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BMW’s class-leading Sports Activity Vehicle, the BMW X5, will receive an array of design and engine changes offering even greater performance and lower emissions, whilst also updating its look. The new BMW X5 will be on sale from 5 June.
Three new engines will be launched for the xDrive30d, xDrive40d – replacing the xDrive35d – and the xDrive50i – replacing the xDrive48i. All of the new powerplants now meet EU5 standards.
The entry level xDrive30d has been upgraded to provide increased performance, making this the first conventionally-powered luxury SAV to record a sub 200g/km CO2 reading. The engine consumes just 38.2mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 195g/km of CO2 – a 10 per cent improvement – yet produces 245hp, up 10hp on the previous xDrive30d. Acceleration to 62mph now takes only 7.6 seconds – a six per cent improvement over the previous model.
The replacement of the twin-turbocharged xDrive35d with the new xDrive40d sees an improvement in emissions of 10 per cent, emitting only 198g/km CO2 whilst delivering 37.7mpg on the combined cycle. In true EfficientDynamics style the performance of the car has also increased. The zero to 62mph time is now just 6.6 seconds, down from 7.0 seconds, courtesy of a 306hp output, 20hp more than the outgoing engine.
Powered by the world’s first twin-turbocharged V8 engine with the catalytic converter located in the vee, the xDrive50i has an extra 53hp compared to the model it replaces, taking the total to 408hp. This leads to a lower zero to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds, an improvement of 1.0 second over the outgoing powertrain.
The BMW X5 will be mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission helps to lower the X5’s CO2 output and allows smoother shifting and greater driving dynamics.
The new BMW X5 includes a number of exterior changes, enhancing the athletic appearance of BMW’s original 4×4. Revised front bumpers with enlarged vents, to increase the air supply to the engine and brakes, and matt aluminium-look lower scuff plates and vent fins, now feature to underscore its performance credentials.
New xenon headlights, with bright white LED corona rings, modernise the face of the car whilst the more centralised front fog lights complete the new front end. At the rear is a revised red light cluster, enhancing the lines of the car with horizontal LED light bars. Enlarged tail pipes, within a redesigned rear bumper, finish off the look.
Enhanced standard specification
Completing the updates is a raft of additions to the standard equipment list. As well as the new eight-speed automatic transmission, for the first time leather upholstery comes as standard across the entire X5 range. Xenon headlights will light the way for the entire range whilst Servotronic steering now comes as standard.
A wider range of high-tech options are available, including Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with ‘Stop and Go’ function, speed limit display and side-view cameras. Aesthetically, a new colour pallet is available.
Prices for the new BMW X5 will start at £43,980 OTR.
Tags: bmw diesel, x5 diesel
Posted in Diesel Owners Club
Sporty estate is third body shape in new Ibiza line-up
Expressive design, dynamic driving fun
Five efficient engines including new 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI
SEAT is continuing its relentless 2010 new product offensive with another stylish and svelte newcomer to the Ibiza range.
The Ibiza ST is the third silhouette to join the Spaniards’ supermini line-up and significantly expands SEAT’s presence in this important market segment.
The new arrival from Martorell debuts with no fewer than five modern engines and an extensive array of equipment and new technologies.
SEAT’s renowned design team, led by Luc Donckerwolke, has taken the highly functional concept of the Ibiza ST and clad it in the Spanish brand’s unique design language. Despite the estate layout and generous load capacity the newcomer retains the youthful, sporty character of the rest of the Ibiza range.
The roofline stretches rearwards, the rear overhang is integrated perfectly into the overall design and the tight span of its flanks lends tautness to its proportions. The front end bears the hallmark of SEAT’s now trademark ‘Arrow Design’ with the rear end receiving a new look courtesy of the split rear light clusters.
Measuring 4.23 metres in length, the Ibiza ST is 18 centimetres longer than the Ibiza hatch. This creates ample load capacity to satisfy the varied requirements of ST owners. The new car’s base luggage capacity of 430 litres is already comparatively generous, and can be easily increased in stages by folding the split rear seats.
SEAT’s engineers have also paid particularly close attention to the optimal width and low height of the load opening.
Sporty dynamics with a high degree of efficiency are par for the course with every SEAT. State-of-the-art engines see the Ibiza ST offer, in the UK, a choice of three petrol and two TDI units with the latest common-rail fuel injection. Four of the five engines operate with direct injection and turbocharging. Outputs span 85 PS to 105 PS and highlights include the exceptionally efficient new 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI.
Aside from a generous standard spec’ the new Ibiza ST will also offer hi-tech optional equipment including SEAT’s impressive dual clutch DSG automatic/sequential manual gearbox.
More details about the new car’s specification, pricing and model line-up will be revealed closer to its UK on-sale date this summer.
Tags: 1.2 TDI, 1.2TDI, ibiza st tdi, seat st, seat tdi st, st tdi, tdi st ibiza
Posted in Diesel News, TDI Owners, VAG Topics
The all-new Kia Sportage will show a dramatic shift in design direction when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, 2010.
Embodying Kia’s new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – in a sleek and urban-friendly design.
Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.
Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: “Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story.”
The all-new Sportage comes to the UK later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and petrol engines.
The world premiere of the all-new Sportage will take place at 08.45 on 2 March, 2010 on the Kia Stand (No 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.
Tags: diesel kia sportage, kia sportage
Posted in Diesel News
Wolfsburg, 2. February 2010 – For the first time ever, the EuroNCAP Institute in Brussels compiled all of its crash test results for the year 2009 and named the safest car of the year: The Golf won out against the competition with a total of 103 points.
The Golf had already attained a five-star EuroNCAP rating in the year 2008. Initially, this testing programme − conducted since 1997 − only assessed frontal crashes, side crashes and pedestrian protection. After stricter criteria were introduced at the beginning of 2009, the Golf was re-tested, and it performed impressively in all four categories: Occupant protection of adults, protection of children, pedestrian protection and supporting safety and driver assistance systems. The bestseller from Wolfsburg once again attained the coveted five star rating with the top score of 103 points, earning it the title of “Safest Car of 2009”. In total, 33 cars were tested last year under the new, stricter and more extensive EuroNCAP crash testing procedure.
Electronic safety and assistance systems that help prevent accidents and serious injuries are now also incorporated in the rating of the new, stricter assessment method. The Golf offers maximum safety with standard safety features that include ESP with counter-steer assist, ABS with braking assistance, anti-slip regulation (ASR), electronic differential lock (EDS), engine drag torque control (MSR), trailer stabilisation, Isofix mounting brackets for two child seats on the rear bench as well as airbags for driver and front passenger with passenger-side deactivation, including knee airbag for the driver and a head airbag system for front and rear passengers with side airbags.
The Golf not only fulfils European safety standards. In 2008, the compact car earned the prestigious title of “Top Safety Pick” − awarded by the independent US safety institute “Insurance Institute for Highway Safety” (IIHS). In this evaluation, vehicles were tested in a frontal crash at 40 mph (64 km/h) and in a side crash at 31 mph (50 km/h) with a movable barrier shaped like the front end of an SUV. In addition, seat behaviour was studied in a rear-end crash.
Tags: Golf NCAP, Golf Safety, Golf Safety Rating, VW Golf, Wolfsburg NCAP
Posted in Diesel News, TDI Owners, VAG Topics
Racing debut of latest specification Audi R15 TDI brought forward
Participation in 8-hour race at Le Castellet (France)
Total of three starts in 2010 Le Mans Series
Ingolstadt, February 2, 2010 – To further prepare for the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi Sport is planning an additional racing commitment with the Audi R15 TDI that has undergone additional development. For April 11, the participation in the 8-hour race at Le Castellet in southern France is planned for testing purposes.
Originally, the diesel racing sports car that is internally designated as “R15 plus” was to make its racing debut at the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps. The Belgian endurance classic continues to be on Audi Sport Team Joest’s race schedule as the final dress rehearsal for Le Mans. However, to complement these plans, Audi Sport also wants to use the season opener of the 2010 Le Mans Series (LMS) on the high-speed circuit at Le Castellet to test the “R15 plus” in racing conditions.
“We’re on schedule with the additional developments we’re making on the R15 TDI and so this race should be possible,” says Head of Audi-Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Le Castellet is a race track that lends itself pretty well to testing for Le Mans, and we’ve frequently used this circuit for our Le Mans preparation. The 8-hour race distance makes the race of further interest to us.”
Purely for logistical reasons, Audi Sport Team Joest has registered for the 2010 Le Mans Series. “But this should not at all be interpreted to mean that we will be contesting all five LMS races,” said Dr. Ullrich. “At the moment, we are only planning to race at Le Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone.”
The 1000-kilometer race at Silverstone (Great Britain) on September 12 will mark the finale of the 2010 Le Mans Series and simultaneously kicks off the Le Mans Intercontinental Cup, which Audi Sport Team Joest will tackle with two R15 TDI cars.
Tags: Audi Le Mans, Audi R15, diesel r15, diesel race car
Posted in Diesel News, Diesel Tuning, TDI Owners, VAG Topics
Audi extends driver line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer new to the team
Joint test run in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa
Ingolstadt, January 28, 2010 – Audi Sport leaves nothing to chance in its endeavour to bring the prestigious Le Mans trophy back to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Not only the technology of the Audi R15 TDI is being subjected to further development. The drivers’ line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) has been extended as well.
For the world’s most famous endurance race, Audi has signed three new drivers, the Swiss Marcel Fässler (33), German André Lotterer (28) and Frenchman Benoît Treluyer (33), who will be sharing the cockpit of one of three Audi R15 TDI cars on June 12/13, 2010.
“In view of our strong competitors, we want to – and have to – be perfectly positioned in terms of drivers too,” explained Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Therefore, we decided to extend our driver line-up. Marcel, André and Benoît attracted our attention during the past two years in a particularly positive way. They are used to handling fast prototypes and know each other extremely well. The three of them, and we too, are convinced that they are a very good combination for Le Mans.”
The new Audi drivers already have experience at the wheel of diesel racing sports cars. Marcel Fässler successfully contested two races in the American Le Mans Series for Audi in 2008. André Lotterer impressed at Le Mans last year at the wheel of an Audi R10 TDI of the private Audi customer team Kolles. Benoît Treluyer competed in the 24-hour classic in a Peugeot in 2009.
Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer have already visited Audi Sport in Ingolstadt for seat-fittings and will soon be testing the Audi R15 TDI. The first racing commitment for the new Audi driver trio is planned for May 9, in the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), which will serve as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Audi Sport Team Joest.
“For the time being, plans for Marcel, André and Benoît are fully focused on Le Mans 2010,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “But all three of them are still relatively young, and therefore, may also become part of our sports car project over the long term.”
Audi has been contesting the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1999 and having made 11 starts, has won the race as many as eight times. In addition to speed, reliability and efficiency are the key factors of success in the world’s most famous endurance race.
Furthermore, the LMP1 class is unrivalled by any other motorsport category in terms of offering the opportunity to test technical innovations in racing conditions. Thanks to its technology leadership, Audi has repeatedly set milestones in this regard. The Audi R8, for instance, successfully introduced TFSI gasoline direct injection technology in 2001, while in 2006 the Audi R10 TDI was the first diesel-powered vehicle to clinch victory in the history of the race.
Tags: Audi Le Mans, audi r10, Audi R15, audi racing drivers, Diesel Racing
Posted in Diesel News, Diesel Owners Club, Diesel Tuning, TDI Owners, VAG Topics
Massive range with 29 body types to choose from
Available with front or rear-wheel drive
Class leading cabin ergonomics and cargo space
Gross vehicle weight up to 4.5 tons, payload up to 2.5 tons
New power trains with low operating costs
Luton: The all new Movano from Vauxhall will be a serious player in the heavy van segment when it’s launched in the UK market this year.
Customers for Vauxhall’s second generation Movano will be spoilt for choice when the new van goes on sale in May, with no less than 29 different body styles to choose from once all variants have come to market.
Movano’s drivers can also expect to be among the happiest and most comfortable when they get behind the wheel with special attention having been paid to cabin comfort and ergonomics, as well as to the cargo space areas. A new range of fuel-sipping common rail diesel engines ensure operators will be just as content.
The modular platform, developed jointly with Renault, comes with front or rear-wheel drive depending on payload category. Rear-wheel drive variants can be ordered with twin wheels at the rear.
The new Vauxhall Movano will offer a wider selection of variants than most of the competition, as well as a tailor-made model for nearly every potential customer profile. The full range includes panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights.
UK prices are also announced today and start from a highly competitive £21,660 (ex.VAT) for the L2H2 3300 FWD 100PS model.
New Movano is also an excellent base for conversions and will be available ex-works as a tipper, dropside and box van.
Cab comfort and safety has been enhanced in a number of areas such as driver visibility, multi-adjustable seats (in various configurations) and an adjustable steering column that allows for relaxed driving on the longest journeys. Meanwhile the options list for the new Movano has really moved the game on with items such as static cornering lights, a centre seat back that folds into a work surface and a rotating laptop table.
An array of easy-to-reach storage compartments round off the Movano’s superbly practical use of space.
The cargo area of the new Movano offers load lengths extending to 4.4 metres, and load capacity of up to 17 cubic metres (L4H3 version).
Loading the new Movano couldn’t be simpler. Front-wheel drive variants feature low sill heights while all models offer side sliding and rear access doors. Large door apertures make access for large loads and Euro palettes easy.
Under the bonnet, a new generation of 2.3 CDTi four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines combine strong performance with low operating costs. Three power outputs are available: 100PS/285 Nm, 125 PS/310 Nm and 150PS/350 Nm. All engines come with a six-speed gearbox as standard and are Euro 4 or Euro 5 (with DPF) compliant. The 125PS and 150PS versions can be coupled with the semi-auto Techshift transmission.
New Movano’s fuel consumption is expected to be among best in class when all versions are launched, depending on model and engine.
Increased fuel efficiency isn’t the only way new Movano owners will save money. The new engines are now designed with a 250,000 mile lifespan while extended mileage service intervals and reduced maintenance costs are an added bonus.
Movano’s advanced chassis has been tuned to be agile but also comfortable, both when loaded and empty. Active and passive safety equipment includes ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) as standard on all models while electronic stability program (ESP) is also standard on rear-wheel drive and optional for front-wheel drive versions. Passive safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated in the seats (optional) and seat-belt pretensioners.
The launch phase of the new Movano will be staggered according to the body variants and vehicles will be available in the UK from May.
Tags: CDTi Owners, CDTI VAN, derv van, Diesel Van, vauxhall van
Posted in CDTi Owners, Vauxhall Owners
Southfield, Michigan, January 25, 2010 … To reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy, vehicle manufacturers are extracting ever increasing power outputs from smaller diesel engines. Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ:FDML) has developed an innovative aluminium piston design that can withstand the severe mechanical and thermal loads produced by these heavily boosted engines, allowing significant improvements in engine performance and durability.
Called DuraBowl®, Federal-Mogul’s design strengthens the crown of a diesel engine piston by locally re-melting the alloy around the bowl, significantly improving the fatigue strength of the aluminium where it is most needed. The result is an extension of component life to between four and seven times that achieved with a conventional cast piston.
During the last decade, typical performance outputs for automotive diesel engines rose from 50kW/litre (67bhp/litre) to around 70kW/litre (94bhp/litre). According to Rainer Jueckstock, Federal-Mogul senior vice president of Powertrain Energy, the trend is likely to accelerate driven by increasingly pressing legislative targets for CO2 reduction in most major global markets. “Rising specific outputs place higher mechanical and thermal loads on many of the components where Federal-Mogul has considerable expertise,” he said. “The DuraBowl piston process is an example of how we are succeeding in delivering specialised process technologies that help our customers successfully address these challenges across a range of growing market sectors.”
In a diesel engine, combustion takes place in a hollow bowl in the top of the piston, where temperatures can reach over 400 degrees Celsius (750 degrees Fahrenheit) and pressures over 200 Bar (200 x atmospheric pressure). Federal-Mogul says that under these increasingly difficult conditions, the rim of the piston bowl has an increased risk of failure. Following extensive analysis, the company has identified that both thermal and mechanical failures of the piston bowl can be traced to the presence of free primary silicon particles distributed throughout the aluminium matrix. Aluminium expands eight times as much as silicon, creating stresses within the piston as the temperature fluctuates. Furthermore, each time the cylinder fires repeated mechanical loads could initiate fatigue failure from the corners of the silicon particles. Silicon is a necessary constituent of the aluminium alloy, offering favourable properties such as low expansion and good castability, so it currently cannot be eliminated.
The only potential solution to this problem, until now, has been fiber-reinforced pistons. “Fiber-reinforced pistons increase manufacturing complexity as the molten alloy has to infiltrate the fibres during casting,” said Frank Doernenburg, Federal-Mogul director of technology, pistons and pins. “Furthermore, there is not yet a reliable, non-destructive way to test the integrity of the finished part whereas, with our DuraBowl process, we can do an Eddy Current test to ensure the quality.”
Federal-Mogul’s solution is to pre-machine the cast piston and then re-melt the alloy around the rim of the bowl. The re-melted alloy cools a thousand times faster than it did when originally cast, which leads to much smaller silicon particles; only one tenth of the previous size. Metallurgists refer to this as refinement of the microstructure; a technique known to increase the strength and durability of metal alloys.
“The strength and efficiency of our solution is that the process is physically simple,” said Doernenburg. “The sophistication is in the control of key parameters, which ensure consistent quality. The result is a technically advanced, high-performing and very cost-competitive product when compared with both fibre-reinforced and steel pistons.”
The technological and cost benefits have been validated during extensive engine testing, both by Federal-Mogul and its customers. Doernenburg concluded, “The re-melting process certainly increases piston life and performance substantially, making a significant contribution to improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2. A conservative estimate would be a fourfold improvement in the life of any cast piston which suffers from bowl rim failures.” The first application of the DuraBowl process is on a high-performance diesel engine recently launched for a leading global vehicle manufacturer.
About Federal-Mogul
Federal-Mogul Corporation is an innovative and diversified $6.9 billion global supplier of quality products, trusted brands and creative solutions to manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty and off-highway vehicles, as well as to the power generation, aerospace, marine, rail and industrial sectors. It is recognised as a premier global innovator in the areas of powertrain, sealing, safety and protection and a leading source of advanced technologies that help increase vehicle performance, improve fuel efficiency and reduce engine emissions for a cleaner world. Federal-Mogul employs nearly 39,000 people located in 36 countries. More information can be found at www.federalmogul.com.
Tags: co2 reduction, diesel piston, new diesel piston, performance diesel
Posted in CDTi Owners, Diesel News, HDi Topics, TDCI Topics, dCi Owners
Glamorous eco driving challenge from Paris to Geneva
72 entrants from 18 countries compete in 4 categories
Most fuel-efficient drivers win and receive Peugeot cars
This week sees the launch of the first ever pan-European eco-driving challenge – the Peugeot Eco Cup. Following in the footsteps of those early pioneering motoring journeys, the Peugeot Eco Cup will follow a 1000 kilometre course from Paris to Geneva, with the winners being those arriving at the finish within set time targets having used the least fuel.
Entry to the Peugeot Eco Cup is open to any qualified driver. Would-be competitors can sign up at the dedicated website http://ecocup.peugeot.com which can also be found via www.peugeot.co.uk by 15 February 2010.
The website features a range of eco-driving tips, an online eco-driving test and details of the four different Peugeot cars available for the event. Applicants select the car category they prefer to compete in, enter their details and submit a 140 word description of what makes a good eco driver.
Peugeot will select 72 competitors from the online entries and then randomly draw entrants to be invited to take the challenge, with four each representing the 18 European countries (and accompanied by a team-mate of their choice), to compete in four different Peugeot cars: 207 HDi 90, 308 HDi 110, 3008 HDi 110 and 5008 HDi 110. Each car is a diesel powered practical family vehicle recognised for its excellent fuel economy and low carbon emissions.
With strict equivalent weights for each model used, the 72 vehicles will all set off from Paris on Sunday, 28th February 2010 towards Geneva via a compulsory 1,000 kilometre route to be covered within the 30-36 hour permitted period.
For each model, the candidate having consumed the least fuel at the end of the course will win a new Peugeot car. Winners will be announced and the keys to the vehicles will be handed over on Tuesday 2nd March 2010 on the Peugeot stand at the Geneva Motor Show.
Family, friends and eco-driving fans will be able to follow the teams’ progress on a dedicated Facebook page (search for Peugeot Eco Cup), where they will also be able to contribute messages of encouragement, tips and suggestions.
Jon Goodman, MD of Peugeot UK said “This first Peugeot Eco Cup is a truly exciting challenge in the mould of those first great motoring adventures, and uses the expertise from one of Europe’s leaders in terms of environmental vehicles. We are seeking the best of the best in eco-driving, taking everyday but highly fuel-efficient Peugeot cars over a testing route to see just how far they can stretch their fuel capability. Will anyone make the finish on one tank? We’ll have to see.”
Tags: diesel challenge, diesel economy, eco challenge, eco diesel, eco drivers, economy challenge, hdi challenge, HDi Diesel, hdi eco, hdi economy, peugeot challenge, peugeot eco diesel
Posted in HDi Topics
New, downsized 1.2 TSI 105bhp
1.6 TDI CR 105bhp now available with 7-speed DSG
Increased performance, lower emissions
The Škoda Octavia family hatchback and estate range is now even more attractive thanks to the addition of two new engines. A new, downsized 1.2 TSI 105bhp petrol engine is now offered along with the very latest 1.6 TDI CR 105bhp diesel engine with DSG dual-clutch transmission.
The state-of-the-art 1.2 TSI 105bhp is now available with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG gearboxes, in either hatchback or estate bodystyles and in S and SE trim levels. This engine first saw service in the recently introduced Yeti crossover, where it instantly impressed with its punchy performance and frugality thanks to its combination of a small-capacity petrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection technology.
It’s a similar story in the Octavia, where the 1.2 TSI hatch combines low CO2 emissions of 134g/km* with a 0-62mph time of just 10.8** seconds; exceptional for its capacity of 1,197cc. Fuel economy is similarly impressive, with a combined figure of 49.6mpg***. This new engine is available with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG transmissions.
Meanwhile the recently introduced, latest-generation 1.6 TDI CR 105bhp diesel is now also available with 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, combining smooth, effortless performance with CO2 emissions of just 123g/km. The 1.6 TDI CR 105bhp DSG is available with the same bodystyle and trim combinations as the 1.2 TSI as well as in Elegance guise.
These new additions to the Octavia range continue to improve an already multi-award-winning formula of practicality, comfort, value for money and low running costs.
Tags: 1.6 Diesel, 1.6 TDI CR, CR TDI, tdi drivers, tdi economy, TDI Owners
Posted in TDI Owners
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