2012 Ward's 10 Best Engines Announced

It's award season again in the automotive world and it is time to embrace ourselves and get to know who is winning what in the industry. As usual, leading the list of announcements and awards is the Ward's 10 Best Engines, a truly one-of-its-kind award honoring engine excellence. The list of 10 Best Engines for 2012 has just been announced and the winners will be crowned at a gala event to be held at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan-11-2012.

This list all but proves that Direct Injection is the way forward for the industry as no less than 7 out of this year's 10 best engines has this tech integrated into it. Direct Injection started gaining popularity roughly a decade back with common-rail turbo diesels and now, it is the turn of high-pressure gasoline direct injection. Whether deployed in diesel or gasoline engines, Direct Injection has proved to reduce fuel consumption and improve low-end torque, which aids better acceleration.

Ford and BMW has two entries each while Chrysler, GM, Mazda, Infiniti and Volkswagen (for its Audi brand) take home an award each. Having been in this elusive list now for three years in a row for its high-end Tau V8 engine, Hyundai is represented this time around with the 1.6 liter GDI 'Gamma' engine, the smallest displacement engine in the list. Infiniti's Direct Response Hybrid system in the M35h is the only hybrid-electric power-train here and it is noteworthy that this engine has trumped the other German luxury hybrids to this spot.

The following are the winners for 2012 along with the applications in which the engines were tested:

* 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi A6)

* 2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW Z4/528i)

* 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i Coupe)

* 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Chrysler 300S/Jeep Wrangler)

* 2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (Ford Edge)

* 5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang Boss 302)

* 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Buick Regal GS)

* 1.6L DOHC I-4 (Hyundai Accent/Kia Soul)

* 2.0L Skyactiv DOHC I-4 (Mazda 3)

* 3.5L DOHC V-6 HEV (Infiniti M35h)

Volkswagen Jetta TSI (petrol) spotted yet again

It has been exactly a week since we spotted the Volkswagen Jetta TSI testing in Pune. Now, we have more snaps of the same vehicle being extensively tested in and around Pune, clearly indicating that the launch is not too far away. We believe that Volkswagen would launch the Jetta TSI with much fanfare in the forthcoming 2012 Auto Expo at New Delhi. Let's not forget that the Jetta is currently sold in India with diesel variants only, perfectly matching with the current craze for diesel cars in India. What is under the hood of this Jetta TSI is still a big mystery though.

There are sources telling us that the Jetta TSI will definitely come with the 1.8 liter engine that is already powering cars like Skoda Laura, Superb and the base variant of Audi A4. Also, there are widespread rumors that the 1.4 liter TSI engine would be launched under the hood of the Jetta thus enabling it to be priced more competitively and compete against Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. We personally feel that the Jetta TSI should come with the stonking 1.8 liter engine and the 1.4 liter TSI engine should be powering smaller cars like the Polo and Vento.

But, until Volkswagen decides to crack open the news themselves, this will remain a mystery!

Cool Concepts #3 - Mercedes-Benz Aero Trailer

The word ‘truck’ is almost always associated with the image of a big, slow-moving and a high-polluting vehicle. Atleast in India, this image of a ‘truck’ holds good as the design of the trucks that we get to see here are neither aerodynamic enough to punch a big hole efficiently in the air nor are they powerful enough to aid quick acceleration and high speeds. The situation only gets worse when it comes to tractor trailers as they are bigger, slower and more polluting than the regular trucks. It is not highly uncommon to see a single tractor trailer blocking the way and slowing down an entire chain of other vehicles on our highways. But, Mercedes-Benz seems to have a solution for this.

The ‘Aero Trailer Concept’ that was showcased at the Trailer 2011 show that took place in Belgium in the last week of November is Mercedes’ interpretation of how the future trailers should be. The trailer coupled with the Actros tractor is modern, stylish and aerodynamic – terms that you do not normally associate with a big rig. The design of the Aero Trailer proves that trucks can also look stunning and make us drool over their looks when they are not designed with rulers and set squares, as is often the norm. The Aero Trailer is not all show and no go as it boasts features like air dam, body taper and rear diffuser – things that would hitherto make sense only on exotic sports cars and F1 cars.

FACTFILE: 

* Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz

* Model Name: Aero Trailer Concept

* Debut: Trailer 2011, Belgium

* Competitors: All other Trailers

Overall, Mercedes-Benz claims that the Aero Trailer offers 18% less wind resistance which, in turn, reduces the fuel consumption by 5%. For an average running of 150,000 km a year, that would mean a saving of 2000 liters of diesel fuel and a huge 5 ton reduction in the amount of carbon-di-oxide released into the atmosphere. Be it the air dam, the side trim panels, the rear diffuser or the rear end extension called “boat tail”, Mercedes-Benz has tested each of these features in the wind tunnel before incorporating them in the concept. With more than 25 years of research in aerodynamics, the company is planning a lot of other things that would make tractor trailers more endearing to the environment.

With all this hard work already done, I say ‘Bring it on, Mercedes-Benz’. If not for protecting the environment, at least it would make the roads a much better place to look at and drive through.

Force Traveller Mini Bus and other variants spotted testing in Pune

When there is just one model in your portfolio that is earning you your bread and butter, you invariably tend to throw your weight on that particular model. Unfortunately, Pune-based Force Motors is in such a situation right now. Except the Mercedes-Benz based Traveller that has been a top-seller in its segment for more than a decade now, none of the company’s other models including the Force One, it’s much hyped and recently launched premium SUV, has succeeded in our market. So, it’s only quite natural that Force Motors would do all it takes and all it can to ensure that the Traveller success story continues. Here is proof that the company is doing just that.

Believe it or not, three different variants of Force Travellers were spotted testing at different timings in different areas of Pune City on the same day, clearly indicating that the Traveller range is all set for a major expansion and upgrade. Currently, the Traveller comes in no less than 4 wheelbase options with variants that include everything from a luxury version with individual push-back seats and factory-fitted air-conditioning system to factory-built special purpose vehicles like school buses and ambulances. All the variants though share the same Mercedes-Benz derived 2.6 liter turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 82 HP.

Coming to the variants that were spotted testing, the first one was a Traveller Luxury identifiable with the roof-mounted air-conditioning unit. It looked absolutely normal from the rear and the sides but the front end was partly camouflaged. Does that hint at a minor facelift that could be on the way? The second test vehicle spotted was the base-variant and it had nothing different from the existing model except for the unique brown color and a 'Bosch-Force Test Vehicle' sticker. With a lot of rumors of the possible launch of a common-rail diesel engine in the Traveller circulating around, has Force Motors joined hands with Bosch, global leaders in common-rail systems, for developing this technology?

The third and perhaps the most interesting variant spotted was this long wheelbase variant. Closer inspection revealed that this test vehicle was not having the split rear tailgate with external hinges that are a staple feature on all Travellers. Instead, it came fitted with a nice looking fixed rear windshield. Also, there were two rear tires on each side of the vehicle, something that even the Traveller Smooth, the longest variant in the existing lineup with a whopping 4020mm wheelbase, does not come with. So, is Force Motors trying to sneak into the mini-bus segment with this variant of the Traveller that, if launched, will have the advantage of monocoque construction and an already popular lineage?

We are not betting against any of these as we know that the Traveller is a very important model for Force Motors and it plays a significant role in the sustainability of the company itself. Now that all the questions from our side are listed out, its upto Force Motors to give us the definitive answers. The wait begins.



EDIT: We just heard that all variants of the Force Traveller are already being powered by a Mercedes-Benz derived common rail diesel engine. If this is true, then the company's website is still not updated with this critical info. The inconvenience caused is regretted. Also, reports are out that Force Motors is planning to launch a 26-seater mini bus at the Auto Expo in January. The third vehicle that you see in this post would most likely be the one that is being referred to here.

Kimi returns to F1 in 2012 with Lotus Renault

For die-hard fans and followers of Formula 1, 2011 is a year to forget as Sebastian Vettel and his Red Bull Racing team literally crushed and tore apart the competition in what could be termed as one of the most boring and one-sided championship ever in the sport’s history. The fact that it came right after one of F1’s most interesting and enthralling season in 2010 in which Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel went into the final race still fighting for the championship only made things worse.

Nevertheless, the 2011 season will always be unforgettable for a few things – Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa both enduring a tough season with no less than 6 contacts on track, Webber absolutely clueless to stop the Vettel train and, above all, India successfully hosting its first ever F1 race at the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi. Now, there is one more news to cheer about. Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 F1 World Champion who left the sport in 2009 but continued to be unbelievably popular in the F1 paddock, has announced his comeback in F1.

Kimi, who had raced for Sauber and Mclaren before, came to Ferrari in 2007 stepping into the big shoes of Michael Schumacher. In his very first year with Ferrari, Kimi won the world championship from McLaren’s fighting duo of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso by a single point. The years 2008 and 2009, in which he took just 3 victories out of 35 races, were not great partly due to the lack of pace of the Ferrari and partly due to Kimi’s perceived lack of motivation. Even though he had a contract for 2010, Kimi was paid to sit out by Ferrari in favor of Fernando Alonso.

After persistent rumors of his return to F1 with several teams over the past two years, Lotus Renault has finally managed to convince Kimi to get behind the wheel of a F1 car. With changes like DRS and Pirellis that caught out drivers like Mark Webber and Felipe Massa this year, it is not going to be really easy for Kimi to come back and get up to speed immediately. But, with 16 pole positions, 18 race victories, 62 podiums, 35 fastest laps and 579 points in his belt, Kimi is one driver to watch out for in 2012, provided the car is competitive.

With this announcement, the 2012 Formula 1 grid will have no less than 6 World Champions in Michael Schumacher(1994-95, 2000-04), Sebastian Vettel (2010-11), Fernando Alonso (2005-06), Kimi Raikkonen (2007), Lewis Hamilton (2008) and Jenson Button (2009) who, among them, hold a record 14 championships. Now, if only Ferrari and McLaren could find some pace in their cars to challenge the Red Bulls and Mercedes could break into the top league, the 2012 F1 season would become all the more exciting. I, for one, just can’t wait for the parade of champions to begin!

Toyota Innova Facelift seen testing in Chennai

Dominating a particular segment and crushing the competition is nothing new for Toyota. The Japanese manufacturer has a knack of doing it across several automotive segments in many countries across the world. In India though, there is only one segment where Toyota’s domination is literally unchallenged, and that is in the MPV segment (Multi Purpose Vehicles). Toyota has been ruling this segment for more than a decade now starting with the erstwhile Qualis and continuing with the Innova. Competition came and went in the form of Tata Sumo, Chevrolet Tavera, Mahindra Xylo and more recently Tata Aria, but none of them were able to even slightly shake up the Innova.

Even though the Innova is still on top of its segment setting the sales charts on fire, Toyota always prefers to keep its models updated. And so, here comes the Innova Facelift. There are quite a lot of spy shots of the Innova Facelift that has popped out in the internet. Here are a few snaps from our side to add to the World Wide Web. This partly-camouflaged Innova test vehicle was spotted and snapped when it was negotiating stop-start traffic in Chennai city. This new model is already launched in many markets like Thailand and Indonesia as Kijang Innova and was also recently displayed at the Dubai Motor Show. The Indian version is going to be no different and the attached picture reveals the mystery of how it is going to look.

This is a strictly cosmetic facelift with the new Innova getting redesigned headlights, grille and bumper up front, new taillight lenses at the rear and nothing much beyond that. It is expected to come with the same set of engines as the existing model which means that the 2.5 liter common-rail diesel engine with a power output of 102 PS and the 2.0 liter gasoline engine churning out 132 PS of power will stay put. Reports suggest that the mechanical components are also going to be left untouched and the Innova will continue to come with the best-in-segment ride and handling that has endeared it to buyers all these years. All in all, the king of MPV segment is looking mighty good to continue its reign at the top for a few more years to come.

Volkswagen Jetta TSI (Petrol) spotted in Pune

The Volkswagen Automotive Group seems to be having its hands full at the moment in India. There has been a spate of activity going on with a fair mix of new variants and all-new models being launched in the market under Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi brands. One significant launch in recent months was that of the all-new Volkswagen Jetta. The car, with its gorgeous looks, Audi-inspired rear-end design and powerful yet fuel-efficient diesel engine, met with a tremendous response in our market. Within a few months of launch, the Volkswagen Jetta, with no petrol variant in its lineup, has already started outselling the Skoda Laura, which comes with petrol, diesel and even the sporty ‘vRS’ version that was launched recently.

But, Volkswagen being what it is, is not content with it and wants to take it’s sibling rivalry to new heights. Going by this spy shot that was captured in Pune today, the highly acclaimed and technologically advanced ‘TSI’ petrol engine will soon be found under the hood of the new Jetta. It doesn’t need a lot of common sense to guess that this engine would most probably be the same 1.8 liter version with a power output of 160 bhp that does duty in Audi’s A4 and Skoda’s Laura and Superb. There are also rumors going around in the online media that Volkswagen could launch the less powerful but equally less expensive 1.4 liter TSI engine in the Jetta with a claimed power output of 122 bhp. Now, that could compete on specs and price with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

The TSI engine was first introduced in India under the hood of the short-lived but extremely popular Skoda Octavia vRS. Since then, the TSI engines have developed a cult following and are very popular among the enthusiasts, not only in India but also across the world. In fact, Volkswagen’s TSI family of engines have been voted as one among the world’s best engines for many years in a row. With an engine of such pedigree combined with the stunning looks of the new Jetta, it looks to me as a perfect recipe for success. Volkswagen might launch the Jetta TSI in the upcoming 2012 Auto Expo to be held at New Delhi but it’s success will entirely depend upon the company’s pricing strategy. Watch this space!