Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking has confirmed that the Cayenne will feature a diesel engine option and arrive sometime in 2010.
The diesel unit is expected to be dropped into the Cayenne unchanged from its Audi Q7 origins so that means the 3.0-litre V6 TDI derv unit will have around 240bhp and 540Nm of torque.
In addition to this the money that Porsche has saved in buying-in an engine is reportedly being put into a hybrid system that could see duty on the Cayenne in around 2010.
Subaru has unveiled the Saloon version of its critically acclaimed new Boxer Diesel Legacy in the UK.
Launched earlier in the year in the Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback, the world’s first boxer-diesel-engine for a passenger car offers outstanding refinement, throttle response and fuel economy coupled with class-leading ultra-low emissions.
Also exceptional is the new Boxer Diesel Legacy’s handling thanks to the engine’s light weight and low centre-of-gravity afforded by its horizontally-opposed cylinder layout.
The 150 PS Boxer Diesel Legacy Saloon boasts the best fuel efficiency in the 4WD passenger car class — and the lowest exhaust emissions. In fact, the new Legacy 2.0D Saloon returns 5.6 L/100km on the Combined Cycle with only 148 g/km of CO2.
Nor are these figures achieved at the expense of performance. The Boxer Diesel Legacy Saloon has a 215km/h top speed and 0-100km/h time of only 8.3 seconds.
Refinement is also a Boxer Diesel strongpoint, with official moving sound levels of 70.5 dB (A). Even a Rolls-Royce Phantom is higher at 72.0 dB (A).
The new Boxer Diesel provides class-challenging performance thanks to 150 PS at an ultra-low 3,600 rpm and a massive 350Nm torque at an accessible 1,800 rpm.
With a ‘square’ bore and stroke of 86 mm and 16.3:1 compression ratio, the world’s first Boxer Diesel provides effortless performance throughout a wide speed range, avoiding the breathless response of some diesels at high revs.
Holden New Zealand’s mid-size Epica sedan will have the introduction of a new fuel efficient 4 cylinder diesel engine plus 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and 6 airbags standard across the range.
Epica’s new 4 cylinder 2.0-litre diesel variant is the latest addition to Holden’s growing diesel range and delivers not only great performance but also impressive fuel economy of a low 7.6 litres per 100km.
The new diesel model gets a 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select as standard. The 2.5-litre petrol model is also upgraded to 6-speed making Epica one of the first six-speed automatics in the medium car segment.
The introduction of significant safety features such as ESP® and six airbags as standard across the range compliment an already comprehensive list of safety features which includes ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
Epica also receives fresh new styling including a new front grille, rear fascia and alloy wheels.
Available in two highly specified variants, both the CDX and CDXi offer outstanding levels of specification, all at a highly competitive price point which for the existing models remains unchanged despite the additional features.
With an electronically controlled variable turbocharger and second-generation common rail direct injection, the Epica diesel produces 110kW of power and 320Nm of torque.
The electronically controlled Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) provides fast response and more precise power control. In addition to improving performance, this high-tech feature also reduces emissions and improves fuel economy. The new 4 cylinder Turbo Diesel engine complies with strict Euro IV emission standards.
The 2.5-litre petrol engine produces peak power of 115kW and peak torque of 237Nm and retains its competitive fuel economy figures of 9.3 litres/100km for the 2.5-litre automatic.
The inclusion of the new six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select optimizes engine use and delivers a strong balance between fuel efficiency and performance. The six forward gears offer optimised efficiency throughout the entire operating range as well as reduced rpm at highway cruising speeds.
Fuel economy figures are as follows:
¢ 7.6 litres/100km (2.0-litre diesel automatic)
¢ 9.3 litres/100km (2.5-litre petrol automatic)
GM Holden’s commitment to safety and value is demonstrated once again with the introduction of ESP® as standard across the Epica range.
ESP® has been hailed as one of the most significant safety advances since seatbelts were made compulsory in the early 1970s with international studies suggesting that it can prevent more than 30 per cent of single vehicle accidents.
With curtain airbags now fitted to the CDX, Epica has 6 airbags standard across the range providing head and upper body protection as well as additional chest and thorax protection for both the driver and front passenger.
Furthermore, rear park assist has been introduced as standard on the Epica CDXi adding even greater safety and value to an already impressive list of standard features.
Heated front seats are now included with the CDXi, further enhancing the vehicles’ luxury appeal.
Other additions to the MY09 Epica include tilt & telescopic steering, a new grille and rear fascia, European-styled dual flip keys and unique alloy wheels on both the CDX and CDXi variants.
Despite the large number of feature additions to the Epica, pricing for the 2.5 litre petrol variant remains unchanged.
On sale from 1 July 2008, the MY09 Epica model line-up and pricing is as follows (RRP excludes Dealer delivery and government charges):
¢ Epica CDX 2.5-litre petrol (6 speed auto) from $ 33,490
¢ Epica CDX 2.0-litre diesel (6 speed auto) from $ 36,990
¢ Epica CDXi 2.5-litre petrol (6 speed auto) from $ 37,490
¢ Epica CDXi 2.0-litre diesel (6 speed auto) from $ 40,990
The Smart fortwo range will have start/stop technology form October in Europe, and is expected to follow in other areas soon afterward.
The already efficient Smart is said to show an 8% improvement in fuel economy when fitted with start/stop technology.
This new technology stops the engine when the vehicle is stationary and re-starts when the driver presses the accelerator. Whether we will see this new system or the forth coming Smart diesel in New Zealand reamains to be seen.
RAV4 diesel introduces Toyota’s 2.2 litre, four cylinder in-line, 16 valve double over head cam common-rail diesel engine with an intercooler and turbo charger. Toyota says this engine provides excellent performance and fuel efficiency while meeting Europe’s Euro-IV exhaust emission standards.
Fuel consumption is a meagre 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, some 27 per cent less than the petrol version, and CO2 emissions are 173 grams per kilometre using the 70/220/EEC (combined) test standard.
The 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine has a power output of 100kW at 3600rpm and produces 310Nm of torque from 2000rpm.
Engine noise and vibration are minimised by the inclusion of two balance shafts.
Overall dimensions differ to the petrol variants. The width remains the same however the wheelbase is 100mm shorter, the length is reduced by 205mm and the height 10mm lower.
This new model is available with a lightweight and compact six speed manual transmission, providing a wide spread of gear ratios to achieve the best performance across all driving conditions.
As with the current petrol variant, the new diesel RAV4 has Toyota’s active torque control four wheel drive system.
RAV4 diesel features Vehicle Stability Control plus (VSC+) as standard. In addition to a conventional VSC system, VSC+ integrates the braking system with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and the active torque control four wheel drive system for improved stability and control in all driving conditions.
Safety is paramount in the new diesel powered RAV4 with driver and passenger front, side, front and rear curtain shield and driver’s knee airbags as standard equipment.
Within the interior, the RAV4 diesel model has a new glovebox cooler, rear view mirrors with heaters and a retracting function, a manual headlight levelling switch and an off switch to manually disable the front passenger airbag
Additionally, this model has a multi information display providing drivers with information such as fuel consumption, driving range, average speed travelled and outside temperature.
17 inch five spoke alloy wheels fitted with 225/65 tyres are standard on this model.
With a shorter wheelbase, this model RAV4 can achieve a turning circle of only 10.2 metres allowing easy parking.
Braked towing capacity has increased by 500 kilograms over the petrol models to 2000 kilograms with a braked trailer. Unbraked towing capacity remains unchanged at 750 kilograms.
Interior seat fabric is the same as that of the petrol RAV4 Limited model, and this new diesel model is available in a choice of eight exterior colours.
Pricing for the RAV4 diesel six speed manual is $45,990.
Toyota has now entered the New Zealand passenger diesel market with the introduction of two new turbo diesel Corollas.
Both are five door hatchbacks but they differ in specification and engine size with a 1.4 litre and a 2.0 litre available. Check out the Toyota New Zealand website for more information.
With fuel prices spiralling out of control, the MINI Cooper D and MINI Clubman Cooper D have arrived in New Zealand to ease the “pain at the pump” for style-conscious Kiwi motorists. Unavailable in Australia, these two diesel-powered MINIs are the first-ever to be introduced in New Zealand, offering fuel-efficiency and emissions levels that rival any hybrid currently on the market.
These economical MINIs join just a handful of vehicles in New Zealand to achieve ‘five-and-a-half stars’ under the Government’s new fuel-efficiency star rating system. Around town, the MINI Cooper D sips fuel with average consumption of 4.4litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, while on the open road, this parsimonious pocket-rocket is capable of using just 3.7 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (or more than 900 kilometres on one tank). The MINI Clubman Cooper D uses just a fraction more diesel; average consumption is 4.5 litres per 100kilometres while it is capable of using just 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
Yet the fact that the MINI Cooper D packs a punchy 80kW and 240 Nm of torque from its four-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, means fuel-savings don’t come at the expense of the trademark MINI go-kart drive experience. Lightweight aluminium construction and direct fuel injection, applying the common-rail principle, combine with a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry for optimum power and performance in all speed ranges. The Overboost function also gives the new MINI Cooper D a particularly powerful and agile “kick” whenever required by briefly raising the maximum torque on both models from 240 to 260 Newton-metres.
Like all MINIs, the MINI Cooper D and MINI Clubman Cooper D offer an infinite number of options for personalisation from interior lighting to roof design. There is also no compromise on safety with each new model achieving the highest five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Pricing for the new MINI Cooper D starts at $39,900 and the MINI Clubman Cooper D starts at $44,900. Both are available in New Zealand now.
Jaguar has claimed the 2008 Towcar Award for the XJ 2.7 litre Diesel in the 1725-1899kg category. The award was presented by What Car?, Practical Caravan, and The Camping and Caravanning Club.
The cars were put through their paces for their towing ability and a host of other qualities including driving performance when not towing, practicality, value for money and safety.
The judging panel comprising industry experts, motoring journalists and caravanning enthusiasts were particularly impressed with the way that the XJ performed. The judges chose the XJ as the winner because: “Stability and ride comfort don’t always go together. Cars with rear suspension that’s firm almost to a fault in normal driving are often the most composed when towing. But the XJ combines unflappable stability with limousine comfort. The suspension’s alchemy was worth its weight in gold through the lane-change test. The XJ changed direction quickly, gripping hard and holding the intended line. However much the caravan slid behind it, the Jag wouldn’t budge. Data from the ATC shows how much G-force was generated in the van, but the smooth curve of the graph speaks volumes as to how undramatic the Jaguar made this manoeuvre.”
Managing Director of Jaguar in the UK, Geoff Cousins said: “What this award does is demonstrate the breadth of capability of the XJ. It is already renowned for its all-aluminium body construction, state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding craftsmanship and build quality. I am delighted we have won this award; it really demonstrates the diverse appeal of the XJ.”
This is the latest in a number of awards for Jaguar’s flagship model. Most recently, the XJ 2.7 litre Diesel was named Britain’s greenest luxury car in the Environmental Transport Association’s 2008 Car Buyers Guide. Earlier in the year, the XJ Long Wheelbase was voted ‘Chauffeur Car of the Year’ by Chauffeur Magazine, while What Car?, Auto Trader and Auto Express all voted the XJ ‘Best Luxury Car’ in their various Used Car Awards towards the end of last year.
Since its launch in 2003, the XJ model line-up has been enhanced to include the XJ long wheelbase, the special edition XJR Portfolio, the XJ armoured vehicle and most recently the XJ 08 Model Year, featuring a revised exterior design and significantly upgraded interior.