CleanCarTalk » diesel

Ashok Leyland – Efficiency Innovations to India’s Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Cuong Huynh — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:04:41 +0000

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of articles peeking into clean car industries and car manufacturers of China, India, South Korea and Germany. Please send comments and suggestions using our Contact page or by leaving a comment at the end of this article.

Ashok Leyland is one of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturing companies and is a part of the Hinduja Group. Ashok Leyland is based in Chennai, India and focuses mostly on the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment of the market. Enjoying healthy market share and a full range of offers from 18 to 52 seater passenger transport buses, Ashok Leyland is on a steady run towards being a market leader. In fact, eight out of every ten state transport buses running across India are manufactured by Ashok Leyland. Of late, it has entered into a joint venture with Japan’s giant, Nissan as it tries to penetrate the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market.

Among many other goals, Ashok Leyland aims to expand its operations to penetrate into overseas markets. Included in the company’s plans is to acquire smaller car manufacturers in China and in other developing countries. In fact, recently, it has acquired the Avia truck line from Czech Republic. Called Avia Ashok Leyland Motors s.r.o., this will give Ashok Leyland a channel into the competitive European market. According to the company, in 2008 the joint venture sold 518 LCVs in Europe despite tough economic conditions. Furthermore, the company will expand its product offers into construction equipment, following a joint venture with John Deere. Newly formed in June 2009, the John Deere partnership is a 50/50 split between the companies. The company says negotiation is progressing on land acquisition, and the production plans are in place. The venture is scheduled to start rolling out wheel loaders and backhoe loaders in October 2010.

Aside from the full expansion planned for the company, Ashok Leyland is also paying close attention to the environment. In fact, they are one of the companies showing the strongest commitment to environmental protection, utilizing eco-friendly processes in their various plants. Even as they thrust into different directions, Ashok Leyland maintains an R&D group that aims to uncover ways to make their vehicles more fuel efficient and reduce emissions.

In fact, even before laws were placed on car emissions, Ashok Leyland was already producing low-emission vehicles. Back in 1997, they have already released buses with quiet engines and low pollutant emission based on the CNG technology. In 2002 it developed the first hybrid electric vehicle. Ashok Leyland has also launched a mobile emission clinic that operates on highways and at entry points to New Delhi. The clinic checks vehicles for emission levels, recommends remedies and offers tips on maintenance and care. This work will help generate valuable data and garner insight that will guide further development.

When it comes to the development of environmentally friendly technologies, Ashok Leyland has developed Hythane engines. In association with Eden Energy, Australia, Ashok Leyland successfully developed a 6-cylinder, 6-liter 92 kW BS-4 engine which uses Hythane (H-CNG,) which is a blend of natural gas and around 20% of hydrogen. Hydrogen helps improve the efficiency of the engine but the CNG aspect makes sure that emissions are at a controlled level. A 4-cylinder 4-litre 63 KW engine is also being developed for H-CNG blend in a joint R&D program with MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) and Indian Oil Corporation.

The H-CNG concept is now in full swing, with more than 5,500 of the technology’s vehicles running around Delhi. The company is also already discussing the wide-scale use of Hythane engines with the Indian government. Hythane engines may be expected in the near future, but these may not be brought to the United States as yet.

Ashok Leyland’s partnership with Nissan is also focusing on vehicle, powertrain, and technology development listed under three joint ventures. With impressive investment, the joint ventures will focus on producing trucks with diesel engines that meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards.

In the coming years, Ashok Leyland also has some hybrid trucks and buses in store for its market. The buses and trucks are set to feature a new electronic shift-by-wire transmission technology as well as electronic-controlled engine management for greater fuel efficiency. Ashok Leyland focuses on improving fuel efficiency without affecting automotive power, and the vehicles will have a 5% improvement on fuel efficiency. Ashok Leyland is also developing electric batteries and bio-fuel modes.

Ashok Leyland – Efficiency Innovations to India’s Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles is a post from: CleanCarTalk

BlueTec SCR Technology Tests Totaling 25 Million Miles

Cuong Huynh — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:46:22 +0000

Detroit Diesel, the engine manufacturer that belongs to Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), has subjected BlueTec SCR technology in trucks to tests totaling 25 million miles. By the time SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology is introduced in January 2010, the test vehicles will have been tested for a total of 28 million miles. This will make SCR technology one of the most thoroughly tested exhaust technologies in the United States as well.

After being extensively tested over a total distance of 25 million miles, SCR technology, which has been established in Europe since 2005, is now ready for use in the NAFTA market. Detroit Diesel engines with SCR technology will be introduced on January 1, 2010, when the U.S. emissions standard EPA10 takes effect.

BlueTec stands for Daimler’s commitment to mastering today’s ecological challenges while also ensuring exemplary performance and savings in terms of fuel consumption. Since the launch of this technology in the spring of 2005, Daimler Trucks has delivered more than 237,000 trucks and buses with BlueTec technology to customers around the world.

The North American version of BlueTec will be used in the DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines recently introduced by Detroit Diesel. “We are delighted that we will be able to offer SCR, the best technology for our customers, starting in 2010. BlueTec will go down as one of the most thoroughly tested exhaust systems in the history of our company,” said David Siler, who is responsible for marketing of Detroit Diesel engines. “We started the tests in Europe ten years ago, so we had lots of time to optimize the design of the system and its performance. We also were able to acquire solid experience during the testing and evaluation,” adds Siler.

According to Siler, the most recent studies show that the benefits of SCR are widely recognized in the truck sector in North America. As soon as the customers investigate the technology and learn all the facts, SCR becomes their first-choice technology for staying competitive under EPA 2010. “It was only a matter of time until the customers were going to demand lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions,” Siler explained. “SCR is the only tried and tested technology that offers both benefits.”

Rakesh Aneja, who is responsible for the EPA 2010 program at Detroit Diesel, also is convinced by BlueTec: “We will fully attain our goals concerning optimization of performance, emissions, fuel consumption, long service life, and reliability. Our current calculations show diesel consumption savings of up to five percent compared to today’s engines,” said Aneja. Together with their vehicle colleagues at DTNA, the engine developers from Detroit Diesel tested the BlueTec system under a range of conditions in terms of use environments, operation, and routes driven. “The results of our validation tests fully meet our expectations and offer our customers fuel efficiency while also reducing emissions and carbon dioxide,” reports Aneja.

Nearly 100 percent of all big diesel engines for the U.S. and Canada produced after January 1, 2010, will be equipped with SCR technology. The BlueTec technology used for Detroit Diesel engines features a modular design and is suitable for road use and various sector-typical applications.

A company of Daimler Trucks North America, Detroit Diesel is a leading manufacturer of on-highway diesel engines for the commercial vehicles market. The company headquarters are in Redford, Michigan.

More details on Detroit Diesel BlueTec Emissions Technology.

BlueTec SCR Technology Tests Totaling 25 Million Miles is a post from: CleanCarTalk

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (Wagon) Features Efficient Engine Options

Cuong Huynh — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:39:45 +0000

Beginning November 2009, Mercedes-Benz is launching the Estate (“wagon” for those speaking “American”) version as another highly distinctive member of the E-Class family. Like the Sedan and Coupé, the Estate, which is available now, combines unique design with leadership in safety, comfort, quality and practicality. The new E-Class marks the debut of a number of technical innovations which no other car in the world in this category is able to offer – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognized as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet. Other new features include air suspension with self-levelling at the rear and unique new load compartment management.

Functional: top marks for load capacity and ease of operation
Safe: nine airbags as standard, plus innovative driver assistance systems
Comfortable: adaptive damping and self-levelling rear suspension
Powerful: choice of ten engines with more output and lower consumption

Design: new Mercedes hallmarks combined with E-Class styling features

The new Estate immediately makes an athletic and practical, but also effortlessly superior and safe impression. Its distinctive design character is based on the new Mercedes style, which had its debut in the S-Class and is now also represented in the C-Class. One of its main features is the interplay between concave and taut surfaces, which are delimited by dynamic edges and structured contours.

The side view reveals many new elements, leaving no doubt about the identity of the new Estate. The B- and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity. This leads to a taut arch leading from the filigree A-pillar to the dramatic roof line and the downward-tapering D-pillar, all resting on the athletic shoulder line of the Estate. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the center but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side aspect. This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheel.

When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers took care to give expression to the high practicality of the new model. They did this by emphasizing horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design, and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design is a major recognition factor for the E-Class Estate. This is the largest estate car in the premium segment, and it makes no secret of the fact.

Safety: nine airbags as standard, plus innovative driver assistance systems

Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its leadership in safety even further with the new E-Class. Around one dozen new or modified driver assistance systems help to prevent road accidents or at least reduce the severity of the impact. These include the standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and the optional PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is able to initiate partial and full emergency braking autonomously. For the first time, PRE-SAFE® is also able to use only the information received from the short-range sensors in the front bumper to tension the front seat belts at the last moment before an accident recognized as unavoidable, thereby reducing the loads exerted on the driver and front passenger during the crash.

With nine airbags fitted as standard, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. The airbags, which can deploy in a matter of milliseconds in the event of an accident, include two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A-pillar to the C‑pillar during a side impact. Pelvisbags for the front occupants are also included for the first time. These reduce the loads acting on the torso and pelvic area during a lateral collision.

Sidebags for the rear seat passengers can also be installed as optional extras. As a further safety innovation, Mercedes-Benz also offers optional, self-adaptive belt force limiters for the rear. These adjust to the size and weight of the passengers, and also become available for the Sedan with the introduction of the Estate.

Suspension: automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard

Outstanding comfort on long journeys in the Estate is ensured by the newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard. The likewise standard self-levelling rear suspension sees to it that the Estate always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. The Estate’s suspension setup has also been adapted to suit the modified body geometry, with slightly stiffer shock absorber settings and torsion bar stabilizers, making the Estate just as agile as the Sedan without having to make compromises in terms of road roar and tyre vibration characteristics.

Engines: considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions

The fuel consumption and emissions of the new Estate have been considerably reduced by new engines and numerous optimization measures (aerodynamics, weight, energy management, reduced resistances). One prime example is the E 250 CDI with an output of 150 kW and a peak torque of 500 Nm, achieving 41.3 mpg (5.7 litres per 100 km,) with CO2 emissions of 150 g per km.

The engine line-up available for the new Estate at launch comprises five units developing between 125 kW/170 hp and 285 kW/388 hp. Though with a lower displacement, the new and modified engines generate more output than their predecessors, while impressing with fuel consumption figures that were previously only found in the compact class. This was made possible by numerous innovations, for example spray-guided direct injection for the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY gasoline model. The four-cylinder CDI engines partly owe their exceptional status to newly developed piezo injectors and two-stage turbocharging. All the powerplants meet the requirements of the EU5 emission standard. The E-Class Estate can be ordered now for Europe but no detail was given for U.S. market.

All of the engines available at launch, the accompanying transmissions installed as standard and the basic prices at a glance:

Diesel

E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 125 kW/170 hp, 40.6-41.3 mpg (5.7-5.8 l per 100 km,) CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 64,266 (€ 44,803.50)
E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 40.6-41.3 mpg (5.7-5.8 l/100 km,) CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 68,449 (€ 47,719)
E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 32.2-33.6 mpg (7.0-7.3 l/100 km,) CO2 185-192 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 77,751 (€ 54,204.50)

Gasoline

E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 3498 cc, 215 kW/292 hp, 26.4-27.4 mpg (8.6–8.9 l/100 km,) CO2 200-208 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 79,116 (€ 55,156.50)
E 500: V8, 5461 cc, 285 kW/388 hp, 21.0-21.2 mpg (11.1–11.2 l/100 km,) CO2 258-260 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 100,623 (€ 70,150.50)

The following additional models are available from the first quarter of 2010 onwards:

Diesel

E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 100 kW/136 hp, 41.3* mpg (5.7* l/100 km,) CO2 150* g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 60,169 (€ 41,947.50)
E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 30.5-30.9 mpg (7.6–7.7 l/100 km,) CO2 200-203 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 81,677 (€ 56,941.50)

Gasoline

E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 135 kW/183 hp, 30.6* mpg (7.7* l/100 km,) CO2 179* g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 61,279 (€ 42,721)
E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 28.7-29.4 mpg (8.0-8.2 l/100 km,) CO2 185-191 g/km, 5-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 68,448 (€ 47,719)
E 350 4MATIC: V6, 3498 cc, 200 kW/272 hp, 22.8-23.0 mpg (10.2-10.3 l/100 km,) CO2 238-241 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 81,677 (€ 56,941.50)

* Provitional figures

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (Wagon) Features Efficient Engine Options is a post from: CleanCarTalk

smart fortwo cdi: 21 Percent More Power, Still the CO2 Champion

Cuong Huynh — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:55:29 +0000

Though there’s still no progress on the availability of the smart fortwo diesel CDI in the U.S., I’m still keeping my faith. Until then though, here’s the latest news on smart fortwo cdi diesel cars.

For model year 2010 the smart fortwo cdi has been given a clear power boost, yet it remains just as economical and environmentally friendly as before. In future the state-of-the-art three-cylinder diesel engine will produce 21 percent more power and deliver approximately 18 percent more maximum torque. Although this extra power makes the popular two-seater car noticeably livelier, it does not affect its exemplary fuel consumption.

As before, it achieves 69 mpg (3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometers – NEDC, New European Driving Cycle.) Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km it continues to assert its leading position as the CO2 champion. In addition, from model year 2010 all versions of the smart fortwo including the BRABUS variants will comply with the strict emission limits of the EU5 standard.

The smart fortwo enjoys the worldwide reputation of a car that is perfect for the times we live in. Thanks to its unique concept it takes up minimum road and parking space, boasts low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and combines mobility, ecology and joie de vivre in a unique way. For the new model year smart is uncompromisingly continuing its philosophy and making the smart fortwo even more environmentally friendly and attractive.

The most important change: the smart fortwo cdi with a length of 8.8 feet (2.69 meters) is redefining economy and driving fun. Its reengineered diesel engine now has an output of 40 kW/54 hp – seven kW or 21 percent more than its predecessor. Moreover, the new three-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque of 130 Newton meters (an increase of 18 percent). This makes the car that is brimming with lifestyle appeal even more agile and fun to drive. Thanks to the power boost it now sprints from 0 – 62 mph (0 – 100 km/h) in just 16.8 seconds. However, the increased performance does not affect the outstanding fuel consumption and emission figures of the trendy two-seater car. The combined fuel consumption still stands at 69 mpg and the extremely low CO2 emissions of just 88 g/km mean that the smart fortwo cdi is still the CO2 world champion among all production cars with combustion engines.

The 21 percent power increase is primarily realised through modified pistons in conjunction with adjusted injection and charge pressure parameters. Furthermore, thanks to the increased torque it was also possible to lengthen the gear ratios of the third and fourth gears by ten and eleven percent respectively, and to lower the shifting points in the automatic program. This reduces the rpm level in speed ranges used particularly frequently – with benefits in terms of fuel consumption and noise level. The smart fortwo cdi is equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter and emissions are below the limit values laid down in the EU5 standard.

Thanks to optimized engine and transmission management the gasoline models of the popular two-seater car also comply with the demanding EU5 exhaust gas standard. Not only does this help the environment – in many countries it entails clear tax advantages.

New contrast components in shiny pearl black, which further upgrade the interior of the smart fortwo, and a new folding armrest available as an option, provide for increased comfort.

Further optional equipment includes the smart hands-free system with a color display and extensive multimedia functions. It features the sassy design typical of the brand, a Bluetooth® interface, voice control and optional iPod® connection and is perfectly integrated in the vehicle electronics and the audio system. It is simple and safe to operate via a wireless controller on the center console.

All updated smart fortwo variants can be ordered now (except for U.S. I guess.) The prices for the gasoline models are unchanged. In future the 40 kW/54 hp smart fortwo cdi will cost US$ 16,749 (€11 790, May 2009 exchange) as a coupé in the pure equipment line (German price incl. VAT).

smart fortwo cdi: 21 Percent More Power, Still the CO2 Champion is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: New, Efficient Four-Cylinder E 200 Ready to Roll

Cuong Huynh — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:45:48 +0000

Mercedes-Benz is adding to the engine line-up for the new E-Class by introducing two economical four-cylinder models. The E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY developing 100 kW/136 hp achieves 45 miles per gallon (mpg) or 5.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, while the new E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY has an output of 135 kW/184 hp and gets 33 mpg or 7.2 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.

Sophisticated, efficient four-cylinder engines make for lower fuel consumption and less environmental pollution without having to compromise on classic Mercedes attributes such as ride comfort and driving enjoyment. As shown by two new E-Class models, which Mercedes-Benz is introducing to complete its engine line-up in the executive category.

The diesel powerplant in the E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has a displacement of 2143 cc, an output of 100 kW/136 hp, and consumes 5.2 to 5.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (CO2 emissions: 137 – 145 g/km), enabling the sedan to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h.)

The gasoline engine in the new E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY boasts a displacement of 1.8 liters and an output of 135 kW/184 hp. It takes 8.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to62 mph (100 km/h)and has a top speed of 144 mph (232 km/h.) This model consumes 7.2 liters of premium unleaded petrol (RON 95) per 100 kilometers (CO2 emissions: 169 g/km), not least thanks to the ECO start/stop function, which is fitted as standard in conjunction with the six-speed manual transmission.

These are all-new four-cylinder powerplants with direct injection. One of the main features of the new diesel engine is latest-generation common-rail direct injection. The likewise new four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection is fitted with a turbocharger as well as adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts.

Like all the other engine variants for the new E-Class, which have already been awarded the Environment Certificate by TÜV Süd (Technical Inspection Authority in southern Germany), the two new powerplants comply with the EU5 limits.

Other key attributes of the world’s best-selling luxury sedan, alongside its exceptionally ecofriendly design, include a unique combination of driver assistance systems, such as drowsiness detection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and automatic emergency braking, which can help to prevent accidents. Further classic E-Class hallmarks include a high level of long-distance comfort, high-quality interior materials, build quality displaying unerring attention to detail and perfect ergonomics.

Prices for the E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY start at US$ 55,026 (€ 38,734.50,) while those for the
E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY start at US$ 56,125 (€ 39,508.), based on May 2009 exchange rate The market launch is expected in September 2009. Availability of both E 200 versions in U.S. market are unclear at this time.

E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: New, Efficient Four-Cylinder E 200 Ready to Roll is a post from: CleanCarTalk

A collection of YouTube videos of smart fortwo cdi cars

Cuong Huynh — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:11:36 +0000

This is a collection of interesting smart fortwo cdi diesel cars on YouTube. New videos will be added as I find them.

E-Mobility Brings Electric Cars to Berlin. (2:33)
Sept 08 -- With e-mobility Berlin, Daimler AG and RWE AG launched the worlds largest joint project for environmentally friendly electric cars.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyYn9qH_Nd0

Very cold start Smart CDI turbodiesel. (2:18)
3 January 2008, -26°c. The car is stop in the yard since 2 days. CDI diesel technologie is so “Smart”!!!

1000 Km in the Smart fortwo CDI. (4:14)
The Smart fortwo needs only 33 liter in 1000 Km. Driving 15000 km a year, the Smart driver only has to visit the pumps 15 times.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VAXWrNojlw

SMART ForTwo CDI -- Auto Video. (1:57)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Wb14jnBYY

200 000 km. (2:29)
Reflecting on the first few years of owning a smart fortwo cdi, just before rolling over 200 000 km. Amazing machine.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MBFdHiQeMQ

A collection of YouTube videos of smart fortwo cdi cars is a post from: CleanCarTalk

With a New BlueTEC Buzz, a Glimpse of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Cuong Huynh — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:43:43 +0000

While it looks like Mercedes-Benz will leave the 2009 E-Class sedans unchanged, the arrival of the E-320 BlueTEC diesel is exciting. For the 2010 version, only more refinements are expected.

Directly from MB, the 2009 E320 BlueTEC’s arrival significantly alters the operating cost equation. The E320 delivers substantial torque and high mileage. Now emissions certified in all 50 states and all of Canada, the E320 BlueTEC uses a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 producing 210 hp and 400 lb/ft of torque. The EPA mileage estimate is 23 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway, putting the E320 BlueTEC at the top of the charts in its class by a wide margin. The E320 BlueTEC is otherwise identical to the E350 aside from riding on 16-inch wheels. The BlueTEC diesel is unlike any diesel you’ve ever seen or heard about. It features low emissions, a smooth, clatter-free idle with prodigious torque and impressive fuel economy.

It’s an impressive sedan. FoxNews.com back in April 2008 wrote about a 700-mile-on-a-tank trip on a 2008 diesel E-320 in this Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec article. The 21-gallon capacity tank did its job, proving that the car does what the EPA numbers specify. Here’s a YouTube video explaining the BlueTEC technology at work using cool animation.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5STGppxcdw

MB won’t tinker too much with the 2010 model either, according to this Car and Driver spied article by Jared Gall. Mr. Gall wrote, “Our sources tell us there will also be little change in the engine room, where the V-6 diesel in the E320 BlueTec and the V-8 in the E550 will receive only minor updates”. That’s okay with me. Why mess with a good thing.

Check out below some spy photos of the 2010 E-Class courtesy of CarandDriver.com.

From the photos, I can see minor fixes around the vehicle body, most notably sharper edges all around, with new side mirrors and no more oval headlights. It also looks like MB will put the large three star in the middle of the grill instead of the hood ornament. The design actually reminds me of the new C-Class look.

With a New BlueTEC Buzz, a Glimpse of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Jeep Renegade Hybrid – Another “Off-Road” Vehicle For Urbanites

Cuong Huynh — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:15:27 +0000

MotorTrend.com Youtube video.

Looks like: Another “cool” looking off-road vehicle for urbanites. Driver sits too low to see front corners. No roll protection. Looks too hard to get in and out of, etc. Probably not for serious off-roaders. Jeep gets points for promoting hybrid technology.

From the official Jeep site: Use Less Fuel … Have More Fun Out There.

The 2008 Jeep® Renegade Concept is a sporty two-seater that is just as equipped to navigate a winding off-road trail as it is to turn heads on the auto show circuit. With its stand-alone, cut-down windshield and doors with their lower sections cut out, it’s a minimalistic, eco-friendly approach to having maximum fun. Plus, it combines a lithium-ion battery pack with and a small-displacement BLUETEC diesel engine, which together help the Renegade achieve a fuel economy of more than 110 miles per gallon.

Here’s the official Jeep press release back in January 2008.

A B-segment Jeep® concept vehicle, the Renegade is a sporty, “minimized” two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

“With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a ‘hang on and have fun experience,’” said Tony Shamenkov, Jeep Renegade concept principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.

Renegade is targeted at customers in the “Stylish Green” segment of the marketplace – those who are extremely environmentally oriented, appreciate high-tech and innovation, and enjoy performance combined with style in keeping with their “green” attitude.

Jeep Renegade Concept Technology

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The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade’s case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine – allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. In fact, the Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range.

Renegade’s BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard gasoline engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon, which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent gasoline-only vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Renegade concept’s lightweight aluminum architecture and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel a very capable 4×4 system – complete with low range and locking differentials — worthy of carrying the Jeep name.

Jeep Renegade Concept Exterior

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The Jeep Renegade concept’s “one-with-nature” personality is emphasized by its large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tires, and cut-down speedster windshield — all of which combine to deliver on the Renegade’s promise of cross-country fun and agility.

Among the unique exterior details are “deconstructed” rubber-clad headlamps and taillamps, as well as just-for-fun elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

While the Renegade features a roll bar, it has no top. Instead, the cargo deck just behind the cockpit can be fitted with a variety of “lids.” Options include a plain lid, or lids configured to accommodate the gear of a particular outdoor day-trip activity, such as mountain biking or kayaking. Or it can come “as built” — with formations designed to accommodate two matching water scooters with open storage underneath. Fluid-fill caps, a plug-in port and a first-aid kit are also included.

Jeep Renegade Concept Interior

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Sustainability – a ratio between the energy needed to build and ship the vehicle as compared with the impact these processes have on the environment – is a key focus of the Jeep Renegade concept’s interior design.

Materials used in constructing the Jeep Renegade concept were deliberately selected to be environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability.

Innovative construction includes one-piece molded soy-based foam seats and doors, a one-piece co-molded instrument panel with a urethane skin, a co-molded aluminum/silicone steering wheel, a one-piece molded chassis created without using environmentally-harmful resins, and a one-piece molded interior compartment “tub.” This environmental care in designing the Renegade’s interior is aligned with Jeep’s “harmony with nature” philosophy.

“The Jeep Renegade concept’s interior — actually the entire vehicle — is designed to minimize the number of parts necessary for assembly and function,” said Scott Anderson, principal interior designer of the Renegade concept. “We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes.”

The HVAC system, for example, is not coolant-based, while the color, grain and gloss of the interior parts are molded in one piece. Even the no-gloss exterior color of the Renegade’s lightweight composite body is molded in to avoid the use of solvents present in automotive paints.

The dual-cockpit instrument panel is symmetrically balanced for easy “plug and play” left-hand drive and right-hand drive applications. There is no conventional wiring. Instead, the instrument panel features wireless electronics in sealed, self-contained units, removable by the customer. The panel is built about an exposed cross-car beam containing an integrated power strip, and on the passenger side, yaw, pitch and roll indicators (also built into the fluid-fill gauges). The instrument panel itself is hollow, allowing ample open storage below the beam. Separately-configured impact-absorbing vinyl-wrapped knee-blockers “float” beneath the cross-car beam. The thin multi-plane acrylic instrument cluster mounts to the steering column, while the similar but separate center control screen mounts on a swivel base — providing easy access to both occupants.

Located at the intersection of the steering wheel’s T-shaped spokes, the circular LED screen rotates, allowing the driver to select the drive mode, while a flattened rim provides roomier thigh clearance. A driver air bag is concealed beneath the screen. Red or green translucent shift buttons allow Park, Reverse or Drive selections.

The Jeep Renegade concept’s sporty doors incorporate unique canvas-pull remote “handles,” while the rush of the moving landscape visible through the door’s elongated openings enhance the feeling of carefree, open-air mobility.

The Renegade’s contoured, figure-form seats — covered in scuba-like waterproof materials that are both soft-touch and flexible — feature in-seat belts and unusual, hollow, lightweight upside-down “U-shaped” headrests. The seats feature a urethane skin with soy-based foam co-molded with a composite substructure. The integral seatbelts, along with slender accent strips on the seats and instrument panel, repeat the Palm Metallic exterior color.

A “thermal unit” in the center console plugs into the electrical battery pack, permitting food to be either heated or cooled.

“Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable,” Anderson said.

The Renegade’s wireless interior is designed to be hosed down. It features a drain in the floor, while the formations built into the floor mat are designed to channel water to the opening. Hollow-section billet-formed pedals float above the tub floor.

Fun, functional and fabricated from recyclable materials, the Jeep Renegade concept offers agile, capable performance without sacrificing the environment its drivers seek to explore. Keeping with Jeep owners’ desire to use their vehicles as an extension of their active lives, the Jeep Renegade concept promotes enjoyment of the good things of the earth while taking care of its future.

Jeep Renegade Hybrid – Another “Off-Road” Vehicle For Urbanites is a post from: CleanCarTalk

No Diesel Version For 2009 smart fortwo

Cuong Huynh — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:53:56 +0000

Based on information available on the official smartusa.com site, U.S. markets won’t get a diesel version yet for 2009 model year. I’m a little disappointed. It’s one of the reasons I’m holding out from buying a first U.S. smart model. I was so looking forward to a smart powered by Mercedes’ Bluetec technology.

According to the company, the 2009 models will introduce 2 new colors which are to replace 2 existing colors. The new sporty and intense “rally red” and cool and elegant “gray metallic” will replace the 2008 “light yellow” and “red metallic” colors. Existing owners will be glad to learn that the 2008 colors will still be available as replacement panels or full bodypanel kits. For the interior minor enhancements will be incorporated including new door nets replacing solid storage areas on driver and passenger doors, and the LCD display on the instrument cluster will have a loose gas cap warning added. For me both are very minor changes, and for all intent and purposes, you’re buying pretty much the same car.

I guess we’re lucky that the smart fortwos are here in the states finally. It will take some time for things to pick up, and from a business standpoint, you have to sell the mass first. So I’m willing to wait out another year and see. Guess I’ll continue checking the rumor sites.

Follow this link to view my collection of YouTube videos of smart fortwo cdi cars.

No Diesel Version For 2009 smart fortwo is a post from: CleanCarTalk

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