We’ve already seen the Opel Ampera — General Motors’ rebadged Chevrolet Volt for Europe — in almost its entirety, but the automaker released official photos of the finished production-spec vehicle hours before it is scheduled to debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
On the surface the Ampera and its mechanical twin — the Chevrolet Volt — appear somewhat different, but underneath their skin they’re practically identical. Built alongside the Volt in Hamtramck, Michigan, the two differ only by means of front and rear fascias, wheel designs, and some interior trim. Beneath the skin, both share the same 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and the same 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, which primarily serves as a so-called range extender.
Ampera owners do receive one feature absent on U.S.-spec Volts. In typical operation, both cars are designed to use existing battery power to drive the car before activating the gasoline engine. Ampera owners, however, will have the option of selecting a so-called charge hold mode, prompting the car to run the engine and preserve the battery’s charge for a later run.
Unusual, perhaps, but there is some method behind the madness. In Europe, this allows Ampera drivers to save their EV range for entering urban areas, which tax (or even ban) gasoline-powered vehicles. In central London, for instance, drivers using non-electric vehicles are charged nearly $16 to drive through congestion zones. Using electricity, however, allows drivers to avoid the fee.
We think the feature could have a place in North America, however. Drivers facing a long commute on the highway before entering a congested city center could use the engine to efficiently generate power for the drive motor (and occasionally drive the front wheels), all while reserving the car’s EV range for city-cycle driving.
Volt owners, however, may never have the chance to sample the feature. Although GM has reportedly considered adding the charge hold mode to U.S.-spec cars, the feature has yet to be approved for production. Volt powertrain engineer Tony Posawatz has told other publications that charge hold “is a feature I wish we could have [in North America],” suggesting hurdles — perhaps related to EPA certification — are preventing it from coming stateside. The Volt is equipped with a mountain mode that reserves some additional battery power for use on steep grades, but it doesn’t allow drivers to postpone EV operation altogether.
Although the United States currently has no congestion zones, many drivers could certainly take advantage of the hold feature. Consider your daily commute and driving habits: would a hold feature for the Volt make sense for you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
For more on all the world debuts from Geneva, including more photos, videos and information, be sure to click over to our 2011 Geneva Motor Show coverage.
It was never sold in the United States, but the Audi A2 was once a very lightweight small car sold overseas. Available from late 1999 through 2005, the A2 employed an aluminum spaceframe and managed to keep the curb weight below 2000 pounds (for certain models anyway). Now, and after much speculation, it’s coming back in 2015, and Automobile has the scoop on the upcoming car.
If the A2 is coming to the United States, it’ll do so primarily to help with CAFÉ requirements. Now scheduled to ride on Volkswagen’s MQB chassis (shared with the next Golf), the 2015 A2 will have an aluminum five-door body and keep to the lightweight mission. This time around, it won’t have the aluminum spaceframe.
Sans aluminum frame, Audi hopes they’ll sell more A2s compared to the last model. Just 175,000 total were sold in the first run, a small figure considering the European market favors small cars. Automobile says the new car will weigh less than 2400 pounds and is ready to meet the mark by using composite materials for the body panels and thinner glass. The battery, alternator, and air-conditioning compressor will be downsized to keep the weight down.
While the first A2 scored around 80 mpg on the European test cycle over 10 years ago, the new car will be under pressure to produce a similar number despite slight bodily growth. Unlike its predecessor, the impending A2 will get five seats versus four, and is planned to be wider with more interior space for the occupants. The gas and diesel engines will be small, and electric and plug-in hybrid variants are in the planner too. According to development boss Michael Dick, the A2 EV should surpass 150 miles on a charge. The plug-in version is expecting to travel 40 to 60 miles on battery alone.
The A2 was well-regarded for its aerodynamic efficiency and the new version will be no different. Styling will take after the original, but air curtains, wind deflectors, and a single-frame front grille from the E-tron line are expected to help clean up airflow. Unfortunately, we can only wait for more news, though 2015 isn’t as far away as we think…
Does the U.S. have room for this new A2? Sound off in the comments below.
After seeing a fair share of leaked images and early teasers, we can now finally get a good look at the new Volkswagen Tiguan.
For the 2012 model year, the small crossover will obviously take on the fresh family face, which consists of the new, two-bar front grille and redesigned headlights. LEDs have been hot in the auto industry, so the SEL trim’s headlights incorporate available LED daytime running lights with Bi-Xenon HIDs and the advanced headlight system (AFS). The trapezoidal foglight housings and lower center design element are ever so slightly retouched, and Volkswagen is certain the changes bring a “sporty and attractive new look.”
Out back, “double L” taillights continue the lighting changes, and a chrome accent piece is now added to the SE and SEL models. To further distinguish the top-of-the-line SEL, 19-inch “Savannah” alloy wheels will now be paired with the sport-tuned suspension for an exaggerated appearance. Pepper Gray paint is also joining the palette.
In the U.S., the new Tiguan will come with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI inline-four engine, presumably with the identical 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet output figures. The engine is currently capable of delivering 20 city/25 highway mpg with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission, but the 2012 model is supposedly ready to turn 29 highway mpg. EPA-certified numbers aren’t ready yet, but a 16-percent gain in highway fuel efficiency would certainly be eye-catching.
Current 2011 Tiguan fuel economies also include 18 city/26 highway mpg with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual, and 19 city/25 highway with 4Motion all-wheel drive and the six-speed auto. European customers are presented with seven engine choices, and the Tiguan’s greater popularity overseas means it makes the case for an optional 7-speed twin-clutch auto.
Inside, the entry-level S trim will receive new cloth seating surfaces colored black. SE customers get V-Tex leatherette in black or beige, and the SEL fits leather. Bluetooth comes standard on all models, as does auxiliary audio ports, power and heated side mirrors. A Dynaudio 300-watt sound system is featured with the pricier Tiguans.
Pricing will be announced at a later date and the 2012 Tiguan goes on sale this fall. We wouldn’t expect the starting price to stray far from the 2011 model’s $24,540 MSRP (includes $820 destination charge).
Back in 1950, Volkswagen engineers called it the Transporter 1, or T1. Americans later called it the Microbus. But Germans always labeled it the Bulli, and in 2011, the Bulli is back. This time, however, no fossil fuel-fed mill can be found under the rear hatch.
A 40-kilowatt-hour battery cell resides under the flat floor and can propel the 3190-pound, front-wheel-drive bus to 62 mph from a standstill in 11.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 87 mph. Engineers say the new Bulli can travel 186.4 miles on a single charge – far more than the Nissan Leaf’s claimed 100-mile range. A full charge can be had in an amazing 60 minutes when it’s plugged into the correct power outlet (what voltage outlet was not specified).
The front hatch was constructed to accommodate a multitude of Volkswagen mills, including 1.0-liter and 1.4-liter gas or diesel direct-injection engines. So those wanting some classic gasoline powered fun could theoretically have it if the Bulli hits production lines.
Designers wanted to stay true to Ben Pon’s original bus design by maintaining simplicity. Blunt ends with short overhangs define the vehicle, as do extra-large badges and wide windows that allow a multitude of light inside.
The cabin space continues on as a simple environment. Two bench seats can be folded in a variety of ways, or if need be, the entire rear bench can be completely stowed. An iPad serves as the main passenger interface and controls entertainment, Bluetooth, and navigation functions.
So we have to ask: Do you want the Bulli back?
We’ll have more information on the newest Bulli, so stay tuned…
It’s been teased and leaked in the days and weeks leading up to the Geneva Motor Show, but now it’s official: Lamborghini’s new Aventador LP700-4 is here and it looks pretty angry.
While some may call the Aventador LP700-4 more evolutionary than revolutionary in its aesthetics, there are still plenty of changes here from the outgoing Murcielago supercar. Overall the Aventador appears larger than its predecessor, with plenty of Reventon styling cues and a more rounded overall profile, despite its jutting front end. That outrageous bodywork is all crafted from carbon fiber a material that isn’t cheap, but is both lightweight and strong.
Underneath the shell, a pushrod front suspension design is trickle-down tech from all-out racing cars and the 6.5-liter V-12 engine is capable of a claimed 691 horsepower. Combine that with a relatively light claimed curb weight of 3472 lbs and all-wheel drive, and we’ve got a new Lambo which should be capable of running with some of the fastest production cars currently available.
Stay tuned right here for all your Geneva Motor Show updates!
Ford’s Sync connectivity system has been a highlight of the company’s North American product portfolio, but it seems the system will soon be headed to other markets around the globe. Ford announced today that a revised Sync system now functions in 19 different languages, and will debut in Europe within the 2012 Focus.
The Sync system, co-developed with Microsoft, has been available across Ford’s North American lineup since 2007, but the automaker plans on expanding the system’s global availability in the near future. Key to achieving that goal is expanding the languages supported by Sync’s voice command system. The initial roll-out in North America allowed users to control climate, audio, navigation, and phone systems in English, French, and Spanish, but the revamped system now accommodates the following:
U.K. English
Australian English
European French
European Spanish
European Portuguese
Brazilian Portuguese
German
Italian
Dutch
Russian
Turkish
Arabic
Korean
Japanese
Mandarin Chinese
Taiwanese Mandarin (supported through Mandarin Chinese)
Ford claims each of these new languages has been programmed to recognize regional dialects and accents, while simultaneously interpreting culture-specific abbreviations while reading back text messages. For instance, U.S.-spec Sync systems will read TTYL as “talk to you later,” while a car set to Italian will view CVD as “civediamodoppo,” or “see you later.” The upgraded system will also recognize road and music artist names in their original language, even if the system is set to use a different default language.
By removing the B-pillar on its B-Max microvan, Ford has not only widened the entry way into its new people mover, but it’s also hoping the innovation will help it widen the distance between itself and the competition in the European-market microvan space. The B-Max is making its world debut at the Geneva show is serving as a showcase of the versatility of Ford’s B-segment platform, which underpins the new Fiesta.
The B-Max’s pillarless construction, combined with the twin sliding doors a la the Mazda5, offers an opening that’s nearly 5-feet wide when the traditional front doors are open and the rear doors are slid fully back. That’s around twice the size offered by the competition according to Ford, making it easier to strap-in child seats and load full-size adults to get to the back row without convoluted gymnastics. And the best part is, the pillarless design is production ready – it’s clear Ford intends to use it.
The B-Max is built off the same chassis as the Fiesta. It’s about 4-inches longer than the Fiesta hatchback and a foot shorter than its C-Max crossover, which is on its way to the U.S. For is aiming the B-Max at the urban dweller who finds the S-Max too large but who still wants similar interior space and packaging.
“With the B-Max we set out to create a vehicle that captures the spirit of a smaller S-Max,” Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Design Director, said in a statement. “We wanted to show that a small car could be very spacious and practical inside, while still having the sleek, dynamic appearance that has made the S-Max so popular.” Ford states that the B-Max can swallow objects nearly 8-feet long when the front passenger seat and the 60/40 split rear row seats are folded down. Finally, with over four inches of headroom compared to the Fiesta, drivers get a more commanding view of the road.
Exterior-wise, the B-Max more than apes its larger sibling, especially with the doors closed. Check out the wraparound tailgate glass, tail lamps, and 18-inch wheels. Ford also brightened up the front fascia and its five bright horizontal bars (ala the “Gillette” grille). Inside, the B-Max closely resembles its siblings with the curvaceous instrument panel and cluster, six-inch touch screen, and cellphone-inspired steering wheel controls. The panoramic glass roof adds to the already spacious feel of the interior.
The B-Max shown at Geneva is powered by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Introduced last year at the Beijing Auto Show, Ford says the new engine may eventually replace its inline-four offerings. The automaker provided no performance numbers for the engine, which apparently is still undergoing testing. The three-banger EcoBoost is coupled with a six-speed automatic in the B-Max.
With the C-Max already on the way to the U.S. and Ford indicating that the B-Max is a European model, we doubt we’ll see B-Max anytime soon, if at all. But it’s remotely possible, especially given the Fiesta’s strong start in America.
In order to sell 500s, Fiat needs dealers. Reportedly, those dealers are running a little late on opening their doors.
Currently, 130 locations are expected to be running by September, but that’s about seven months off original expectations. Parent Chrysler expected the majority of the dealers to be in business by the end of February. Only about 12 stores are ready to receive 500s as of this writing, and a grand total of 20 will likely be in play by the end of this month, according to Automotive News. Another 30 to 40 franchises will be ready by mid-March.
Fiat U.S. head Laura Soave says some of the delay is related to acquiring local government permits. If prepared, dealers will begin taking 500s into the showroom by late March, though the special Prima Edizione (limited to just 500 units) will be arriving the second week of March. These have already been taken.
Even with 60 dealers doing business in March, that leaves the remaining 70 to roll out into September. We suppose it shouldn’t be too bad though, since the Mexico-built 500s don’t have far to travel and gas prices continue to creep towards that $4-per-gallon mark. The fuel price surge should help bring some interest to the 1.4-liter small car.
Chevy continues to release cool videos, and of course it's my duty as a faithful AskPatty blogger to pass them along to you. Youtubers take note – this is how you use your Youtube channel effectively! This one features a pre-production model 2012 Chevy Sonic hatchback – it's largely about the design elements, inspirations, color pallette, and doesn't really tell us anything about the engine, fuel economy, or any of the car's features. Some of you may be disappointed by that, but it's not the point of the video. This spot's all about the look, and the look is hot.
Now confession time – I am a sucker with a capital S for a cute sporty sub-combact hatchback. Maybe that makes me a big dork, but there it is. Right now I'm driving a sedan, and I really really regret not going for the hatchback version. I'm always saying that my next vehicle will be a hatchback, and I gotta be honest, the 2012 Sonic may just fit the bill – It's cute, small, has a distinct silhouette, and I just love the sporty feel of the interior! I gather there will be a sedan style Sonic as well, but I've been down that road already, and I'll pass. Check out the video after the jump and tell us what you think.
Audiophiles may not even consider retaining a stock radio head unit, but Subaru may have a means to allow Impreza owners to improve sound quality without ripping up the dashboard. The automaker has teamed up with Kicker to offer a powered subwoofer enclosure for Impreza, WRX, and Outback Sport models.
“Kicker has been providing the industry with quality after-market audio accessories for many years,” Jay Gellethy, Subaru’s accessories marketing manager, said in a statement. “We are pleased to offer another high quality upgrade for our vehicles that our enthusiasts will enjoy.”
Subaru now offers two different powered subwoofer models, each expressly designed to fit in the trunk space of all 2008-2011 Imprezas. Units designed for wagon models sit directly behind the second-row seats, while those designed for the four-door sedan fit neatly in the space aft of the driver’s side wheel well. Regardless of the design, each incorporates both a 10-inch Kicker subwoofer and a 100-watt amplifier within the enclosure. Subaru says the system is a true plug-and-play device, and can be installed on vehicles with both base and upgraded radio head units.
Pricing for the powered subs is set at $499, and the units can either be installed at the port of importation or by dealers — the latter perfect for those looking to retrofit without running cable. From what we can tell, the pricing is on par with similar aftermarket devices.
Ford reigned world king in profitability for 2009, but for 2010 a new automaker stands tallest. Dethroning Ford, Volkswagen posted the highest profits in the automotive industry last year.
Beating out Ford by nearly $3 billion, VW posted a 2010 profit of $9.42 billion, over seven times what it made in 2009. With over a quarter of its 7.2 million vehicle sales coming from China, VW raked in $175 billion in revenue, a 21-percent increase from 2009.
“We expect the group’s revenue and operating profit in 2011 to be higher than the previous year,” said VW in the statement. “However, the continuing volatility in interest and exchange rate trends and commodities prices will weaken the positive effect from volume.”
Volkswagen intends to grow by 5 percent in 2011, and will rely on emerging markets heavily for the planned growth. Brazil, India, and Russia are expected to play a big part, but China will likely lead the way. Last year VW’s sales in China totaled 1.92 million units, a 37-percent increase over 2009. United Sales in 2010 were 257,000, a 20-percent increase over the prior year.
Although Ferrari?s previous videos on the 2012 FF simply showed early prototypes, the company?s latest promo clip actually showcases the finished product tackling a number of different surfaces, including snow and sand.
The new video gives us our first really good look at the new shooting brake from all angles without camouflage, and shows one red wagon powering through the snow. Ferrari previously released development videos showing prototypes running on snow-covered roads, but this clip shows a production-intent FF skating through snowy mountains. If that isn?t enough, we?re also treated to the car handling the sands of the Middle East, before finally lapping Ferrari?s own Fiorano test track.
This video also gives us our first official look at the FF?s interior. The glimpse is brief, but we do spot red-and-black Daytona-style bucket seats, along with a new rear-seat entertainment system. Funny, we thought simply riding in a Ferrari was exciting enough.
Our staffers are still split on the car?s exterior. Although we?ll likely have our first look at the car in person next week in Geneva, this new video may help you make up your mind on the exterior design. What say you? Scope out the video and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
The Morgan 3 Wheeler looks like something out of a steampunk science-fiction movie, but there?s a lot of history cooped up in the slim, three-wheeled chassis.
The bullet-shaped, tube frame body pays homage to a long-gone era when skinny tires ruled the road. In 2011, the 3 Wheeler will keep the thin rubber and storied spirit, but join modern times with modern parts. The fuel-injected V-twin engine is supplied by specialist S&S, who also works with Harley-Davidson. In the motorcycle world, V-twins are regarded for their torque, and with 115 horsepower available, Morgan estimates the 3 Wheeler will cut from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and go 115 mph if needed. The curb weight is expected to be around 1100 pounds, and Mazda was tapped for the five-speed manual transmission.
The front, retro-style wheels are merely tasked with steering as the remaining rear wheel tackles all the power the two-cylinder can muster. The driver and passenger are expected to help counterbalance the weight of the front-mounted engine. Inside the cockpit, leather adorns the surfaces, as do airplane-inspired instrumentation and a simple steering wheel. Two rollbars help protect the occupants should the 3 Wheeler end up upside-down.
Outside, the paint, double exhausts, graphics, and painted shark nose recall fighter planes from World War II. In support of motorsport and their ?race on Sunday? philosophy, Morgan is offering U.S. Air Force- and British RAF-style logos and graphics from the 1940s, along with oval racing numbers and stripes, a checkered winner?s hood, national flags, Morgan wings, and that shark nose.
There will be a total of eight exterior paint colors when the 3 Wheeler goes on sale, and Morgan asserts the car is approved for sale in Europe and the U.S. It?ll start from 25,000 GBP ($40,400) before taxes in its native United Kingdom, but the world will get to see it on display at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
Morgan began building sport trikes over 100 years ago in 1909.
Hyundai is refining a successful formula with the 2012 Genesis sedan. The full-size four-door has already made a splash in the U.S. market, so for the 2012 model year, the Genesis receives a minor refresh.
What hasn’t changed significantly is the badgeless grille. Perhaps it’s still too early for Hyundai to feel comfortable putting its “H” badge on the front of luxury sedans that can be priced well above $40,000. Hyundai has fitted the 2012 Genesis with revised headlights that incorporate LED light pipes.
There’s new brushed aluminum trim around the side windows and the exhaust tips have been reshaped. The taillights are new and reminds us of the Infiniti M sedan. Take a look at the Genesis sedan concept in the gallery below and you’ll see that Hyundai is simply bringing the production car closer to the concept version.
There aren’t too many changes inside, suggesting Hyundai spent more of its development money on the new 429-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 — fine by us. Do you think Hyundai has made the right tweaks to the Genesis sedan for the 2012 model year? And how do you think the two production cars compare to the original Genesis sedan concept? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Last week, the 2012 Honda Civic proved to be one of our most popular Refreshing or Revolting entries ever.
“I wouldn’t say refreshing or revolting as much as I would say…nothing. They played it way too safe with this one,” wrote jbob.
A few comments centered on the quality of the photos more than the 2012 Civic itself: “Once again Honda releases some of the worst possible press photos for an important launch, further aggravating their fanbase and giving the haters a well-deserved laugh,” wrote horrible pics.
Nick thought the 2012 Civic looks slightly refreshing but is waiting to see the car in person, noting the photos “just look awkward.”
Photos of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan are on the left, 2011 Hyundai Genesis sedan photos are in the center, and Hyundai Genesis sedan concept photos are on the right.
Alright auto enthusiasts, it’s time to hear about those diesel sport wagons with manual transmissions and all-wheel drive you all love so much. In all seriousness, enthusiasts are known for fawning over some pretty unique cars and trucks, and these niche vehicles aren’t the dime-a-dozen type. Is it a true off-roader? Strange-looking? Whether you enjoy the mid-engined Toyota Previa minivan or the Acura ZDX crossover that doesn’t have much rear passenger room, we want to see your favorite niche vehicles.
Thanks to itsTiLER, who is quite pleased with the aforementioned ZDX, for today’s TOTD!
General Motors is continuing its drive to build up the Chevrolet brand in Europe, and its new Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback is one of cars it is hoping will help with the effort. These are the first official photos of the production version of the Cruze hatch, which is making its debut at next week’s 2011 Geneva auto show.
GM says the Cruze hatch will launch with a new range of engines, likely meaning a mix of f gasoline and diesel I-4s introduced on the Cruze and Europe-only Orlando MPV. This is evidenced by GM’s confirmation that the range-topping turbodiesel unit will be the same 160-horsepower, 2.0-liter I-4 as in the Orlando coupled to a six-speed manual transmission.
European sales are scheduled to start this summer. While we’re unlikely to see this car in the States anytime soon, we wouldn’t bet against it possibly coming here at some point, especially when considering its main U.S. rival, the 2012 Ford Focus, is available in both hatch and sedan body styles.
We’ll have more on the Cruze hatchback and the rest of the Geneva show stars live from next week’s show, stay tuned. In the meantime, do you think GM would be smart to bring the Cruze hatch here?
During a presentation at a technology demonstration at its lightweight research and production plant in Neckersulm, Germany, senior Audi product developers teased an upcoming R8 supercar variant codenamed “NF” that will feature even greater usage of lightweight composites.
Before we go any further, the photos you see here are not the NF. Audi showed journalists a computer rendering of the passenger cell of the NF during a presentation on the progression of carbon-fiber and other lightweight materials in Audi vehicles. The white R8 5.2 V-10 you see depicted is a lightweight prototype we believe is related to the NF project. Audi would not allow cameras into the presentations, instead handing out the approved photos you see here.
The vehicle identified as R8 NF was featured on a timeline describing the proliferation of carbon-fiber in vehicles such as the R8 and highlighted the carbon-fiber engine cover on the R8 Spyder, the roof of the R8-based E-Tron and the various pieces found on the limited-run R8 GT, amongst others. Denoted at the 2014 mark was the NF, or more specifically, the passenger section. The image, taken in context, implied that the NF would feature a new carbon-fiber rear bulkhead between the seat backs and the engine compartment and showed the carbon-fiber piece extending into the lower B-pillars. Audi would not elaborate on the image.
Later during a tour of the Audi Lightweight Design Center at Neckersulm, however, the company showed off the white R8 prototype you see here. This car has had multiple pieces of the bodywork replaced with carbon-fiber including the bumpers and the decklid. More significantly, Audi had also replaced the roof and floor pans with carbon-fiber. All told, Audi says, the prototype is 20-percent lighter than an aluminum-bodied R8. Audi engineers then unveiled a crash-tested prototype R8 similar to the white car that also featured carbon-fiber roof rails, an important structural member.
The photo of the video screen shows the crash test results, which reveals that the carbon-fiber floor pan survived the head-on front crash test without incident. Audi also used the same car in both a side-impact crash test with a pole and a roof-crush test, during which the carbon-fiber roof rails intruded minimally into the passenger cabin. The carbon-fiber floor didn’t fare as well in the side-impact test, buckling underneath the seat but with almost no intrusion into the passenger cabin. Audi claims that the intrusion from all three tests was so small that the car meets current crash testing requirements. Audi did not provide pictures of the crash-test car.
The company had another spoiler up its sleeve as well. Later in the demonstration, the company elaborated on the research it has done on the use of carbon-fiber as s structural element. The wavy, corrugated piece of carbon-fiber you see in the pictures was used in a drop test to assess its ability to absorb crash energy. Engineers then showed a simulation in which the corrugated piece was used behind the passenger compartment of a coupe (which looked an awful lot like an R8) for energy absorption during a rear-end crash. This leads us to believe that the company is researching the possibility of replacing traditional metal crumple zones with carbon-fiber in the future to further reduce weight.
We’ll have more for you on Audi’s research into lightweight materials and construction techniques later this weekend as the event continues.
With fuel prices expected to spike in the coming months, fuel economy is again on the mind of many car buyers. Ready for what undoubtedly lies ahead, Ford announced that its 2012 Focus has been officially certified for 40 mpg on the highway by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Although not available across the board, the Focus sedan SE models are capable of hitting 40 mpg, requiring that customers choose the Super Fuel Economy package. To help boost mileage, the package includes low rolling resistance tires, steel wheels with special aerodynamic covers, a rear spoiler, and rear disc brakes. One of the most significant enhancements, however, may lie in the Focus’ active grille shutters. Similar to the ones Chevrolet uses on its Cruze Eco, the electronically-controlled vanes sitting within the grille are automatically adjusted to optimize engine cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.
“Our customers tell us that fuel economy is the top reason for purchasing a Focus,” said global product development vice president Derrick Kuzak. “The all-new Focus meets that demand with great fuel economy, class-leading technologies and features, exceptional standards of craftsmanship, and driving dynamics typically reserved for larger, more expensive vehicles.”
Opting for the package will set you back $495, but the boost in fuel economy will likely repay the additional cost through the years. Unfortunately for hatchback fans, the package is relegated to the SE trim level of the sedan only. There’s no word just yet on how the remainder of the 2012 Focus range will fair on the EPA test cycle, but the vastly improved 2.0-liter I-4 Duratec is touted to increase economy by 10 percent over the previous generation.
