The new 1.6 litre Ford EcoBoost will appear on the European market in three versions. The turbo compressed petrol engine with direct injection will debut in 2010 and will play a key role in the next C-Max and Focus range. The C-Max will have 180 hp, as already seen on the Iosis Max, and two less powerful variations will follow.

They will have 130 and 150 hp, and can be matched on request to a double-clutch Powershift transmission. Compared to the current aspirated options and equal power, fuel consumption is reduced by about 20 percent. That’s a big effort from Ford, and we’ll be interested to see a road test to verify.

Source | AutoWeek.nl

....

2 comments

Here are the first official shots of the Volvo S60 Concept which will debut at the next Detroit auto show and will likely steal the spotlight from other sedans present. The S60 concept marks a significant step forward in design for the Swedish company, showing a dynamic coupè-sedan with a see-through roof and play on curved lines.

The transparent roof allows for a full view of the interior and provides for a well-lit cabin space. The seats are four separate, sculptured seats and the front car doors are in conventional style, while the rear doors are sliding.

The external style is still under concept form, but reveals some Volvo style elements such as the front of the XC60, while the rear is more agressive. Aspects from the old S60 have been kept and the new LED lights, when off, have a uniform red colour. If the S60 takes on this concept look, the battle amongst European sedans, especially for the Germans, could become more intense.

Continue reading: Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept

....

2 comments

Volvo has announced the C30 Efficiency, a new version of its hatchback with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions: less than 4.5 l/100 km and 120 g/km on average.

The C30 Efficiency needs 0.4 l/100 km less than the normal C30 1.6D from which it derives and emits 9 g/km less of CO2. The reduction in fuel consumption and emissions was obtained thanks to
improvements in aerodynamics, lower rolling resistance thanks to new tyres and higher gearing in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears.

Volvo has also announced a new PowerShift double clutch automatic transmission that will be used in conjunction with its 2.0D engine in the C30, S40 and V50 models. More details in the press release below the fold.

Continue reading: Volvo C30 Efficiency - below 4.5 l/100km

....

0 comments