Ford Announces Powertrain Enhancements for its European Lineup, Adds Stop/Start Technology

At this week's 2011 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium, Ford announced a series of powertrain enhancements that include the addition of Stop/Start technology for its European market Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models, together with the introduction of an all-new 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.

“The introduction of the new small-displacement diesel engine and of the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is another important step towards even more sustainable mobility”, said Rolf Deges, Chief Program Engineer for Ford of Europe. “All through Europe there is a growing demand for frugal, smaller displacement powertrains and new technologies, and we are more than happy to address this demand with our new entries”.

Replacing the 115HP 2.0-liter diesel, the new 1.6-liter motor comes with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) producing 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750-2,000 rpm.

“With this torque performance, it's now possible to have such a small displacement diesel engine driving even large cars like the Ford Galaxy in a more than appropriate way – and at very low fuel consumption”, said Deges.

Equipped with the new four-pot oil-burner, the Galaxy MPV's combined fuel economy is 5.4 lt/100 km (43.5 US mpg), while the Mondeo needs just 4.9 lt/100 km (48 US mpg).

Ford said these figures are also achieved by adding standard Ford ECOnetic Technologies features to the range, including Smart Regenerative Charging, the Ford Eco Mode driver information system and an Active Grille Shutter system. All of these technologies come as standard equipment on the new 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

In addition, the 1.6 TDCi variant can be paired with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, further improving fuel economy by as much as 10 percent in city driving and reducing CO2 emissions.

To better cope with the increased number of engine starts, the system features an enhanced starter motor, capable of firing up the powerplant in just 0.3 seconds after the driver presses the accelerator or clutch pedal.

The Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is also available in conjunction with the turbocharged 1.6-liter Ecoboost petrol engine.

Last but not least, the small diesel was also chosen to motivate the new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic after it was specially calibrated and coupled to modified a six-speed manual gearbox with a longer final drive.

Featuring a Start-Stop system, the Mondeo ECOnetic returns 54.7 US mpg (or 4.3 lt/100 km) in the combined cycle. Other special features include a lowered suspension and low rolling resistant tires.

The last item on Ford’s list is the Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission, which is optional for the 200HP 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Upgraded to withstand the 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) – 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) in overboost mode, the auto box helps the Mondeo achieve an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt/100 km (36.2 US mpg).

“The combination of the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi with the Durashift 6-tronic transmission is really a connoisseur's choice: it really delivers a powerful yet very relaxed and refined driving experience” Rolf Deges commented. “With these attributes in place, this combination is the perfect addition to our large car range, and supplements well to the already available combinations of the Ford PowerShift 6-speed double-wet clutch transmission with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi with 140 and 163 PS”.

Vauxhall's Corsa VXR gets the Blues: New Special Edition of 192HP Hot Hatch

To mark the launch of the subtly refreshed Corsa VXR, Vauxhall is introducing a new limited edition version of its hot hatch with an additional kit and a special blue paintjob as standard.

In detail, the new Corsa VXR Blue Edition is finished in an Arden Blue metallic paint and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats, which equate to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ VXR with this kit.

Other standard features include a lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Powering the VXR Blue Edition is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 192PS, which allows for a 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph [225 km/h]. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the driver needs more power.

The price for the limited edition Corsa VXR is set at £19,425 (including 20% VAT), with Vauxhall claiming that it undercuts key rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

The sport hatch is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in dealerships in late February.

Lotus Evora Tries Out Police Uniform in the UK

Lotus has loaned a brand new Evora to the boys in blue at the Central Motorway Police Group (CPMG). The police-liveried version of the British sports car was officially revealed at this week's Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC. Once its show duties are over, the sports car maker will hand the keys of the Evora to West Midland's police officers who will then trial the car for a two week test period.

Gino Rosato, Director of Corporate Operations at Lotus comments: ‘Lotus is proud to take part in this and similar initiatives to help create a safer road culture for our customers and other road users. We believe that you do not have to compromise fun for speed and to that effect we build sportscars that are fun to drive within legal limits! We will be working with Officers from CMPG to teach them how to get the best from the Lotus Evora at our test track to ensure that any high-speed activity is as safe and effective as possible.”

PC Steven Rounds from, CMPG said: “The Lotus is a visually stunning machine which offers us the opportunity to engage with the public, reinforce and promote the life-saving messages of road safety.”

Chrysler Officially Drops the Top on the New 200 Convertible

Following yesterday’s leak, Chrysler today officially released photos and preliminary data on its new 200 Convertible. As previously noted, the drop top model is essentially a facelifted Sebring Convertible featuring a refined exterior design, and a revamped interior with new styling and improved quality.

Customers can choose between two automatically latching tops, which is certainly not a common option in the category. The first option is a body-colored retractable hardtop, while the other is a more traditional cloth soft top, both operated by a button on the key fob.

Another highlight is the media center with voice command that offers Sirius Satellite Radio and a 30-gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time information.

The four-seater convertible can be specified with a 173HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder or the brawnier, 283HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, both mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. To improve handling, the Detroit firm's engineers have either re-tuned or redesigned almost every part of the suspension, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings.

In the United States, the 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible will be available in three trim levels, Touring, Limited and S.

European buyers should look for the 200 convertible with a Lancia grille and badges at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March.

New Videos of 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK on the Road and the Track

If you're tired of ogling the same 50 second clip of the 2012 Mercedes SLK published at launch, we have some good news for you as the Stuttgart automaker has released some fresh footage of its roadster model, filmed both on the road and the track.

The third generation of Merc's roadster comes with a two-piece foldable metal roof top and a choice of a force-fed 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine available in two states of tune, or a 3.5-liter V6 motor. In Europe, the 2012 SLK will be available for order starting from next week, while U.S. sales will begin this summer. Click here for more details or follow the jump to watch the videos.

Honda Dealer Memo Says 4-Cylinder CrossTour and 2012 CR-V on their Way Along with New Civic

The Honda fan-boys over at the Temple of VTEC claim to have intercepted an internal memo with details on the firm's upcoming models, which was sent out today to dealers. The email reportedly states that Honda will be releasing a lower-priced based version of the Accord CrossTour equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, with sales to start in "mid-summer". We'll remind you that that CrossTour is currently offered exclusively with a 275HP 3.5-liter V6 and available four-wheel drive.

The website notes the memo also mentions the 2012 Civic, which will arrive in "late April" (this has already been officially confirmed by Honda that will show a pre-production study at the Detroit Show next week), as well as the 2012 CR-V and the Pilot SUV, without, however, getting into any more details.

Source: Temple of VTEC

New Honda Fit Shuttle: Leaked Brochure Reveals Station Wagon-Like Model

A bonanza of allegedly official brochure photos showing a new, station-wagon-like variant of the Japanese domestic market [JDM] Fit have leaked onto the internet. Named the Fit Shuttle, the car appears to be based on the recently refreshed Fit (Honda uses the Jazz nameplate in Europe, Australia and other international markets) featuring a longer body with taller roofline and a redesigned rear end.

As you can see in the brochure shots, the Fit Shuttle will be offered in two flavors, a Hybrid version powered by the same IMA system with a 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine featured on the five-door hatchback model, and a more powerful variant with a regular 1.5-liter gasoline unit.

According to the Japanese media, the Fit Shuttle will be introduced in its home market within the next few weeks with sales to start around March. We'll follow the story and keep you posted on any updates.

Sources: Ryuji & Mincara