It is a well-known fact that Volvo, the Swedish automaker, is also a leading manufacturer of diesel engines for trucks. For almost a century now, Volvo has been producing solidly built diesels for trucks and trailers along with sleek, stylish upscale cars that make heads turn not only for their looks, but also for their world-class safety features.
Imagine combining the luxury of a Volvo sedan and the reliability and performance of a diesel engine. That certainly opens up a whole new vista of opportunities for driving enthusiasts in the country and it seems that this is the direction Volvo in the Philippines wants to take.

Volvo surprised the market recently with the introduction of a 1.6-liter car for the above P2-million luxury segment. Now Volvo is bent on taking us on a new spin as it looks to introduce, starting November, a diesel engine option for its sedans beginning with the S60 mid-size sports sedan, Viking Cars, Inc. officials last week said.

Beyond its truck engines, diesel is not exactly new to Volvo. Locally, 2.4-liter diesel engines are offered as options for three Volvo sport utility vehicles (SUV): the XC60, XC70 Cross Country and the XC90. So far buyers have met this with much enthusiasm, claims Froilan Valencia, sales manager of Viking Cars, the country’s authorized Volvo dealer.

Diesel engines, says Mr. Valencia, are no longer just limited to noisy smoke-belchers that are difficult and expensive to maintain, more so repair. “There really is a clamor for diesel engines,” he adds. Among all Volvo SUV models sold so far this year, around 60% were diesel-run, indicating growing demand for the option.

Volvo’s competitors in the luxury segment have already been long-established with their respective diesel offerings for sedans. But none have provided the efficiency and quality that Volvo intends to offer as customers look to more inexpensive yet quality alternatives to the average gasoline engine, Mr. Valencia claims.

Viking Cars declined to give further details on the S60 diesel engine variants to be rolled out here, but if homegrown buyers are to take a cue from the diesel offerings for the S60 abroad, they will be impressed, starting with the 1.6-liter turbo diesel capable of attaining as much as 115 hp and gobs of torque across the rev range.

The two-liter D3 turbo diesel ups the ante a bit and for those craving even more, Volvo has the 2.4-liter D5 turbo diesel already seen in its SUVs.

All diesel variants have been tested to produce lower emissions and provide superior fuel consumption, and have been fitted with Volvo’s start/stop automatic gearbox technology and brake energy regeneration features. They also meet stringent Euro 5 emission standards.

The new S60 will also come with the Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake technology that detects pedestrians who may walk in front of the car and automatically applies full braking power.

In an era when skyrocketing gasoline prices are reason to keep people away from purchasing cars, Volvo’s diesel option for its sedan line, starting with the S60, is a welcome move.

At the end of the day, in keeping with its values of safety, environment, quality, and design, Volvo hopes to establish a new perspective on diesel engines, and in the process increase diesel’s share of the luxury segment, in the same way that the car maker did for safety all over the world.

Business World Online

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Filed under: Car Buying, Volkswagen, Diesel

Through the end of July, sales of diesel vehicles in the United States were up 38.5 percent, compared to the same seven-month period in 2010. Led by the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Golf TDI, diesel vehicles appear to have escaped the quake-related supply issues that crippled hybrid vehicle sales for months, though they’re tally of 8,653 vehicles sold in July still only represents 0.82 percent of the total market.

Sales of the segment leader, the Jetta TDI, were 5,206 last month, bringing the diesel sedan’s year-to-date total to 56,717. The oil-burning Golf didn’t enjoy nearly the same level of demand, but its sales of 966 units in July landed the hatchback in second place among all diesel vehicles. In third, with sales ringing in at 562 units was the diesel-fueled BMW X5 xDrive35d.

Looking for more details? Head over to Hybrid Cars for a model-by-model breakdown of diesel vehicle sales for July 2011.

U.S. diesel vehicle sales up 38.5% in 2011, VW Jetta TDI leads pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Several oil players enforced “big-time” reductions on their pump prices at different times Saturday even as one of them hiked its price for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The weekend price movement was initiated by Seaoil Philippines, which at 12:01 a.m. Saturday pulled down prices of diesel and kerosene by P2 per liter.

The rollback also covered prices of premium and unleaded gasoline, which were slashed P1.50 a liter and those of regular gasoline, which was dropped by P1 per liter.

Other independent players Total Philippines imposed a similar rollback at 6 a.m. while Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc. (UPPI) said it matched the cutback of its rival oil companies.

Meanwhile, Total, a major LPG player in the local market, said it increased its cooking gas prices by P1 a kilo at around the same time.

Among the “Big Three” oil firms, only Pilipinas Shell announced a price adjustment as of press time Saturday afternoon.

In a text advisory, the oil giant said that it would slash pump prices by the same increments effective 12:01 a.m. Sunday. Reports also said that Petron will also join the rollback bandwagon.

Chevron Philippines (formerly Caltex) has yet to announce price tweaks as of press time.

Despite this, Saturday marked the first time this year that oil companies implemented back-to-back reductions on pump prices. Luckily for consumers, both adjustments have been significant ones.

Citing the decline in international product prices, local oil firms last May 7 rolled back diesel by P1.75 a liter; kerosene by P2 a liter, unleaded gasoline by P0.50 a liter and regular gasoline by P1.25 a liter.

The average prices of fuel in Metro Manila are now as follows: P46.50 a liter for diesel; P56.50 a liter for unleaded and P55 a liter for kerosene.

Manila Bulletin Online

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Technology, Jaguar, Diesel

Jaguar has announced a new 2.2-liter diesel engine capable of 187 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque that can also travel 52.3 miles per gallon in the combined European cycle as fitted to a prototype of its 2012 XF sedan. The engine will also have little trouble meeting Europe’s stringent CO2 regulations, as The Leaping Cat claims the engine only emits 149 g/km of CO2.

On the technology front, this new 16 valve common-rail diesel features a water-cooled turbocharger, low friction pistons, a fresh crankshaft and new injectors. Jaguar engineers also fitted a new oil pan and new electronic systems to allow for an intelligent Stop-Start system that operates more efficiently. The efficient little motor will work in concert with an also new eight-speed ZF transmission. Jaguar claims the diminutive diesel will propel the XF to 60 miles per hour in 8.5, while promising a top speed of 140 miles per hour.

As an added bonus, the folks at Jaguar were kind enough to pass us high-resolution photos of the refreshed XF undergoing testing. The camo is quite good, though we can see some alterations to the lower air dams, and we’re guessing tail lamps, headlamps and the grille have also been given a once-over.

Jaguar says in the post-jump press release that the 2.2 diesel will make its way under the bonnet of a future XF production car, with “an estimated on-sale date being announced at the New York Auto Show.” Keep in mind that the Big Apple show is international in scope, so assuming that a U.S. announcement means it will be sold here probably isn’t a good idea. Hit the jump to read over the Jaguar press release.

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype

Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Audi, Diesel

Audi‘s clean diesel initiative here in the United States started with the A3 TDI hatchback and Q7 TDI crossover, but in the coming years, we can expect the vast majority of the company’s volume models to offer oil-burning powerplants. This isn’t the first time the German automaker has spoke of expanding its diesel lineup here in the U.S., but during a press conference this morning, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen outlined exactly what we can expect to see over the next 24 to 30 months.

The first new implementations of TDI clean diesel will be in the A6 and A8 sedans, as well as the Q5 crossover. All three of these models are expected to have hybrid variants, as well, meaning customers will have a full range of powertrain options in the coming years.

As for the A4 – Audi’s highest-volume model – TDI power is still in the cards for U.S. consumption. Instead of offering a diesel engine in the current model, Audi will be waiting until the next-generation car arrives. The all-new A4 is expected to launch in 2015, or possibly even 2014.

Finally, de Nysschen stated that Audi’s first electric vehicle is expected to arrive in the U.S. by early 2013. The automaker’s e-tron EV technology has been displayed multiple times over the past few years, and while it’s unclear exactly what sort of electric vehicle will arrive in the U.S., our bet is on something R8-based to rival BMW’s new EfficientDynamics i8 sports car.

[Image: Drew Phillips/AOL]

Audi confirms diesel A4, A6, A8, Q5 for U.S., first e-tron vehicle expected in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, BMW, Specialty, Diesel

AC Schnitzer has showed up at the Geneva Motor Show with not one, but two fresh-off-the-press upgrade packages for 2011.

Not wanting to look completely unfriendly to Mother Earth, AC Schnitzer has taken their expertise to the Z4 and BMW’s EfficientDynamics system, working over a 320d mill to go under the Z4′s hood. The 2011 AC Schnitzer 99d gets a 70-hp boost to 190, hits 60 in 6.9 seconds, releases a scant 99g of C02 per mile and returns a handsome 63 mpg in the European cycle. That, according to Schnitzer, is better than any BMW on the market. Unfortunately, the 99d is just a concept, and won’t be available to the public any time soon.

For the family minded executives attending the show, AC Schnitzer started with the 2011 BMW 550i, bumping the car from 407 to 540 horsepower. According to Schnitzer, the result is a 4.5-second 0-60 sprint and a whopping 198 mph top end. The engine exhales through a new set of the tuner’s own mufflers capped with chrome surrounds. The resulting executive express has been dubbed the ACS5 Sport S.

Hauling all that energy to a stop is a revised set of brakes sporting eight-piston calipers. Outside, Schnitzer went all-out to ensure that the car would be stable at its newfound velocity. The laundry list of exterior mods includes a front spoiler, carbon ducts for the brakes, new engine bay vents and, of course, your choice of 20 or 21-inch AC Schnitzer custom wheels.

Check out the official videos and press releases after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos]

Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Land Rover, Diesel, Off-Road

Land Rover has debuted its Range_e, a plug-in diesel hybrid, at the Geneva Motor Show. According to Land Rover, the Range_e can go up to 20 miles in full-electric mode, and return 85 mpg and 88 grams of C02 per kilometer. Not too shabby for an SUV.

Beyond the impressive electric capabilities, the Range_e is being touted as the world’s first 4WD plug-in hybrid diesel. As you can plainly see, the Range_e is based on the Range Rover Sport and is powered by Range Rover’s 3.0-liter 240-horsepower TDV6 and a 69 kW electric motor. The Range_e can be recharged from a standard household power supply in less than four hours, so plan ahead if the battery’s dead and you have errands to run, otherwise you’ll be stuck with the diesel mill.

Land Rover isn’t saying whether it considers the Range_e to be a concept or a production-intent model, but it is saying that the electrified SUV is part of its $1.3 billion 2008 plan to reduce carbon emissions by a quarter by 2012. Check out the official press release after the jump.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Land Rover shows off Range Rover Sport plug-in diesel hybrid

Geneva 2011: Land Rover shows off Range Rover Sport plug-in diesel hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Subaru

Autoblog Podcast #219 is here, and the two Chrises and Dan are joined by Bring A Trailer’s Randy Nonnenberg to talk oddball cars, all things Geneva Motor Show, the impending Chevrolet Cruze Diesel and the government’s delay making backup cameras mandatory. Questions and feedback wrap it up, and it’s an hour and thirty-six minutes of fun this week. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #219: Geneva, Diesel Cruze and Backup Camera talk with Randy Nonnenberg of BringATrailer.com

• Geneva Motor Show
• Diesel Cruze confirmed for the US
• NHTSA Backup camera delay

In the Autoblog Garage:

• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X Touring
• 2011 BMW X5M

Runtime: 01:36:48

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #219: Geneva, Diesel Cruze and Backup Camera talk with Randy Nonnenberg of BringATrailer.com originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Subaru, Motorcycle

It’s been a while since we heard anything from Ian McElroy. As you may recall, he’s the twisted mind who came up with the notion of lodging a Subaru boxer four-cylinder between the rails of a motorcycle frame. Well, it appears that he’s been a busy bee since showing off his first take on the Kickboxer Concept. McElroy has set about reimagining his creation with a diesel boxer lump at the heart of the action. The engine is still sourced from Fuji Heavy Industries, though it’s both smaller and more efficient than the old gasoline lump.

The newest addition to the Kickboxer family boasts new body work and a different swing arm design along with a new turbo configuration. Not quite mad enough for you? How about sticking an all-wheel drive version of the oil-burning moto in your pipe? McElroy worked up a twin-chain design that works with some help from a jack shaft, idler sprocket and a drive axle.

These aren’t just some random renderings, though. McElroy says that he has all of the CAD files he needs to have the bikes machined and built. All he needs is the coin to do so. Shall we start passing the hat?

[Source: The Kneeslider]

New Kickboxer Concept is all-wheel-drive diesel insanity on two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Chrysler, Jeep, Diesel

Chrysler would like to sell a healthy quantity of Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs in Europe, but the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker knows that won’t happen without a diesel option. That’s why Team Pentastar will unveil a new 3.0-liter oil burner early next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The new mill packs 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque; more than enough grunt to motivate Jeep’s handsome ute.

The new mill will feature Fiat’s MultiJetII technology, making the new engine cleaner and more efficient, with 10 percent more horsepower and eight percent more torque than Chrysler’s outgoing CRD offering. The new engine also carries a lower compression ratio of 16.5:1, which helps minimize harmful emissions. Chrysler claims that the new 3.0-liter will average 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers, while emissions will come in at an average of 218 g/km. Chrysler will also offer a detuned version of the engine, with 191 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. This mill will enable the Grand Cherokee to be available in more markets.

Chrysler tells us that he new diesel-equipped Grand Cherokee will be available in European markets by the end of the first half of 2011. Chrysler hasn’t announced any plans to offer this engine here in the U.S., sadly. Hit the jump to read over the Chrysler press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L diesel V6 to bow in Geneva

Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L diesel V6 to bow in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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