Vehicles: Page
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Camaro Convertible Boasts Coupe-Like Ride
A major priority was eliminating cowl shake, the program’s chief engineer says, a task made easier because the Camaro was developed with a convertible in mind.
By Byron Pope • Feb. 9, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Outlander Sport Falls Short
We really want to like the new-for-'11 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport cross/utility vehicle, which after all comes from the same folks who make the raucously fun Lancer Evolution. Known elsewhere as the RVR and shorter than the 7-passenger Outlander, the 5-passenger Outlander Sport boasts fuel-saving technologies, roominess, crisp handling and some cool design cues. But little CUVs are becoming as common
By James M. Amend • Feb. 1, 2011 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America
TrendlineTop 5 stories from WardsAuto
Automakers are evaluating their long-term strategies, revisiting their product mix, and approach to both retail and manufacturing approach along the way.
By WardsAuto staff -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Modern Mechanics
Dealerships gear up to service alternative-fuel vehicles.
By Steve Finlay • Feb. 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Algae Biofuel Pilot Plant Opens in Western Oz
The purpose of the A$3.3 million project is to lower the costs associated with biofuels-to-algae production and demonstrate its commercial feasibility under realistic conditions.
By Alan Harman • Jan. 19, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Falls Short of Segment Benchmark
Our biggest beef lies with the CUV’s sole engine choice, a wimpy and uncivilized 2.0L 4-cyl. that leaves the auto maker looking miserly.
By James M. Amend • Jan. 12, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
10 Best Engines Quick Hits
Audi AG 2.0L TFSI I-4 turbo 211 hp (A4 Avant) + Benchmark NVH - Output starting to lag = Time for upgrades 3.0L TFSI supercharged V-6 333 hp (S4) + Stunning power, efficiency - Needs macho exhaust note = Nirvana in a smaller package BMW AG 1.6L I-4 turbo 181 hp (Mini Cooper S) + Valvetronic intake; 113 hp/L - Torque steer severe = Prince Charming 3.0L I-6 turbodiesel 265 hp (335d) + 36-mpg highway
Jan. 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
This Year’s 10 Best Pack Big Punch
It wasn't all that long ago any engineering effort made to wring 100 hp/L out of a mass-market automobile engine might have been considered tilting at windmills. Now it's practically the price of admission. An analysis of the power outputs of the 38 engines and vehicles that made the list of nominees for this year's round of Ward's 10 Best Engines testing indicates horsepower and torque are on the
By David E. Zoia • Jan. 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Developer Advances 2-Stroke Concept
Just when it looked like tightening emissions regulations finally would kill the notion of an automotive 2-stroke engine, the concept rises from the dead like the villain in a Hollywood sequel. This time, Achates Power Inc. has joined upstart EcoMotors International Inc. in reviving talk of the 2-stroke. Achates (pronounced a-KAY-tees), which like EcoMotors is experimenting with an opposed-piston
By David E. Zoia • Jan. 1, 2011 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ward’s 10 Best Engines Include ‘Propulsion Systems’
Last year, we floated the idea of changing the name to Ward’s 10 Best Powertrains. But we’ve reconsidered, realizing the equity built into the 10 Best Engines nameplate is too valuable.
By Tom Murphy • Dec. 16, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
This Year’s 10 Best Pack Big Punch
Of the nine winners on the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list that carry an internal-combustion engine onboard, five boast 100 hp/L ratings or better.
By David E. Zoia • Dec. 16, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Manual Isn’t Just in Glovebox
Of 38 vehicles evaluated this year for Ward’s 10 Best Engines, 14 featured 3-pedal manual transmissions, nearly all of them with six speeds. That’s an astounding 37%.
By Tom Murphy • Dec. 16, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ward’s 10 Best Engines Quick Hits
A concise pro-and-con review of every engine evaluated as part of the 2011 competition.
By Ward's Staff • Dec. 16, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mia 3-Seater to Join French EV-Sharing Program
The city of La Rochelle next year will renew its “Yelomobile” car-sharing fleet with at least 20 Citroen C-Zeros and 20 Mias, heralding the arrival of a new brand of electric cars in a small but high-profile way.
By William Diem • Dec. 15, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
JCI Countering OEM Trend to Vertical Integration With Strategic Acquisitions
Johnson Controls recently purchased Michel Thierry to weave its own cloth and plans to take over C. Rob. Hammerstein for its high-end seat technology.
By William Diem • Dec. 10, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Developer Looks to Take Next Step With 2-Stroke Engine Concept
Achates Power says sophisticated modeling tools allowing researchers to perfect the combustion process and eliminate emissions concerns are giving the 2-stroke new life.
By David E. Zoia and Tom Murphy • Dec. 7, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ward’s Names 10 Best Engines Winners
This year’s list represents the biggest turnover in the competition’s history, with four completely new engines, two EV propulsion systems, two heavily modified engines and only two carryover powerplants.
By Tom Murphy • Dec. 7, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
SPE Honors Plastics Innovation
The auto industry has responded to cost pressures and fuel-economy challenges with a flurry of creative ideas. The Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers recently honored the best of the best in the plastics field with its annual innovation awards: Powertrain: Diesel Exhaust Fluid System Both the category and Grand Award winner, the diesel exhaust fluid system on the '11 Ford Motor
By Drew Winter • Dec. 1, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Lutz Plugs Lotus Product Strategy
The Eterne, with four doors and a back seat comfortable enough for Bob Lutz, represents a radical departure for Group Lotus. It’s one of five new vehicles expected by 2015.
By Tom Murphy • Nov. 19, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Japan’s Li-Ion Capacity Good for 300,000 EVs, Hybrids
The NEC/Nissan JV currently has the highest stated capacity for vehicle battery cells at 12.5 million per year.
By Roger Schreffler • Nov. 17, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
China Pushes Ambitious Plan to Become World EV-Technology Leader
Reaching its target calls for the central government to spend RMB100 billion over the next 10 years to support everything from building infrastructure to developing what officials term as new-energy vehicles.
By Mack Chrysler • Nov. 10, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Engineering Specialist Mahindra Satyam Back From the Brink
Problems caused by a financial scandal that froze business and saw workers defect in droves have been put to rest, a top official says, and the company now is setting its sights on expanding its engineering capability.
By David E. Zoia • Nov. 8, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Volvo Begins Work on Range-Extending Fuel Cell for EVs
In the project’s first phase, the auto maker is studying a range extender, which consists of a fuel cell coupled with a reformer. Volvo expects an EV’s operating range to be increased up to 156 miles.
By Alan Harman • Nov. 5, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Sorry, But 80 Photos Too Many for Online Vehicle Listing
Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.Has a friend or family member ever cajoled you to view seemingly endless snapshots of their summer vacation? Boredom starts to creep in at a...
By Steve Finlay 2 • Nov. 4, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Auto Makers Use Dedicated Websites, Social Media to Educate Public on EV Technology
Ford joined the industry’s education initiative with a recently launched online site that features video, text and diagrams to help consumers understand electrified-vehicle technologies.
By Byron Pope • Nov. 4, 2010 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Infiniti Looks to 3.0L Diesel to Boost European Sales
The M sedan is positioned as a competitor to the BMW 5-Series but at a lower cost. Gasoline versions already are on sale in the U.S. and other markets.
By William Diem • Nov. 3, 2010
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