BMW, Mercedes Consider Stepping Down
Given today's economic climate, most companies are thinking about downsizing (some more than others). BMW and Mercedes-Benz aren't immune to that pressure--though they're thinking less about staff and more about powertrains.
Here in the U.S., BMW and Mercedes engines are pretty robust things that start with six cylinders and move rapidly up the scale. We're guessing that's because they know how manly Americans are--even our women--and how we crave engines that demonstrate our awesome power.
However, the feds (and a few states) are ramping up requirements for fuel economy and emissions, which has the Germans rethinking things. The trick, of course, is how to offer the power customers want and the green specs that the government demands.
For its part, Mercedes is looking at diesel options--an iffy thing in the U.S. marketplace. At the top of the list: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that hits 40mpgs. BMW is sticking with a good ol' fashioned gas-fueled four-cylinder, but throwing in some twin-turbocharging and direct-injection, just to keep up the pep. However, neither company is committed to production plans yet, wisely choosing to see how all the legal stuff pans out. We can't wait, either.
[source: MotorAuthority]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Fours Reign At Ford; 4-Cyl Production Doubles With EcoBoost
Ford plans not only to double production volume of four-cylinder engines but also to offer a four-cylinder in every one of its cars and crossovers by 2013. Helping make that plan a reality is Ford's EcoBoost system, which combines direct injection and turbocharging to yield an engine with small displacement yet big power. And when it comes to efficiency, there's no substitute for (a lack of) cubic inches...
Impressive economy figures should roll in with EcoBoost four-cylinders; larger units will replace current V-6s, and fuel-stingy small fours will replace current large fours. Ford is mum on when we'll see the first four-cylinder EcoBoost for sale, but does say that they will make up about two-thirds of total EcoBoost volume. Industry analysts predict we'll first see this new family of efficient fours in the Focus line, with the Fusion to follow shortly thereafter.
EcoBoost debuts this summer in the 3.5-liter V-6 that will power uplevel versions of the 2010 Ford Taurus, the Ford Flex, and the Lincoln MKS. Hardly ultra-frugal, Ford promises V-8 power with V-6 economy in this application (currently, the Flex manages 17/24 with its 3.5-liter non EcoBoost V-6), a respectable if not amazing start for the EcoBoost program.
[source: Automotive News]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
