Sebastian Blanco
Filed under: Diesel, Mercedes Benz

Just over nine thousand Mercedes-Benz diesels from the 2007 model year have a potentially faulty crankshaft sensor. Mercedes-Benz USA therefore issued a recall of 9,004 vehicles last including E320s, GL320s, R320s and ML320s. Should the sensor fail as the cars are moving, “the vehicle may lose power rather than enter a limp-home mode. in addition, the vehicle cannot be restarted after failure of the electrical connection in the sensor, increasing the risk of a crash,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall states (read it after the jump).

[Source: Ryan Beene / Automotive News (subs req’d), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MERCEDES BENZ / E211 2007
MERCEDES BENZ / GLX164 2007
MERCEDES BENZ / M164 2007
MERCEDES BENZ / R251 2007

Manufacturer : MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V006000 Mfr’s Report Date : DEC 19, 2007

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 9004

Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES, THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR COULD FAIL DUE TO SEPARATION OF BOND WIRES FROM THE LEAD FRAME IN THE SENSOR. THIS RESULTS IN AN INTERRUPTION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE CHIP HOUSING OF THE SENSOR.

Consequence:
WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER RATHER THAN ENTER A LIMP-HOME MODE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED AFTER FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Source: 9,000 new Mercedes diesels recalled

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Terry

BY MIKE BUMBECK

Attempting to move quickly away from the country karaoke guy sitting and singing to electronic accompaniment from PA mounted to the lift gate of his pickup found us in short proximity of the none other than the Bourget’s Bike Works Quadracycle. Passerby reaction seemed to be split between man that’s over the top, and boy that makes more sense than a V8 motorcycle. All agreed to wanting to put that hammer down twist the throttle and give it hell.
Could this Quadracycle be in a class with small cars.  It’s an interesting look.  To fancy for this country girl to go 4 wheelin on.  Can’t imagine it takin to the mud boggs.

Source: SEMA 2007: Quadracycle!

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Here we go again; the list with Chinese knockoffs has been enhanced with the addition of a MINI clone made by a carmaker called Lifan. The Lifan 3-Series (how ironic…) was introduced to the Chinese media today, and according to the translation we made from the clonemaker’s official site, the MINI(cat) will go on sale in China during the first half of the year.

Amusingly, Lifan decided to create a 5-door version of BMW Group’s MINI. Even though the Lifan 320 is somewhat disproportioned compared to the original MINI, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the resemblances between the two cars. Check out other Chinese clones here: Cadillac, Smart, Fiat Panda, Scion & Toyota RAV-4 -More pictures of the Chinese MINI after the jump

Official Statement (translated from Chinese)

Tencent vehicle - Recently, the Lifan 320 Weijiao finally lifted the veil of mystery. We have seen through the picture, Lifan The compact cars and MINI very similar, will produce cars there will not be much change. No accident, the first half of this year, this compact cars will be met with consumers. Reportedly, which amounted to 2.6 m wheelbase cars.

Via: Le Blog Auto , Images via: Lefan

Source: Lifan 3-Series: Chinese Create 5door MINI Cooper Clone!

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Subaru’s first in-house developed diesel engine and simultaneously, the world’s first boxer diesel unit has arrived on European shores where it will be available on the Legacy Sports Tourer and the Legacy Outback models. The Japanese manufacturer’s Boxer Diesel engine will initially only be fitted to European-market cars, with the new 2009 Forester receiving the engine in September and new Impreza three months later.

The horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ turbocharged diesel engine delivers an output of 150 PS at 3,600 rpm along with 258 lb ft torque at just 1,800 rpm. Top speed for the Legacy 2.0TD R Sports Tourer is 126 mph (202 km/h) with a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 8.5 seconds, while the Outback R is slightly slower at 124 mph (199 km/h) and 8.8 seconds respectively. According to Subaru, the Legacy Sports Tourer 2.0TD R returns 41.2 MPG (US) or 5.7 lt/100 km on the Combined Cycle while the Outback R, 40.6 MPG (US) or 5.8 lt/100 km. -Details and pics after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

‘IT’S HERE’ – WORLD’S FIRST BOXER DIESEL PASSENGER CAR – LEGACY SPORTS TOURER AND OUTBACK

• Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback – world’s first Boxer Diesel passenger car
• Exceptional smoothness, refinement, lightness, rigidity and throttle response
• Low centre-of-gravity coupled with all-wheel drive provides superb handling and stability
• Two-litre horizontally-opposed engine develops 150 PS and 258 lb ft torque
• Class-leading fuel economy and low emissions
• Almost 50 mpg Combined for Sports Tourer with 151 g/km CO₂
• 126 mph top speed and 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds for Sports Tourer
• Moving sound levels of 70.5 dB (A) lower than Rolls-Royce Phantom’s 72.0 dB (A)
• Outstanding standard equipment includes HID headlamps with pop-out washers, electrically-folding door mirrors, front projector foglamps, CD player with MP3 facility, dual-zone climate control with rear outlets and cruise control
• Standard active front head-restraints, dual-stage front airbags, head and chest-protecting side airbags, curtain airbags and ABS with EBD
• Range starts at £19,995 OTR for Legacy 2.0TD Sports Tourer
• On sale Feb ’08

It’s here. The world’s first boxer diesel engined-passenger car has arrived, offering outstanding refinement, throttle response and fuel economy coupled with ultra-low emissions and exceptional handling thanks to the light weight and low centre-of-gravity of its horizontally-opposed powerplant.

On sale from February 2008, the Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback crossover mid-sized estates are priced from just £19,995 on-the-road for the Legacy 2.0TD R model. Saloon versions may follow once supplies become more plentiful.

This is Subaru’s first diesel engine – developed in-house using over 40 years’ expertise in ‘boxer’ engine technology coupled with turbocharging know-how gleaned from the fierce World Rally Championship arena.

The Japanese manufacturer’s Boxer Diesel engine will initially only be fitted to European-market cars, with the yet-to-be introduced new Forester receiving the engine in September and new Impreza three months later.

Commenting on the models, Subaru (UK) Limited’s Managing Director, Lawrence Good, said: “The significance of this outstanding new Boxer Diesel engine to both sales opportunities and our dealer network cannot be underestimated.

“With a UK diesel market share now running at 40 per cent this is the answer to many loyal and potential customers’ future motoring needs.”

The launch of the Boxer Diesel Legacy and Outback will be backed by a high-profile TV and print advertising campaign with the strap-line: “It’s Here”.

Class-Leading Figures

The 150 PS Boxer Diesel Legacy and Outback not only have the best fuel efficiency in the 4WD passenger car class but beat all main 2.0 litre two-wheel drive rivals including the new Ford Mondeo TD and VW Passat – both in lower-powered 140 PS formats.

The Legacy Sports Tourer 2.0TD R, for example, returns 49.6 mpg on the Combined Cycle with 151 g/km of CO₂.

Its 2WD Ford Mondeo estate equivalent returns 47.9 mpg with 156 g/km, while the VW Passat 2.0 TDI estate gives 47.1 mpg and 158 g/km.

Comparing the new Legacy Sports Tourer with the 4WD version of the Passat – called the 2.0 TDI 4Motion – shows the Subaru to be 8.7 mpg better on the Combined Cycle with emissions down by 31 g/km compared to the VW.

Nor are these figures achieved at the expense of performance. The Legacy Sports Tourer has a 126 mph top speed and 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds while the Outback is only slightly behind at 124 mph and 8.8 seconds for the 0-60 mph dash.

Refinement is also a Boxer Diesel strongpoint, with official moving sound levels of 70.5 dB (A) compared to the Mondeo’s 71.0 and Passat’s 73 dB (A). Even a Rolls-Royce Phantom is higher at 72.0 dB (A).

Thoroughly-Developed Package

The new Boxer Diesel Legacy and Outback are thoroughly-developed models in their own right with several unique features to suit their diesel application.

For example, the engine has liquid mounts, with the body benefiting from extra sound-proofing to enhance refinement, while the five-speed manual gearbox has higher ratios to suit the diesel’s stronger torque and lower engine speed.

The power-steering is now electric to improve fuel economy and carefully tuned for strong feel and response. Front spring rates have also been tuned to suit both the diesel engine and new steering system.

The Boxer Diesel’s front brakes have also been uprated and the gear-lever length reduced by 10 mm for a sportier, shorter throw.

Even the air-conditioning unit has been modified to provide hot air earlier in the engine’s warm-up cycle, diesel engines having different characteristics to petrol powerplants.

Visual changes include new cloth seat trim for Legacy and Outback R models and a discreet bonnet air intake scoop.

Boxer Diesel Secrets Explained

• Exceptionally compact, light and strong
• Low friction ‘Boxer’ balance cancels out vibration
• Flat four’s low centre-of-gravity boosts handling agility
• Punchy throttle response
• Common-rail fuel-injection for greater efficiency
• Solenoid injectors for compactness
• Variable-vane turbocharger mounted under engine for low centre-of-gravity
• Highly efficient, fast-warm catalytic converter also mounted under engine

Dedicated to the horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engine layout for over 40 years, Subaru engineers were determined to use this format for their first diesel engine.

The reasons were to create a light, compact, strong unit with reduced vibration, noise and internal friction compared to an in-line engine and for an ultra-low centre-of gravity.

This enhances handling agility and roadholding – especially when combined with Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

In fact, the entire engine and transmission are not only mounted very low down but also within the wheelbase which further boosts chassis dynamics.

Cancelled Out Vibration

The 2.0 litre Boxer Diesel has a class-leading light weight with the horizontally-opposed pistons effectively cancelling out the secondary harmonic vibration (vibration with twice the frequencies of the engine speed).

The crankshaft is short and highly rigid, minimising the vibrational noise of many diesel engines.

And the superior balance of the horizontally-opposed engine means internal rotational inertia and friction are drastically reduced compared with an in-line engine.

Reduced internal friction means throttle response is exceptionally lively and in keeping with Subaru’s sporty heritage.

Compared to Subaru’s 2.0 litre engine fitted to the Impreza, Legacy and Forester, the 2.0 litre Boxer Diesel has a 11 mm longer stroke and 6 mm smaller bore for a capacity of 1,998 cc versus 1,994 cc.

Even More Compact

Thanks to a bore pitch shortened from 113 mm to 98.4 mm, the overall engine block length is only 353.5 mm compared to the petrol’s already compact 414.8 mm.

The block is of a rigid semi-closed deck design, while all five main bearings in the alloy cylinder block use metal composite supports for added strength and durability. It also enhances refinement, providing a similar thermal expansion to that of the crankshaft.

Extra water-cooling slits have been added between the cylinder bores and the high-strength pistons are squirted with oil to enhance cooling. The large ends of the connecting rods feature an asymmetrical profile for assembly precision and reduced friction.

The high-strength crankshaft has a special surface treatment to withstand the diesel engine’s high combustion pressures while the uprated cylinder heads have roller rocker arms. In addition, the cam-drive is via a chain system that better handles the variations in torque of a diesel engine.

Advanced Fuel-Injection And Turbocharger

The new Boxer Diesel uses an advanced common-rail fuel-injection system with the fuel being pressurised at 180 MPa before being fed into the common rail. This maximises efficiency, both in terms of power, fuel consumption and emissions.

Special, short-length solenoid injectors ensure the engine’s width is no greater than that of the 2.0 litre ‘boxer’ petrol unit, despite the diesel’s longer piston stroke.

The variable nozzle turbocharger ensures the correct boost throughout the engine’s rev-range and its low centre-of gravity position under the engine and close to the catalytic converters increases environmental performance.

The Boxer Diesel meets Euro4 emission standards thanks to oxidation catalytic converters, a particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation. It is the most environmentally-friendly vehicle in the AWD passenger car class.

Class-Challenging Performance

The new Boxer Diesel provides class-challenging performance thanks to 150 PS at an ultra-low 3,600 rpm and a massive 258 lb ft 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.

Top speed for the Legacy 2.0TD R Sports Tourer is 126 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds, while the Outback R is only slightly behind at 124 mph and 8.8 seconds.

Fuel economy is outstanding at 39.8/56.5 and 49.6 mpg for the Legacy Sports Tourer R and 39.8/55.4 and 48.7 mpg for the Outback R. Their CO₂ emission figures are no less impressive at 151 and 153 g/km respectively.

Legacy And Outback In General

Only last year the Legacy and Outback received an extensive but subtle facelift, premium-class interior and retuned suspension.

Aimed unashamedly at the leading premium European marques, the Legacy and Outback boast outstanding all-wheel drive chassis dynamics, high equipment levels and spacious interiors with prices substantially undercutting their rivals.

For example, the range starts at £19,995 on-the-road for the Legacy 2.0TD R manual Sports Tourer. It boasts high equipment levels such as dual-zone climate-control, cruise control, front, side and curtain airbags, a leather steering wheel, 215/45 tyres on 17×7 ins alloy wheels.

Other standard equipment includes HID headlamps with pop-out washers, electrically-folding door mirrors, a CD player with MP3 facility, front projector foglamps, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control and – of course – symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Sportier, Distinctive Design

For the ’07 Model Year, all Legacy and Outbacks were given a sporty, distinctive new look aimed at further enhancing their road presence. Meanwhile, interiors were further refined for a prestige look and feel.

For example, the grille on the Legacy now has a chrome wing-like motif, while the front wings were restyled and feature a crease-line which flows from the top of the ‘hawk-eye’ HID headlamps.

The crossover, higher-riding Outback has its own front grille with a chunky, lattice-effect look. It also has twin raised flutes to its bonnet and neatly integrated side protection cladding.

At the rear, the Legacy Sports Tourer has three-dimensional rear lamps with a chrome strip linking each lamp to give an impression of width. Changes unique to the new 2.0TD Boxer Diesel models include a discreet bonnet air intake.

Meanwhile, ultra-low Cd figures of 0.30 for the Sports Tourer and 0.34 for the Outback prove the worth of aerodynamic detailing such as special engine undercovers, spoilers and wheel flaps.

Prestige Interior

The latest Legacy and Outback’s prestige interior features aluminium-effect strips running the full width of the fascia, flowing out ‘wing-like’ from the centre panel. This accentuates the width but also cocoons the driver.

Soft-touch trim is extensively used and standard features include electrically-adjustable driver seat with two-set memory function. The new Boxer Diesel models also have new cloth trim for the R versions while the RE and REn feature leather as standard.

The leather-covered steering wheel is smooth instead of dimpled making it more pleasant to hold, while all models now feature reach as well as rake-adjustment. The cruise-control is neatly integrated into the steering wheel.

The standard climate-control is not only dual-zone allowing different temperatures for either side but there are also rear-seat outlets.

Recognising their appeal to country-dwellers and those with an active lifestyle, Outback models have a reversible cargo floor allowing the choice between carpeted luxury or a hard waterproof floor.

Source: Subaru Legacy & Outback Boxer Diesel Models on Sale in Europe

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Following the M35’s debut at the recent 5th China Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, Infiniti announced that its luxury mid-sized sedan is now available for sale in China. The Japanese carmaker’s Chinese range now comprises of three models including the FX SUV and the G sports sedan. Powered by a 276 HP V6 engine that’s matted to a 5-speed automatic transmission, the M35 is offered in two versions in China, with prices starting at RMB 548,000 ($76,700) and RMB 593,000 ($81,900), respectively.

Source: Infiniti M35 Luxury Sedan Launched in China

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Haay Now !
If you are in sunny Austraila
If you have a urge to go fast
If you have a Chrysler 300C
If you are around Sidney, Australia
If you want your 300C to go -_=FAST
Then you must check out Redcliffe Dyno & Performance because they tuned the machine that ran Australia’s First 11 sec Quarter mile pass in a 300c and the only 300c touring wagon 11 sec pass in the World.

A bunch more over at 300cforums

[ :)] commercial [ :)] RDP Motorsport now offers a range of 300c Chrysler upgrade packages with everything from exhaust systems through to computer upgrades/super chargers kit and turbo kits, we have suspension options and after market accessories as well, give our sales team a call on 073 284 1925.

Driving by Beautiful trees, burnout tracks,300Cs by RDP

Tags: 300C Chrysler 300C Australia Chrysler 300C Touring

Labels: speed

Source: Australian Chrysler 300C Speed Record

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As Motown's chief cheerleader, The Detroit News is all about the spin. But every now and then, the paper kicks it up a notch to kick Toyota in the teeth. Columnist Daniel Howes recounts ToMoCo's '07 "challenges." For those of you who aren't regular readers of the DTN or TTAC (or any other automotive publication), Toyota stands accused of hypocrisy for perpetuating their green rep whilst selling gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs and lobbying against an increase in federal fuel economy standards (unlike…?). "Yes, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger had it right up on Mackinac Island last May: Toyota is not a division of Greenpeace — and it never was." Howes then rounds on Toyota for its Consumer Reports downgrade and product recalls, and shares an unsubstantiated anecdote. "On a separate press event to unveil the car, two Camrys were knocked out with transmission problems. In contacting Japan, they were told Toyota engineers there knew of a problem with a coupler in the transmission but failed to notify their colleagues in the States." In sum, "One of the lessons of this year's auto show is that for the first time in what seems like forever, a fair amount of Detroit's metal is reaching (if not exceeding) parity with its chief rival Toyota. That means a whole new kind of competition is about to begin and Detroit is back in the game." Fair enough?

Detroit News »

Source: Daniel Howes: Toyota Sucks, Detroit Rocks!

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Alex Nunez
Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Ford

Click image for a gallery of ‘05 - ‘07 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks

If the Ford Escape Hybrid is “The Candidate’s Choice,” then the automaker’s big, bad Super Duty trucks are “The Smuggler’s Choice.” You see, unfortunately for truck owners, drug and human traffickers are “choosing” to steal them from the public to use in their nefarious endeavors. The reasons are simple: they’re big (plenty of contraband can be carried), rugged (they can handle running off-road in the border areas), powerful (handy when running from the police), and apparently easy to make off with (they can be “stolen with a screwdriver” according to the Houston PD). In 2007, 1,245 F-250 and F-350 Super Duties vanished from Houston driveways, a forty percent increase over 2006, and notable when you consider overall car thefts in the city were down. In response, Ford is enhancing vehicle security by using keys embedded with chips required to activate new 2008 trucks’ electronic ignition systems. Of course, that may not help win back former owners whose trucks have already been stolen. The Chronicle article tells of one victim whose actions spoke volumes. He switched to Chevy.

[Source: The Houston Chronicle]

Gallery: 2005-2007 Ford Super Duty

Source: Ford Super Duty pickups are super for smugglers

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Sebastian Blanco
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Detroit Auto Show, USA

The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $30 million push to help get plug-in hybrids to market. Seven million will be coming this year, and the rest over the next two years. The $30M, which will be matched by the auto industry for $60M total, is to be used to improve PHEVs and high-power batteries to make a 40-mile EV-only range possible on commercially-ready PHEVs in 2016. DOE Under Secretary Bud Albright announced the matching grants at the Detroit Auto Show on Thursday.

The exact wording of the DOE’s statement says that the “DOE will participate in a cooperative, pre-competitive research and development alliance – known as the U.S. Automotive Partnership for Advancing Research & Technologies – or USAutoPARTs. … This $30 million Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeks projects that will find solutions to improving battery performance so vehicles can deliver up to 40 miles of electric range without recharging, and address critical barriers to achieving DOE’s goal of making PHEVs cost-competitive by 2014 and ready for commercialization by 2016.”

Let’s see: $60 million in the next three years for cars that will be out in eight. Not bad. More and sooner is certainly going to be heard somewhere on the Internet, but this is certainly good news.

[Source: DOE, AP]

Source: DOE offers $30M for plug-in hybrid research