By Auto123.com,
Ford of Europe will offer its customers ultra-low CO2 alternatives for selected car lines with the launch of a new range of Ford ECOnetic models. Potential buyers will be able to get a glimpse of these vehicles at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The ECOnetic cars will use a combination of the latest common-rail diesel powertrains in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to the absolute minimum.
The first to be launched by the end of 2007 will be the Ford Focus ECOnetic, which promises to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions for conventional powertrain technology at just 115 g/km.
The new Focus, powered by the highly efficient 109PS, 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi engine with standard Diesel Particulate Filter, delivers an average fuel economy of just 4.3 L/100 km.
The starting point for achieving these results was to reduce drive resistances and improve aerodynamics.
By lowering the vehicle, adding an aero kit and using 195/65R15 tires, an impressive 0.31 drag coefficient was achieved. Engineers also introduced a new low-viscosity transmission oil developed by Ford's fuel partner, British Petroleum (BP).
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By Auto123.com
If you place a high value on flat out performance and handling, but need a luxurious machine at the same time, then Bentley's got a ride just for you.
Their Continental GT Speed is a little like a 600 horsepower living room, with it's W12 engine delivering 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds and top speeds over 200mph. All the while, the ultra luxurious interior gives only subtle indications of the performance the model is capable of.
The cabin of the GT Speed model is based on that of the Mulliner Driving Specification, which is an option on the standard GTmodel. It includes a choice of veneer trims, including Piano Black and Burr Walnut. Diamond quilted seats made of hide feature an embroidered Bentley emblem, and other features include alloy pedals, a three-spoke steering wheel and sports alloy gearlever.
Luxury aside, it's the most powerful Bentley ever, and the first to top 200 mph. This sort of performance requires some upgrades, and the GT Speed model features a lower, wider air intake and new radiator position to help keep the massive engine cool.
Bentley says the engine makes 15% more torque while operating more efficiently, through the use of lightweight componentry and a new engine management computer system. The extra output is kept in check by a sports suspension, huge 20" wheels and available ceramic brakes for fade-free stops.
Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Dr Franz Josef-Paefgen welcomes the expansion of the Continental GT model:
"The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success."
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By Auto123.com
As part of the Advanced Power and Energy Program, the University of California (Irvine) and its Institute of Transportation Studies (Berkeley) will test a plug-in hybrid vehicle supplied by Toyota.
The world's number one automaker also announced that government authorities in Japan will be evaluating a similar vehicle in their domestic market.
Toyota wants to explore different types of technologies. Unlike traditional hybrids that recharge the batteries thanks to regenerative braking, the prototypes being tested at Irvine and Berkeley use a much larger nickel-metal battery pack, therefore the need for plug-in capability.
Beyond that, the system is pretty much the same, except for the fact that the vehicle can cover longer distances and drive at faster speeds in electric mode.
These plug-in hybrids are also capable of achieving better fuel economy and producing less greenhouse gas emissions than regular gasoline-electric hybrids.
Since 1999, hybrid vehicles have helped save nearly one billion liters of fuel in the United States.
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The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer ________________________________________________________________________