Renault’s new ‘Energy dCi 130’ Diesel engine

It’s called the Energy dCi 130 and it’s a highly efficient package featuring Renault’s ‘square’ architecture from their experience in Formula One, in addition to over 30 patents for this size engine displacement.
It’s also the world’s most powerful engine of its size, combining performance and fuel efficiency with ultra low CO2 emissions.

Some of those advanced technologies include:

• Stop/Start system with deceleration/regenerative braking
• Cold-loop, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Renault is the first car manufacturer in Europe to use this technology

• Thermal management technology
• Variable displacement oil pump


• Variable swirl technology
• A multi-injection system designed to optimise particulate filter regeneration.

The 1.6-litre dCi 130 powerplant develops just on 97 kW (130hp) and 320 Nm of torque from 1750 rpm. Up to 80 percent of peak torque is available from 1500 rpm.

Fuel consumption has been measured at 4.4L/100km and emissions of 115g/km in the Scenic and Grand Scenic, which makes those vehicles the segment’s most fuel efficient MPVs.

Reliability too is said to be impeccable with the timing chain and particulate filter being maintenance free.

The key figures of this project are as interesting as the engine itself.

• Investment – €230 million
• Project duration – 32 months
• Number of components – 246 (75 percent new)
• Staff – 160 engineers and technicians
• Bench testing – 15,000 hours (simulated a whole engine life cycle of 300,000 hours/20 years)
• Track testing – 700,000 km

The technology transfer from F1 to the Energy dCi includes the so-called ‘square’ architecture, which essentially means that larger diameter valves can be used in the cylinder head, which of course favours performance.

Transverse water flow is a cooling technique that is common in Formula One, but Renault has combined this technique with a double water jacket design for the cylinder head. The system cools the cylinder head effectively without the need for water to flow around the combustion chambers. This feature allows the engine’s power output to be raised.
The Energy dCi engine also takes advantage of Super-finishing and special surface treatments to reduce internal friction. It’s called UFLEX oil control ring technology, and Formula One have been using it for years to achieve the best compromise between efficiency and friction.

Turbo Audi R8 V10

Audi R8 5.2 FSI. With it's 525-horsepower V10 mounted amidships, the Gallardo-based engine is more than enough motivation for mere mortals. However, some folks out there felt slighted by the fact that Audi detuned the Lamborghini-sourced mill for four-ringed application. Enter the folks at Heffner Performance who decieded to rectify the situation by sticking two massive Garrett turbochargers into the R8's rear-end.The result? A 725-horsepower twin-turbocharged Teutonic terror that runs from zero to Ludicrous Speed faster than Spaceball One. Oh, and those 725 ponies are measured at the wheels.

Gasoline prices are on the rise

Gasoline prices are on the rise. And as surely as we can say that more Americans will start putting half-tanks into their cars and complaining loudly about the extra $20 or so a month they'll need to shell out—and schemes like drilling into fuel tanks emerge—let the rush on small cars resume.

According to the U.S. average retail price is about $3.53—that's up nearly 40 cents from a month ago—and they've already climbed nearly 35 cents in March due to the political turmoil.

And in this almost farcical, yet predictable turn—yes, it does seem that U.S. motorists have a very short-sighted take on the energy market—small cars and hybrids are suddenly looking like the stars of the showroom again. Even though hundreds or thousands might be lost in the trade.

2011 Audi TT & TTS

Bold, aggressive styling sends a clear message of performance and dynamic handling, while a complement of turbocharged engines delivers class-leading power and efficiency.

Inside, occupants are treated to an interior built with the same high quality materials found in the A8 flagship. In 2011, the Audi TT receives a boost in output, to 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. As before, the Audi TTS boasts a 265 hp version of the 2.0 TFSI® engine alongside a sharper suspension.

The 2011 Audi TT retains the muscular proportions of its predecessors but benefits from a redesigned fascia dominated by Audi’s characteristic Singleframe® grille. A more aggressive front bumper is fitted with a high-gloss black lattice on the Audi TT, and larger, lower intakes that increase airflow to the engine. Horizontal chrome cross braces adorn the trapezoidal grille on the Audi TTS, while new honeycomb-style air intakes flank the sides. The fog lights on the Audi TT are mounted in a set of chrome rings, and high-intensity headlights are standard on the Audi TT quattro® Coupe, Audi TT quattro Roadster, TTS quattro Coupe and TTS quattro Roadster. All models feature 12 LEDs at the lower edge of the headlamps to serve as daytime running lights.

2012 Audi Tts Coupe

Audi TT is always a fashion model as an athlete. With inspiration Bauhaus-style facade and grow with aluminum and leather upholstery are available with gloveler Baseball stitching, drawing approval, notification TT for over a decade. But really there is the potential that lies hidden beneath the skin a beautiful sport. improved detection, witness 2011 Audi TTS, high-performance version 2 +2 Coupe and Roadster little Audi TT sports car in the area. With the late model V6-powered TT, TTS is the only option for those who have more power than standard TT 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder. And more power with a 2.0-liter inline-4 the same with turbocharger and intercooler bigger, production increased to 265 hp and 258 Nm of torque. Starting from zero to 60 mph in a hair over five seconds faster than his audacious style crossword suggested.

2012 Audi TTS Specifications

Audi's adorable little TT has a bit of an identity crisis. It's so cute that you sort of expect it to be a Hyundai Tiburon for chic, gorgeous women with impeccable taste and generous budgets. Nothing against those kinds of customers -- in fact, any such woman gains ten points for driving a hot Audi like that -- but the TT has never really been taken seriously by the testosterone-laden enthusiast crowd.

Making matters worse was a product lineup that was a little too densely populated for such a low-volume car. Choices are a good thing, but when so many different TTs are on the lot - front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive; turbocharged four-cylinder, VR6; dual-clutch automatic, stick shift; coupe, convertible - it tends to overwhelm customers and work against forming a clear image of what a car is about.

A while back, Audi started cleaning up the TT lineup, dropping the narrow-angle V-6 and leaving the base 200-hp turbo four that we know and love. And then the TTS dropped, with a 265-hp version of the 2.0T and -- what's this? -- a dual-clutch automatic only? Suddenly, having too many choices didn't seem like such a bad thing.

Mercedes-Benz is in the process of updating the AMG side of the family

Mercedes-Benz is in the process of updating the AMG side of the family, including the replacement of its 6.2-liter engines with the more efficient 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. One of the models set to receive the new mill is the 2012 M-Class, and photogs posted outside the Nürburgring have caught the revised SUV getting ready to push its prodigious weight around the circuit.
The current generation ML63 AMG churns out 503 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, but with the twin-turbo 5.5-liter mill bolted in, the reworked high-po ML could see at least 544 hp and close to 600 lb-ft of twist. In addition to the upgraded engine, the camo-clad mule also benefits from a more aggressive lower-front fascia, a new character line running across the side and an assortment of other revised body mods, all of which should make their way to the new model when it goes on sale early next year.