Automotive Technology news

New car models, new technology, new features... Automotive news to the point

Automotive Technology news:

- 2010 Toyota Prius Solar Powered Ventilation System »
- Lexus HS250h Fuel Economy Enhancement »
- Ford's SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide »
- Mercedes-Benz presents ML 450 HYBRID
- Chrysler introduces 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Tesla unveils first mass-produced, highway-capable EV
- 2010 Escape adds new technologies
- Ford to bring European 2010 Ford Transit Connect to US »
- Luxury hybrid: 2010 Lexus HS 250h »
- Ford shows the 2010 Taurus »
- GM introduces 2010 Buick LaCrosse »
- Lexus Introduces All-New 2010 RX 350 and RX 450h »
- Toyota announces new telematics programs for Lexus and Toyota vehicles »
- GM introduces two new engines »
- Mazda unveils all-new 2010 Mazda3 »

More automotive technology news is coming...

2010 Toyota Prius: Solar Powered Ventilation System

(Source: Toyota)

The 2010 Toyota Prius's solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system keep the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

Back to the news menu ↑

What's Behind Lexus HS250h Fuel Economy Enhancement

(Source: Lexus)

The HS 250h sedans expected to be the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup, while earning a SULEV emissions rating on regular 87-octane gasoline. The HS 250h sedan is also one of the most aerodynamic in its class. The HS 250h will features a new exhaust heat recovery system, available LED headlamps and a windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties, which helps keep the interior more cool.

Back to the news menu ↑

Ford's SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide

Ford's SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide

(Source: Ford)

The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids feature the Smart Gauge™ with EcoGuide display that helps drivers to improve fuel economy. The technology uses two LCD screens on either side of the speedometer to inform drivers about fuel usage, battery levels and more. Jeffrey Greenberg, a Ford Senior Technical Leader, takes you through an in-car tutorial.

Back to the news menu ↑

Mercedes-Benz presents ML 450 HYBRID

April 08, 2009

Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID
Click for larger picture
(Photo: Daimler AG)

NEW-YORK, NY — Unveiled at the New York autoshow, the new ML450 Hybrid with the fuel consumption of 21/24 mpg city/highway is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment. The new ML450 Hybrid employs the two-mode hybrid technology, at the heart of which is the transmission unit with two compact electric motors. With a modified 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-style engine and a compact 288-volt liquid-cooled nickel-metal hydride battery, the ML450 Hybrid offers combined system output of 335 hp and can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds.
The ML 450 HYBRID is produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in the United States.

Back to the news menu ↑

Chrysler introduces 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

April 08, 2009

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Click for larger picture
(Photo: Chrysler LLC)

NEW-YORK, NY — The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee debuts at the New York Auto Show. The 2011 Grand Cherokee is built on a rear-wheel-drive unibody platform with 4-wheel independent suspension sharing the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML. The adjustable air suspension can lift the vehicle 4.5 inches from park mode to a maximum ride height. Two engines will be offered: the new 3.6L 280-hp DOHC V6 with VVT and the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 with 360 hp. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.

Back to the news menu ↑

Tesla unveils first mass-produced, highway-capable EV

March 30, 2009

Tesla Model S.
Click for larger picture
(Photo: Tesla)

HAWTHORNE, CA — Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. The standard Model S makes 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The Model S carries its charger onboard and can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations. Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011 with anticipated base price of $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500.

Back to the news menu ↑

2010 Escape adds new technologies

March 06, 2009

2010 Ford Escape MyKey technology.
Click for larger picture
(Photo: Ford)

DEARBORN, MI - The 2010 Ford Escape will feature five new safety and driver-aid technologies:

Integrated Spotter Mirror (standard) – a small convex spotter in the top outer corner of a side rearview mirror. When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is still visible in the secondary convex mirror.
MyKey (standard) – allows to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. MyKey also encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour.
Rear View Camera System – uses an exterior camera mounted in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen to help enhance rear visibility when the vehicle is in reverse.
Active Park Assist – uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot.
SYNC – SYNC’s new services provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports, and weather.

Back to the news menu ↑

Ford to bring European 2010 Ford Transit Connect to US

February 09, 2009

2010 Ford Transit Connect.
Click for larger picture
(Photo: Ford)

DEARBORN, MI - Ford plans to start selling the 2010 Ford Transit Connect in the U.S.
Transit Connect is designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe. The front-wheel drive Transit Connect offers the Duratec 2.0-liter 136-hp 128 ft-lbs DOHC four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle with overdrive. According to Ford, the Transit Connect is expected to deliver at least 20 city and 24 highway mpg, pending EPA fuel economy certification. The Transit Connect offers a cargo payload of 1,600 pounds.
Ford Transit Connect goes on sale in the U.S. this summer, starting at $21,475, including destination.

Back to the news menu ↑

Luxury hybrid: 2010 Lexus HS 250h

January 11, 2009

2010 Lexus HS 250h. (Photo: Toyota US)

DETROIT - Introduced at the Detroit auto show, the 2010 HS 250h is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in Lexus lineup. The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is equipped with the 2.4-liter 187-hp Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The HS 250h rides on the MacPherson struts in the front and double-wishbone in the rear suspension. Instead of conventional hydraulic system, the HS 250h uses Electric Power Steering with a brushless electric motor on the steering column. The HS 250h will features a new exhaust heat recovery system, available LED headlamps and a windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties, which helps keep the interior more cool. Ten airbags as well as active front head rests will be standard. The HS also will feature Vehicle Stability Control and optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The media features include Bluetooth®, integrated satellite radio (subscription required), voice recognition, and USB iPod connectivity.

Back to the news menu ↑

Ford shows the 2010 Taurus

January 11, 2009

2010 Ford Taurus.
Click for larger picture
(Photo: Ford)

DETROIT - Ford shows the new 2010 Ford Taurus, which will be available this summer. The 2010 Taurus comes standard with Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 and a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.
The list of available features includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beams/Rain-Sensing Wipers, Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System (no regular fuel cap), Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert (system warns of the cross-traffic when reversing out of the parking spot), Ford SYNC® and more.

Back to the news menu ↑

GM introduces 2010 Buick LaCrosse

January 08, 2009

2010 Buick LaCrosse.
Click for larger picture
(Photo: General Motors)

DETROIT - GM introduces 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Available as front- or all-wheel drive, the 2010 LaCrosse offers the choice of 3.0L V6 or 3.6L V6 engine (both DOHC with direct injection and variable valve timing) and six-speed automatic transmission. Available features include navigation, Bluetooth, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is available.

Back to the news menu ↑

Lexus Introduces All-New 2010 RX 350 and RX 450h Luxury Utility Vehicles

January 07, 2009

2010 Lexus RX 350
(Photo: Toyota)

Lexus has introduced the next generation RX 350 and the hybrid RX 450h.
The 2010 Lexus RX 350 will feature 3.5-liter V6 engine with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 will come with all-new electronically controlled Active Torque Control AWD system, that can vary torque distribution anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50 front to rear, depending on driving dynamics and road conditions.
The 2010 RX 450h features an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive with 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine. The 2010 RX models are equipped with 10 standard airbags, including side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, rear side airbags and knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger. The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses a radar to measure and maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle ahead. If the PCS computer determines that a collision is highly possible, the system preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.
According to the press release, the new RX350 will reach Lexus showrooms in February 2009 and the RX450h hybrid will follow few months later.

Back to the news menu ↑

Toyota announces new telematics programs for Lexus and Toyota vehicles

January 07, 2009

Lexus Enform
(Photo: Toyota)

LAS VEGAS - Toyota announced that it will launch new telematics programs: Lexus Enform™ and Safety Connect™ which is something similar to GM OnStar.
Toyota will introduce Safety Connect on select Toyota models. Lexus will introduce Lexus Enform with Safety Connect.
Safety Connect will include Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button and Roadside Assistance.
Lexus Enform will also offer additional information and convenience features including new casual-speech voice recognition system that will understand casual commands such as “Call Bob at home,” “Make it cooler,” “Let’s find XM channel 46,” or “I want a Japanese restaurant.”
In addition, Lexus Enform vehicles will be factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of XM services such as Traffic Conditions, Weather and Sports and Stocks updates.

Back to the news menu ↑

GM introduces two new engines

December 18, 2008

The 4-cylinder 2.4L direct injection engine
(Photo: General Motors)

PONTIAC, MI - General motors introduces two new direct injected engines that will be available in 2010 Chevrolet Equinox:
The 2.4-liter twin-cam direct-injection 4-cylinder engine with VVT will have 11.4:1 compression ratio and boost 180 horsepower with 172 lb.-ft. of torque. It's estimated at 30 mpg (7.84 L/100km) in highway driving.
The 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine with VVT will have 255 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque.
In a conventional fuel-injected engine fuel is sprayed inside the intake manifold, while in a direct-injection engine fuel is sprayed under high pressure directly into the cylinders, which gives the engine more power and improves efficiency.

Back to the news menu ↑

Mazda unveils all-new 2010 Mazda3

November 19, 2008

2010 Mazda3 (Photo: Mazda Motor Of America)

LOS ANGELES, CA - Mazda unveils the all-new Mazda3 at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The new Mazda3 comes with the 2.0-liter 148-hp or 2.5-liter 167-hp 4-cylinder engines. Both engines offer lightweight aluminum-alloy construction and similar DOHC design with VVT. Mazda3 i comes with standard five-speed manual transmission, while the Mazda3 s is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission is available in both models.
The Grand Touring model will offer very interesting feature for a small car - a new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-levelling bi-xenon headlamps.
The fuel economy for a 2.0-liter model with an automatic transmission is listed at 24/33 MPG (city/highway).

Back to the news menu ↑

Used car information. Samarins.com © 2000-2009