Munich (dpa) – BMW has launched the sixth generation of its bestselling 3-Series with design modifications including a refreshed front grille, wider dimensions and a more wedge-shaped look with most of the big changes found beneath the bonnet.

Compared to its predecessor, the new 3 Series has a wider track, increased length and augmented wheelbase with noticeably more interior space. However, overall weight is down 40 kilogrammes compared to the previous model.

Customers will initially have the choice of four more economical engines, all fitted with new TwinPower Turbo technology. Two further optimised diesel power plants and a six-cylinder petrol unit will become available later.

Apart from Auto Start-Stop function that comes as standard, other fuel-saving measures include Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and need-based operation of ancillary components such as an air conditioning compressor that can be disengaged.

An ECO PRO mode helps the driver maximise fuel economy. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition with an output of 120 kW/163 hp is listed with an average fuel consumption of 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres which translates to an average carbon dioxide emission figure of 109 grammes per kilometre. An even more fuel-efficient BMW ActiveHybrid 3-Series is scheduled for later next year.

Optional extras include a Head-up-Display and Surround View with Side View and Top View, giving a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it.

DETROIT/PRNewswire/ — As gas prices fluctuate and consumers demand roomier, fuel-efficient passenger cars, aerodynamic design is an important contributor to saving money at the pump. Preproduction models of the all-new 2013 Malibu are achieving a drag coefficient comparable to a Corvette and nearly as efficient as the Volt electric car.

In fact, aerodynamics help the new Malibu Eco achieve the best-ever fuel economy of a Chevy midsize car. The Malibu ECO with fuel-saving eAssist technology is expected to achieve an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway based on GM testing, while an all-new 2.5L Ecotec engine debuting on the Malibu next summer is expected to achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway, based on GM testing.

Aerodynamic design efficiencies and a new body style helped engineers shave 60 counts of fuel economy-robbing wind drag from the model it replaces, the equivalent of adding up to 2.5 mpg more highway driving range.

The new Malibu’s Coefficient of drag rating of .29 – the number used to indicate the aerodynamic drag force on a vehicle – is down from the current model’s .35 Coefficient of drag. The higher the number, the greater the drag force a vehicle’s engine must overcome at any road speed. The Volt has a .28 Coefficient of drag_.

“With the new Malibu, the design and aero teams collaborated to achieve maximum fuel efficiency for our customers without compromising the car’s visual appeal,” said John Cafaro, Chevrolet Malibu exterior design director. “The aero and aesthetic evolved simultaneously – working together, we sculpted the car in a way that makes it more slippery, applied innovative technologies like eAssist and active shutters, and we intentionally designed components such as the rear deck lid and outside rearview mirrors to help maximize fuel economy.”

Malibu aero engineers and designers conducted more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing to ensure optimal fuel economy. In addition to saving fuel, the 2013 Malibu’s new shape, dimensions and sculpted forms reduce cabin noise, another priority for midsize car buyers. On top of a lower coefficient of drag, the new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

“Aerodynamics is driven by science,” said John Bednarchik, Chevrolet Malibu lead aerodynamic engineer. “While car designers favor wheel flares, sharp creases and other details that add style to a car, what catches the eye may disrupt the airflow, creating unwanted air turbulence and increasing drag. The new Malibu balances design needs with aerodynamic efficiency to truly benefit the customer.”

For the first time on a Chevrolet midsize sedan, Malibu LT and ECO models feature active aerodynamics, which change body surface geometry on one or more parts of the vehicle.

Malibu’s active aerodynamics includes a pair of louvers, or shutters, in the lower grill opening of the front fascia. They open or close automatically to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. This increases airflow in certain conditions, such as high-engine loads at low speeds, while the shutters remain closed as often as possible to reduce aerodynamic drag.

While some active aerodynamics merely activate when traveling above or below certain speeds, the aerodynamic shutters in the Malibu have a GM proprietary algorithm that monitors several variables in real time – including engine load, vehicle speeds and ambient temperature – to determine if the shutters should be opened or closed.

When ambient temperatures fall below freezing, the active shutters operate in “ice mode.” By working with a thermometer that monitors outside air temperature, the ice mode will prevent movement of the aero shutters until ambient temperatures rise above the freezing mark. Sensors work with onboard computers to calculate when the ice mode is appropriate.

Four underbody panels – two in the mid-body area under the floor pan on either side of the center tunnel, and two in the rear area covering the fuel tank and rear area on either side of the exhaust – deliver about 10 counts of aero benefit. Constructed of black composite with wind-surfacing, the panels cover approximately half of the underbody. Underbody panels are more commonly found on premium-priced offerings and race cars.

“The underbody panels contribute significantly to the overall aerodynamic performance of the new Malibu,” said Bednarchik. “Customers will never notice the difference, until they check their fuel economy.”

Measured as 0.001 coefficient of drag, a “count” is a precise measurement of aerodynamic drag generated by a vehicle. Reducing aerodynamic drag reduces the energy wasted overcoming pressure drag – due to the difference in pressure in front of and behind the vehicle – and improving overall efficiency.

In addition to the underbody panels, key aerodynamic enablers in the 2013 Malibu include:

• 10 counts: Rounded front corners – from the bottom of the fascia up through the headlamps – help air flow smoothly along the Malibu’s body sides
• 10 counts: Tire deflectors positioned forward of the front tires act as “mini-air dams” to minimize wind disruptions
• 7 counts: The closed upper grille on select models pushes wind to the sides of the Malibu
• 7 counts: Outside rearview mirrors are specifically designed to deflect wind without “upsetting” the airflow
• 7 counts: Shutters in the lower grill opening on select models open and close automatically to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. This increases cooling airflow to the engine under certain conditions, such as under high-engine loads at low speeds, and reduces aerodynamic drag when extra cooling is not needed
• 5 counts: The front air dam redirects airflow to minimize aerodynamic disruptions
• 5 counts: The notch angle of the vehicle – the angle from the top of the rear glass to the trailing edge of the decklid – was optimized to reduce wind drag
• 2 counts: An integrated decklid spoiler incorporates a crisp, trailing edge that helps separate air from the rear of the Malibu.

Vehicle aerodynamics remain a primary driver of overall fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. “Roughly 60 percent of the power used at highway speeds is used to overcome air resistance,” said Malibu aerodynamic engineer Suzanne Cody.

The 2013 Malibu is expected to be among the first cars in the industry to be tested under J2881, the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) new recommended test procedure for aerodynamic reporting. Under these new industry guidelines, automotive manufacturers will follow a recommended procedure for measuring and documenting the aerodynamic performance in a full-scale wind tunnel of passenger vehicles. Similar SAE procedures for assessing and reporting horsepower and torque are already in place.

The new Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. It is available in LS, LT, ECO and LTZ models in North America. Malibu production in the United States begins in early 2012 with the ECO model. Malibu will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan., and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States. Pricing is scheduled to be announced later this year.

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is returning to the courts in Flushing with the all new S350 BlueTEC clean-diesel sedan that is part of its fleet of vehicles used for athletes, staff and officials while supporting the USTA’s commitment to green initiatives.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58315LOGO )

The first diesel-powered S-Class in the U.S. market since the 1995 model year, the new 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC all-wheel drive model is powered by a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 240 horsepower, an astonishing 455 lb.-ft. of torque and estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.

Beyond the new S350 BlueTEC, a driving force behind supporting green transportation for the US Open is the S350′s innovative sibling, the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedan in addition to a fleet of Sprinter Vans. These Mercedes-Benz eco vehicles represent over 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament. The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program in 2008 and continues to expand its green initiatives each year. In 2011, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste.

“As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation and the Official vehicle of the US Open, we are in a good position to positively impact the USTA’s green initiatives. The S350 BlueTEC clean diesel is another innovative mode of transport in our portfolio of eco vehicles that provide green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

There are a number of low co2 emission cars on the market including some that offer
ample space for the family.

The Nissan Leaf is a medium sized hatchback that can comfortably seat five adults
and their luggage. A fully charged Nissan Leaf has a top speed of 90mph and a
range of up to one hundred miles. It is a zero emission car the “Leaf” name is a
significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so
Nissan Leaf purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience.

The Toyota Auris Hybrid was awarded What Green Car of the Year 2010, it
features a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and two electric motors that work together to
deliver power to the wheels in the most efficient way. The result is best-in-class CO2
emissions of just 89 g/km and a combined fuel economy of 74.3 mpg.

The new Hyundai i40 Tourer will be on sale in September, there is a choice of
three efficient engines, four power outputs and manual or automatic transmission.
Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies incorporating Intelligent Stop amp Go technology are
fitted as standard on all Active derivatives, and on the Style 1.7 CRDi 136PS Blue
Drive model ensuring CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. The new Hyundai i40 is a stylish
medium family car offering exceptionally low co2 emissions.

By Geraldine Ashton Green, motoring.co.uk

Article source: Article Source

Australians are motorists. Driving around Australia is a cultural icon, and it can be a lot of fun. That said, driving around a huge place like Australia can also be expensive, and you need a very good car, particularly if you’re driving in the country. Stage one of your journey needs to be the budget, and it’s worth your time to really compare car hire options online and make an informed decision about how you spend your money.

The really good news for people renting a car in Australia is that this is a very competitive market. You can always get a good deal if you make the effort to find it, and you can get extras as well.

These are the basics:

1. What size car do you need? It’s a good idea to allow yourself some extra space for shopping and any extra car supplies you might need. Some of the big new 4WDs are great for space, like the new Jeeps.
2. How far are you traveling? If you’re driving a long way, look at fuel economy. There are some very good fuel-efficient cars available for rental, so check out the options.
3. Traveling with kids? Space, play and sleep room over long distances are the major issues in this case, so allow some room for these things. If you’ve got very young kids, some “maintenance” room is also very useful.
4. Are you driving in the bush or out in the country? If so, you’ll need extra water, air conditioning, spare fuel, and in remote regions a two way radio or perhaps a mobile phone car kit may be adequate, depending on where you are. You also need a good car with top quality suspension on the real outback bush roads, not a suburban type of car, which won’t be able to handle the really rough stuff for long.
5. Towing a trailer or a boat? It’s a good idea to select a car with some extra grunt for these jobs. The Australian coast is a wild place, and the coastal roads are often on slopes. If you’ve got a heavy tow load, go for the more powerful vehicles.
6. Want all mod cons? They’re easy to get. Some of the hire cars have everything built in, you just turn on the computers and you’re off and running.
7. Want GPS? GPS is pretty much standard, it’s actually difficult to get a hire car without it. (Note: When driving outback or in a serious situation, GPS can be a life saver, particularly in combination with a good communications system like a car phone or radio. Mention it to the car rental company.)
8. Special needs driver? No problem. The car hire company will be able to advise regarding your options.

The truth is that there’s nothing easier than getting exactly the car you want in Australia. You’ll also find you’ve got expert motoring advice available if you need local knowledge or information about your car or your travel plans.

Today, the Los Angeles Auto Show announced that more than 20 World Debuts are confirmed for the 2010 Press Days, Nov. 17 and 18. Many important North American premieres are also anticipated, bringing the total vehicle debuts to approximately 40.

This year’s show will feature a greater number of significant World Debuts than ever before. Because the unveilings are coming from manufacturers in Europe and Asia, in addition to the U.S., more international media are expected to attend.

The LA Auto Show will provide a comprehensive glimpse of the industry’s present and future as the industry transforms to meet unprecedented changes in economic conditions, environmental factors and changing consumer preferences.

The result is a broad range of ground-breaking vehicles that cover the entire spectrum from high-end sports cars and wild green concepts to minivans and sedans. And, virtually every debut features advanced technologies in fuel economy, safety and telematics.

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It’s almost the end of the decade for the 2000′s and it’s time to look back and review what trucks were the most significant. PickupTrucks.com and AutoPacific has just announced a list of the Most Significant Trucks of the Decade. As expected the list were made up of trucks that were technologically cutting edged advanced and who pushed the envelope in terms of quality and design.

So here they are:

• 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
• 2001 Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra Heavy Duty with 6.6-Liter Duramax Diesel
• 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
• 2004 Nissan Titan
• 2005 Toyota Tacoma
• 2006 Honda Ridgeline
• 2007 Toyota Tundra
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

And the Most Significant of the Decade:

• 2009 Ford F-150

Why It’s Significant: Remains the gold standard against which other half-ton pickup trucks are compared.

Ford gave its F-150 half-ton pickup a major revision for 2009 and gave buyers an astonishing seven different models to choose from before they even considered engine choice or cab type. Two more models have been added for 2010! It’s not the most powerful truck but the F-150 features an excellent six-speed transmission and innovative features like Ford Work Solutions that make doing jobs with a truck easier. From contractor to urban cowboy, Ford has an F-150 to meet almost anyone’s needs.

“On balance, we thought the 2009 Ford F-150 was the most significant pickup of the last decade,” said Jim Hossack, vice president of consulting for AutoPacific. “It sells in high volume, owners like it and its body, chassis and powertrain are all first rate. Features abound, and there are more models, series and options than can be counted. It’s a good looking truck and suitable for the widest possible range of tasks and uses.”

Congratulations to the Ford F-150 team for creating a Pick-up Truck that ruled a decade.

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If you remember, we last reported that the Ford Flex was so good it could still be considered as a great car in the year 2030, well, it seems to have won another award for the present day: it and the Ford Fusion Hybrid are named 2010 All-Stars by Automobile Magazine.

Reasons for why the Flex won:

Jason Mase, Ford crossover marketing manager, says it is the design and features available with the Ford Flex that make the vehicle stand out.
“We’re delighted that AUTOMOBILE Magazine has named Flex an All-Star two years running,” he said. “The AUTOMOBILE editors recognize Flex stands apart from the rest of the crossover crowd with unmatched style, tremendous passenger comfort and space, and leading technology features like the available EcoBoost engine, Active Park Assist, Ford SYNC® and a refrigerated second-row console.”

It seems that the Flex is good on its own even if it wasn’t considered as a Green vehicle, granted, its EcoBoost engine is enough.

As for the Ford Fusion Hybrid:

Jennings says what makes the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid special is that it doesn’t drive like a hybrid.
“Its very ordinariness is what makes the Fusion Hybrid an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star,” said Jennings. “The Fusion Hybrid is not a performance machine, but neither does it feel hobbled or inadequate for daily driving. Perhaps the best thing about it is that, apart from the LCD color screens, you might never know you’re driving a hybrid.”

Eventhough it’s not as strong as the other cars, being green was enough to win the award. Hopefully, more high performing green cars will be rolling out the production line soon.

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If you remember we were looking towards 2030 to see which cars would suit those times, well there’s a curious kind of futuristic award from the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC): Collectible Vehicle of the Future! Well, more specifically 2034.

“The NAHC is the world’s largest public archive of automotive lore and a treasure for automotive historians, journalists and collectors. Its collection of books, manuals, photos, company histories and historic documents is open to the public.”

This year, they pinned the award as the Collectible Vehicle of the Future 2009 on the Ford Flex. The reason?

“We are delighted that the Ford Flex has been recognized by the NAHC as having a design that will become a collectible of the future,” said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager at Ford.

“We knew from the start that we had a vehicle with stand-out design that looks like nothing else on the road, but that also meets the needs of our customers looking for passenger space with innovative technology and great fuel economy,” she said. “Reaction from our customers has been fantastic and we hope they will enjoy their cars long into the future.”

Previous winners were:

• 2008 Dodge Challenger
• 2007 Dodge Viper SRT10
• 2006 Pontiac Solstice
• 2005 Ford Mustang
• 2004 Chrysler 300
• 2003 Dodge Viper
• 2002 Ford Thunderbird
• 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
• 1995 Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora

It’s great that the judging body has taken into its criteria the vehicle’s fuel economy features. It looks like the future’s going to be more green come the year 2034.

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If you had a classic British car around you know how hard it is find any replacement parts in the US as it usually it means importing the expensive parts from the UK. However, two British car enthusiasts from Michigan, Brian Thornton and Keith Leigh-Monstevens, have made it easier for you as they have established Heritage Spares, a distributor for North America of AP Braking (used to be known as AP Lockheed) breaks and clutch replacement parts.

“By reintroducing genuine AP brake and clutch replacement parts to the U.S. and Canada, we are providing the British car enthusiast with the optimal maintenance or restoration solution – the ability to fit factory specified, original equipment replacement parts to their cars,” said Brian Thornton, president and vice president of sales and marketing for Heritage Spares.

The following parts are available:

Heritage Spares customers will have access to: front and rear brake drums; calipers; remote and direct acting servos; single and tandem master cylinders; brake valves; repair kits; brake hoses; wheel cylinders; clutch master cylinders; clutch slave cylinders; clutch hoses; and clutch dampers. The parts will be applicable to models spanning the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s for several of England’s classic brands, including: Austin; Austin-Healey; BMC; Jaguar; Land Rover; Mini; MG; Morgan; Morris; Riley; and Triumph.

If you have any doubts to their credibility as British car experts from North America, then it would be wise to know that Leigh-Monstevens spent 40 years in AP companies, including AP Braking as its chief engineer. Know that you are dealing with people who live and breath British cars.

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