Audi has added a new version to its 2011 Q7 line-up. The new Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro delivers a total of 204 HP and has a fuel consumption of 32.67 mpg. In Germany the new model is priced at 51,800 euros (around $72,000 at the current exchange rates).
The new 3.0 liter V6 engine weighs far less than 440.92 lb and extensive measures minimize internal friction. Innovative thermal management – a new feature of many Audi engines – is particularly complex in the 3.0 TDI. The crankcase and the cylinder heads have separate cooling water circuits; coolant is not circulated within the block while the engine is warming up. This engine comes equipped with a eight-speed tiptronic transmission.
Equipped with the new engine, the Q7 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds and will hit a top speed of 127 mph (with an optional air suspension).
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Mercedes has unveiled at the Paris Auto Show the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the world’s most fuel-efficient luxury sedan. It is powered by four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 204 HP and 500 NM of torque and delivers a total of 5,7 liters engine per 100 kilometers. The car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 8,2 seconds and can hit a top speed of 150 mph.
The engine is mated to ECO start/stop system. This system shuts down the engine as soon as the vehicle comes to a stop – e.g. at traffic lights – and the driver continues to press the brake pedal while it is stationary. The engine starts again immediately as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal or presses the accelerator pedal.
The ECO start/stop function will not switch the engine off for example if the desired interior temperature has yet to be reached, if the driver has switched off the system or if drive programmes "S" or "M" are active. An intelligent control system ensures that all functions and comfort systems otherwise remain in operation during the stop phase.
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While more and more automakers have announced plans to offer diesel engines for their models, Bentley has done the complete opposite by saying that diesel is not something they would offer in the future. Charman and CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen has said that Bentley had found diesel engines impressive, but the company is now saying that with adverse market conditions, like the ones we’re experiencing, the move to diesel is unlikely.
"The forthcoming Euro 6 clean-air regs are likely to pile some big costs on to diesels,” says Bentley powertrain boss Brian Gush. And there’s a strong prejudice against them in the US and Japan, which are key markets for us. The attitude of Chinese buyers is going to have a big effect on cars like ours in future, too, and they are none too keen. Those of us who know diesels can see the benefits, but in large parts of the world the cars just wouldn’t sell."
Next to the familiar 6.0-liter W12 engine, as found in their Continental GT, Bentley will also offer a 4.0 liter V8 engine, but that was the only detail they let out.
Mini has just unveiled details on the 2011 Cooper S that will go on sale on September 18, 2010, but we have just received new details on the hatchback just ahead of its sales date. German magazines report that Mini is planning to bring a diesel engine to the lineup.
Right now, the Cooper S comes with a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a new 2.0-liter, but starting next year, customers will also be able to get a diesel engine with their little pride and joy. The diesel engine that will be used is a BMW N47 based engine, with displacement change down to 1.6 L (from 2.0 L). The engine will develop a total of 143 HP and a peak torque of 300 NM. The same sources report that the new engine will also be used for the Countryman S.
It’s true that this new engine will not be able to deliver the same output as the 1.6 Turbo engine, but it will still be a desired engine thanks to its autonomy. It is expected to have a fuel consumption of 4-4.5 liters per 100 kilometers and a CO2 emission of less than 110gr.
A similar engine is being used for both the BMW 1-Series and the 3-Series.
If you want your Porsche to be tweaked to its maximum capacity, many would automatically check out RUF. This German tuner specializes in all things Porsche and are known to refine and enhance Porsche’s models better than most. Their most recent concoction is a tuning package for the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. This new kit is available in two upgrade versions with a max output of 310 HP (from a standard 240 HP). The package can be applied to the Cayenne version powered by direct-injected 3.0 liter V6 turbo engine mated to eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission.
In the first package called the Upgrade One, the Cayenne Diesel’s performance is increased to 288 hp with a peak torque of 580 NM. It includes the optimization of the electronic engine management system and is priced at 3,850 € plus VAT. In the second package, Upgrade 2, the power boost is taken to an awesome 310 HP and a peak torque of 630 NM. This upgrade includes a modified turbocharger and the optimization of the engine management system and is priced at 7,300 € plus VAT.
We enjoy a good power boost just as much, if not more, than anyone, but a couple of exterior modifications would have been nice to see on the Porsche. RUF has decided against those types of upgrades at this point, but we are hoping they will add a bit of style to this package at some point.
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