Recent Comments:
Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter? {Autoblog Green}
Nov 13th 2009 1:46AM This is true for naturally aspirated diesels. My old Peugeots (I got four with the XUD9) always had more power and besser mileage in winter.
Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger {Autoblog Green}
Nov 10th 2009 12:05PM The 1.2 liter from the Ka is no option for Ford. This is a Fiat engine. The Ka is 80% Fiat. Just the design is Ford. Consumption wise the Ka is not so much better than the Fiesta (when equipped with comparable engines). So a ~100hp 1.2 Ecoboost three cylinder in the Fiesta would really make sense.
The main reason for the Ka in Europe is occupied space. In narrow European cities the 20 or so inches the Ka is shorter are really an advantage. In the US the relative advantage of a Fiesta compared to the average american car is much greater.
Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel {Autoblog Green}
Nov 6th 2009 7:49AM Now the Prince engine family covers all stages of power output that formerly needed three blocks: the TU family is replaced by the naturally asprirated Prices, the XU family is replaced by the lightly charged Prince, and it even seems possible to replace the 210 to 230hp PSA V6 with the high pressure Prince (currently 210 to 220hp).
The Prince is light and provides a small package which is great for combination in hybrid applications.
Ram brand may enter heavy-duty 18-wheeler market {Autoblog}
Nov 4th 2009 6:14PM Industrial Vehicles Corporation (aka IVECO) was my first thought too. And the remarks regarding COE are comprehensible. So I guess, they'll start with the IVECO Daily to replace the Sprinter that will be marketed as Mercedes-Benz soon. The Daily is available from 2.8 to 6 metric tons. All are equipped with various versions of the SOFIM engine family that will also play a role in current Jeeps. From there they'll have to see if it makes sense to bring the 7.5 to 12 metric ton "dispatch" trucks to the US. 18 wheelers are a long way if started with the Daily, so I do not think they'll enter the "heavy end" too soon.
A replacement for the Sprinter and maybe a little smaller FWD cousin (Ducato) equipped with SOFIM diesels and maybe LPG engines are more relevant in the short term.
REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati {Autoblog}
Oct 28th 2009 3:11PM A Phoenix V6 updated with Multiair would be a great combination.
And do not expect the old VM diesel to live much longer in the Wrangler. It will soon be replaced by the IVECO SOFIM engine family. Good news for you yanks: The SOFIM engines are already fedaralized for marine use. And FIAT has to be fast upgrading the engine management and emission treatment to bring the IVECO Daily as fast as possible as a replacement for the current Dodge badged Mercedes Sprinter.
Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL aims upmarket and almost hits target {Autoblog}
Oct 27th 2009 12:31PM Made in Germany. Hehe, but no OPC version for you. And no estate. Poor yankees.
OC 2009: 2011 Ford Super Duty makes surprise stop {Autoblog}
Oct 16th 2009 4:04PM What's the problem with the Ranger? Bold looks. Nice diesel engines based on some VM designs. Even a tipper is available. OK, new Ecboost fours and CNG/LPG would be fine. But it is not that bad:
http://www.ford.co.uk/Commercialvehicles/NewRanger
Rumormill: Lancia Delta coming to America with a Chrysler badge? {Autoblog}
Oct 12th 2009 10:24AM Hmmm, rebadged Deltas are no good:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab-Lancia_600
Hyundai releases 2010 Accent details, pricing, talks up Blue's fuel economy {Autoblog}
Oct 8th 2009 1:12AM So you Americans don't get Hyundai i20s?
Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year? {Autoblog}
Oct 7th 2009 5:15PM That cheap? A base IQ here is something around $18.000. Counting all that dead cow, the custom painting, nice wheels and some good stereo $32.000 seems like a bargain.
And yes, it makes sense. This is not a car, this is an Aston Martin brandes luxury accesoire. Nothing more, nothing less.
