VW Jetta TDI clean diesel tech brought to you by Robert Bosch LLC

By colin November 20th, 2008

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creative commons - flickr.com: http://www.flickr.com/photos/markusschoepke/70144576/ Enlarge Photo

Launched in 1886 as a "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," Bosch has been in on diesel technology since fellow German Rudolf Diesel introduced his revolutionary heat engine at the Paris World's Fair in 1900. Bosch continues their leadership in compression ignition technology with the advent of Volkswagen's 2.0-liter clean diesel as found in the 2009 Jetta TDI and 2009 Jetta TDI Sportwagen.

Delivering highly-pressurized Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel to all four piezoelectric injectors is Bosch's common rail system that runs at pressures up to 30,000 psi. Bosch's piezoelectric injectors are capable of delivering up to five pre- and post-injection pulses of fuel, helping to eliminate noisy diesel clatter and greatly improving efficiency and emissions.

Bosch also contributed the Jetta TDI's high-pressure fuel pump, engine ECU, diesel particulate filter (essential for reduced soot), low-pressure EGR sensors, camshaft sensors, oxygen sensors, hot film air mass sensor, and glow timing ECU.

The net result of all this technology is a stout wave of low rpm torque, extremely low emissions, no soot, and gas-engin-quiet operation. Not to mention gas mileage as high as 58.85 mpg as recorded by mileage-busting couple John and Helen Taylor.--Colin Mathews

Posted in : 2009, Diesels, Green Machines, Sedans, Technology, Volkswagen

2010 Lincoln MKZ Revealed

By Marty Padgett November 19th, 2008

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2010 Lincoln MKZ Enlarge Photo

The news from Lincoln for the last several years has been, "We're not dead." While they're far from being healthy, their model line is continuing to improve. The 2010 MKZ took its bow at L.A.'s show, and you'll see that the winged grill of the 2009 Lincoln MKS has made the transition to the smaller Lincoln. We saw a prototype of the new MKZ back in the spring. We liked it then and we still like it now.

The interior of the 2010 MKZ is also said to be significantly improved. We've seen the pictures you're seeing here, and spent some time with the MKZ during the summer to witness significant upgrades inside--with an almost Land Rover feel in the use of vertical lines and wood trim. The team used the MKS as a benchmark, and this is a good thing.

On the performance side of things, pre-show press releases offered scant details to back claims of quicker 0-60 mph times (7.1 versus 7.7 seconds), but the claims are there nonetheless. Apparently transmission calibrations have been modified, because the standard 3.5-liter V-6 retains an output of 263 horsepower.

We'll have driving impressions as soon as Ford sends the new 2010 MKZ out into the world.

MORE PHOTOS: 2010 Lincoln MKZ
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Posted in : 2010, Lincoln, Los Angeles Auto Show, Luxury Cars, Sedans

2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan Tip off in L.A.

By Marty Padgett November 19th, 2008

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2010 Mercury Milan Enlarge Photo

With the restyled 2010 Ford Mustang on Tuesday. Following up this first act at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show are the updated version of its mainstay mid-sizers, the 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010 Mercury Milan. Neither has completely new sheetmetal like the 'Stang, but the improvements are worthwhile and do plenty to keep Ford moving forward.

2010 Ford Fusion & 2010 Mercury Milan

Ford is busy expanding the choices within the bread-and-butter Fusion and Milan lines, both of which get minor cosmetic overhauls for 2010. More importantly, both will offer a version of the efficient hybrid powertrain already used in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs. The unit's internal combustion component is a sophisticated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 136 lb-ft torque. This torque is augmented by the electric motors integrated into the transmission assembly.

If the performance improvements and overall drivability are anywhere near as good as they are in the SUVs, the Fusion and Milan Hybrids should be great rides with good responsiveness and great mileage in a roomy sedan package. After all, they're not SUVs, so there is less weight coupled with a lower center of gravity.

Additionally, Ford is claiming that their hybrids will deliver "at least" five more miles per gallon than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. MPG-minded drivers will be aided by new driving technologies (SmartGauge and EcoGuide). We haven't experienced these, but we expect telltale indicators will help drivers be easy on the throttle and drive to maximize time spent in the cars' full-electric modes.

Even though the new Hybrid models will get all the attention, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models propelled by Non-hybrid powertrains will also see improvements in horsepower and mileage thanks to a host of new features (such as electric power steering) and design improvements (such as new engine cylinder heads). The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder now produces 175 horsepower, while the improved 3.0-liter V-6 produces 240 horsepower. Six-speed automatic transmissions will back both engines.

2010 Ford Fusion Enlarge Photo

While somewhat unfashionable at the moment, Ford will also add a new Sport model to the Fusion line. This edition will use the 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Ford Edge and other corporate vehicles (including the Lincoln MKS). The engine produces 263 horsepower in current installations, and with a six-speed automatic should make this Fusion pretty entertaining. The chassis is be upgraded to match the additional power, and 18-inch wheels will be standard.

More details will come as soon as we get them from the show floor. The L.A. Auto Show press days begin in earnest today.

MORE PHOTOS: 2010 Ford Fusion, 2010 Mercury Milan

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Posted in : 2010, Ford, Hybrid Cars, Lincoln, Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercury, Sedans

Volvo Introduces S80L For Chinese Market

By colin November 18th, 2008

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2009 Volvo S80L Enlarge Photo

What is it with mid-size luxury sedans with extended wheelbases for the Chinese market? Just yesterday, we reported that Audi is introducing the A4L for the Chinese market only. Volvo follows suit today, with its slightly larger S80L. Like the Audi, the Volvo will be tailored to Chinese tastes, sold only in that country, and manufactured there as well.

Volvo claims a growing demand for premium cars in China, and as such it introduced a locally-built S40 in 2006, which it says has enjoyed steady sales growth. Volvo claims that the S80L will target "successful mature achievers who have a strong sense of responsibility for their families and the society." They also claim that Volvo's dedication to safety will remain central in the new vehicle's mission.

The S80L will be built at Volvo's CFMA Chongqing plant in China. It will be tailored specifically for Chinese premium consumers, featuring larger and more comfortable rear seats and rear cabin space. In preparation for building in China, Volvo tech experts and senior execs visited China to ensure a supply of quality, locally-produced parts and components for manufacture. In addition, they laid down specific requirements for all parts to be used in the Chinese factory.

Some of our readers (ahem) questioned the logic of extended wheelbase models for the Chinese market. Again, time and sales will tell whether these models are wise investments or not, but market demand seems a pretty compelling argument.--Colin Mathews
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Posted in : 2009, Advertising/Marketing, Industry News, Luxury Cars, New Products, Sedans, Volvo

Audi Continues Focus on Worldwide Markets with A4L Launch

By colin November 17th, 2008

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Audi Media Site Enlarge Photo

Continuing to invest in the worldwide markets that are ensuring its continued growth, Audi debuted its new A4L yesterday in Beijing, China. The vehicle is a 2009 Audi A4 with a wheelbase extended 2.36 inches. Audi says the vehicle is a smart mix of sports sedan and luxury vehicle, and may be "enjoyed as both a driver's car and a chauffeured luxury sedan." The majority of the added wheelbase benefits rear seat comfort.

Powering the A4L will be Audi's 2.0-liter TFSI engine in 180 hp tune, or the firm's 3.2-liter FSI V-6 making 265 hp. The long-wheelbase vehicle will be produced exclusively for the Chinese market, reflecting the unique automotive needs of that market as well as Audi's aggressive push to continue its worldwide sales climb.

Notably, the A4L will be produced in China at an Audi manufacturing facility in Changchun. The new A4, which has sold 200,000 units since its worldwide launch last year, was recently voted "Most Beautiful Car of the Year" by the readers of German automotive magazine Auto Bild.

The A4L will be unveiled publicly tomorrow at the Guangzhou Motor Show, and will be available in Chinese dealerships beginning January 2009.--Colin Mathews
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Posted in : 2009, Advertising/Marketing, Audi, Cars We Love, China, Industry News, Luxury Cars, New Products, Sedans