The Demo Site

When it was introduced last year, the XF was recognised as a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language. It also soon became apparent that here was a car where the driving experience exceeded the expectations created by the striking appearance.

BMW has officially released the specs and more photos of the 2010 5 Series Gran Turismo.

The 2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo doesn't stray far from the concept version that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. It basically gets smaller wheels and a more production friendly interior. According to BMW the 5 Series GT "combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style." The design features a coupe-like roofline and frameless windows.

Europe will have the choice of three different engines, the 306hp 535i, 407hp 550i and the 235hp 530d. All three engines are mated to a eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW hasn't announced which models will make it to the US

Demand for cars is falling at an alarming rate, and as a result Toyota Motor Corporation is halting production at their Japanese factories for 11 days. The problem is no one is buying, so Toyota sees no point to keep making the vehicles.

The December U.S. auto sales figures were very poor, which is why Toyota is stopping production for 11 days in February and March. The Japanese auto giant has yet to release their 2009 sales predictions, but one thing is certain, they will be very low.

Toyota have been hit very hard for two reasons, sales in the U.S. has slumped which is a key market, and the yen has surged against the dollar, which has a negative effect on sales overseas. We are all waiting for Toyota to officially announce their first operating loss in more than 70 years.

Peugeot is nearing competition of a new compact crossover model that it plans to launch in the first half of this year. The car is the 2010 Peugeot 3008, which was spotted recently testing in Europe completely undisguised and now once again in its long-wheelbase form. While the standard model will be able to seat five adults, the stretched model will be a seven-seater. The rear bench, however, is likely to be only suitable for children and small adults. Expect to see it make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, with the standard model to debut at March’s Geneva event.
2010 Peugeot 3008 Spy shots January 2009

Volkswagen has made no secret of its desire to revive the compact roadster market with numerous concept cars over the last decade. The most recent of these was the Bluesport roadster that was unveiled this week at the Detroit Auto Show. The latest design takes the compact roadster concept to a new level, with almost production-ready specs and a real possibility of getting the green light for global sales. One VW exec, Ulrich Hackenberg, even went so far as to suggest that the concept vehicle could reach the production stage.
2009 Volkswagen Bluesport roadster concept

In a filing today with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) GMAC revealed that it will no longer have the exclusive right to finance all of General Motors vehicles, and it will cease all lease financing as well. The new business arrangements are part of the terms of GMAC's agreement with the U.S. government to secure federal aid. The new deal displaces a previous agreement under which GMAC agreed to pay GM an exclusivity fee each year through 2016 for the privilege of being the company's sole lender for new sales and leases.

This video on the creation of the all-crystal center console in the Volvo S60 Concept, debuting at the Detroit Auto Show, is so Swedish, it should just have the title "Bork, bork, bork!"

Apparently Sweden has a native crystal industry, at least in the form of Orrefors Kosta Boda (say that three times fast) which has partnered with Volvo on the creation of a very pretty, but ultimately fantastical center console. Looks pretty pricey too if you ask us. Guess that's just Ford waving its fat money bags under bailed-out competitors noses. This probably means we won't be allowed to wear our hammer pants when crawling all over the interior for pictures.

And since when was it unofficial Volvo news day?
[Source: Volvo]

With 700 HP and 2323 Lb-Ft of torque, the new Volvo FH16 is the most powerful semi-truck in the world. Unfortunately, that message is lost in the Eurotrash technopop music video reveal.

When we downloaded this video from Volvo Trucks, we were expecting some seething electric guitar, heavy drums and prominently featured heavy equipment. Well they came through with the heavy equipment, but the rest is hilariously absent. Regardless of the interesting anthem choice, you can't argue with the figures — 16 liter, 6-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel, 700 HP, 2323 Lb-Ft of torque, 62,000 miles between oil changes. That is crazy. Sure you can get it with lesser powerplants, but what the heck is the point of that. Then you couldn't say "I own the worlds most powerful commercially built truck."

The press release follows:

Premiere for the most powerful truck in the world

January 7 is a historic day for all truck enthusiasts. Today is the day Volvo Trucks is launching the world’s most powerful series-manufactured truck. The Volvo FH16 with 700 hp and 3150 Nm of torque.

Volvo Trucks is the first manufacturer in the world to be able to put a 700 hp badge on its vehicles. The truck model in question is the company’s flagship, the Volvo FH16, which to date has had a maximum power output of 660 hp.

Prestigious powerplant
“The Volvo FH16 is intended for the very heaviest and most demanding of transport operations. It is also a highly prestigious truck for the customer who is looking for something truly out of the ordinary. And with 700 hp, the Volvo FH16 sets itself apart from everything else in the industry,” says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.

Competitive fuel consumption
With higher power, one might well expect that fuel consumption would head in the same direction, but that is not the case.
“Our aim is to have both the best performance and the best fuel economy in the segment. We have succeeded in keeping fuel consumption the same as before despite the power increase. In a comparison with the competition, we are doing very well indeed,” reveals Staffan Jufors.

Lower environmental impact
The Volvo FH16 is certified for the new Euro 5 European emission requirements that come into force in autumn 2009, which means that emissions of nitrogen oxide have been cut by more than 40 percent. In other words, the Volvo FH16 has become even more powerful but without compromising on the environment. In addition to the 700 hp version the Volvo FH16 is also available in variants producing 540 and 600 hp respectively.

It was already powerful, now it is the most powerful in the world. Enter the Volvo D16G – the beating heart of the Volvo FH16.

With 700 horsepower and 3150 Nm of torque, Volvo’s most recent 16-litre engine sets a new benchmark for the truck industry. This is the first time ever that a commercially produced truck is being launched with such a powerful engine, designed for the very heaviest and most demanding of haulage assignments. The Volvo D16G is also available with 600 and 540 hp.

40 extra horsepower, 40 percent lower emissions
The new engine is a further development of Volvo’s previous D16 engine that produced 660 hp. In addition to an extra 40 horsepower and somewhat higher torque, the new engine produces cleaner exhaust gases. Emissions of nitrogen oxide are 40 percent lower than in the previous engine. The new 16-litre engine is certified for the new Euro 5 European emission requirements that come into force on October 1, 2009.

Optimised combustion promotes higher efficiency rating
Despite the higher power, fuel consumption remains the same as in the previous engine generation. Through a number of measures including redesigned pistons, Volvo’s engineers have optimised the combustion process and met demands for high performance combined with efficient fuel utilisation, low emissions and long lifetime. Both maximum power and maximum torque span a wider rev range than before, contributing to excellent driveability. The engine now also features a new oil thermostat that has a favourable effect on fuel consumption.

Quieter idling
The noise level during idling has been lowered by 2dB(A). With the help of pre-injection, where a small amount of fuel is sprayed into the cylinder, the result is a gentler combustion sequence and a far lower noise level.

Effective exhaust cleaning
Another important change in the two most powerful engine variants is a new and larger system for exhaust after-treatment. Since the system can handle a larger flow of exhaust gases, counter-pressure is reduced and power losses are minimised. A larger-capacity system also results in better cleaning capacity. Just as before, the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system is used, taking effective care of harmful emissions.

EPG or VEB+
The Volvo D16G is equipped as standard with a new, electronically controlled exhaust brake (EPG) with an output of 230 kW. Electronic control makes it possible to reduce the number of moving parts, promoting simpler operation, higher reliability and lower weight. There is also the option of the Volvo Engine Brake, VEB+, with 425 kW braking effect.

Facts, Volvo D16G Euro 5

16-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler.
Power output: 700 hp, 600 hp or 540 hp.
Torque: 3150 Nm, 2800 Nm or 2650 Nm.
Auxiliary brake: EPG with 230 kW at 2200 r/min or VEB+ with 425 kW at 2200 r/min.
Exhaust treatment: SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction).
Oil-change interval: 100,000 km or once a year
Power take-off (option): 1000 Nm at a standstill, 650 Nm on the move.
Available with open or closed crankcase ventilation.

[Source: Volvo Trucks]

Once again, the American market gets shafted on badass diesels, Volvo has announced a new engine for its European S80, a 2.4 liter twin-turbo diesel with 205 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque.

The all-new D5 diesel boasts better power, better fuel economy and hits Euro 5 emissions standards. The new inline five engine gets all-aluminum construction, a set of unequal sized sequential turbochargers that deliver a constant 26 PSI of boost, ceramic glow-plugs and high pressure piezoelectric fuel injectors to name a few features. All of that engineering goodness combines to deliver peak power at 4000 RPM and peak torque in a fat rev range between 1500 and 3250 RPM.

So just what kind of fuel economy is Volvo expecting when this new D5 gets installed in its full size S80 sedan? How does 38 miles per gallon highway strike you?

VOLVO'S NEW EURO 5 D5 DIESEL ENGINE OFFERS INCREASED PERFORMANCE AND LOWER
FUEL CONSUMPTION

Volvo Cars is introducing a new 2.4-litre 5-cylinder diesel engine in the Volvo S80. Sharing only the D5 badge and the five-cylinder configuration with the previous generation, the new engine is now Euro 5 compliant and is significantly more efficient than its predecessor. The new D5 engine will be available in the UK from mid-2009 and pricing and specifications will be announced nearer the time.

With innovative engineering solutions such as sequential twin turbochargers, ceramic glow-plugs and piezoelectric fuel injectors, Volvo's engineers have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption to some of the lowest levels for a car of this size – 45.6mpg, while CO2 emissions are only 164g/km. These low levels of fuel consumption, in combination with improved power output of 205hp and 420Nm of torque, mean the Volvo S80 with D5 engine is bidding for the best in class title.

"Our brief was to develop a modern performance diesel engine that meets the Euro 5 standard," says Derek Crabb, Vice President, Powertrain Engineering. "The previous engine has undergone constant development but has now reached the end of its potential. We therefore decided to start with a clean sheet of paper and harness the advanced technology which we have access to today. The result is even better than we dared hope. What is more, this engine has been developed entirely in-house at Volvo."

Performance and driving comfort of top class
Volvo's new D5 engine has a displacement of 2.4 litres, offering power and response as soon as the accelerator is depressed. The performance and driveability enhancements have been made with the use of twin different-sized turbochargers that operate in sequence to provide added power within a broader rev range. The result is an immediate response and rapid acceleration at all speeds, with smooth power delivery between the two turbo ranges.

At lower rev ranges, the smaller turbocharger ensures rapid acceleration without any perceptible lag, while at higher ranges, the larger turbocharger delivers the high levels of power torque not available with a single unit. This power means there are always ample resources for quick overtaking, particularly between 50 and 75 mph.

This twin-turbo technology has also made it possible to introduce higher levels of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) across a wider rev range than before. This harnesses the two turbochargers' different properties optimally to deliver high performance and low fuel consumption.

Advanced injection technology using piezoelectric fuel injectors provides precise distribution of the atomised fuel in the combustion chamber, resulting in efficient combustion and low emissions. At the same time, this technology and the efficient combustion deliver a refined engine note, bearing a closer resemblance to the noise of a six-cylinder petrol engine. The engine offers excellent results in terms of noise comfort and noise perception, technically known as NVH or Noise, Vibration and Harshness.

The injection system with its piezoelectric fuel injectors and high-efficiency fuel pump also help cut fuel consumption through extremely rapid and precise injection sequences and high injection pressure, resulting in particularly effective combustion.

Lower fuel consumption
"When the project got under way, our goal was to bring fuel consumption down to 44.1mpg in the Volvo S80, which, after all, is a relatively large car," recalls Derek Crabb. "As the work progressed, we saw that we could beat that target and today we are actually up to 45.6mpg. With an automatic gearbox we have been able to reduce the consumption by more than 8 percent, from 38.7 to 42.2mpg, which is a significant improvement."

Low emissions and easy breathing
"The technical solutions that contribute to this low fuel consumption also help reduce the engine's environmental footprint," explains Derek Crabb. "Reducing emissions and particulates was one of the basic requirements when the new engine was being developed."

In addition to twin turbochargers, piezoelectric fuel injectors and improved EGR control, the new D5 engine has been equipped with ceramic glow-plugs, an innovative solution that delivers excellent cold-starting properties thanks to a very quick warm up period. They reach a temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius in just two seconds, making the engine easy to start and thus cutting emissions. In certain driving conditions, such as at very low revs, the heat generated by the ceramic glow-plugs can also be used to increase the temperature in the cylinders, further improving combustion efficiency.

The advanced injection technology makes it possible to supply additional fuel in tiny increments after the main injection charge, a process known as post-injection, with the aim of removing any soot particulates in the exhaust gases.

In order to ensure low particulate emissions, the engine has to be able to breathe easily and efficiently. And here Volvo's engineers have succeeded again thanks to optimised control of air delivery to the cylinders.

Three years from project start to delivery
The new five-cylinder diesel is the first engine from Volvo's new project office for diesel engine development.

"The entire process from receiving the brief to installing the first engine in a car has taken less than three years," says Derek Crabb. "The aim was to develop a diesel engine with performance and driving comfort that satisfied the high demands of customers in the S80 segment. It also had to be tailored to meet forthcoming strict environmental requirements," he added.

The engine was developed on a modular basis in terms of both design and building method, using standardised mountings for the turbochargers and other components. This makes it easier to install in other Volvo models and gives more scope for further development to meet future demands.

The technology in brief

* The D5 engine is made entirely out of aluminium, giving low weight and good heat dissipation properties.

* Transverse cooling gives uniform cooling of the cylinder head and engine block. This promotes a controlled temperature throughout the engine and contributes to high reliability and long lifetime.

* The two turbochargers are of different sizes and together deliver high boost pressure, 1.8 bar, across a particularly broad rev range. The smaller turbocharger is used primarily at lower revs. It reacts more quickly than the larger one and provides immediate response to quick throttle movements. At higher revs, the larger turbocharger takes over to provide more performance when accelerating at higher speeds. In addition to increased performance and reduced fuel consumption, the twin-turbo approach makes it possible to exploit the EGR system more efficiently.

* By increasing the volume of the EGR cooler and equipping it with effective cooling fins, it has been possible to increase heat dissipation efficiency by no less than 25 percent. This in turn cools the returning exhaust gases to a far lower temperature, thus reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) to a level that easily matches the Euro 5 requirements.

* The piezoelectric fuel injectors are used in combination with an efficient high-pressure fuel pump to achieve a high injection pressure of 1800 bar. This type of injector has a nozzle with a response time twice as fast as that of a conventional injector nozzle. As a result, the amount of fuel injected can be tailored precisely to suit any operating condition which, in turn, delivers effective combustion, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions of harmful substances. Owing to its speed, a piezoelectric injector nozzle can deliver up to seven separate injections during each operating cycle. Thanks to this speed and the high fuel delivery pressure, the injector nozzle can provide short pre-delivery injections even when engine revs exceed 3000 rpm, ensuring a refined engine note. The piezoelectric injector nozzle can also produce extremely short post-delivery injections of fuel after the main injection sequence.

* The D5 engine features common-rail injection via a stainless steel fuel rail that is specially designed to withstand the high pressures. Injection pressure can be as high as 1800 bar.

* The fuel pump is a high-pressure unit with two pump elements instead of three as in the previous D5 engine generation. This makes the pump spin more easily, thus reducing the load on the various components. It also reduces fuel consumption.

* Ceramic glow-plugs are components that offer excellent starting properties. They are heated up almost instantaneously and reach 1000 degrees Celsius just two seconds after a cold start. Maximum operating temperature is 1300 degrees, which is about 30 percent higher than that of a conventional glow-plug. With ceramic glow-plugs, the engine can be started immediately without pre-heating, even at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

* Instead of using an oil dipstick the driver is alerted via the information display if the oil needs replenishing. The system even specifies how much oil is needed.

* Finally, the engine mountings have been further developed and tailored to suit the high torque levels. They are supplemented with a third torque rod to stabilise the engine during firm acceleration.

Engine specification, new D5, Euro 5 (Volvo S80)
No. of cylinders: 5
Displacement, cc/cu inches: 2400/146.5
Bore, mm/inches: 81.0/3.19
Stroke, mm/inches: 93.15/3.667
No. of valves: 20
Camshafts: Twin overhead
Compression ratio: 16.5:1
Idling revs: 700
Max revs: 5000
Max output (kW/rps): 151/67
Max output (hp/rpm): 205/4000
Max output (Eng hp/rpm): 202/4000
Max torque (Nm/rps): 420/29-50
Max torque (km/h/rpm): 42.8/1500-3250
Max torque (ft.lbf/rpm): 310/1500-3250
Engine management system: Electronically controlled common rail direct injection
Injection pressure, bar: 1800
Turbo pressure, kPa: 180
Particulate filter: Self-regenerating

"In conclusion, Volvo's new high-tech 5-cylinder diesel engine marks yet another step in our determination to reduce the combustion engine's environmental impact, at the same time as we give S80 customers a truly quiet and sophisticated engine with excellent performance," concludes Derek Crabb.

[Source: Volvo]

The Mini E is a project to demonstrate the possibilities of creating and selling a new environmentally friendly vehicle. The Mini brand has been thriving lately and even in its 50 years it still has a knack for getting people around. Has it been that long you may ask… Yes, Mini, as you may remember made its debut as that small little capsule looking car dubbed the Mini Cooper about 50 years ago. Still a big hit in the states, BMW has taken it to a new level with introducing the zero emissions Mini E and now the all new “Always Open” Mini Cabrio.

View the World Premier and Milestone in Detroit video below after the jump…