Drivetrain tech

BALOCCO, Italy -- Chrysler Group may incorporate Fiat's new MultiAir fuel-saving technology in some gasoline engines, Fiat sources say.

Fiat S.p.A. considers the variable valve timing system a breakthrough. The company says MultiAir improves power by about 10 percent and reduces fuel consumption 10 percent.

The MultiAir system provides direct control of air and combustion in engines, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke, without using the conventional throttle. That saves energy wasted in traditional systems.

Fiat will offer its first MultiAir engine in Europe this month on the Alfa Romeo MiTo small hatchback.

The sources say … Read more

McLaren has released photos and details of the McLaren MP4-12C, the automaker's first supercar since the iconic McLaren F1 was launched 17 years ago, not counting the models built in partnership with other automakers.

The McLaren MP4-12C (or just 12C for short) is an all-new model from McLaren with "no carryover parts from any other car." In plain English, that means there are no Mercedes-Benz components, contrary to early rumors. What the 12C does have is a laundry list of interesting performance technologies, including an innovative Pre-Cog shifter tech that we think will breathe new life into dual-clutch, automated, manual transmissions.

Make the jump for more details and glossy photos.… Read more

It's taken many years, but we've finally gotten a few diesel cars to choose from in the U.S. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen are all offering versions of their cars with diesel engines, and from what we've seen the fuel economy can be impressive. And unlike older diesel cars, these new models have good acceleration and no black soot spewing from the exhaust.

Check out five diesel cars you can buy in the U.S.

Nissan's continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have historically impressed us with their smoothness and efficiency. Nissan's latest announcement, in conjunction with its transmission supplier JATCO Ltd., could mean that its next generation of transmissions could be even more efficient.

Conventional CVTs work by pairing two variable conical pulleys with a belt to allow for infinitely variable gear ratios within the paired pulleys' ranges. However, due to friction constraints of the belt driven design, most CVTs have been limited to a maximum transmission ratio of 6:1.

Nissan's newest CVT combines the conventional belt-driven operation with an auxiliary gearbox … Read more

With falling gas prices dampening enthusiasm for alternative fuels, and poor economic conditions causing automakers to tighten their belts, plans for new diesel car launches in the U.S. have slowed. However, diesel engine cars still present a good option over gasoline-powered cars, generally getting much better fuel economy. Although automakers scaled back their plans, Bosch, which makes diesel engine components, still wants to change the perception of diesel cars in the U.S. so the public will be more receptive, and even demanding of this technology from automakers.

To that end, Bosch loaned us a 2007 BMW 123d, a car you can't currently get in the U.S., so we could see how it performed in comparison with gasoline cars. Combating the image of soot-spewing diesel trucks, Bosch adopted the slogan "good, clean fun" for its diesel technology, and the BMW 123d was a means to make sure we had some fun.

BMW started selling its 1-series car in the U.S. last year, as the 128 and 135, in coupe and convertible formats. While we found both cars to be very enjoyable, the 123d is a hatchback, a style that makes much more sense with the diminutive sports car. Increased rear headroom makes the cars rear seats more usable, although still tight, and the hatchback means you have substantially more cargo area. After driving the 123d, we really wish BMW would bring the 1-series hatchback to the U.S., with a diesel or gas engine. It didn't hurt that this 123d was also fitted with an M kit, meaning a sport-tuned suspension. … Read more

Not a week goes by where someone doesn't approach me with the same smug, "Oh, my '92 Civic hatch gets better fuel economy than the current Civic," or "LOLZ! My Geo Metro XFi getz teh 50mpg!!! PWND!!" This is usually followed by some ill-researched rant about how the gasoline engine hasn't advanced in 40 years or how automakers and oil barons are conspiring to keep gasoline expensive. In reality, compared with their modern analogs, your late-'80s vintage econobox is crap. I'm sorry to say it, because I love older compact cars, but … Read more

Any true James Bond fan will want to be at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16, as four Birkin Blowers go on display amongst an amazing collection of vintage Bentleys. Although Bond became associated with Aston Martin in the movies, Ian Fleming specified a 1930 4.5-liter Bentley with a Villiers supercharger for the Commander. Sir Henry Birkin added a supercharger to the 4.5-liter Bentley for his racing exploits, and the idea was picked up for a run of 50 supercharged Bentleys from the factory in 1930. The four Birkin Blowers slated for Pebble Beach are … Read more

GM announced its development of a new, more efficient internal combustion engine that will eventually be used to power its lineup of hybrid and extended-range plug-in vehicles.

In the homogenous charge compression ignition engine (HCCI), the air and fuel mixture is compressed to ignite rather than using a spark. When combined with other advanced technologies, the HCCI engine provides up to 15 percent better fuel economy, according to GM. … Read more

Audi successfully carved out a competitive space against BMW in the sport luxury market with the A6. But as the need for greater fuel economy and fewer emissions threatens to dampen this segment, Audi responds by making its most efficient engine ever for the A6. The new A6 can be had with a supercharged 3-liter V-6, giving it 300 horsepower while maintaining decent fuel economy.

Although this new powerplant is an excellent addition to the A6's equipment list, the cabin tech remains unchanged from previous years. Audi promises a significant update to the cabin tech for the 2010 model … Read more