Infiniti News - Nissan introduces new valve actuation engine technologies

, Etc., MPG, Infiniti, Nissan

Click on the image for Autoblog’s gallery of high-res images of the Infiniti G37 Coupe.

Double overhead cams and variable valve timing have been two recent technologies allowing modern engines to ring more power and torque out of ever-smaller amounts of fuel. Nissan has announced two new technologies that push the bounds of valve actuation efficiency even further; Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) and continuous valve timing control (C-VTC). When combined, significantly enhanced performance is available via the continuous adjustment of the valve lift and CO2 emissions are cut by up to 10 percent. Nissan is planning to roll out the new VVEL system on its upcoming Infiniti G37 coupe.

Analysis: It seems that the pace of improvements to engine efficiency and improved emissions seems to be increasing which would indicate that the internal combustion engine has a long way to go yet. Nissan will include VVEL on its products worldwide starting from FY07 under the Nissan Green Program 2010.

Check out the press release after the jump for specific details on how VVEL achieves higher fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.

Related:

• Nissan Skyline manages 38mpg in real world driving
• Nissan faces the music: abandons heavy duty truck program
• Nissan opens next phase of Intelligent Transportation System testing

[Source: Nissan via Gizmag]

Nissan Introduces Innovative Valve Control Technology [Mar. 29, 07]

- Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) delivers significant improvements in dynamic and environmental performance -

TOKYO (March 29, 2007)–Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today introduced a new engine technology that delivers a balance of responsiveness and power, fuel efficiency and low emissions. The new system combines the technologies behind Nissan’s newly developed Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL)*1 and continuous valve timing control (C-VTC) to deliver significantly enhanced performance. This advanced technology will be available to customers worldwide through the Nissan and Infiniti product lines.

Nissan announced plans to install the VVEL system, which contributes up to a 10%*2 reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions, on its products worldwide starting from FY07 under the Nissan Green Program 2010. The first product to feature the VVEL technology is the Infiniti G37 coupe, scheduled to be unveiled at the upcoming New York International Auto Show in April, 2007.

While conventional engines control air intake using a throttle valve, VVEL-equipped engines do this directly at the intake valves, continuously controlling their valve events and lifts. C-VTC and VVEL together control the valve phases and its valve events and lifts, allowing free-control of the valve timing and lift. This results in more efficient airflow through the cylinder and significantly improves responsiveness, optimizing the balance between power and environmental performance.

The new engine offers the following advantages depending on driving range:

Higher fuel efficiency
At low-to-mid load ranges, the system controls air intake at the intake-valve, immediately before it enters the combustion chamber, in contrast with conventional engine air intake via a throttle valve, leading to increased efficiency by easing airflow through the cylinder.

In the low- and medium-rpm ranges*3, intake-valve lift is kept low to reduce camshaft friction and improve fuel efficiency.

Better response
Controlling air intake at the intake-valves improves acceleration response by allowing more dense air into the cylinders from the start of acceleration.

More power
In the low-rpm range, the intake-valves open for a shorter period, preventing blowback of the air-fuel mixture and improving torque.
l In the high range, greater intake-valve lift allows increased air intake to deliver greater torque outputs.

Cleaner emissions
Intake-valve timing is optimized on startup, when the engine is still cool, to quickly raise the temperature of exhaust gases and more quickly activate the catalytic converter.

Hydrocarbon emissions are reduced in the low-to-medium range by keeping intake-valve lift low, speeding intake flow and dispersing the fuel into a fine mist, resulting in more efficient full combustion.

The VVEL improves fuel efficiency most effectively in the low-to-medium operating range, thus it is best matched to the multiple-cylinder and higher displacement engines, that typically operate within that range.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010, Nissan has announced plans to develop gasoline-powered engines with CO2 emissions reduced to levels comparable with diesel engines, to be available globally by 2010. For multiple-cylinder, high-displacement engines, Nissan will combine VVEL technology with the direct-injection system.

The VVEL system
A rocker arm and two types of links close the intake-valves by transferring the rotational movement of a drive shaft with an eccentric cam to the output cam. The movement of the output cam can be varied by rotating the control shaft within the DC motor and changing the fulcrums
of the links. This makes a continuous adjustment of the valve lift amount possible.

*1 VVEL: Variable Valve Event & Lift
*2 This percentage improvement is measured by Nissan by comparing an engine with the VVEL system to an identical engine without it.
*3 The accelerator pedal is pressed halfway or less.

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[tags]infiniti cars, infiniti news, infiniti models[/tags]

Mercedes-Benz News - Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz F700 concept with DiesOtto engine

[tags]mercedes benz news, mercedes benz reviews, mercedes benz, daimler chrysler[/tags] -

Filed under: MPG, Mercedes Benz, Frankfurt Motor Show, HCCI

Click to enlarge

Mercedes announced about a month ago that they would be showing off their new DiesOtto engine in a new concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As a refresher, the DiesOtto (Diesel + Otto cycles) is an HCCI/spark ignition combination engine. It’s basically the same as the GM HCCI prototype we drove in an Opel Vectra and Saturn Aura recently. The 1.8L four cylinder engine has an output of 238hp and 295ft-lb and is rated at 44.4 mpg (US) in the F700.

The F700 that contains this very efficient new engine is a full size luxury sedan of which we have our first tease in the photo above. From what can be seen in the photo it looks like the F700 has a long hood/short rear deck profile, an odd choice for a car with such a small engine. Regardless we’ll probably see elements of this design in future Mercedes models, perhaps the new E-Class next year?
%Gallery-7023%
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Volvo News - Many Volvo trucks will be exempt from LEZ charges in London

Filed under: Etc., Volvo, Legislation and Policy

Automakers are making all sorts of modifications to existing models to beat the 120 g/km of CO2 limit for free entry into London when the Congestion Charge rules change (e.g., Audi A3, 16 models from Peugeot, and 23 from Citro n). For trucks and other large vehicles, the key date is February 2008, when new rules for the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) kick in. In preparation, Volvo Trucks is broadcasting loud and clear that some of their trucks will be exempt from the incredibly pricey 200 entry fee.

The LEZ rules will be introduced in phases, and Volvo’s PR materials say that, “The good news is that all Volvo engines supplied to the UK market since 1993, including all the 12-litre Euro 1 and Euro 2 D12A to D12C power units fitted to the first FH and FM trucks, all the D16’s fitted to the first generation FH16’s and also the D6A fitted to the FL6, meet or exceed the Euro 3 emission levels required for entering the capital.” Trucks will still need to be inspected annually to prove they are indeed still “low emission” vehicles.

[Source: Volvo]

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Ford News - 2008 Ford Focus gets 35 mpg on the highway

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The Ford Focus is one of Ford’s basic, popular models. For 2008, Ford is happily announcing a 35 mpg-on-the highway number for this year’s Focus (unfortunately, that’s down from 37 for the 2007 model UPDATE: Sorry, the new EPA system got me here. The 2007 Ford Focus gets between 29-33 mpg using the new numbers, depending on the version). Some people might be excited about the debut of the Ford Sync system for bluetooth cell phones and MP3 players, but I’m sure there are a plenty of AutoblogGreen readers who are more interested in a decent-mileage car that starts at $14,695.

One fuel-saver-friendly standard feature on the Focus, like on all other 2008 models, is a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Even without this feature, the 2007 Focus was one of the few bright spots in domestic small car sales this summer. We’ll see how the vehicle’s new look and features will affect that popularity. I doubt the 30 pound weight decrease will affect sales, but every little bit helps when you’re counting MPGs. Press release after the jump.
%Gallery-988%
[Source: Ford]
2008 FORD FOCUS STARTS UNDER $15,000; DELIVERS NEW DESIGN, MORE SAFETY, BETTER FUEL ECONOMY AND SYNC

* Value Leader - 2008 Ford Focus starts at $14,695 and offers the best value in its segment along with an all-new design, fuel economy in the mid-30s and such available class-exclusive features as Ford Sync[TM] and factory-installed ambient lighting.
* Ford Sync[TM]Debuts - as an industry-exclusive, hands-free way to use cell phones and portable music players using voice commands. Ford Sync[TM] comes standard on 2008 Focus SES models and is available on Focus SE models.
* Fun to Drive - Acclaimed Focus driving dynamics are further improved with new suspension tuning and chassis refinements. Improved NVH levels provide a quieter ride.
* New Features - Standard safety equipment now includes side air bags, side air curtains and tire pressure monitoring system. An audio input jack, tilt steering wheel and air conditioning are standard on all models. SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio is now available.

SEATTLE, Sept. 17, 2007 - The new 2008 Ford Focus goes on sale this fall with a long list of improvements that make it better than ever, including 35 miles per gallon highway fuel economy and a starting price under $15,000.

The new Focus is redesigned from the inside out, is available as a sedan or new coupe body style, is 30 pounds lighter, 10 percent quieter, has 3 percent more horsepower, more safety features, exceptional driving dynamics and fuel economy better than many smaller vehicles. With a starting price of $14,695, Focus pricing is essentially unchanged from last year - even with the addition of new standard safety features like side-curtain air bags.

The Ford Focus also introduces two new factory-installed technologies: programmable LED-powered ambient lighting and Ford Sync. Sync is a Ford-exclusive technology developed with Microsoft that allows users to control most portable digital music players and Bluetooth-enabled cell phones using voice commands.

“The new Focus is arriving at exactly the right time, with consumer interest in both small cars and technology surging,” said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Brand Marketing. “With new a new design, great handling, fuel economy in the mid-30s and now Sync, we have something truly unique to offer consumers.”

Cutting-Edge Technology

The 2008 Focus is the first vehicle to offer the company’s industry-exclusive Ford Sync technology this year. Sync - a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system - fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. It seamlessly integrates the Focus with the popular portable electronic devices of today and is updatable to support the devices and services of tomorrow.

Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Sync will be offered exclusively on 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles this year. It will be standard on Lincoln vehicles and widely available on Ford and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, Sync will be included as standard equipment on high-series models from Ford and Mercury. On models where Sync is optional, it will be priced at $395.

Tapping the emerging trend of configurable lighting, Ford is making its ambient lighting system available to Focus customers as a factory-installed option. The feature lets customers set the mood inside the vehicle with subtle LED lighting in the cupholders and in the front and rear footwells. The driver or front-seat passenger can choose from seven different colors - red, blue, aqua, purple, white, green and yellow - by cycling through a dash-mounted switch.

Great Value

For the 2008 model year, an all-new Focus coupe complements the sedan model. Three trim series - Focus S, Focus SE and Focus SES - are available for both body styles. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the 2008 Focus S coupe starts at $14,695, while the new Focus S sedan begins at $14,995. SE models are an additional $1,000. All prices include a $620 destination and delivery charge. The top-of-the-line Focus SES coupe and sedan, with Sync standard, begin at $16,695 and $16,995, respectively.

All-new features on the 2008 Focus include a standard audio input jack for MP3 players, Ice Blue instrument backlighting, new wheel designs, along with Ford Sync and SIRIUS[TM] satellite radio. Newly standard features include driver and front passenger seat side impact air bags, side curtain air bags, tire pressure monitoring system and air conditioning.

Standard content on the 2008 Ford Focus includes:

• 2.0-liter Duratec 20 4-cylinder engine (140 hp and 136 lb.-ft torque)
• In states that have adopted California emissions rules, every Focus qualifies as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV), meaning its tailpipe emissions are cleaner than some hybrids.
• 5-speed manual transmission
• Front-wheel drive
• European-inspired suspension
• Dual-stage driver and passenger air bags
• Driver and front passenger seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags *
• Tire pressure monitoring system *
• Audio input jack for MP3 players **
• AM/FM stereo with single CD player
• Ice Blue backlighting for instrument cluster and control knobs **
• Air conditioning *

Available options include:

• 4-speed automatic transmission
• Ford Sync (standard on SES models and available on SE models) **
• Ambient interior lighting system
• SIRIUS[TM] satellite radio **
• AM/FM Stereo 6-disc CD/MP3 player with digital clock
• AM/FM Stereo 6-disc CD/MP3 player Audiophile system
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Traction Control
• Power moonroof
• Fog lamps
• Front row heated leather-trimmed seats
• Speed Control

* Indicates newly standard features
** Indicates all-new features

A new Deluxe Package also is available for the Focus SE series. It includes: heated side mirrors with chrome skulls caps and door handles; 16-inch Euro flange wheels; fog lamps; an enhanced European-inspired suspension with rear stabilizer bar; metallic instrument panel appliqu ; bright cluster rings and other interior accents; a performance instrument cluster; four-way adjustable driver’s seat; and chrome tip exhaust.

The 2008 Ford Focus is built at Ford’s Wayne ( Mich.) Assembly Plant. It goes on sale this fall.

For more information on Ford Sync, please visit www.syncmyride.com.

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Jaguar News - Oh goodness - Autocar says Rolls-Royce, Jaguar drivers are a “minority group” and shouldn’t be persecuted

Filed under: MPG, Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Legislation and Policy

Perhaps my response to a statement released last week by Autocar is misinformed because there is some misinterpretation going on between my American English reading of British English words. The key is whether or not “minority group” carries with it the same connotations in the UK as it does in America. I read this line in Autocar editor Chas Hallett’s statement - “Why do we need a scheme which is so expensive to administer that it has to pick on a minority group” - and thought how silly it was for him to use those words to describe people who drive the most expensive vehicles, those that are also fairly unkind to the environment. You can see what your response is by checking out the statement in full after the jump.

In any case, Hallett’s point is that the proposed 25 congestion charge will not really do anything except raise 250 million for Transport for London, the “integrated body responsible for the Capital’s transport system.” By unfairly charging vehicles in the Band G category (those that emit more than 225 gm/k of CO2), Hallett says, the charge does nothing but punish a driver who causes “almost no harm to congestion or pollution, and helps preserve British jobs.” The jobs issue is because so many vehicles by Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover are in Band G.

I understand that someone who works at Autocar isn’t going to be keen on anything that, in effect, criticizes the classic UK automakers. Still, just because someone makes a car in your backyard doesn’t mean they can have that vehicle emit anything they want. Some things - the air we breathe, for example - are more important than a particular vehicle or automaker. It’s not like it’s a secret that there are plenty of powertrain options these companies could look into so their vehicles fit into one of the less expensive Bands (see this example).

[Source: Autocar]
Autocar reveals 25 c-charge to raise 250m

Slapping a 25 congestion charge on big cars will do almost nothing for London¹s air pollution or traffic congestion, and is mostly about helping Transport for London¹s flawed scheme pay its own way, according to todays findings in Autocar magazine.

Around 40,000 cars in tax band G a year will have to pay the proposed charge, says Autocar, which will pour an estimated 170 million more into TfL’s coffers. That will lift total revenue to around 250 million and generously cover at last the enormous administration costs of the scheme, which amounted to 152 million last year, and are forecast to rise further.

The unfairness of the C-charge, Autocar believes, is that Band G cars make up a tiny proportion of London’s traffic, and contribute a negligible (and declining) amount to its carbon emissions. Persecuting them will make little or no difference to the overall situation, while damaging the domestic customer base of markets British-based car businesses like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover which boost local jobs and generate big export earnings.

“Ken Livingstone and TfL need to decide, once and for all, what the C-charge¹s true purpose is, beyond persecuting well-heeled, inner-city motorists.” comments says Autocar editor, Chas Hallett. “It¹s good news that drivers of cars with CO2 emissions lower than 120g/km may soon pay nothing, but why do we need a scheme which is so expensive to administer that it has to pick on a minority group which, in the grand scheme of things, does almost no harm to congestion or pollution, and helps preserve British jobs?”

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