Automotive Technology news

New car models, new technology, new features

Automotive Technology news:

- Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Most efficient Chevrolet. »
- 2011 Edge Featured Technology »
- Ford introduces the industry’s first inflatable seat belts »
- Ford Introduces All-new V-8 Turbocharged Diesel Engine »
- Nissan Introduces New Dual Injector System »
- 2010 Toyota Prius Solar Powered Ventilation System »
- Lexus HS250h Fuel Economy Enhancement »
- Ford's SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide »

More automotive technology news is coming...

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Most efficient Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco. Click for larger picture
(Photo: GM)

Chevrolet Cruze Eco, introduced at the 2010 New York Auto Show is designed to be the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup, delivering an estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the standard six-speed manual transmission.
The Cruze Eco will feature:
- 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing.
- lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds to improve aerodynamics and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow.
- The upper grille has more “closeouts” to improve aerodynamics.
- A lower front air dam extension, extensive use of underbody panels and a rear spoiler enhance aerodynamics.
- A lowered ride height improves aerodynamics.
- Unique 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels.
- Ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.
The Cruze Eco will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.

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2011 Ford Edge Featured Technology

2011 Ford Edge Click for larger picture
(Photo: Ford)

The new 2011 Ford Edge features a number of new interesting technologies, including MyFord Touch™ and industry-first HD Radio™ technology with iTunes® Tagging capability.
With MyFord Touch, you can control various car features using either voice, touch or two steering wheel-mounted five-way button controls. MyFord Touch displays information on two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens on both sides of the speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. MyFord Touch interface and graphics are powered by the next generation of Ford SYNC®, built on Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Auto platform.

Also available on the 2011 Ford Edge is the implementation of iTunes® Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radio receiver. With a simple push of the “TAG” button on the MyFord touch screen display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory. Once a song is tagged, you can connect your iPod® to the SYNC system and the “tagged” song information will transfer to that iPod. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. You can preview, and if desired, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store.

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Ford introduces the industry’s first inflatable seat belts

(Video: Ford)

Ford Motor Company is bringing to market the world’s first automotive inflatable seat belts for the rear seat occupants. The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers. According to Ford, the new inflatable rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts; this helps reduce pressure on the chest and helps control head and neck motion for rear seat passengers. Ford will introduce inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year for the North American market. Over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles globally.

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Ford Introduces All-new V-8 Turbocharged Diesel Engine

Click for larger image (Photo: Ford)

Ford introduces all-new Ford-engineered and Ford-manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. The new engine will have stronger compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block. The intake moved to the outer sides of the engine, while the exhaust with the turbocharger is placed inside of the V-valley to reduce the noise. The single-sequential turbocharger has two compressor wheels driven off one turbine impeller. The high-pressure Bosch fuel injection system uses piezo injectors to spray the fuel into the cylinders at up to 30,000 psi. The new engine will employ an aftertreatment system with the use of urea-based Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). According to Ford, the new engine will deliver significant improvement in torque, horsepower and fuel economy. The new V-8 will debute in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty®.

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Nissan Introduces New Dual Injector System

(Photo: Nissan Motor Co.)

TOKYO - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the development of a Dual Injector system designed to improve fuel efficiency in gasoline engines. The new fuel system uses two smaller injectors - one for each port, rather than one per cylinder. According to Nissan, this reduces the diameter of the fuel droplets by about 60%, resulting in smoother, more stable combustion. The system also adds continuous valve timing control on the exhaust side in addition to conventional intake-side control.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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