Ford introduces the industry’s first inflatable seat belts
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
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.)
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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
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
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
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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Mercedes-Benz presents ML 450 HYBRIDApril 08, 2009
 Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID
Click for larger picture (Photo: Daimler AG)
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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.
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Chrysler introduces 2011 Jeep Grand CherokeeApril 08, 2009
 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Click for larger picture (Photo: Chrysler LLC)
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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.
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Tesla unveils first mass-produced, highway-capable EVMarch 30, 2009
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.
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2010 Escape adds new technologiesMarch 06, 2009
 2010 Ford Escape MyKey technology.
Click for larger picture (Photo: Ford)
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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.
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Ford to bring European 2010 Ford Transit Connect to USFebruary 09, 2009
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.
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