New Jaguar XF Diesel S Revealed with 275hp 42 mpg!

Official Jaguar XF Diesel S details have emerged, and the specs look pretty good. As far as luxury sports sedans go, the 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds is impressive, as is the very efficient 42 miles-per-gallon fuel consumption level.

Jaguar's new engine, the AJ-V6D Gen III S 3.0-liter diesel, manages 271 horsepower and 442 ft-lb of torque. Inside, parallel turbochargers give the car a bit more oomph, with a large, primary turbo doing most of the work, and a secondary turbo providing more power above 2800 rpm. Turbo-lag is mostly eliminated, as the first turbo whips up 500 Nm of torque within a half-second. Pushing the car to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited), this is one of Jaguar's best diesel engines ever. The engine already meets EU5 emission standards, producing 179g per kilometer of CO2.

Of the system, powertrain chief engineer Ron Lee said, "The new parallel sequential turbocharger system on our new V6 diesel delivers V8 levels of performance from very low revs. It's a power unit that offers superb flexibility and remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions, while building on the refinement that has become a trademark of our Jaguar diesel engines."

In fact, the XF Diesel S has a 0-60mph time that is 1.8 seconds faster than the model with the 2.7-liter petrol engine, and it is 0.8 seconds faster than the new 3.0-liter petrol model. A six speed automatic transmission times the gear changes for the driver.

"[The new XF Diesel S] is another great example of Jaguar delivering unrivalled performance while at the same time taking the level of refinement in diesel engines to a whole new level," said Jaguar Programmes Director Mick Mohan.

19 inch wheels, and a more aerodynamically trunk help the Jaguar XF Diesel S to stand out a bit more. We are absolutely looking forward to taking this car on the road.

New Jaguar XF Diesel S Revealed with 275hp 42 mpg!

Official Jaguar XF Diesel S details have emerged, and the specs look pretty good. As far as luxury sports sedans go, the 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds is impressive, as is the very efficient 42 miles-per-gallon fuel consumption level.

Jaguar's new engine, the AJ-V6D Gen III S 3.0-liter diesel, manages 271 horsepower and 442 ft-lb of torque. Inside, parallel turbochargers give the car a bit more oomph, with a large, primary turbo doing most of the work, and a secondary turbo providing more power above 2800 rpm. Turbo-lag is mostly eliminated, as the first turbo whips up 500 Nm of torque within a half-second. Pushing the car to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited), this is one of Jaguar's best diesel engines ever. The engine already meets EU5 emission standards, producing 179g per kilometer of CO2.

Of the system, powertrain chief engineer Ron Lee said, "The new parallel sequential turbocharger system on our new V6 diesel delivers V8 levels of performance from very low revs. It's a power unit that offers superb flexibility and remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions, while building on the refinement that has become a trademark of our Jaguar diesel engines."

In fact, the XF Diesel S has a 0-60mph time that is 1.8 seconds faster than the model with the 2.7-liter petrol engine, and it is 0.8 seconds faster than the new 3.0-liter petrol model. A six speed automatic transmission times the gear changes for the driver.

"[The new XF Diesel S] is another great example of Jaguar delivering unrivalled performance while at the same time taking the level of refinement in diesel engines to a whole new level," said Jaguar Programmes Director Mick Mohan.

19 inch wheels, and a more aerodynamically trunk help the Jaguar XF Diesel S to stand out a bit more. We are absolutely looking forward to taking this car on the road.

Volvo plans to release 'micro-hybrid' in 2011

Volvo's product development unit is still hard at work, even as Ford has slapped a price tag on the brand. In an effort to develop more environmentally-friendly vehicles capable of meeting stringent emissions regulations on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been working on some new highly-efficient vehicles. In addition to the DRIVe trio of ultra-efficient diesel-powered models, Volvo is working on an all-new micro-hybrid model. Set to join the lineup in 2011, the vehicle will be available with a choice between gasoline or diesel power, and a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel-saving technology will include a start-stop system plus brake-energy regeneration to cut consumption by nearly 5 percent. We'll see a full hybrid (with the ability to run on electric power only) in 2012 with the D5 diesel engine (Volvo's similar battery and flexfuel ReCharge Concept is above). A plug-in electric is also expected to follow down the road.

[Source: Channel4]

Volvo plans to release 'micro-hybrid' in 2011

Volvo's product development unit is still hard at work, even as Ford has slapped a price tag on the brand. In an effort to develop more environmentally-friendly vehicles capable of meeting stringent emissions regulations on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been working on some new highly-efficient vehicles. In addition to the DRIVe trio of ultra-efficient diesel-powered models, Volvo is working on an all-new micro-hybrid model. Set to join the lineup in 2011, the vehicle will be available with a choice between gasoline or diesel power, and a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel-saving technology will include a start-stop system plus brake-energy regeneration to cut consumption by nearly 5 percent. We'll see a full hybrid (with the ability to run on electric power only) in 2012 with the D5 diesel engine (Volvo's similar battery and flexfuel ReCharge Concept is above). A plug-in electric is also expected to follow down the road.

[Source: Channel4]

Diesel decks up the Fiat 500

Fashion house Diesel decided it was time to deck up the Fiat 500 in its own style, and came up with a limited edition run of 10,000 cars. The Fiat 500byDiesel has some minor tweaks from the fashion brand. The car will be available in metallic green, black or brown, with 16” alloys, yellow brake calipers, new door mirror casing and side trim and denim upholstery for the interior. For good measure, they have also thrown in a hands-free phone kit, and of course, the diesel logo.


The car will not be available at dealerships, but will be sold online. All engine variants of the car have been included in the new run, with prices starting at USD 16,554.

Via: Channel4/ IndiaAutomotive

Diesel decks up the Fiat 500

Fashion house Diesel decided it was time to deck up the Fiat 500 in its own style, and came up with a limited edition run of 10,000 cars. The Fiat 500byDiesel has some minor tweaks from the fashion brand. The car will be available in metallic green, black or brown, with 16” alloys, yellow brake calipers, new door mirror casing and side trim and denim upholstery for the interior. For good measure, they have also thrown in a hands-free phone kit, and of course, the diesel logo.


The car will not be available at dealerships, but will be sold online. All engine variants of the car have been included in the new run, with prices starting at USD 16,554.

Via: Channel4/ IndiaAutomotive

2009 BMW 7 Series adds diesel

BMW today announced it would add a third model to the 2009 7 Series line-up, the diesel powered 730d, which will go on sale mid-way through the year.

The 730d will use BMW’s new turbocharged, straight six-cylinder engine, which produces 180kW of power and 540Nm of torque.

The new BMW 730d will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 245km/h.

Despite the impressive acceleration, the BMW 730d returns the lowest fuel consumption yet in a BMW luxury class vehicle of this type, using just 7.2 litres of diesel for each 100km.

Unfortunately that figure means that it misses out by just 0.2L/100km on a $5400 price saving under the Australian Government’s new Luxury Car Tax regime, which rewards cars that return a fuel consumption of less than 7.0L/100km.


We have to agree with BMW that this level of consumption would be considered impressive even in a small vehicle, let alone a five-metre long luxury car.

In addition the BMW 730d complies with the most stringent Euro5 European emissions legislation thus far proposed.

While pricing will be announced closer to the release of the 730d in June/July next year CarAdvice expects the frugal limo could be a price leader for the 7 Series with a tag f around $200,000.

The 730d will join a range of new 7 Series BMWs, the first the get a new model designation as BMW has exhausted its ‘E’ nomenclature and future models will move to ‘F’ with the 7 Series become the F01.


Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group Australia. Said;” The new generation 7 Series embodies all our latest innovation, and even with its petrol engines reduces as far as possible fuel use. But the 730d takes fuel economy into a new league, with almost 30 percent less fuel required to cover 100 km compared with the 740i.”

At the beginning of 2009 BMW will launch four petrol models, two with 3.0-litre Twin Turbo, straight-six cylinder engines, the 240kW 740i, and long-wheelbase 740Li, and two models powered by the all new Twin Turbo 300kW V8 engine, in the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li.

These will be the first time BMW has offered a six-cylinder 7 Series in Australia since the demise of the E32 730i and 735i in 1992. The new, advanced high precision direct injection six combines frugal consumption and exhilarating performance in an engine that will charm and excite its drivers.

BMW claims the 740i and 740Li are the fastest accelerating, most frugal and most powerful cars in their class.

The new Twin Turbo V8 is the first such engine ever from BMW and features a host of innovations, such as direct petrol injection and the installation of the turbochargers in the V- section of the engine between the two rows of cylinders.

Performance from the 4.4-litre 750i and 750Li closely shadows that of the previous generation V12 6.0-litre engine of the flagship 760Li.


The F01 model 7 Series will offer unique features include Brake Energy Regeneration, Integral Active Steering, which can steer the rear wheels as well as the front, enhanced Night Vision with its new human recognition and warning system, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Head-Up Display, Runflat Safety Tyres, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function,Variable Light Distribution and adaptive headlight range control.

Increased safety and manoeuvrability also comes courtesy of System Side View with its front bumper mounted cameras. There’s even an on board integrated owners manual, specific to each individual vehicle, that explains all of the features via the new iDrive system display, with its large high-resolution full colour screen and the new iDrive Controller.


“The new BMW 7 Series will quickly be viewed as the premium car in the segment, not just for its appealing styling or its high performance engines or its unmatched range of standard and customer selectable equipment, but because as a complete package, it is unbeatable,” said Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

BMW 7 Series pricing
BMW 740i $203,000
BMW 740Li $218,000
BMW 750i $274,000
BMW 750Li $291,000

2009 BMW 7 Series adds diesel

BMW today announced it would add a third model to the 2009 7 Series line-up, the diesel powered 730d, which will go on sale mid-way through the year.

The 730d will use BMW’s new turbocharged, straight six-cylinder engine, which produces 180kW of power and 540Nm of torque.

The new BMW 730d will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 245km/h.

Despite the impressive acceleration, the BMW 730d returns the lowest fuel consumption yet in a BMW luxury class vehicle of this type, using just 7.2 litres of diesel for each 100km.

Unfortunately that figure means that it misses out by just 0.2L/100km on a $5400 price saving under the Australian Government’s new Luxury Car Tax regime, which rewards cars that return a fuel consumption of less than 7.0L/100km.


We have to agree with BMW that this level of consumption would be considered impressive even in a small vehicle, let alone a five-metre long luxury car.

In addition the BMW 730d complies with the most stringent Euro5 European emissions legislation thus far proposed.

While pricing will be announced closer to the release of the 730d in June/July next year CarAdvice expects the frugal limo could be a price leader for the 7 Series with a tag f around $200,000.

The 730d will join a range of new 7 Series BMWs, the first the get a new model designation as BMW has exhausted its ‘E’ nomenclature and future models will move to ‘F’ with the 7 Series become the F01.


Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group Australia. Said;” The new generation 7 Series embodies all our latest innovation, and even with its petrol engines reduces as far as possible fuel use. But the 730d takes fuel economy into a new league, with almost 30 percent less fuel required to cover 100 km compared with the 740i.”

At the beginning of 2009 BMW will launch four petrol models, two with 3.0-litre Twin Turbo, straight-six cylinder engines, the 240kW 740i, and long-wheelbase 740Li, and two models powered by the all new Twin Turbo 300kW V8 engine, in the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li.

These will be the first time BMW has offered a six-cylinder 7 Series in Australia since the demise of the E32 730i and 735i in 1992. The new, advanced high precision direct injection six combines frugal consumption and exhilarating performance in an engine that will charm and excite its drivers.

BMW claims the 740i and 740Li are the fastest accelerating, most frugal and most powerful cars in their class.

The new Twin Turbo V8 is the first such engine ever from BMW and features a host of innovations, such as direct petrol injection and the installation of the turbochargers in the V- section of the engine between the two rows of cylinders.

Performance from the 4.4-litre 750i and 750Li closely shadows that of the previous generation V12 6.0-litre engine of the flagship 760Li.


The F01 model 7 Series will offer unique features include Brake Energy Regeneration, Integral Active Steering, which can steer the rear wheels as well as the front, enhanced Night Vision with its new human recognition and warning system, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Head-Up Display, Runflat Safety Tyres, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function,Variable Light Distribution and adaptive headlight range control.

Increased safety and manoeuvrability also comes courtesy of System Side View with its front bumper mounted cameras. There’s even an on board integrated owners manual, specific to each individual vehicle, that explains all of the features via the new iDrive system display, with its large high-resolution full colour screen and the new iDrive Controller.


“The new BMW 7 Series will quickly be viewed as the premium car in the segment, not just for its appealing styling or its high performance engines or its unmatched range of standard and customer selectable equipment, but because as a complete package, it is unbeatable,” said Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

BMW 7 Series pricing
BMW 740i $203,000
BMW 740Li $218,000
BMW 750i $274,000
BMW 750Li $291,000

BMW twin-turbo diesel power starts under $50,000

The first breed of BMW's advanced diesel vehicles with Blue Performance are going on sale in the near future- with pricing starting under $50,000.

Running clean and green on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the automaker's proven twin-turbodiesel inline six cylinder engine will make its way under the hood of the newly updated 3-Series sedan and X5 'Sports Activity Vehicle'.

The resulting models are called the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, respectively. Both are motivated by the same three-liter engine that generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb.-ft of torque.

A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust management system and diesel particulate filter are also included, allowing the models to meet the strictest emissions requirements.

Performance is comparable to the gas-powered variant of either model, though fuel consumption is reduced by an average of 25 to 30 percent. A twin-turbo setup virtually eliminates turbo-lag, and a six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard on each machine.

"In recent years, BMW has worked more thoroughly and consistently than any other manufacturer worldwide to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions", said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada.

"The performance and fuel economy offered by new BMW Advanced Diesels with BluePerformance is a further example of the ongoing application of BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy and we are delighted that it will shortly be available to the Canadian consumer."

The 335d opens the bidding at $49,700, while the X5 xDrive35d starts at $62,200.

Expect the models to be in showrooms sometime next month.

Photos: BMW

BMW twin-turbo diesel power starts under $50,000

The first breed of BMW's advanced diesel vehicles with Blue Performance are going on sale in the near future- with pricing starting under $50,000.

Running clean and green on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the automaker's proven twin-turbodiesel inline six cylinder engine will make its way under the hood of the newly updated 3-Series sedan and X5 'Sports Activity Vehicle'.

The resulting models are called the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, respectively. Both are motivated by the same three-liter engine that generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb.-ft of torque.

A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust management system and diesel particulate filter are also included, allowing the models to meet the strictest emissions requirements.

Performance is comparable to the gas-powered variant of either model, though fuel consumption is reduced by an average of 25 to 30 percent. A twin-turbo setup virtually eliminates turbo-lag, and a six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard on each machine.

"In recent years, BMW has worked more thoroughly and consistently than any other manufacturer worldwide to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions", said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada.

"The performance and fuel economy offered by new BMW Advanced Diesels with BluePerformance is a further example of the ongoing application of BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy and we are delighted that it will shortly be available to the Canadian consumer."

The 335d opens the bidding at $49,700, while the X5 xDrive35d starts at $62,200.

Expect the models to be in showrooms sometime next month.

Photos: BMW

Ford Focus ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi Duratorq Diesel Review

If you're looking for a trusted and familiar green car that won't involve altering your driving style or habits, this small family diesel has your name stamped all over it. Ford has taken the UK's best-selling car, tweaked it to the max for efficiency and put it into production at an affordable price. The result is the ECOnetic.

The ECOnetic is aimed firmly at anyone interested in ecological and economic matters, clocking in with a best-in-class carbon rating of 115g of CO2 per kilometre. According to government rankings, that's as good as small family diesels get. The only small family cars that beat it are two petrol hybrids, Toyota Prius and Honda's Civic Hybrid.

There's ample space in the back and boot. The boot easily took a large folded pram, for example

We certainly found the car to be miserly with fuel. For a long time, the fuel gauge needle appeared glued to full, and while we didn't manage the theoretical maximum 65.6mpg we did manage to get 55.6. That's better than the real world mpg figure of 52 that What Car? magazine found for the Prius. The economy and big fuel tank also means you can go a long way without visiting a petrol station. We got all the way from London to Cornwall and half-way back before needing a top-up.

The ECOnetic, it's clear, is greener than some of the greenest cars you can buy. It is worth pointing out, however, that its diesel engine will be creating more local air pollution (nitrous oxides and particulates) than a petrol hybrid. Whether that bothers you depends on your priorities on climate change and local air quality.

For the record, Ford says it achieved the ECOnetic's efficiency three ways. They all involve reducing friction -- it's 10mm lower at the front than a normal Focus, uses a low-viscosity BP engine oil and has lower-friction tyres.

You don't notice any of this in the driving experience, however. This thing drives and handles like a normal Focus, which is A Good Thing. Acceleration's nippy enough on the flat, steering is smooth and responsive at all the right times and the car's happiest on the motorway. Unlike VW's super-efficient Bluemotion Polo diesel, the gearing isn't unusual here, so there's no learning curve.

The only whinge we do have is the ECOnetic's performance on hills. We frequently found ourselves in a lower gear than we'd usually employ on gentle gradients. It's worth noting the engine, like most diesels, is also noisy -- even inside the cabin.

For the money, you get a plush and solidly built interior

And what about that cabin? For the money, it's a plush and solidly built interior, mixing standard mod cons with practicality. You get Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice control (which is actually a bit rubbish) and a parking distance sensor at the rear. On the practical side, there's a handy total of three cig charging sockets around the carry box behind the gear stick and ample space in the back and boot. The boot easily took a large folded pram, for example.

Looking at Ford's green and ethical track record overall, the company stands up quite well. The car-maker publishes a report that's comprehensive and impressive in the data it publishes, even by automotive standards. Ford has no investments in unethical businesses that we're aware of.
This is a very good car which, unlike Ford's previous explicitly green efforts -- Flexible Fuel Vehicle, we're looking at you -- has genuine mass appeal. And at £16,050, it's a few grand cheaper than the Civic Hybrid and the Prius. Even with diesel's price closing on petrol's, the ECOnetic is high on value for money as well as low on carbon.

Contact: Ford
Telephone: +44 (0)127 725 2183

Ford Focus ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi Duratorq Diesel Review

If you're looking for a trusted and familiar green car that won't involve altering your driving style or habits, this small family diesel has your name stamped all over it. Ford has taken the UK's best-selling car, tweaked it to the max for efficiency and put it into production at an affordable price. The result is the ECOnetic.

The ECOnetic is aimed firmly at anyone interested in ecological and economic matters, clocking in with a best-in-class carbon rating of 115g of CO2 per kilometre. According to government rankings, that's as good as small family diesels get. The only small family cars that beat it are two petrol hybrids, Toyota Prius and Honda's Civic Hybrid.

There's ample space in the back and boot. The boot easily took a large folded pram, for example

We certainly found the car to be miserly with fuel. For a long time, the fuel gauge needle appeared glued to full, and while we didn't manage the theoretical maximum 65.6mpg we did manage to get 55.6. That's better than the real world mpg figure of 52 that What Car? magazine found for the Prius. The economy and big fuel tank also means you can go a long way without visiting a petrol station. We got all the way from London to Cornwall and half-way back before needing a top-up.

The ECOnetic, it's clear, is greener than some of the greenest cars you can buy. It is worth pointing out, however, that its diesel engine will be creating more local air pollution (nitrous oxides and particulates) than a petrol hybrid. Whether that bothers you depends on your priorities on climate change and local air quality.

For the record, Ford says it achieved the ECOnetic's efficiency three ways. They all involve reducing friction -- it's 10mm lower at the front than a normal Focus, uses a low-viscosity BP engine oil and has lower-friction tyres.

You don't notice any of this in the driving experience, however. This thing drives and handles like a normal Focus, which is A Good Thing. Acceleration's nippy enough on the flat, steering is smooth and responsive at all the right times and the car's happiest on the motorway. Unlike VW's super-efficient Bluemotion Polo diesel, the gearing isn't unusual here, so there's no learning curve.

The only whinge we do have is the ECOnetic's performance on hills. We frequently found ourselves in a lower gear than we'd usually employ on gentle gradients. It's worth noting the engine, like most diesels, is also noisy -- even inside the cabin.

For the money, you get a plush and solidly built interior

And what about that cabin? For the money, it's a plush and solidly built interior, mixing standard mod cons with practicality. You get Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice control (which is actually a bit rubbish) and a parking distance sensor at the rear. On the practical side, there's a handy total of three cig charging sockets around the carry box behind the gear stick and ample space in the back and boot. The boot easily took a large folded pram, for example.

Looking at Ford's green and ethical track record overall, the company stands up quite well. The car-maker publishes a report that's comprehensive and impressive in the data it publishes, even by automotive standards. Ford has no investments in unethical businesses that we're aware of.
This is a very good car which, unlike Ford's previous explicitly green efforts -- Flexible Fuel Vehicle, we're looking at you -- has genuine mass appeal. And at £16,050, it's a few grand cheaper than the Civic Hybrid and the Prius. Even with diesel's price closing on petrol's, the ECOnetic is high on value for money as well as low on carbon.

Contact: Ford
Telephone: +44 (0)127 725 2183