All New KIA Optima

All-new Optima, the ambitious model by Kia, is finally over! In addition to its charismatic and sleek allure, Optima boasts quality performance and diverse high-technology features. Let’s find out more about the Theta II 2.4 GDi gasoline engine that forms the powerful core of the vehicle.

The Theta II 2.4 GDi engine was developed to answer the universal demand for cars with enhanced fuel efficiency in light of high oil prices and, at the same time, provide a high performance engine that offers a ‘fun to drive’ experience. The engine was designed to secure a stronger position in the mid-sized sedan market.

The engine boasts driving performance with a maximum horsepower of 201 and maximum torque of 25.5kg•m.

The gasoline direct injection (GDI) combustion system directly sprays fuel into the combustion chamber at a high 150 bar injection pressure. The injector and fuel pump are designed as a high pressure structure to directly inject gasoline into the cylinder and achieve greater precision. Additionally, it is able to enhance performance and fuel economy by improving the intake efficiency, reducing knocking, and increasing the compression ratio. In particular, the use of a split-injection method allows the catalyst to reach operating temperature (LOT) faster.

The GDI combustion system also offers environment-friendlier benefits: fuel efficiency is enhanced by 2-3% and engine performance by more than 10%, while the time required for the catalyst to reach operating temperature is reduced by 50-60%.

The Theta II 2.4 GDI engine was developed through the optimal GDI method to deliver improved fuel economy and performance along with reduced emissions. It is a high performance, low polluting and fuel efficient engine.

Furthermore, the application of a variable intake & exhaust valve system and a variable intake system (VIS) maximizes intake efficiency and improves driving performance and fuel economy. The variable intake & exhaust valve system adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves depending on the engine RPM. VIS adjusts the intake manifold and increases output based on the engine RPM and load.

The high pressure fuel system features an integrated injector driver called Powertrain Control Unit (PCU). It was developed to assess and control the right amount of fuel injection by integrating ECU functions.

Other additions include the roller-type timing chain and piston cooling jet that cools the piston by spraying engine oil for greater wear resistance; the application of low-friction coating technology to the valve tappet, piston ring and skirt to improve fuel economy; the use of plastic material for key parts like the head cover and intake manifold for increased recyclability and reduced weight.

In particular, the piston cooling jet is attached to the main oil gallery on the cylinder block to spray engine oil. This cools the overheated piston during the high temperature/ high RPM operations to reduce knocking. Furthermore, it quickly raises the temperature of the engine oil during cold starts to minimize friction loss and improve fuel efficiency.

Volkswagen’s Diesel-Hybrid L1-The World’s Most Fuel Efficient Car

It turns out they could, but they didn’t stop there. Instead, VW blew by that goal to create a car that uses only 1 liter of fuel for every 100 km. That’s 285 MPG.

To accomplish such a feat, VW’s engineers had to go back to the drawing board and start from scratch. They knew that fuel efficiency depends on aerodynamics and weight, so they created a bullet-shaped, ultra-lightweight (640 lbs) carbon-fiber car powered by a new, completely redesigned diesel engine. To save more weight, they didn’t even paint it:

Proper aerodynamics were key to the low fuel consumption. VW engineers knew they needed a small frontal area. This led to its unusually narrow, bullet-shaped body where the passenger sits behind the driver. As well, the car features an aircraft-like canopy, enclosed rear wheels, special flat carbon-fibre front wheel covers, and an aerodynamic under pan. Even the side cooling air inlets only open when the engine needs cooling, and otherwise stay closed. . .the 1-Litre-Car has an amazingly low coefficient of drag of 0.16 (a typical car has a drag coefficient of approximately 0.30 ).

Ford Escape Hybrid 2010

Ford Escape Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid ranks 7 out of 24 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 21 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Escape Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

With a maximum 32 mpg combined fuel economy, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. Most people expect that hybrid fuel economy comes at the expense of an enjoyable driving experience, but the Escape Hybrid's driving dynamics are just as good as a traditional vehicle's. In fact, most reviewers agree that the Escape Hybrid's only major flaw is its steep sticker price.

Named most environmentally friendly Truck of the Year at the inaugural 2009 Earth, Wind & Power Awards, the Escape Hybrid is ideal for families who want to minimize their carbon footprint. But being environmentally conscious comes at a higher price. At nearly $30,000, the base Escape Hybrid commands a $9,000 premium over its gasoline-powered Escape counterpart.

This makes it one of the most expensive compact SUVs, although its price is a bit cheaper than many hybrids, including the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Regardless, it will probably take families many years to make up that $9,000 in gas savings, so if being environmentally friendly isn't a top priority, you might want to look elsewhere.

Other SUVs to Consider

If most of your driving is on highways, the GMC Terrain is a fuel-efficient and more affordable alternative. It gets 1 mile per gallon more than the Escape Hybrid on the highway and costs about $5,000 less. It also offers a more versatile sliding rear seat. However, its 22 mpg city fuel economy rating doesn’t come close to matching the Escape Hybrid’s 34 mpg.

The redesigned Hyundai Tucson is also a fuel-efficient hybrid alternative. The 2010 model is projected to achieve a maximum rating of 23/31 city highway, which means it gets the same highway fuel economy as the Escape Hybrid, though it still falls short in city fuel economy. However, the Tucson’s big draw is its affordable price. It starts at almost $11,000 less than the hybrid.

Details: Ford Escape Hybrid

New features for 2010 set the gas-only Escape (reviewed separately) and Escape Hybrid apart from competitors. These include MyKey, a standard system that allows owners to limit a vehicle's top speed and audio volume -- a big plus for parents. In addition, Limited models get a standard rearview camera system and optional Active Park Assist, which actually maneuvers the car into parallel parking spots. Perhaps the most appreciated change is an electric air conditioning unit, which means drivers can now use the A/C without having to turn on the gasoline engine.

Range Rover 2011 Review

2011 Range Rover comes with a new V8 diesel engine fitted with 8-speed transmission. The big SUV also has two significant Terrain Response® upgrades and slight external styling enhancements. The vehicle will go on sale in late September this year.

Phil Popham, Land Rover managing director comments: “The 2011 Range Rover retains its position as one of the world’s most complete luxury vehicles. Its combination of reduced CO2 emissions and superior engine performance continue to make it a clear industry benchmark. And with the introduction of our all-new ’super diesel’, we see the Range Rover delivering over 30mpg for the first time,”

The mighty LR-TDV8 4.4 litre diesel engine features parallel sequential turbocharging and brings unrivalled power and massive torque. The 4.4 litre engine replaces the old one – 3.6 litre, besides the new power unit is larger, it is also more cleaner and delivering even lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The combined cycle fuel consumption of the new LR-TDV8 4.4-litre is 30.1mpg, which is outstanding result for a machine weighing over two tons.

The 4.4 litre LR-TDV8 develops 313PS and 700Nm of torque. It is combined with electronically controlled, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic gearbox. The performance is more than satisfying – 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, 50-70mph in just 4.0 seconds and top speed of 130mph.

FUN CUP MIDDLE EAST Pulls Up AT DUBAI AUTODROME

Following the successful launch of the Fun Cup Middle East at Spa, Belgium in July, the inaugural promotional Fun Cup Middle East Race Weekend will be held at the Dubai Autodrome on the 27th, 28th and 29th of January 2011.

The first 3 Fun Cup Middle East cars left the factory in Belgium at the end of August and are now on hand at the Dubai Autodrome for Track Days (details on website). All 3 cars will be at the circuit including a twin-seater car for drives with a Fun Cup Instructor.

The ever popular FunCup is an endurance motorsports race and the series was launched in the Europe in 1997, as a step forward in motorsport with the clearly defined objective of providing cost effective, close, exciting and above all, good fun racing for all teams competing.

The concept was originally conceived in Belgium based on the success of endurance karting. As well as series in the UK and Belgium, it now runs in France, Italy, Germany and Spain with the USA next in line. From small beginnings, it has taken off to massive success with more than 160 cars on the grid for the Spa 25 hour race and regular grids, topping 50 cars in Europe.

The cars are race designed, single-seaters, with super-strong space frame chassis. Most Fun Cup cars are powered by an 1800cc, 130 bhp VW/Audi petrol engine, with a 5 speed gearbox, race brakes and fully adjustable suspension. However, a new and exciting development to the Fun Cup in 2009 was the introduction of the 1900cc TDI, 160 bhp VW diesel engines.

Tony Burton, Race Director, Burton Motorsports the exclusive rights holder for Fun Cup Middle East comments, “We saw a gap in the market and motorsports community for an endurance motorsport series that allowed novice drivers to acquire the basic skills through a race license and a certain level of track time that then enabled them to really test and enjoy their driving skills on a serious circuit within a real racing environment”. Burton further added, “With the European race season running from April to October it is our aim to see this series find a continued season in the Middle East from October to April. We believe that such a series would enhance regional motorsports by making it more accessible and popular across a wider audience, as well as offering a significant entertainment value to the regional circuits”.

With European crowds reaching up to 30,000 strong, Fun Cup brings the thrill of driving and racing to participants and spectators alike. The level and extent of viewership and coverage currently occupied by Fun Cup will naturally lend itself to inbound tourism, as well as to the promotional export of the UAE and its neighbours.Fun Cup Middle East aims to be incorporated into the official regional motorsports race season by September 2011.