherson strut, powertrain, predecessor, rear seat legroom, rear stabilizer bars, reliability, Subaru, subaru legacy, variable transmission, wheelbase

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Bosch promotes its green initiative as an automotive expert at the SAE World Congress where it will showcase its various expertise and technical programs, partaking in the Earth Day Green Ride-n-Drive event and exhibiting in the main showroom. Additionally, for the fourth consecutive year, Bosch will sponsor the show’s final event, the banquet afterglow, which brings together industry leaders.

“As the Tier 1 Strategic Partner, we are proud to support Honda as the host company, SAE International and the industry, in continuing the dialogue on green mobility, and fostering collaboration to bring new technologies to the market,” said Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO, Robert Bosch LLC. “SAE 2009 World Congress is a great venue for Bosch to share our expertise and highlight our commitment to providing innovative and quality technologies that help protect the environment, reduce energy consumption and emissions.”

Bosch also will participate in the Earth Day Green Ride-n-Drive on April 22, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. along Civic Center Drive and Atwater at the back of Cobo Center. The event allows invited guests — including industry and government leaders and members of the media — to experience first-hand, powertrain technologies available for production, as well as those that will be available in the future.

A variety of Bosch technologies will be on display at its exhibit, Booth number 1236, on the SAE 2009 World Congress show floor. The exhibit will also feature a start/stop simulator and an exhaust aftertreatment demonstration.

(Source) Press

Tags: booth number, civic center drive, emissions, energy consumption, exhaust aftertreatment, government leaders, industry leaders, powertrain, sae world congress, strategic partner

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A new electric-powered SUV may be seen soon as Raser Technologies has announced that they will be unveiling a 100+ mpg SUV at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, Michigan April 20-23, 2009. The Vehicle is powered by Raser’s E-REV powertrain and was developed in conjunction with Raser’s integration partner, FEV and a global automaker.

The full-size SUV is a four-wheel drive Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) designed to achieve over 100 mpg in typical local daily driving with near zero emissions by driving up to 40 miles per day in all-electric mode.

Just one year ago, at the SAE World Congress, Raser announced it was developing an E-REV powertrain for use in full size SUVs and light trucks and had teamed with a leading OEM to build a demonstration SUV. This highly anticipated vehicle, featuring Raser’s electric powertrain, is now in road testing and will be unveiled and on display at this year’s show in FEV’s booth. In addition to SUVs, the powertrain is sized for application in many popular light trucks.

(Source) Press

Tags: electric mode, electric vehicle, fev, integration partner, light trucks, MPG, powertrain, raser technologies, sae world congress, society of automotive engineers, suvs, wheel, zero emissions

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Tesla Motors is reportedly getting orders for its Model S Sedan, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. This model carries an estimated price of $49,900 and can run up to a 300-mile range and 45-minute quick charge capability.

The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike and surfboard simultaneously. This packaging efficiency gives the Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

(Source) Business Wire

Tags: battery pack, gas tank, gasoline car, mountain bike, powertrain, technology vehicle, tesla motors

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Lancia of Italy has announced the launch of its two cars that can accommodate LPG fuel technology. The two cars are the Ypsilon and the Musa.

The 4-seater mini MPV Lancia Musa is powered by a 1.4 liter BiFuel engine that is good for 77HP. The same engine that has a system which can automatically switch between using gasoline or LPG is also fitted in the Lancia Ypsilon.

LPG gas is stored in a container that can store up to 39 liters of gas that is fitted in the spare wheel housing. To help compensate for a spare wheel, a tire inflation kit comes as standard. To enable the 1.4 liter engine to be fueled with LPG, Lancia, via Fiat’s Powertrain Techologies has modified the cylinder head with new valves and seats, and has also added a special inlet system to accommodate the LPG injectors.

With a full tank of fuel and LPG, both vehicles can deliver excellent fuel consumption figures. Out of 1,300 kilometers of driving range, the Lancia Ypsilon can deliver 425 kilometers with LPG while the balance 875 kilometers is achieved with gasoline. With a total of 1,200 kilometers of driving range, the Lancia Musa can deliver 419 kilometers with LPG and 781 kilometers with gasoline. Both Ypsilon and Musa models also produce 119 grams and 120 grams of emissions per kilometer, respectively.

(Source) Paultan.org

Tags: bifuel, cylinder head, emissions, fuel consumption figures, fuel technology, gasoline, lancia, lancia musa, lancia ypsilon, mini mpv, powertrain, spare wheel, tire inflation, two cars

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For the Lamborghini lovers, brace yourselves for the Lamborghini Mucielago LP650-4 Roadster. This is the new limited edition offering of Lambroghini which will reportedly be limited to only 50 units.

The car’s powertrain is still under wraps, but it’s expected to get a 650hp (485kW) V12 mill like that found in the Reventon. Typically ridiculous acceleration figures (about 3.4 seconds 0-62mph) are expected from the AWD platform.

The exterior is a special flat gray with bright orange accents on the side skirts and front lip, as well as in strategic locations inside the cabin. Dark alloy wheels finish off the dramatic exterior.

Inside, the car gets an asymmetric dashboard, acres of Alcantara and leather, and a few other unique touches. More information and photography is expected as the Geneva Motor Show draws nearer, though with the Superveloce already tipped for a Swiss debut, the Roadster may get pushed back to later in the year.

(Source) Motor Authority

Tags: acceleration, alloy wheels, Dashboard, geneva motor show, Lamborghini, lamborghini mucielago, lambroghini, limited edition, powertrain, roadster, side skirts

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