With the launch of the 2008 BMW 5-Series, the automaker also introduced a regenerative braking system, which is the first time such a system has been used on a non-hybrid car.
BMW’s Brake Energy Regeneration system works by harnessing the energy currently lost through engine over-run during braking. Using an intelligent alternator, which engages during braking, […]

Mercedes’ new S-Class comes with the automaker’s new night vision assistance system. Mercedes’ S-Class night-vision drive technology uses two infrared projector and a windshield-mounted camera, and displays and enhanced image onto a screen. With the system, enhanced images of what is in front of the car extend out to the distance of normal high beams, […]

Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn has once again confirmed that the automaker is working on a hybrid system for its compact cars, like its Golf and Polo.
Winterkorn has acknowledged that Japanese automakers, especially Toyota and Honda, have a clear lead on VW in the development of hybrid technology. However, Winterkorn believes VW will catch up quickly.
Volkswagen […]

General Motors unveiled its new 2.9L V6 turbodiesel engine at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The new engine features state-of-the-art piezo-electric injection and a closed-loop combustion technology for low emissions and high performance. The engine uses a variable geometry turbo and its exhaust-gas aftertreatment system includes an oxidation catalyst and a particulate filter. The new […]

Toyota is the dominate player in hybrids, but it’s not Toyota’s way to rest on its laurels and let others catch up. That’s why it is working on developing a plug-in hybrid vehicle, said Toyota North America President Jim Press. Toyota hasn’t announced plans for a production plug-in hybrid, but it is in product development […]

DaimlerChrysler and BMW have announced that they are expanding their hybrid system collaboration. The two German automakers have already worked with General Motors on the development of the two-mode full hybrid system, which will debut in early 2008 on the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Dodge Durango.
DaimlerChrysler and BMW will work together to develop a mild […]

Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its BLUETEC offerings, and has announced its first four-cylinder BLUETEC model, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, which it will debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz’s BLUETEC diesel initiative and the associated technology is designed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxides.
The Vision C 220 BLUETEC follows the Mercedes-Benz […]

BMW will offer an eight-speed automatic transmission on the next-generation 7-Series when it debuts in 2009 or 2010, according to industry sources. BMW’s new eight-speed automatic is being developed by ZF Friedrichshafen, who also designed the current model’s six-speed automatic.
BMW was the first to offer a six-speed automatic transmission on the 7-Series back in 2001, […]

Honda announced that it will unveil the “Small Hybrid Sports Concept” at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Following Toyota’s recent debut of the FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January, Honda’s concept also merges a hybrid engine and a fun-to-drive, but in a smaller package.
“Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept represents […]

Volvo has confirmed that its is developing a hybrid electric plug-in version if its C30 hatchback. A prototype of the C30 plug-in hybrid may compete in November’s Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai.
The C30 plug-in hybrid prototype is expected to use a small diesel engine and an electric generator. With fully charged batteries, the car will […]