Geely buys Australian auto parts maker Mar 27, 2009
The Australian acquisition, Drivetrain Systems, is a supplier to auto giants including Ford Motor and Chrysler. It filed for bankruptcy protection in February after "some of its clients were severely impacted by the financial crisis", Geely said in the statement. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Roll on these rims to win Mar 17, 2009
What struck me about this drivetrain was how lively it was. Despite its 1,755-kilogram weight, the Venza is blessed with all kinds of snap and this engine redlines at 6,200 rpm. (Globe and Mail)
Electric ATVs? Farmers seen as buyers Mar 17, 2009
But engineers Dave Mounce and Eli Schless have put the production model together from the ground up, taking care to reduce drag from things like brakes and improve efficiency from the drivetrain and steering, which translates into greater range. "We're talking about a Yugo versus a Ferrari as far as the level of technological difference," Mounce said. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Going green: A slow start gets fun - real fast Mar 9, 2009
Chrysler, LLC apparently agrees with this approach, having also chosen to work with Lotus to provide the foundation of a sports car using its own electric drivetrain. A brief drive in that car verified the company's claims of spirited acceleration (5. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Automakers desperate to generate buzz at Geneva show Mar 3, 2009
GM will reveal the production version of the first European car to use the revolutionary electric drivetrain it developed for the Chevrolet Volt. Called the Opel Ampera, the new car will probably come from the same Detroit/Hamtramck assembly plant where Volt production is to begin next year. (USA Today -- Autos)
CHAT TRANSCRIPT: Healey answers your car questions Feb 28, 2009
The sub-par drivetrain in the Chrysler vans gives them a coarser feel, and the company can't match the quality -- or is it reliability -- track record of Honda and Toyota. That appears to be reflected in the depreciation. (USA Today -- Money)
ZENN Motor Company Reports First Quarter 2009 Results Feb 27, 2009
The planned commercialization and implementation of the ultra capacitor being developed by ZENN Motor Company's strategic partner EEStor, Inc., is expected to enable future ZMC vehicles and ZENNergy(TM) drivetrain powered vehicles to travel at speeds and distances similar to internal combustion powered vehicles but at a fraction of the cost and with zero emissions. Forward-looking Statement. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Albury manufacturer to slash 222 jobs Feb 25, 2009
Over 200 employees of the gearbox manufacturer Drivetrain Systems International have been made redundant today ... " The workers were planning to boycott the meeting, but they changed their minds at a mass meeting yesterday. Employee George Grzenda says if they did not go, they may not get Centrelink assistance through the Federal Government's General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme. "If we don't take our letter we're not being redundant, we're being sacked," he said. The workers are... (ABC Online)
SA's first supercar Feb 21, 2009
The Barnard can be built to an individual's requirements and preference in terms of drivetrain, the only constraint being the budget. However, the car is expected to retail for around R1. (iAfrica.com)
Japan plunges into depression Feb 17, 2009
Welcome to The Brisbane Times. Search brisbanetimes. (The Age, Australia -- Business)
Drivetrain workers laid off in Albury Feb 17, 2009
About 400 people have been stood down after Drivetrain Systems International in Albury went into administration yesterday. More than 200 workers are likely to be made redundant. (ABC Online)
Looks like a Prius, acts like Prius Feb 16, 2009
For instance, in the current-generation Prius, 370 patents cover the drivetrain alone. No wonder most hybrids are priced thousands of dollars above the equivalent gasoline models. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Escalade hybrid offers eco-bling Feb 13, 2009
Let's just says eco-bling; a luxury rig with a conscience that lets rock stars roll up to a red carpet on emission- and gas-free electric power, then escape paparazzi with a combined 403-horsepower gas/electric drivetrain. The Escalade is the biggest baby in Cadillac's stable, starting in 1999 as a modified GMC Yukon Denali, getting more edgy by 2002, then in 2006 dressed up and put on the 116-inch wheelbase of GM's newest truck. (The Augusta Chronicle)
ASIMO Introduces the New Honda Insight Hybrid to Europe at the Geneva Motor Show Feb 8, 2009
It also marks a return for Honda to producing hybrids in a dedicated aerodynamic body, designed to optimize the performance of the efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. The Insight combines an optimised 1. (JCN Network, Japan)
Automakers aim for green nirvana Feb 7, 2009
The Converj employs the plug-in hybrid drivetrain technology (now called Voltec) previously unveiled with the Chevrolet Volt to provide the same ability to drive 40 miles on pure electric power ... However, one reason to target such customers is that they spend enough money on their cars to pay for pricey new drivetrain technology, pointed out Lutz. (MSNBC -- Environment)
ArvinMeritor Targets Significant Growth in Off-Highway Markets Mar 28, 2008
The company's Specialty Products business unit offers original equipment and aftermarket drivetrain and brake components for the global heavy haul, specialty truck, fire and rescue, off-highway, military, refuse, logging, concrete, and mining markets. Distributed under the Meritor brand, ArvinMeritor's aftermarket parts are precision engineered to original equipment specifications and carry an industry-competitive warranty. (PR Newswire)
Mariner is 'adequate,' and just that Mar 22, 2008
Power is adequate in most situations, but if you need to stomp on the gas to merge into a passing lane or climb a hill, the drivetrain can run out of breath. Though it trails the competition by a gear or two, the Mariner's automatic transmission doesn't feel completely dated. (Boston Globe)
2008 Lexus LS 600h L Hybrid Sedan Mar 22, 2008
The result is environmentally friendly efficiency with high-performance capability in a highly refined luxury sedan that also happens to be the world's first full V-8, all-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain. The power produced is on a competitive level with some vehicles powered by normally aspirated V-12 power plants. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Tesla: Little electric roadster that could Mar 4, 2008
Drivetrain: 248-horsepower electric motor with a single-speed transmission ... While big automakers also are trying to develop their own electric drivetrains, Tesla's engineers figured out a shortcut in the process ... The engineering team started by trying to modify a small model from British sports-carmaker Lotus to handle Tesla's evolving electric drivetrain. (USA Today -- Autos)
Less in-your-face, but still formidable Mar 2, 2008
Subaru has put the value where it should be - in the drivetrain and exterior bodywork. Inside, the WRX remains slightly Spartan, but all controls are intuitive, the seats are supportive and plenty comfortable (not to mention heated), and the instrument panel reflects the car's primary goal: capability with class. (Boston Globe)
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Mar 2, 2008
Drivetrain: all-wheel drive, with a turbocharged/intercooled 2. 5-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine and 5-speed manual transmission. (Boston Globe)
WRX a real sport -- and a charmer Mar 1, 2008
Combined with the prerequisite all-wheel-drive drivetrain, this sporty sedan will eat up the terrain, whether it be snow, ice, mud or dry pavement. Five-speed manual transmission models use a viscous-coupled locking centre differential that splits power 50/50 front and rear. (StarPhoenix)
* UAW strikes against key GM supplier Feb 27, 2008
GM purchases more than 70 percent of parts made by American Axle, which include drivetrain and chassis systems and related components for light trucks, sport utility vehicles and crossovers. Chrysler's pick-up truck production is also threatened by the strike, observers said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE Feb 23, 2008
Drivetrain: Full-time four-wheel drive, coupled with a 4. 4-liter (268 cubic inch) V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. (Boston Globe)
The future for off-roading looks electric Feb 20, 2008
Also shown in Detroit, Land Rovers LRX concept vehicle looks much more like todays crop of compact sport utility vehicles but with a racy sloping roofline and a hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain meant to sip fuel. But that energy-saving mission doesnt compromise the LRXs Land Rover-grade off-road capabilities, the company promises. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Toyota Crown uses new cost-cutting methods Feb 19, 2008
Masatami Takimoto, executive vice president in charge of Toyota's drivetrain technology, declined to disclose how much the VI plan saved the company in the Crown. But he said the automaker was able to reduce the number of main ECUs to four from 60, as it had set out to do. (MSNBC -- Business)
In Highlander, function, not flash Feb 10, 2008
The drivetrain feels best on the highway, where it downshifts with minimal gear hunting. Third gear is especially potent for 50-to-70 miles per hour passing. (Boston Globe)
Chrysler planning to slash models, consolidate dealers Feb 9, 2008
Similar drivetrain hardware and platforms, and both are built at Toldeo, Ohio, the long-time manufacturing home to Jeep. Nitro's a little bigger and not made for the serious off-roading that Liberty can handle. (USA Today -- Autos)
Dispute with supplier idles 14 Chrysler plants Feb 5, 2008
About 150 people work at the plant, which supplies drivetrain parts for Chrysler's Toledo Jeep plant. Employees at the Sterling Heights stamping plant were sent home early Friday night and after four hours of work Monday, union steward Russell Phillips said. (MSNBC -- Business)
New look for Jaguar in 2009 XF Feb 3, 2008
The standard drivetrain is a 4. 2-liter V-8 with the XK's six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel. (Boston Globe)
Go ahead and hop that curb: Liberty's got off-road cred Feb 1, 2008
What's the drivetrain ... Depending on drivetrain, rated 15-16 mpg in town, 17-19 highway, 21-22 combined. (USA Today -- Autos)
Accord EX-L makes a big statement Jan 27, 2008
Drivetrain: Front-wheel-driveSeating: 5Horsepower: 190Torque: 162 lb.-ft. Overall length: 194. (Boston Globe)
M3 blows its top| Jan 22, 2008
Engine and drivetrain ... A reduction in weight is another EfficientDynamics facet adopted on the new M3 Convertible, especially in the drivetrain. (iAfrica.com)
All-wheel-drive vehicles not all created equal -- unfortunately Jan 21, 2008
Engaging the system on a dry road will eventually cause damage to the drivetrain. Font. (Vancouver Province)
Prius plug-in displays battery of good points Jan 18, 2008
What's the drivetrain. Same as regular Prius, with another battery mounted in a spare-tire well: 1. (USA Today -- Autos)
GM looking for a jolt from electric power Jan 17, 2008
Today Saturn sells the Aura sedan and Vue compact SUV with a Green Line package that gives these cars an affordable, mild hybrid drivetrain for a 15 percent boost to the efficiency of their four-cylinder gasoline engines ... GM has already introduced its two-mode hybrid-electric drivetrain into its full-size trucks and SUVs, but the Vue will be the first use of the technology in a front-wheel-drive vehicle. (MSNBC -- Business)
Car show exhibitors plug in to buzz over electric models Jan 15, 2008
The battery power can be supplemented by a gasoline engine linked to the drivetrain -- as is the case with the plug-in Prius hybrid -- or by a gasoline engine that functions as a generator, recharging the battery before it's drained -- as in the case of the GM products and the Fisker. The plug-in announcements generated a rush of excitement among attendees of the show, where green technology has taken center stage this year. (Los Angeles Times)
Mitsubishi Motors New 'Mitsubishi Concept-RA' and Lancer Ralliart Debut at 2008 Detroit Auto Show Jan 14, 2008
Combining cutting edge drivetrain technologies with the latest clean diesel engine design, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA demonstrates that a thrilling performance machine and a sense of environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts. The Concept-RA features a "next generation" Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that is comprised of Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control, Sport ABS and Active Stability Control component systems, as equipped on the very capable Lancer... (PR Newswire)
Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2008 North American International Auto ... Jan 14, 2008
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is a sport coupe concept that fuses a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to a clean, efficient drivetrain. The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST*2 automated manual transmission, driving Mitsubishi Motors' advanced S-AWC*3 vehicle dynamics control system. (Fullboost)
Toyota to launch diesel Tundra, Sequoia in U.S Jan 14, 2008
Toyota, which likely unseated General Motors Corp as the world's biggest automaker last year, has repeatedly hesitated to committing a diesel vehicle for the U.S. market, which is slowly warming to the fuel-efficient drivetrain, especially for use in larger vehicles. Top Money stories. (ABC News -- Wire)
Softer shade of green Jan 12, 2008
Interestingly, the Saturn Aura Green Line doesn't qualify, even though it delivers better fuel economy from the same drivetrain, because standards are looser for trucks, and the federal government considers Vue to be a truck. Of course, in the real world you probably won't come close to those government fuel ratings. (24 Hours Vancouver)
Smart Car: Smart for you (and Earth, too) Jan 8, 2008
ForTwo Smart for you (Earth, too). By Joe BrownAutoWeek Published on: 12/29/07. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Mercedes Vision GLK previews X3-fighter Jan 4, 2008
Mercedes has yet to reveal drivetrain combinations for the GLK, although they will include a 230bhp 3. 0-litre V6 petrol (GLK280) and a 170bhp 2. (Autocar)
Barrett-Jackson to Offer Motorsports History, Icons and Star Power at 2008 Scottsdale Auction Jan 3, 2008
The Firenza is restored with a genuine Warren Johnson 500ci first-design DRCE 1000-plus horsepower V8 engine, correct drivetrain and all original chassis components. Johnson will drive the car on stage, autograph the rear wing and pose for pictures with the new owner at the auction. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Mariner Hybrid fuels a smooth balance Dec 23, 2007
The 2008 model's drivetrain is mechanically identical to that of the first-generation version ... When substantial power is needed, the drivetrain performs well. (Boston Globe)
Eaton Agrees To Acquire The Moeller Group And Launches Tender Offer To Acquire Phoenixtec Power Company Ltd. Dec 20, 2007
Cutler added, "We expect these acquisitions to be neutral to our operating earnings per share in 2008, and accretive by $.25 to $.35 per share in 2009. Our outlook in 2008 for Eaton overall, inclusive of these acquisitions, is for revenues to grow 25 percent and operating earnings per share to grow between 15 percent to 20 percent. We intend to finance the acquisitions with a mixture of cash, debt and equity, said Cutler. Our intent is to manage the long-term debt and equity issuances in a... (BusinessWire)
BMW X6 is coming...| Dec 19, 2007
Featuring BMWs intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, the chassis and drivetrain of the BMW X6 adjusts to driving conditions at all times and in all situations. At the same time, BMWs ICM Integrated Chassis Management high-performance electronic control ensures harmony of drivetrain and suspension functions within fractions of a second. (iAfrica.com)
Landy goes space age| Dec 18, 2007
" Compact and premium LRX is described as a cross-coup and although smaller than the Freelander 2, it was conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package. The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company's design director, its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include new interpretations of the... (iAfrica.com)
Redesign improves ride Dec 8, 2007
Another superlative is the drivetrain. Nissan's 3. (National Post)
Audi A3 goes cabrio| Dec 4, 2007
FULL THROTTLE Subscribe to our. MOTORSPORT CALENDAR See what's happening and when. (iAfrica.com)
Farmer who cut off own arm shows how Nov 27, 2007
He tried to pull his hand out for over an hour but realised it was hopeless, so he instead jammed a bar into the drivetrain and began to cut the stuck fingers off. But when the jammed bar threw off sparks that ignited the green off-cuts around the machine, Parker knew he'd have to cut off his whole lower arm. (Ninemsn)
FCX Clarity: Bring on the hydrogen stations Nov 23, 2007
A single radiator cools drivetrain and fuel cell and acts as air conditioning condenser, taking 40% less space than three separate units ... What's the drivetrain. (USA Today)
Volkswagen reveals innovative space up! blue Nov 18, 2007
blue and taking its visual inspiration and drivetrain layout from the classic 1950s Samba Bus, the concept vehicle is powered by a pioneering high-temperature fuel cell linked to a series of 12 lithium-ion batteries ... The only by-product of this highly efficient drivetrain is pure water ... The new drivetrain is fully integrated into the space up. (carpages)
2008 Cadillac CTS Nov 17, 2007
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive/all-wheel drive available. Seating: 5. (Boston Globe)
High Price Means a Hard Sell for Hybrid Trucks Nov 13, 2007
Meanwhile, FedEx's Formisano said he is willing to expand his hybrid fleet, which consists mainly of custom assembled Freightliners using an Eaton electric drivetrain. "We're depending upon the producers to develop the technology, bring the cost down and find new customers," he said. (Planet Ark, United States)
Ford aims for former glory with Taurus duo Nov 10, 2007
Shoppers were understandably unimpressed by the drivetrain, although the cars were fundamentally sound. The two cars were also fundamentally dull-looking, boasting all the visual daring of the Miss Saudi Arabia pageant. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Car, Compacted - The Best Inventions Of The Year - TIME Nov 4, 2007
Electric motors in each wheel eliminate the need for a mechanical drivetrain, and these 5-ft. -long (1. (Time.com)
Coming to a auto showroom near you ... maybe Oct 31, 2007
No word yet on the U.S.-market drivetrain or pricing ... CR-Z It's a "design research model" meant to explore the possibilities of a lightweight, high-performance sports coupe powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain. (USA Today -- Autos)
Nissan, Ashok Leyland plan $500 mn Indian ventures Oct 29, 2007
TOKYO: Japan's Nissan Motor Co and India's Ashok Leyland said on Monday they would invest about $500 million to set up three joint ventures in India to develop and build light commercial vehicles, engines and other drivetrain components. The agreement, signed in the southern Indian port city of Chennai, follows the two companies' announcement in August that they will make light commercial trucks to gain a bigger share of the market in Asia's third-largest economy. (India Times)
Least Fuel-Efficient Hybrids Oct 27, 2007
MSRP: $32,490 to $36,010 Estimated yearly fuel cost: $1,617 This 2WD hybrid has a V6 engine with 208 horsepower on a four-wheel drivetrain and gets 26 mpg, but the off-road traction isn't impressive ... Estimated yearly fuel cost: $1,554 MSRP: $22,695 Referred to as a "mild hybrid," the 164-horsepower, four-cylinder engine doesn't come with a hybrid drivetrain. (KERO 23, CA)
Fuel-cell cars to get test drive Oct 4, 2007
Industry experts told the BBC's Discovery programme that hydrogen would be just one of the propulsion, or "drivetrain", technologies used to make cars greener in the future. "The car of the future will have a modular approach to [its] drivetrain," said Derek Charters from the British motor industry consultants Mira ... "The car will be able to be fitted with a number of power units. At the stage of buying the car, you will define your requirements by your lifestyle. "You'll go into a dealership... (BBC News -- Science)
Test Drive: Honda delivers a knockout in Accord coupe Sep 28, 2007
What's the drivetrain. Base engine is 2. (USA Today -- Autos)
New Subaru Justy hits Europe Sep 26, 2007
Both versions are powered by the same engine, which puts out 68bhp at 6,000rpm and 94Nm of torque at 3,600rpm, and drivetrain is a five-speed manual transmission. The new Justy will be supplied by Daihatsu Motor Co under an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement with Fuji Heavy industries. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
BMW X6: coupe meets SAV Sep 12, 2007
Drivetrain and chassis control system Dynamic Performance Control, makes its world debut in BMW Concept X6 and works in conjunction with the xDrive all-wheel drive technology to boost stability. Dynamic Performance Control spreads out drive forces as required in all situations, feeding a varying degree of power whenever required to the two wheels at the rear, and able to provide its stabilising effect both under power and with the engine in overrun. (iAfrica.com)
BMW's new M3 revs up with 8 cylinders Sep 8, 2007
ajccars: LIFE : BMW's new M3 revs up with eight cylinders. By Greg KableAutoWeek Published on: 09/01/07. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
