AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY » four-cylinder

Spy shots: First test-mules for next-gen Audi A3

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:03:07 +0000

Audi has pushed back the arrival of its next-generation A3 by one year as it tackles the development of several other all-new models such as the A1 hatch and Q3 soft-roader. Originally slated to arrive at the end of the year, the next A3 will now hit the market in the latter parts of 2010 in the basic three and five-door hatchback models. Further down the track Audi will add a new Cabrio model and Sportback wagon, and according to previous reports there could even be a four-door coupe as well as an Allroad soft-roader.

The move is designed to help the new A3 compete with BMW’s 1-series range as well as a family of sporty models based on the next-generation Mercedes A and B-Class. The new A3’s underpinnings will once again be shared with VW’s Golf, which means Audi’s latest modular platform design has been ruled out. Compared with the current model, however, the new A3’s footprint will grow in size and its profile is expected to be sleeker.

These are the first images of the next-gen A3, depicting a test-mule disguised under the sheet metal of the current Mark VI VW Golf. Audi has been using VW bodies lately for its test-mules, including a Polo body for its upcoming A1 minicar and a Tiguan body for its Q3. The images reveal that the next A3 will have a slightly wider track than the Golf, which itself is already similar in size to the current A3. This means that the next A3 will be bigger than the current model, allowing adequate space for a new A1 and possibly an A2 model.

Furthermore, Audi’s latest-generation B8 A4 grew in length by 14cm over its predecessor, positioning it closer to the 5-series and E-Class in terms of size. The gap left behind will be filled by a new A3-based sedan, which German magazine Autobild reports will stretch 4.2m in length and feature coupe-like styling.

Likely engine options for the A3 range of cars include a series of four-cylinder powerplants ranging from 1.2 to 2.0L in displacement. The base engine will be a 1.2L TFSI with 105hp and 175Nm of torque and this will be followed by a 1.4L TFSI with 125hp and 200Nm of torque as well as a 1.8L TFSI with 160hp and 250Nm of torque. Rounding out the four-cylinder family will be a 2.0L TFSI with 211hp and 350Nm of torque. For the performance S3 model, expect to see a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

2009 Ford Fusion SEL I4 4dr Front-wheel Drive Sedan Overview

admin — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:49:54 +0000

Purposeful and comfortable, with responsive handling, the 2009 Ford Fusion is an excellent choice among midsize sedans.

With a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, in addition to front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Fusion has something for everyone. The powerteams are a 160-hp 2.3L four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, or a 221-hp 3.0L V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Fusion is available in three trim levels, the S, SE and SEL. Safety features include side curtain airbags in both rows, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, frontal airbags, LATCH child-seat anchors and rear-door child-safety locks.

For 2009, The Ford Fusion SE and SEL come standard with satellite radio, and traction control is now standard on all models with V6 engines.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test
NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

BMW, Mercedes Considering Four-Cylinders for U.S.

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:35:01 +0000

As President Obama’s administration continues to make stricter fuel economy standards a priority, Germany’s top luxury automakers – which traditionally rely on six-cylinder engines in their base model vehicles – are considering four-cylinder engines for the U.S. to meet those standards.

BMW last offered a four-cylinder engine for U.S. consumers in its 318ti hatchback in 1999, which was nixed due to poor sales. But as stricter fuel economy standards approach, BMW North America CEO Jim O’Donnell says a direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder could be on its way.

“The plans will be firmed up when we have definite news from Washington on what the fuel standards are going to be,” he said. According to O’Donnell, the engine could be used in the 1-series, the 3-series, and the X1 and X3 crossovers. BMW is designing the new four-cylinder to have as much power as its in-line six-cylinder engines, with better fuel economy and lower emissions.

O’Donnell is wary that consumers may not be willing to pay more for the engine, however. The four-cylinder will cost more for BMW to build, extra cost that will have to be passed down to consumers.

Mercedes-Benz is in the process of deciding whether it should bring the four-cylinder diesel from the E250 Bluetec concept it displayed at the New York auto show earlier this month to the U.S. The 2.2-liter diesel in the concept generates 204 horsepower and returns fuel economy of almost 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Mercedes-Benz USA’s CEO, Ernst Lieb, says that although the engine may not work in the E-class for the U.S. market, it would be well-suited for the C-class sedan and GLK crossover. He said the engine could be used in both of those vehicles’ current generations.

Source: Automotive News