2009 Mercedes-Benz S320 CDi BluEFFICIENCY: Most Frugal S-Class Ever

Who needs a complicated and apparently expensive, hybrid drivetrain when you can achieve an average fuel consumption of 7.6 lt/100 km (31 mpg US) in a fully equipped large saloon like the S-Class simply by using a diesel engine and a few supplementary measures? Even Merc’s own S400 Hybrid isn’t that good sipping an average of 7.9 liters of petrol for every 100 km (29.8 mpg US). -Continued

And even if the S320 CDi is a tad slower than the S400 Hybrid completing the 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint in 7.8 sec instead of 7.2 sec (top speed for both models is 250 km/h), the difference is insignificant for your typical S-Class owner that that will most likely use the vehicle as a highway cruiser and not a highway racer

The latest variant of Merc’s luxury saloon, which is due to take over from the S 320 CDI from the end of this year, is equipped with the same V6 turbo diesel powerplant as before delivering an output of 235 HP and 540 Nm. But thanks to the BluEFFICIENCY package that includes on-demand power steering, a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with standstill decoupling, as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels shod with reduced rolling resistance tires, the German automaker has managed to reduce the standard S320 CDI's average consumption by 0.2 lt /100 km.

Adding to its allure, pricing for the BlueEFFICIENCY S-Class model in Germany remains the same as the S320 CDI at €70,864.50 (incl. VAT) and at €78,718.50 for the long-wheelbase version.

Volvo Reveals UK Pricing on DRIVe Models

Even though the official presentation of the new economical sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 hatch, S40 Sedan and V50 SportWagon called “DRIVe” is scheduled for the Paris motorshow at the end of the week, Volvo UK today announced preliminary prices for all three models. The new DRIVe range will start at £15,410 OTR for the C30 and £17,260 and £18,660 for the S40 and V50 respectively. Production of the new DRIVe models that are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January 2. -Continued

DRIVe range	OTR Prices
C30 DRIVe
1.6D S	£15,410
1.6D SE	£16,910
1.6D SE Lux	£18,410
S40 DRIVe
1.6D S	£17,260
1.6D SE	£18,760
1.6D SE Lux	£20,260
V50 DRIVe
1.6D S	£18,660
1.6D SE	£20,160
1.6D SE Lux	£21,660

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: First Official Picture?

German car magazine Autozeitung is claiming to have obtained the first official photo of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class in its latest September issue. According to the folks over at Autozeitung, the above image has not been digitally enhanced in any way, and unless someone can provide substantial proof of the opposite, we have no reason to doubt them. Clearly apparent on this photo is the 2010 E-Class’ distinctive front-end design with the new trapezoidal shaped headlights that ditch the rounded theme used on the previous two generation models. -Continued

The new headlamp treatment was first previewed in the ConceptFASCINATION that will make its world debut in Paris next week. Like the concept, the rest of the styling falls in line with Mercedes-Benz’s current range and especially the new C-Class, adopting tauter body surfacing and sharper creases.

Under the body panels expect to see an updated engine line-up with several new and revised gasoline and ultra-clean Bluetec diesel powerplants including a base 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol unit and Merc’s new 204 HP 2.2-liter turbo diesel. By 2010, Mercedes-Benz will also enhance the E-Class range with the BMW M5-rivaling AMG version equipped with a powerful direct-injection V8 engine developing around 550 HP as well as the first hybrid E-Class that will use the same mild-hybrid drivetrain as the new S400 BlueHybrid.

According to our sources, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will make its global premiere in sedan form at the 2009 Geneva Show in March, followed by the Estate and Coupe / Cabriolet models at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow in September of the same year.

Via: Autozeitung

Hyundai i20 Blue Study with a Fuel Economy of 63 MPG

When Hyundai says Blue, what the Korean automaker actually means is green as the i20 Blue concept study that will debut in Paris incorporates a number of modifications to enhance the standard car’s environmental credentials. Based on the all-new i20 supermini, the ‘blue’ package involves revisions to the i20’s powertrain efficiency, aerodynamics and chassis that result to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. -Continued

The i20 Blue runs on a 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine producing 90PS and 220 Nm of torque, matted to a new six-speed manual gearbox – instead of the car’s usual five-speed unit – in which the ratios have been modified in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. Hyundai’s engineers updated the engine’s electronic software and at the same time improved performance by minimizing driveline friction and utilizing high-performance, low-friction engine oil. Furthermore, the i20 Blue benefits from the addition of a Hyundai-specific ISG Start-Stop system.

In terms of aerodynamics, Hyundai reduced ground clearance by 15mm, added a full-length underfloor cover and performed subtle changes to the design of the grille and bodywork. The package is complemented by a set of Michelin Energy low rolling resistance tires

Together, these changes offer the i20 Blue a reduction of 15 percent in CO2 emissions over the standard car to just 99g/km and an improvement of 15 percent in fuel efficiency consuming 3,75 liters/100km or 63.7 MPG US. As for performance, the i20 blue accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 13 seconds and achieves a top speed of 176km/h or 110 MPH.

VW Passat BlueTDI: Cleanest Passat Ever to make Paris Debut

Volkswagen’s super-clean 2.0 BlueTDI engine is making its debut on the Passat Sedan and Variant at next week’s Paris motorshow. The revised 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that develops an output of 143 HP is combined with VW’s SRC catalytic converter that reduces nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90 percent. According to VW, the new Passat BlueTDI complies with the strict Euro-6 emission standards that won’t go into effect in Europe before 2014. -Continued

Despite the 3 horsepower increase in output, Volkswagen claims that the 2.0 BlueTDI consumes up to 0.4–liters of diesel per 100 km less than the equivalent Passat models equipped with the conventional 140HP 2.0 TDI. In the case of the Passat Variant BlueTDI that means an average fuel consumption of 5.5 lt/100 km or 42.8 mpg with a CO2 figure of 144 gr/km, and in the Passat sedan, 5.2 l/100 km or 45.2 mpg and 139 g / km of CO2.

The Passat BlueTDI Sedan and Variant will be offered with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and optionally, with a 6-speed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission. Sales are expected to begin in Europe in early 2009 with other markets following later in the year.

Mercedes-Benz's Diesel Cars Get IRS Tax Credit Approval up to $1,800

Just a couple of weeks before Mercedes-Benz rolls out its new line-up of BlueTEC diesel vehicles, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) granted the German automaker the Qualified Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, qualifying the ML 320 BlueTEC, R 320 BlueTEC, and GL 320 BlueTEC buyers for tax breaks up to $1,800. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified to the IRS that the BlueTEC vehicles meet the strict emission requirements. So far, this is the first time that the IRS has granted the tax break to diesel vehicles. -Continued

According to the IRS, buyers of the ML 320 BlueTEC are eligible for a $900 tax credit, purchasers of the R 320 BlueTEC may qualify for a $1,550 tax credit, and purchasers of the GL 320 BlueTEC for a $1,800 tax credit depending on their individual tax status.

The vehicles, which are the first diesel passenger vehicles to meet all 50 state emissions requirements and get up to 600 miles to the tank, are equipped with a 211 HP 3.0-liter V6 diesel unit. According to Mercedes, all three models will go on sale on October 1st.

Video: Mercedes-Benz ConcepFASCINATION

At the Paris auto show in October, Mercedes-Benz will unveil a ‘shooting brake’ concept that previews the front-end design of the next-generation E-Class models and in particular, the E-Class Coupe that will replace the current CLK model. Hit the jump to watch the official promotional video with detailed shots of the four-seat concept car and don't forget to check out our previous post on the ConceptFASCINATION that includes an updated high-resolution image gallery. -Continued

Video: Mercedes-Benz C250 CDi BlueEfficiency

While the debate on diesel-powered cars lingers on here in the States, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new-generation 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2.2-liters that develops an output of 204 HP and an impressive 500Nm or 368 lb-ft of torque. When matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the C250 CDi BlueEFFICIENCY can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.0 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) with an average fuel consumption of just 5.2 lt/100km or 45.2 US mpg. The German automaker plans to use the new 2.2-liter CDi to replace higher-displacement diesel engines in several vehicles in its range including the E-Class, GLK-Class and the future E‑Class Coupe. -Video after the jump

Hummer H3 to get E85 Capable Engines and 4-Cylinder Diesel in 2009

With Hummer’s future uncertain as truck and large SUV sales continue to freefall in the States, you’d think that GM would totally give up on its offroad brand. But for the time being, that doesn’t seem to be the case. As part of its commitment to make half of its vehicles E85 (ethanol) capable by 2012, GM said that along with the H2 E85 FlexPower that will go on sale in the States this October, it is continuing the development of FlexPower engines for the H3 SUV.

Scheduled to hit U.S. dealerships in early 2009, the H3 FlexPower will be able to run on gasoline, E85 ethanol which consists of up to 85 percent ethanol mixed with gasoline, or any combination of the two fuels. According to the American automaker, in the USA alone, more than 3 million of the 7 million flexible-fuel vehicles on the road are GM cars and trucks. -Continued

“Using biofuels, specifically E85, is the most significant thing we can do in the near-term to offset rising future energy demands” says Beth Lowery, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “We believe ethanol used as a fuel, not just as a gasoline additive, is the best near-term alternative to the surging global demand for oil because ethanol is renewable and it significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to gasoline. Best of all, it is available today.”

Aside from the H3 FlexPower, GM is also developing a 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine for the smallest model in its range. The diesel-powered H3 will be an important addition in Hummer’s European range as diesel vehicles across the pond account for more than 50 percent of total sales in most markets. The percentage of diesel variants is even greater when it comes to large SUVs and 4x4s.

New Mercedes C250 CDI BluEFFICIENCY: 45.2mpg and 0 to 62mph in 7.0’’

Mercedes-Benz has developed a completely new turbo diesel engine generation that will make its world premiere on a C-Class model at the Paris Auto Show. In the limited production C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, the 4-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel produces an output of 204 hp and a massive 500Nm or 368 lb-ft of torque. Combined to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the premiere model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 7.0 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).

Despite the impressive performance figures –especially for a diesel engine with just 2.2-liters of displacement, the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition consumes an average of just 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. Apart from the C-Class, the new diesel engine will also be installed in the E-Class, in the new GLK-Class and in the future E-Class Coupe. -Continued

In the case of the premier model, production of the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition will be limited to 5,000 units with prices in Germany starting from €40,638. The special edition sedan will be offered in obsidian black, palladium silver, iridium silver and in the special paint finish diamond white metallic.

Special features of the Prime Edition include airflow-enhancing exterior-mirror housings as well as smooth underbody cladding, low rolling resistance tires, and a an efficient energy-management system with adaptive power steering, which with the help of an additional valve, closes the flow of the power-steering pump when it is not required.

Renault Ondelios: Paris Debut for Luxury Hybrid Crossover Concept

A Paris Motor Show without weird French concepts is like food without salt. Renault on its behalf will attempt to grasp the attention of showgoers and journalists alike with a luxury crossover hybrid concept awkwardly called Ondelios. According to Renault, the 4.8-metre-long, 1.6-metre-high Ondelios has drawn inspiration from the world of aviation and it embodies the company’s vision of high-end car. "Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of the open road," enthuses Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director. -Continued

Equipped with a pair of gigantic gullwing doors that also feature an extensive glazed area, the Ondelios treats its passengers with a futuristic looking interior that can accommodate up to six passengers in three rows of (individual) seats. The second row of seats slide forward and folds down to facilitate access to the third row. All passengers, including those in the back row, have their own Samsung interactive portable multimedia devices which they can use for sharing data or multiplayer gaming.

The Ondelios is powered by a hybrid powerplant which combines a more powerful 205 HP version of Renault’s 2.0 dCi turbo diesel engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear that use a brake and boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost acceleration. The crossover is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver power of up to 4kW/h.

Renault says that the 2.0 dCi unit takes the Ondelios from a standing start to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.8 seconds while fuel consumption is rated at a frugal 4.5 litres/100km or 52.3 US mpg and CO2 emissions at a low (especially for its size) 120g/km.