Making Car Fuel Efficient

Some cars are known to give great fuel efficiency. But regardless of the car, the fuel consumption also depends on how it is driven and traffic conditions. Listed below are some of the main fuel consumption killers:

• COLD ENGINES: It needs about 10 to 15 minutes before the car engine is really efficient. So if your car does short 5-minute trip to the market, bank, school, friends, etc., the engine never gets warm enough and fuel consumption may go up by 50%.
• DRIVING AT HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS (High RPM): If you rev up your engine and drive at high speeds in each gear (i.e. drive at high car rpm's in each gear), the fuel would be consumed at a much faster rate. Conversely if you keep the engine at minimum speeds your fuel consumption will be much better but driving in too slow speeds may also cause knocking and shorten engine life.
• DRIVING AT HIGH CAR SPEEDS: The aerodynamic drag on the car increases dramatically the faster you drive. For example, the drag force at 70 mph (113 kph) is about double that at 50 mph (81 kph). So, keeping your speed down can increase your mileage significantly.
• TOO MANY STOPS AND STARTS: Driving in traffic is a fuel consumption killer with idling at red lights or when stuck at traffic. If you spend 10 minutes idling your car on a 30 minute trip, your fuel consumption may double.
• THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR: All modern engines are quite fuel efficient but the weight of the car is a major factor. A 600 kg Maruti 800 weighs half as much as a Corolla that will naturally need more fuel.
• ENGINE TUNING AND TIMING: Most modern engines with MPFI and other electronic engine management systems need very little tuning unlike the old carburetors but the nozzles and injectors do need to be cleaned especially with dirt or adulterated fuel that is sometimes encountered. So get your car serviced regularly by your authorized dealer.
• AIR, OIL AND FUEL FILTERS: Choked filters can play havoc with fuel consumption of a car so ensure that these are regularly serviced and changed when they are dirty or clogged.

The fuel consumption figures under test conditions assume nearly perfect conditions on a flat one km run so do not expect the figures reported in tests to apply in city conditions where it may be out by 25% or more.

Audi To Debut 1939 Auto Union Type D Reconstruction

 

Audi Tradition is marking this year's Festival of Speed at Goodwood, England (July 11 to 13, 2008) with a world debut. At the largest classic car racing event in the world, the Ingolstadt company will be taking the wraps off an absolutely authentic reconstruction of the original Auto Union "Silverarrow" Type D Dual Compressor from 1939.

Construction of this racing car, the original version of which won two Grand Prix races at the hands of H.P. Müller and Tazio Nuvolari, took four years. The "Silverarrow" will be taken on its maiden drive by Nick Mason, the Pink Floyd drummer, in front of some 150,000 spectators at Goodwood.

The Auto Union Type D that is about to make its debut will be the last "Silverarrow" replica to be commissioned by Audi Tradition. Thomas Frank, Head of Audi Tradition, continued: "Our Auto Union Type D from 1938, which to a very large extent is made from original parts and has been exhibited at racetracks for a number of years, will go on display in the Audi museum mobile in the medium term. One reason for this decision is that we need to avoid it being damaged. The new replica will take its place. We will thus still be able to give people the extraordinary experience of witnessing this car in action."

In Nick Mason, Audi has found a worthy pilot for its maiden outing. The Pink Floyd drummer is a leading proponent of classic car racing in Great Britain. Mason has driven in the Le Mans 24 Hours on five occasions and is the proud owner of a notable collection of racing cars whose value is in the mid-range double-digit millions. He already drove an Auto Union racing car at Goodwood in 2007: the 1936 Type C. And he is really relishing the prospect of this year's competition: "I must have done something right last year if Audi Tradition is now prepared to let me take to the wheel for this maiden trip. But seriously, it's a huge honour, which I sincerely appreciate."

Source: Audi

Maserati Quattroporte Photos

 

 

Italian luxury carmaker Maserati has released the first official photos of its new, more powerful Maserati Quattroporte sedan. With next generation of Quattroporte due only in 2012, Maserati has wisely developed a mid-lifecycle update to give its five year old sedan a fresh look and some serious power jump. New Quattroporte will now be offered in two versions: the standard Quattroporte and the sportier Quattroporte S. Both will utilize the ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

While the standard Maserati Quattroporte is fitted with the same 4.2-litre 400bhp V8 engine as the previous car, the Quattroporte S gets the new 4.7-litre 430bhp V8 from the Alfa 8C and GranTurismo S basket.

Exterior styling changes include a new grill with vertical fins, updated headlamps with LED daytime running lights, new rear light cluster, reshaped front bumper along with new door mirrors. The interior is fitted with a redesigned more ergonomic center console integrating the new Maserati Mutlimedia System along with two new shades of brown leather trim.

Maserati Quattroporte has always been the undisputed symbol of Italian luxury. And now with a restyled and more updated version of Quattroporte hitting the market this October, it will only make its position stronger against the emerging competition from England and Germany in shape of Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera.

Photo Gallery: New Updated 09 Model Maserati Quattroporte High-Res Pictures.

Spy Video: 2011 Honda/Acura NSX, 3 Minutes Of Fun

 

 

We recently showed you a small clipping of 2011 Acura NSX scorching the Ring. Well to follow it up, we have the full 3 minutes of spy video footage of Acura NSX for your pleasure. Taste it, love it, hear it, enjoy it..do whatever you need to but don't miss it.

Source: YouTube

VW Jetta TDI Diesel Price, Safety Fuel Economy

 

 

Volkswagen of America today announced pricing for their eagerly anticipated Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen starting at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. Such an aggressive pricing and some highly appreciable fuel efficiency numbers brings Jetta TDI in direct competition with the Toyota Prius. According to VW, their 50-state compliant Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDI, meets the most stringent emissions standards and both models will be available this August.

While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show the true fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, has tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.

The Jetta TDI's come standard with Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Jetta TDI's include six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDI's also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety. Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen's carefree maintenance program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle's maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Source: Volkswagen

2011 Honda/Acura NSX Prototype Fast Catching On Nissan GT-R

It is being reported that the 2011 Honda NSX (called Acura NSX in US) prototype that we showed you earlier is said to be scorching the Ring at an unofficial lap time of 7 minutes and 37 seconds. Now since this supercar is being touted as Honda's answer to Nissan GT-R and upcoming Lexus LF-A, there is a high possibility that these numbers might be true.

Although beating the 2009 Nissan GT-R's officially time of 7:29 is a tall order, you need to keep in mind that even the GT-R prototype clocked lap times similar to the NSX prototype. But still Honda need to keep in mind that the development of the Nissan GT-R V-Spec is already underway and it is expected to set a much faster ring time.

According to CarTribe the Honda's new Acura NSX will be powered by front-mid mounted i-VTEC V10 which will scream to 9,000rpm while making around 550bhp. Upcoming NSX seems to have an more powerful powerplant than GT-R but it is still two years away from production. With rivals like Nissan fast working on even more powerful versions of their supercars, 2011 Acura NSX will need some kind of rocket boosters to compete against Lexus LF-A, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo.

Source: CarTribe

New Seat Ibiza Sport-Coupe (SC) Details Photos

 

 

Within few months of the Seat Ibiza five-door's international debut, the Spanish automaker is back with the stylish Ibiza SportCoupé. It is the three-door variant of the new SEAT Ibiza and is due to make its first public appearance at the upcoming 2008 British Motor Show in London. Targeted specifically towards sports-orientated supermini buyers, the SportCoupé's 1.6-liter (105 PS) powerplant will be offered with a seven-speed DSG double-clutch gearbox. It is expected to go on sale in UK before the end of this year.

Checkout Seat's official press release for the new Ibiza SportCoupé and some of its high resolution photos below.

Press Release.
Hot on the heels of the smart SEAT Ibiza five-door's international debut, the dynamic Spanish car maker is today revealing its stunning new Ibiza SportCoupé.

With two fewer doors and an even more svelte shape than its stylish five-door supermini sibling, the sassy SportCoupé is tailored very clearly towards drivers keen to mix fun and functionality with a head-turning shape.

The SportCoupé's bespoke silhouette – at 1,428 mm it is 17 mm lower than the five-door with a markedly different and more aggressive design treatment throughout – clearly signals the sporting intentions of the latest addition to the new Ibiza family.

And that dedication to driving excitement is underlined by the newcomer's technical highlights which include the option of cutting edge seven-speed DSG double clutch gearbox technology – a world first for the supermini segment.

The ultra slick-shifting automatic/sequential manual 'box will be available on 105 PS 1.6-litre versions of the new car, while crisp handling and a composed ride are assured courtesy of the Ibiza SC's all-new supermini platform – the first application of this particular engineering base in the Volkswagen Group.

There's also a different interpretation of designer Luc Donckerwolke's 'Arrow Design', with lowered headlights and repositioned radiator grille serving to reinforce the muscular new motor's obvious kerb appeal.

Precise engine and trim combos have yet to be confirmed, although it's already clear that more potent FR and Cupra versions of the new Ibiza will certainly sport SC styling when they make their debuts over the coming months.

SEAT Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said of the important addition to the new Ibiza family: 'Traditionally, a significant part of our business has been built on the success of three-door Ibiza, so the unveiling of this stunning new SportCoupé is a key moment for us.

'I know our existing Ibiza owners, as well as sports-orientated supermini buyers generally, will be thrilled at what they see. Personally, I can't wait to see the new Ibiza SC on the road here in the UK!'

Photo Gallery: New 2009 Model Seat Ibiza SportCoupe Pictures.

Ford Focus XR5 Turbo: Official Specs

 

 

The first Focus to debut Ford’s new Kinetic design philosophy, the iconic German-built XR5 Turbo flagship looks simply stunning. Powering the new XR5 Turbo is a 2.5-litre 166kW Duratec five-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, offering peak torque of 320Nm from 1,600rpm right through to 4,000rpm.

It looks as well as it goes too, with a completely new, more aggressive front bumper flanked by distinctive re-styled fog lamps and finished with a graphite mesh with signature honeycomb pattern. At the rear, the XR5 Turbo gets a new bumper with an integrated lower diffuser framing two generously proportioned exhaust pipes, with full LED tail lamps and an oversized rear spoiler.

This sporting pedigree is continued to the interior, with alloy sports pedals, leather gear knob, a unique leather three-spoke steering wheel and carbon-effect highlights on the instrument panel, centre console and switch bezels. The XR5 Turbo will come standard with enhanced in-car entertainment features and systems, including a premium centre console, Bluetooth with voice control, and a new ‘Ford Power’ start button.

Active safety features include standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Among the passive safety systems are six airbags, pyrotechnic safety belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection systems on the front seats.

In addition to the signature Electric Orange metallic hero colour, a palate of six other colours is available including new Frozen White, Panther Black, Moondust Silver, Sea Grey, Colorado Red and Performance Blue. The recommended retail price of the new Focus XR5 Turbo is $36,990 with options including power tilt/slide sunroof ($1,900) and heated Recaro Sports Leather seats ($2,000).

Source: Ford

Photo Gallery: 2009 Model Ford Focus XR5 Turbo High-Res Pictures.

Saab 9-4X Interior Photo Clicked

 

 

This is the first ever spy photo of the 2010 Saab 9-4X crossover SUV's interior. It which will go on sale next year after being unveiled at the 2009 Detroit motor show in January. According to LeftLane, the new Saab 9-4X (codenamed GMT168) is based on the same global GM architecture as the upcoming 2010 Cadillac BRX and the production version will be powered by a range of gasoline, as well as a new 250-horsepower diesel powerplant mated to Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.

On comparing the interior photo of 9-4x with the concept, you won't find much difference between the two except for some cosmetic variations. As seen in the earlier exterior spy photos, even the outside of next generation Saab 9-4X looks very similar to the 9-4X BioPower concept. It retains the distinctive angular door frames, aggressive looking Saab grille and its bold looks are enhanced by big wheels and arches.

The Saab's new crossover SUV will be built in at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico and unlike the larger 9-7X sport-utility vehicle, this will be sold globally. On launch, the 9-4X is expected to compete against the trio of BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Acura RDX.

Checkout the Saab 9-4X's new interior spy photo and some high-res pictures of the concept model below. To see the earlier exterior spy images of Sabb 9-4X
Source: LeftLane