All-New Volkswagen Golf Mk7 to be Revealed in Berlin on September 4
So we know that series production of the seventh generation of the Volkswagen Golf will begin in early August and that the compact hatchback will receive its public premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show (September 29 to October 13) before it goes on sale across Europe in November.
Today, we can add one more piece to the puzzle as German news daily Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung (sub. req.) reported that the new iteration of the Volkswagen Group’s most popular nameplate will celebrate its world premiere at a special event organized at Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery) of modern art on September 4.
This means that Volkswagen will most likely release the first official pictures and specifications of the Golf Mk7 for the European market on the same day, so mark your calender…
While spy shots suggest that the exterior styling of the next Golf will be an evolution of the current model’s design, it’s all new underneath as the compact model will ride on the VW Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform shared with the latest generations of the Audi A3 and Seat Leon (with more models to be added down the line).
For its motivation, the European model will make use of a range of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines including a small-displacement 1.2-liter TSI and a 1.4-litre TSI petrol equipped with VW’s ACT (active cylinder management) system that shuts down cylinders two and three to improve fuel economy under certain conditions.
Ford Builds Only FWD Hybrid Transmission To Be Made in North America
Published August 2, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
Ford’s hybrid strategy involves creating its own transmission and it will be built in the U.S.
The automakers and suppliers are investing $ 220 million to transform Van Dyke Transmission into a modern operation capable of producing Ford’s new hybrid transmission – known as HF35 – as well as other fuel-efficient transmissions. The investments are part of a $ 632 million commitment Ford and its suppliers are making to increase capacity and flexibility at three North American transmission facilities by 2015.
Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission Plant is located in Sterling Heights, Mich.
The HF35 transmission, which incorporates two electric motors, is the first hybrid transmission to be designed and built by Ford. Previously, hybrid transmission production was handled by a supplier in Japan. By bringing the development work in-house, Ford reduced development costs 20 percent.
Video: Akrapovic Auspuffsystem Evolution BMW M5
Akrapovic releases a video of their Auspuffsystem Evolution exhaust system for the new F10 M5. Just like their exhaust for the M6 MotoGP Safety Car, the new exhaust system gives the M5 a power boost of 10hp and 17Nm of torque (12.5 lb-ft), while shaving about 12kg (26 pounds) of weight when compared to the “standard” exhaust.
The company says that “the new Evolution exhaust system consists of newly developed dual-outlet mufflers with exhaust valves, flow-optimized pipes, and a unique cast titanium X-shaped part with resonators. The X-pipe, valves, and flange assembly are produced in our foundry.”
The sporty exhaust system not only improves the overall power output, but also gives the M5 more power and torque across the entire range of RPMs.
2013 Mazda 6: What to expect
Since its introduction in 2002, the Mazda 6 its all its incarnations has shifted over a million units. Whilst this may come as no surprise to those who’ve seen it first-hand (or indeed those who voted it ‘best family car’ in 2012 in What Car? Magazine), it seems a quietly sensible car, albeit one with a stylish and mega-modern design. The result of the Japanese company creating a new visual language of sorts (codenamed Kodo) for its designs, sees the 2013 Mazda 6 looking positively ferocious with its headlights-cum-hawk eyes and sleek, aerodynamic chassis.
The buzz around it is making car enthusiasts desperate to catch more than a fleeting glance! Charging ahead with the Takeri concept the company unveiled last year, the newest model will champion the futuristic appeal we’ve come to expect of Mazda.
The soon-to-be-released model will only further wet the appetites of Mazda aficionados with its incorporation of several novel features in an attempt to render its competitors obsolete. It seems Mazda don’t need thrilling high-budget ads when their cars speak for themselves. The company is leading the way as far as CO2 emissions go, using its Skyactiv technology to lower fuel consumption and in turn reducing the amount its customers have to dish out on petrol. This has been shown before in earlier models, but in tough economic times, Mazda seems to know exactly what its customers are craving.
Their new i-Eloop system, silly name aside, is a bafflingly futuristic feature that captures energy released when braking the car, transferring it to be used in the car’s electronics. A real game-changer as far as energy consumption is concerned, the system means the car releases a minuscule 105g/km. It’s anticipated that the new Mazda 6 will use the same engines as its brother model, the CX-5 SUV. If so, consumers will be able to choose between a 162bhp 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel engine (148- or 173bhp, accordingly).
With no pricing details yet released, we can only hope it retails in a similarly affordable range as its forebears. The company have released a mere handful of photos, making us wait with bated breath for its official unveiling at Moscow.
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2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Fuel Economy: More Fun, Just as Efficient
August 2, 2012 at 1:35pm by Sam Schembari
We haven’t seen the next Volkswagen Beetle convertible yet, but we do know its EPA-estimated fuel-economy numbers ahead of the car’s debut. Despite the added structural weight that is needed when a roof is removed, the droptop gets the same mileage as the coupe model.Driving the stick-shift TDI in the city is good for 28 mpg, while highway cruising reaches 41; Turbo models with the manual are good for 21/30. EPA estimates for the 2.5-liter inline-five have not been made available yet, but considering TDI and Turbo convertible numbers mirror those of the coupe’s, we expect the base Beetle convertible to receive ratings of 22/31 with a row-your-own gearbox.
Fuel-economy estimates for DSG-equipped convertibles also haven’t been released yet, but we anticipate dual-clutch-equipped droptops will equal those numbers set by the coupe. Expect 22/29 for the 2.5-liter five, 22/30 for the Turbo, and 29/39 for the TDI. The remaining EPA estimates and more Beetle convertible details will become available closer to the car’s debut at the L.A. auto show this November.
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Tags: fuel economy, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen Beetle convertible |
Report: 2013 Audi A6 2.0T Quattro rated at 20/30 city/highway
Some new reports are out surrounding the 2013 Audi A6 2.0T Quattro. CAR and DRIVER recently stumbled upon the EPA’s official fuel economy figures for the latter vehicle.
Thanks to the addition of an eight-speed ZF automatic and the A6′ s newly optional 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected four-banger, the new 2013 Audi A6 2.0T Quattro is rated at 20/30 mpg city/highway, versus the earlier Audi A6′s standard supercharged V6, which gets 19 and 28.
Click here for more news on the Audi A6.
Though unfortunately, Audi still doesn’t take the lead against the competition as BMW’s 2012 528i with xDrive is capable of 22 mpg city and 32 highway, while offering 22 more horses. Despite this, the A6 Quattro does have the price advantage by starting at $ 45,295, $ 5,400 cheaper than the BMW.
- By: Chris Chin
Mercedes E300 Hybrid UK Pricing Announced
As the most fuel efficient version of one of the most popular executive sedans in the world, Mercedes E-Class Hybrid will go on sale in the United Kingdom from November, starting from £39,645 for the sedan, and £41,435 for the estate version. That sounds like good value, considering the car’s combined fuel economy of 65.7 mpg and 109g/km CO2 rating.
They haven’t arrived at those figures by compromising on performance. The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 7.5-seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 150 mph.
That is thanks to the sophisticated powertrain consisting of a four-cylinder diesel engine developing 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and a 20 kW electric motor mounted within the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission powered by a 19kW Lithium-ion battery. The system also enables electric-only drive for short periods.
The E-Class Hybrid comes with 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, Becker Map Pilot Navigation and LED daytime running lights.
