The Torque Report

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Does the Nurburgring in 7:59.32...Fastest Production Sedan to Date

2008-05-10T02:58:42Z

There has been a lot of news lately about the Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR1 times on the Nurburgring in Germany. Well another car is also making great times on the track.

]]> The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, which is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 with an estimated 550 hp, managed to complete the lap in 7:59:32. If you recall the Nissan GT-R made it around the track in 7:29. GM is still working on the ZR1 to make sure it beats the Nissan's time.

The CTS-V was driven around the track with no performance modifications and is the same car that will be in showrooms later this year.

The official time of 7:59:32 appears to be the fastest time of any production sedan.

Full Story: Cadillac Drivers' Log

All-New 2009 Mazda6 Pricing Leaked...It Starts at $19,850

2008-05-10T02:27:07Z

Mazda finally took the wraps off of its midsize 2009 Mazda6 sedan a few weeks ago. Pricing for the all-new sedan has leaked onto the web and Mazda6club.com has all the preliminary pricing info.

]]> The 2009 Mazda6 will start at $19,850 for the MAZDA6 i SV, which is powered by a 170 horsepower 2.5L engine. The Mazda6 i Sport, i Touring and i Grand Touring are all powered by the same 4-cylinder engine. These models range from $21,250 to $25,850 for the i Grand Touring.

The Mazda6 s Sport starts at $25,150 and is powered by a 272 horsepower 3.7 V6 engine. The most expensive "s" model, the s Grand Touring starts at $29,150.

The all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be in showrooms this summer.

MAZDA6 i SV
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
Vehicle features
* Independent front & rear suspension w/ stabilizer bars
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
* 16″ steel wheel w/ 7-spoke wheel cover
* Halogen headlights with automatic headlight shutoff
* Power remote door mirrors, door locks, and windows
* Air conditioning with pollen filter
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible stereo w/ 6-speakers & SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system
* 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, floor and cargo mats
* Center instrument panel display (A/C, audio, clock, outside temp.)
* Power door locks, windows, door mirrors and remote keyless entry
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $19,850

MAZDA6 i Sport
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i SV Model features plus:
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
MSRP: $21,250*

MAZDA6 i Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Sport model features plus:
* 17″ alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* 8-way driver’s power seat & electroluminescent gauges
* Push button ignition start
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $22,750*

MAZDA6 s Sport
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
Vehicle features
* 17″ alloy wheels
* Chrome dual exhaust finishers
* Halogen headlights
* Dual power remote side mirrors
* V6 emblems & scuff plates
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible 6-speaker sound system
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $25,150*

MAZDA6 s Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
* Sport model features plus:
* 18″ alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* Push button ignition start
* Mazda Advance Keyless Entry & Start System
* Leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* 8-way power driver’s seat w/ manual adjust lumbar support
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $26,150*

MAZDA6 i Grand Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
* Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver’s seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $25,850

MAZDA6 s Grand Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
* Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver’s seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $29,150

Full Story: Mazda6Club

Buy a 2009 VW Routan Minivan and Get $1500 for Your Kid

2008-05-10T02:00:06Z

VW officially unveiled the all-new 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivan at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. VW has now officially announced the pricing for the Routan.

]]> The Routan S starts at $24,700, the SE starts at $29,600, the starts at SEL $33,200 and the SEL Model equipped with a Premium Package goes for $38,400. VW has also announced a partnership with Upromise, the country’s largest private source of college funding contributions, to provide $1,500 to Routan buyers for their kids college savings.

“We know parents are concerned about saving for their kid’s future. To help families tackle this challenge of saving for college, we’re excited that we are able to partner with Upromise,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re aware that the cost of college continues to rise exponentially, far outpacing inflation, and our hope is to help our customer’s off-set that cost, while getting a great new vehicle.”

The 2009 Routan is powered by either a 197 horsepower 3.8L V6 or a 251 horsepower 4.0L V6. If the Routan looks familiar to you its because it shares most of its mechanicals with the Chrysler minivans, except for the restyled front and rear fascias.

The Routan will be in showrooms this September.

PRESS RELEASE:

PURCHASE VOLKSWAGEN’S ALL-NEW ROUTAN AND HELP FUND YOUR CHILD’S COLLEGE TUITION

HERNDON, VA.-Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today a partnership with Upromise, the country’s largest private source of college funding contributions, to provide $1,500 to customers who purchase or lease a new 2009 Routan for their child’s future education savings.

Upromise members can get $1,500 in college savings when they pre-order a Routan by August 31, 2008 and take delivery by November 30, 2008. To do so, members should log on to www.upromise.com/vw, print their unique Upromise VW Savings Code, and present it to their preferred Volkswagen dealer at the time the pre-order deposit is made. Anyone can join Upromise at no charge simply by visiting www.upromise.com. Signing up is fast, simple and completely free.

The Routan, Volkswagen’s all-new seven-passenger minivan, delivers families the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines German sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value. The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish.

While pleasing and contemporary, the Routan’s interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function. The Routan comes with a host of functional features, including: conversation mirror, rear seat entertainment system with two nine inch screens for second and third row, touch screen navigation with 30 GB JoyBox™ Multi-Media Entertainment system, dual power sliding doors with power windows, power fold third row seating for extra storage room, and no less than thirteen cup holders.

Second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will also be available rated at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan.

The Routan will have starting prices of $24,700 for the S Model, $29,600 for the SE Model, $33,200 for the SEL Model and $38,400 for the SEL Model equipped with a Premium Package. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners. The Routan is expected to be available at dealers in September 2008. For more information about the Routan, please visit www.vw.com/routan.

Is Ford Thinking About Bringing Back the Taurus SHO?

2008-05-08T06:26:33Z

It's been quite a while since a Taurus SHO (Super High Output) was available in a Ford dealership, but this may change. Last Monday a group of 11 Chicago area Taurus SHO fanatics were quizzed by Ford execs about the car.

]]> Members of this special focus group were asked a series of questions regarding their love for the high performance Taurus and what the car should be like if it were indeed resurrected. Don Mallinson on V8Sho.com revealed the details of the meeting and also stated that the 11 lucky participants did not see any prototypes, sketches or anything that would confirm that the vehicle is actually under development.

Would you buy a Taurus SHO? If Ford is actually thinking about bringing this model back, it would likely be brought back after the next generation Taurus hits the market for 2010.

Full Story: V8Sho.com via Autoblog

Related Stories:
2010 Ford Taurus Spied in Ford's Design Studio!

Audi R8 is Sold Out for Months to Come...

2008-05-08T06:13:13Z

Audi issued a new sales report on Tuesday that said its "stock of Audi R8 cars is sold out for months to come." Pretty disappointing for anyone that is hoping to grab one of these awesome cars.

]]> Although Audi stated that the R8 is currently sold out, the automaker stopped short of actually releasing how many R8s have already been sold. Audi's sales rose 2.9 percent last month with 86,700 cars sold worldwide last month.

Audi also reported that the Q7 SUV has become the automaker's second most successful vehicle in the U.S. market after the A4.

Full Story: Inside Line

Related Stories:
2009 Audi Q5 S-Line Unveiled
2009 Audi Q5 SUV Officially Unveiled in Beijing
Audi R8 Spider Will be Released Next Year

California May Soon Make it Illegal for the Family Pet to Ride on Driver's Laps

2008-05-08T05:53:43Z

Republican Bill Maze has proposed a bill in California that would make it illegal for drivers to drive with their beloved pets on their laps.

]]> The bill passed the Assembly 44-11 on Monday and is on its way to the state senate before hitting the governor's desk. If the bill passes drivers that are in violation of the new law will be fined $35. It's quite a scary thought to think of what happens to these animals that are caught between an airbag and their owner in an accident.

Full Story: Autoblog

GM is Going to Build 2,000 Corvette ZR1's a Year for Worldwide Consumption

2008-05-07T03:21:13Z

Corvette ZR1 chief engineer Tadge Juechter recently sat down to answer many of the current questions about the upcoming Chevy Corvette ZR1.

]]> Juechter revealed that just 2,000 ZR1's are going to built per year and that the 638 horsepower Corvette is going to be the most fuel efficient 600+ horsepower car on the market. He didn't give the actual EPA numbers, but he did say that it will be slightly less fuel efficient than the current Z06, which is currently rated at 15/24. The engineer also stated that pricing is going to be released later this month, and that GM is strongly encouraging dealers to not add markups to the vehicle. Also ZR1 accessories will not be available for buyers that want to add them to their current (lesser powered) Corvettes.

Full Story: Autoblog

BMW is Going to Put the Mini's 4-cyl in the 1-Series and Release a Hybrid 7-Series

2008-05-07T03:09:17Z

BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer recently revealed that the next-generation 1-Series is going to get the 4-cylinder engine that is a result of the PSA-BMW relationship. The current 4-cylinder is used in the Mini Cooper.

]]> Reithofer recently told German newspaper Allgemeine Zeitung that BMW originally only planned on using the engine that it developed with Peugeot in the Mini, but has now decided to use it in the next-generation 1-Series and possibly other future BMWs. He also revealed that the next-generation 7-Series is going to be offered with a hybrid powertrain.

Full Story: Motor Authority

Suzuki Jumps on the "Free Gas Bandwagon" But GM and Ford are Saying No

2008-05-07T02:45:28Z

Yesterday Chrysler announced a new "Let's Refuel America" campaign that will lock in gas prices at $2.99 a gallon for three years for new buyers. Well today Suzuki also jumped on the bandwagon by offering its own "free gas" promotion.

]]> Suzuki is going to offer 0% interest and free gas for three months on vehicles purchased between May 1st and June 30th through its "Free Gas for Summer" program. Buyers will get a card with a stored amount on it that will vary by model purchased that will basically give them free gas for the next three months.

Chrysler announcement yesterday has sparked a lot of criticism, since it isn't really saving buyers any money (they have to choose the promotion instead of any rebates). The rebates are a higher dollar amount than most of the buyers will save if they choose the three year gas program.

Ford and GM both announced today that they are going to continue to focus on building fuel-efficient vehicles instead of offering a similar program to compete with Chrysler.

Full Story: Autoblog

Chrysler Guarantees Gas at $2.99 a Gallon for the Next Three Years!

2008-05-06T03:08:36Z

Gas prices are out of control and are forcing many buyers to rethink their current vehicles. This has killed sales of large trucks and SUVs. Chrysler has just announced a promotion to hopefully win more buyers that still want an SUV or truck, but can't imagine paying over $4 bucks to fill it up.

]]> The "Let's Refuel America" promotion is available for new buyers until June 2, 2008. The promotion includes a three-year price hold on gas prices on many of Chrysler's models. The way the program works is that Chrysler issues new buyers a gas card that is attached to their personal credit card. Every time the card is used it will charge the buyer's personal credit card $2.99 per gallon (87 octane, E85 fuel or diesel fuel). The remaining amount will be picked up by Chrysler. Since the program is only good on vehicles that do not require premium unleaded vehicles such as the Dodge Viper are not eligible. For some reason the Jeep Wrangler is also not eligible for the program. In addition the new Dodge Challenger is also not eligible.

This promotion coupled with the "Lifetime Warranty" program may make certain Chrysler vehicles suddenly more appealing. What do you think?

PRESS RELEASE:

Chrysler LLC Delivers Economic Stimulus; Protects Consumers from Rising Gas Prices for Three Years

"Let's Refuel America" available throughout the U.S. exclusively at Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge dealerships through June 2, 2008 Three-year price protection from volatile gas prices available on compact, mid-size and full-size models, minivans, crossovers and pickup truck models

Seventy-six percent of customers cite rising gas prices as "top concern" Auburn Hills, Mich. - In response to direct customer feedback citing the prospect of rising gas prices as a top concern, Chrysler LLC today announces its own economic stimulus package: an exclusive gas price protection policy that eliminates the risk of further spikes in fuel prices. With the U.S. purchase of eligible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, customers can enroll in the "Let's Refuel America" program and receive a gas card that immediately lowers their gas price to $2.99 a gallon, and keeps it there for three years. The offer is available at 3,521 U.S. Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships through June 2, 2008, and is available on vehicles ranging from popular new compacts, crossovers and minivans to full-size diesel-powered pickup trucks.

"Today we are proud to introduce an unprecedented program to help put customers' minds at ease and do something to help working people who are worried about the volatility of fuel prices and vehicle cost of ownership," said Jim Press, Vice-Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. "The Let's Refuel America Price Guarantee puts money in your pocket today, and allows our customers to better manage their fuel expenses. And you can't get it anywhere else besides a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealership."

The Let's Refuel America program offers consumers a combination of the fuel price protection program and additional bonus cash up to $3,000 on available vehicles, including Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram.

Consumer Economic Solutions

Chrysler has a number of solutions to help our customers during these tough economic times. "Chrysler is committed to providing the best value, and the least worries, for our customers," said Press. Chrysler's lineup includes five models for under $20,000 that get 28 miles-per-gallon or better on the highway. To protect consumers from unexpected repair costs in the future, Chrysler models come with the industry's best powertrain warranty, covering the original owner for the life of the vehicle. And Chrysler has made a number of its most popular options standard on its New Day Package vehicles.

Fuel Economy Solutions

Chrysler currently offers six models that get better than 28 miles-per-gallon on the highway: Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber. Through April, the six of these models combined have higher sales than in the first four months of 2007. The recently-launched 2009 Dodge Journey comes with an available 173-hp four cylinder engine, helping it achieve best in class fuel economy.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel 3.0-liter engine provides a class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles and gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 miles/city and 23 miles/highway for 4x2 models and 17 miles/city and 22 miles/highway for 4x4 models. Outside of North America where fuel-saving diesel engines are in higher demand, Chrysler offers 17 models with diesel powertrains.

This fall, Chrysler will launch in the United States, two new hybrid SUVs, the Dodge Durango Hybrid and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, boasting a fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent overall, and 40 percent in the city. In 2010, the Dodge Ram Hybrid will reach the market. Chrysler is currently in the midst of a $3 billion powertrain investment offensive to develop new fuel-efficient powertrains and axles for our next-generation models.

Chrysler supports the federal government's new dramatically increased CAFE fuel economy standards, which will increase fuel efficiency by an average of 40 percent by 2020. Recently, Chrysler joined the US Climate Action Partnership, working to find solutions to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Customer Advisory Board

In February, Chrysler created the industry's first Customer Advisory Board to encourage a direct dialogue with customers and gather insight and feedback. A recent Advisory Board survey generated the following results: 76 percent of the community is "very concerned" or "extremely concerned" about fuel prices. 83 percent of the community responded that fuel prices will affect their summer vacation plans. (Note: the poll shows that 19 percent responded "extremely", 22 percent responded "very much", 30 percent responded "somewhat", and 12 percent responded slightly, 17 percent responded that it won't affect their plans.)

Program Description

The Let's Refuel America gas card program works when a customer purchases a new and unused Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle and selects the program in lieu of other available incentives. The customer is provided with the registration process documentation and registers providing their required personal information via the dedicated web site or toll-free 800 number. Once registered, the customer receives their gas card and separately, their Personal Identification Number (PIN) within 4 to 6 weeks of application. The customer then swipes their Let's Refuel America Gas Card at an eligible gas station, selecting up to 87 octane regular, E85 fuel or diesel fuel, and enters their PIN to begin the fueling process. After the fuel transaction occurs, the customer's personal credit card (identified in the registration process) is charged $2.99 per gallon.

Let's Refuel America Eligibility

The following vehicles are eligible for the Let's Refuel America program:
Small/Compact Car
Dodge Caliber, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
Mid-size Car
Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Large Car
Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum
Crossover
Dodge Journey
Minivan
Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country
Compact SUV
Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass
Mid-size SUV
Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty
Large SUV
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen
Pickup Truck
Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram, Dodge Ram HD
The following vehicles are not eligible for the Let's Refuel America program:
All SRT models, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab,
Chrysler Crossfire, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Sprinter.
Select Program Offer
$2.99 guaranteed fuel card for up to 3 years

Offer valid with up to 87 octane regular unleaded fuel, E85 fuel or diesel fuel only, depending upon purchased vehicle*
Yearly allotment of gallons provided
Annual gallon allotment ends each year on 7/31 (first year ends 7/31/09)
Enroll
Easily register via a dedicated web site or by calling designated 1-800
number
Personalized Let's Refuel America Gas Card arrives within 4-6 weeks of
receipt of application
Use & Save
Use the Let's Refuel America Gas Card like any credit card – just swipe
and type in your PIN to use

Check account transactions online

* If mid-grade or premium unleaded fuel is purchased, the customer will be billed for the $2.99 plus $.15 per gallon for mid-grade (88-89 octane) or plus $.30 for premium (90-94 octane). All other grades of fuel higher than 94 octane are not covered under this program and the full pump price will be billed through to the customer plus a $2 service fee per transaction with no gallon usage penalty. If customer purchases unleaded gas (including E85) on a diesel card, or diesel fuel on an unleaded gas card, the customer will be billed the full pump price plus $2 service fee per transaction with no gallon usage penalty

GM Releases Info on the 2010 4.5L V8 Duramax Turbo-Diesel Engine

2008-05-06T02:55:52Z

GM has released details on its new 4.5L V8 Duramax turbo-diesel engine that will debut in the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty trucks.

]]> The new 4.5L V8 engine promises low emissions, high performance and excellent fuel economy. The overall design of the engine is compact and takes up the same space as a small block V8. This alone will mean that GM will be able to introduce the engine in a variety of vehicles.

The 4.6L turbo diesel puts out more than 310 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, while delivering a 25 percent fuel efficiency improvement over comparable gasoline engines.

“This premium diesel engine is expected to deliver the power, torque and refinement our customers expect,” said Tom Stephens, executive vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality.

Related Stories:
GM is Going to Release a New More Environmentally Friendly Diesel Truck Engine in 2009
PRESS RELEASE:

GM READYING V-8 DIESEL FOR 2010 MODEL YEAR NORTH AMERICAN LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS

- Scheduled for GM pickup trucks under 8,500 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight
- Low emissions, high performance and excellent fuel economy

PONTIAC, Mich. - General Motors Corp.’s revolutionary new 4.5L V-8 Duramax turbo-diesel, which makes its debut in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty trucks in the 2010 model year, is compact, powerful and fuel-efficient. The engine also is lighter, an important consideration in the competitive light truck market, because it was designed with more than 70 fewer parts.

The new dual-overhead cam, four-valve V-8 diesel engine boasts a number of innovative design approaches that have enabled its compact size and mass, including integral aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifolds, integral cam cover intake manifolds and a narrow V-angle block. The new V-8’s compact size enables it to fit within the same space of a small-block V-8 gasoline engine and offers GM the flexibility to introduce it in a wide variety of vehicles to meet market demand.

The new 4.5L V-8 diesel is expected to deliver more than 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 520 lb-ft of torque (705 Nm), while delivering a 25-percent engine fuel efficiency improvement versus comparable gasoline engines.

“This premium diesel engine is expected to deliver the power, torque and refinement our customers expect,” said Tom Stephens, executive vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality.

The new V-8 diesel will be GM’s first engine to use a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter to help achieve Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV 2 emissions, making it compliant in all 50 states. SCR was chosen for its proven NOx reduction capability and durability, and high efficiency while operating in optimal diesel combustion modes, making it a very attractive system to achieve high fuel economy.

The environmental benefits of the new engine include a 13-percent reduction in CO2 emissions and at least a 90-percent reduction in particulates and NOx compared to many diesel vehicles today.

Technical highlights

Robust and innovative, the new 4.5L diesel V-8’s technical details include lightweight aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolding; a variable-vane turbocharger with intercooling; a compacted graphite iron (CGI) cylinder block for a stronger and lighter base engine (compared to lower-strength aluminum or heavier grey cast iron); and a fracture-split main bearing cap system. GM has applied for patents on a number of these features and expects to have several patents granted before the engine launches.

Compared to typical production diesel engines, GM’s new 4.5L V-8 turbo-diesel innovatively reverses the flow of air and exhaust gases entering and exiting the cylinder heads. Air enters the engine through ports in the top portion of each cylinder head. Exhaust gases exit inward between the cylinder heads and directly into a turbocharger.

“By using integral cylinder head exhaust manifolds, integral cam cover intake manifolds and a narrow cylinder block, designers saved space and reduced the engine’s weight. And because the engine makes more efficient use of heat, fuel economy and performance are enhanced, and noise and emissions are reduced,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer for the 4.5L V-8 diesel.

An electronically controlled, 29,000-psi (2,000 bar) common-rail fuel system is also used on the engine. It has the ability to inject fuel five times per combustion event, reducing noise and emissions while enhancing fuel economy.

“This new V-8 diesel meets the toughest emissions requirements in North America, and it also delivers an effortless performance feel because of its high torque across the speed range,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Powertrain Diesel Engineering. “It is also significantly quieter than many other diesels on the road today, with noise and vibration performance approaching gasoline V-8 levels.”

GM’s global diesel offerings

GM (Opel, Saab, Vauxhall and GMDAT) currently offers 16 diesel engine variants in 45 vehicle lines around the world. GM sells more than one million diesel engines annually, with products that offer a range of choices, from the 1.3L four-cylinder diesel engine found in the Opel Agila and Corsa, to the 6.6L V-8 Duramax diesel offered in full-size vans, heavy-duty pickups and medium-duty trucks in the United States.

GM introduced the Duramax diesel 6.6L V-8 in North America in the 2001 model year. Since then, customer enthusiasm for it has helped GM’s heavy-duty pickup market share jump nearly tenfold in the seven years the Duramax has been offered.

More Photos of the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR...Is it Worth $80K?

2008-05-04T18:55:32Z

A few days ago Ford announced the pricing for the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR that will be in showrooms later this month.

]]> The uber-Mustang starts at $79,995 and there will only be 1,000 units available this year and another 746 available next year. The car is powered by a 540 horsepower 5.4L supercharged V8 that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Full Story: eGMCarTech

2009 Audi Q5 S-Line Unveiled

2008-05-04T18:40:14Z

Audi officially unveiled the 2009 Audi Q5 SUV at the Beijing Auto Show last month. Now we have the first photos of the S-line version of the small SUV.

]]> The S-line version of the Q5 gets a different grille, standard 19-inch wheels, 20-inch wheels are opt. Inside the SUV gets a unique three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather, Nappa leather or Alcantara sports seats.

The US-spec Q5 will be powered by a 265 horsepower 3.2L V6.

The Q5 S-line will be available in the US next summer, while the regular Q5 will be available a few months earlier.

Full Story: eGMCarTech

Will the 2009 Corvette ZR1 Manage to Beat the Nissan GT-R's Nurburgring Time?

2008-05-03T02:17:04Z

Yesterday Nissan announced that the Nissan GT-R completed a lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:29. That announcement may be put to rest sooner than later if GM engineers manage to pull it off. They are hard at work on the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1. Last week GM released official stats, 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. GM also released a video of the car reaching 205 mph on the track.

]]> Inside Line was lucky enough to get an interview with Tadge Juechter, Corvette’s Chief Engineer where he stated that the Corvette ZR1 will lap the track in about “Seven minutes, twenty-something seconds.” GM has yet to release a 0-60 mph time for the Corvette as well.

Do you think the engineers can pull it off?

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:

2009 Nissan GT-R:

Full Story: Inside Line

Restyled 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Starts at $20,099

2008-05-03T02:05:42Z

Mitsubishi is going to release a refreshed Eclipse for the 2009 model year. The automaker has announced that the base GS Eclipse will start at $20,099.

]]> If you want to jump up to the more powerful and better looking GT it will set you back $24,999. The Spyder convertible starts at $25,799 for the four-cylinder GS and the V6 powered GT starts at $29,999.

For 2009 the Eclipse receives a new EVO-style front fascia, revised rear fascia, new 18" alloy wheels and dual exhaust on the GT and a small bump in horsepower from 263 to 265 horsepower on the GT.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Full Story: Motor Authority