New Audi Technology Could Reduce Fuel Consumption By 20%

Reducing fuel consumption is no easy task, especially when considering how heavily we rely on motorized transportation. Audi, however, has designed a new system that they claim will be able to cut fuel consumption by as much as 20% compared to the 2007 level.

At the heart of the plan is A Start-Stop system that will shut down the engine when stopped at red lights or stop signs. As the driver engages the clutch, the engine will restart and return to normal operation.

Along with the new Start-Stop Technology, Audi is also planning on including a system that recovers energy during deceleration and recycles it back into the electrical system. While the start stop technology will provide the most noticeable returns, both systems will work to improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

Both of the systems will also be sending data to a computer program that will provide the drive with near real time data about how efficiently they are driving as well as offering helpful tips they could use to further improve their driving habits. The system is also able to notify the driver when they have reached the ideal shift point for those who prefer using the 3rd pedal.

Audi plans on releasing the system first on the A3 with the 1.4 liter engine as well as the A4 and A5 housing a 2.0 liter powerplant under the hood. From there, they plan on expanding to cover most of the lineup.

XR3 Diesel Hybrid Now Available Factory Assembled

Back in 2006, the XR3 diesel hybrid went on sale as a kit car. While it was great for the DIY-ers, anyone who wanted the vehicle but didn't have the time to invest in assembly was out of luck. A problem solved by the recent decision to assemble the XR3 at the factory and ship it to buyers from there.

According to Robert Q. Riley, the owner of the company, this was part of a long term plan to increase the availability of the hybrid. Offering the vehicle as a kit initially allowed the company to establish a solid foundation before moving into production realm.

Now, after establishing themselves, the company is able to offer the vehicle to consumers almost fully assembled. The details have yet to be released on what all will still need to be user installed, but one can assume the batteries are on the list.

When operating solely on electric power, the XR3 is able to traverse 40 miles without the aid of the onboard diesel engine. When the batteries are depleted, the small motor will kick on and provide enough energy to power the vehicle and recharge the batteries.

The XR3 can also be configured by the buyer, depending on their needs. Instead of using the standard 23 horsepower 0.9 liter diesel hybrid powertrain, you can opt for a 100 horsepower engine that will offer some respectable performance or stick with the 23 horsepower version and skip the electric portion. The latter of the 2 is said to offer 125mpg under normal driving conditions.

If the XR3 sees the success that is being projected, it could easily change the way we look at motorized travel in the near future.

Toyota's Supra Successor On Track for 2011 Delivery

For nearly 2 years now Toyota has been working on the FT-HS concept vehicle that was originally unwrapped at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Since then, it has been in and out of the spotlight without providing any real information about production or pricing or anything for that matter. Now, it seems as though the Supra successor is on track for a 2011 delivery.

The production version of the FT-HS was originally slated for production in 2009, but delays and a declining market brought progress to a standstill. Assuming it stays on track for 2011, you should expect to see 2 different engines being nestled under the hood. The first will be a traditional gasoline powered powerplant that should be putting down similar numbers to the 370Z.

The second option will most likely be the hybrid drive train currently being used on the Lexus GS450H. The 3.5 liter V6 mated to a high output electric motor should be good for somewhere in the 375-400 horsepower range. The jump in fuel economy over the traditional 3.5 liter powerplant won't hurt either.

If everything pans out the way Toyota is hoping, we could see a production model sometime early in 2010 with deliveries starting the next year

International Engine Of The Year Award 2009

Every year, a group of automotive enthusiasts come together and are presented with a list of today's most highly rated engines. After sorting through the data, the group then decides which among them can be considered the best. For 2009, the title of International Engine of the Year goes to the 1.4 liter Twincharger manufactured by BMW.

The panel of judges is comprised of 65 automotive journalists from 32 different countries. Each engine is scored based a predetermined set of criteria and then pitted against powerplants of a similar class. The 1.4 liter BMW engine was also recognized as the Green Engine of the Year along with a gold medal in the 1.0 liter to 1.4 liter class.

What makes the 1.4L such a well suited engine is the use of both a turbocharger and a supercharger. Together, the forced induction systems

provide ample power at all engine speeds, therefore eliminating the need for a larger engine. The twin charger system is also mostly responsible for producing a maximum of 178

horsepower and 177lb/ft.

Even more enticing is the 45.5 mpg average the 1.4L is able to return, thanks to how efficiently combustion occurs and how much power is available at slower engine speeds.

Along with the three previously mentioned awards, several others were given out based on varying criteria.