Author: yoann besnard

Porsche to launch a diesel-powerd Cayenne next year
Stricter worldwide emissions and rising gas prices push Porsche to offer a diesel-powered model for the first time since the company has existed. The elected model would be the Cayenne.
In an interview with Automotive News, UK auto industry analyst Peter Schmidt told the newspaper that “the diesel engine will be an upgraded V6 diesel from Audi.” Company sources talk about a power output of 300bhp with a 30mpg target. Porsche has ruled out bigger engines such as the V8 or V12 Audi units due to their heavy weight. A smaller V6 can also be justified by the next-generation Cayenne that will be smaller than the current model.
Porsche didn’t confirm the information, but the company never ruled out diesel engines as a choice for its future models. The carmaker is also currently working on a hybrid system due to appear in the Cayenne and in the future Panamera.
March 3, 2008
Spyshots: Cadillac CTS coupé
Last week, Petrol-Head reported that Cadillac had announced its intention to build the CTS Coupe Concept. Some advanced prototypes have been caught under testing.
The prototypes are heavily covered and it is difficult to spot the overall shape of the future coupé. However, the testing models feature a center-mounted dual exhaust pipes similar to the concept car’s. What’s interesting about the spyshots is not the car in itself as it will be a two door version of the CTS saloon, but its advanced stage. This means that Cadillac might unveil the production version a the next Detroit Auto Show in January 2009 with the intention to put it on sale next year.
GM seems to speed up the development process to expand and renew its brands lineup as quick as possible to catch up with Toyota and German carmakers.
Click here to see all the pictures
Source: Car & Driver
March 3, 2008
Unique SLR-powered G-wagon
A G55 owner found its off-road too common in Abu Dhabi and had the idea to get the SLR engine fitted in its G-Wagon. Here is the only McLaren SLR powered G-Wagon in the world.
Technically both engines share common architecture as the SLR engine is derived from the AMG V8 engine. While the production G55 has a power output of 476bhp, this SLR-powered G-wagon offers 720bhp. As predicted, the SUV goes fast and can run the 0-60mph in 4.2 juts 4.2 seconds. However no top speed has been given. Initiallly, the G55 has its top speed limited to 131mph.
The car features McLaren monikers on the side and back of the car.
March 3, 2008
Mercedes to unveil a hybrid-diesel GLK at Geneva
After the petrol hybrids, diesel hybrids seems to be the next hype and this time, European carmakers plan to lead the way. After Peugeot and its hybrid-diesel-powered 308, Mercedes will unveil the Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid at Geneva.
The Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid is powered by a mild hybrid system combining a diesel engine and an electric motor. The diesel engine is a four-cylinder CDI diesel unit with a displacement of 2.2 litres. Both engines have combined power output of 224bhp and a torque output of 413lb ft. The electric motor can’t move the car on its own but acts as both a generator and starter and backs up the internal combustion engine during the fuel-intensive acceleration phase. In addition the system features a comfortable start-stop function which switches the engine off in certain circumstances – for example when the car is stopped at traffic lights. When it comes to braking, the procedures are reversed: the electric motor acts as a generator, using a regenerative braking system.
All these technologies enable the GLK to emit only 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre despite reaching a top speed of 134mph and running the 0-62mph in juts 7.3 seconds.
The Vision GLK Bluetec Hybrid is expected to hit the showrooms in 2010.
March 3, 2008
BMW in talks with GM and Fiat to share engines
BMW has entered into talks with Fiat and GM to provide them engines and transmissions according to Automotive News.
The rumour doesn’t come as a surprise as the carmaker has set a plan to increase its profitability. Job cuts and pressuring suppliers have already been announced. Sharing costs is another path the company is ready to take.
The carmaker has a joint venture with Peugeot-Citroen which manufactures small engines featured in the Mini models and in the Peugeot 207 and 308 models. The German carmaker wants to share more engines even it means to collaborate with its German enemy, Mercedes. Indeed, the company has also entered into talks with Mercedes to share the platform of the next-generation Mini with the A-class and B-class models. The talks are still being carried despite the Fiat and GM talks.
BMW is getting serious about sharing its technology with other carmakers. However, the intention only concerns the small engines. BMW has no plan to share its bigger engines such as the inline 6 or V8 units, which are the company’s real asset.
March 3, 2008
Zagato unveils the Bentley GTZ
Italian coachbuilder Zagato will unveil its latest creation, the Bentley GTZ, at Geneva this week.
The GTZ comes with the company’s design DNA such as the concave roof, the rounded aft and a contrasting painting scheme. The GTZ adds new taillights and flared wheelarches. It also features a hand-shaped aluminium body. The GTZ is based on the Bentley GT Speed and no technical changes have been operated. That means the coupé is powered by the 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine.
The GTZ concept car isn’t intended for production although it might be built in a limited number if there is a demand that can cover the project costs.
March 3, 2008
More details about the Morgan LIFEcar
Morgan has unveiled more details of the upcoming LIFEcar concept car that will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
In pictures, the LIFEcar is an astonishing car, but technical details remained scarce. The Morgan concept car features a hydrogen fuel cell, called QinetiQ, that has a power output of 22kW, emitting only water and heat. The power is directed to the four wheels via four electric motors able to re-use 50% of the energy generated by braking. The energy is the stored in a bank of ‘ultracapacitors’.
The carmaker claims the new system developed with the university of Cranfield is more efficient than the traditional batteries. Morgan also gives some figures. 62mph takes less than 7 seconds; the carmaker quotes a top speed of about 85mph. The LIFEcar has a 250 mile range.
March 3, 2008
Lotus unveils the Exige 270E Tri-Fuel
Lotus has taken the wraps off its latest iteration of the Lotus Exige, but this time this is a concept car that will appear at Geneva which is carbon neutral claims the carmaker.
What’s interesting about the Lotus Exige is its engine able to run on a mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol. By using methanol which is a combination of CO2 and hydrogen, the carmaker hopes to make the Lotus Exige carbon neutral. If the car rejects CO2, Lotus engineers claims that by using the CO2 in the manufacturing process of methanol, the car is carbon neutral. However, the company doesn’t talk about the energy required to produce hydrogen. Nice try!
The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel is powered by a 1.8-litre supecharged engine which has a power output of 270bhp and a torque of 144 lb ft at 5,500rpm. This Exige concept car is theoretically the most powerful Exige by 5bhp. The light sportscar can shuttle the 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 158mph.
March 3, 2008
Nissan and Mitsubishi to expand their alliance
Nissan and Mitsubishi have announced that they have agreed to expand their minicar production alliance. Mitsubishi will supply another Kei car to Nissan at the end of this year and both companies are currently studying other opportunities.
At this moment Mitsubishi supplies to Nissan on the basis of an original equipment manufacturing, or OEM, the EK Wagon, renamed Otti, and the Minicab renamed Clipper. In exchange Nissan supplies the AD Expert to Mitsubishi.
Under the agreement, Mitsubishi will add Pajero mini-SUV to its OEM supply to Nissan beginning autumn this year.
February 29, 2008
Spyshots: next-generation Toyota Avensis
The next-gen Avensis has been spotted during winter testing in Scandinavia. The saloon is expected to be launched in mid-2009.
Here is a car that nobody talks about. The current Avensis, available as a saloon, a hatchback and an estate, never make the news despite good qualities. The family car likely suffered from a dull design. Will Toyota go wild with the replacement model? The spyshots seem to say no. The future Avensis will be one of the numerous models that Toyota seems to roll off the production line like Cadbury rolls off chocolate bars.
According to the rumours, the car will grow in size, 100mm longer, to fight with the latest family competitors such as the Ford Mondeo. The future car should be available for the first time with a hybrid solution and with a four-wheel drive system. It is also believed that the gear level will be positioned like the Auris’.
Click here to see all the pictures
February 29, 2008