Mazda Shinari Concept
By Michael Brose on Sep 01, 2010
Full Story: HERE
"The Mazda Shinari concept gives us a clear idea as to what the next Mazda 6 will look like. The first vehicle wearing a new Mazda design language dubbed Kodo (“Soul of Motion”), the Shinari concept is a gorgeous, if slightly overblown, four-seat coupe that looks like the lovechild of a Maserati GranTurismo and a Jaguar XF. The cab-rearward proportions; swoopy lines; and giant, 21-inch wheels give the impression that Mazda might be going after the likes of Mercedes, BMW, and Audi."
"The Shinari is based on a new architecture that can be front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. Further proof of this car's future 6-ness comes in the confirmation that the concept's architecture will underpin the next generation of Mazda C- and D-segment vehicles (think Toyota Camry and Honda Accord). We peeked underneath the concept and discovered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (likely one of the company's new Sky powerplants) driving the front wheels, and a lower-control-arm front-suspension layout."
Source: Caranddriver.com
Mazda Sky-G and Sky-D Engines
By Michael Brose on Sep 01, 2010
With escalating fuel-economy regulations, car manufacturers have been forced to make changes to their line-ups. In response, Mazda has launched a new series of 4-cylinder engines called the Sky-G (gasoline) and Sky-D (diesel).
Full Story: HERE
"Increasing the compression ratio—in this case, to a staggering 14:1 from 11:1 in the current 2.0-liter (the U.S. version is 10:1)—is a classic way to squeeze more work out of the piston's power stroke. But it creates problems, too, because compressing the air/fuel mixture this much causes excess heat build-up in the cylinder, which leads to premature auto-ignition, or knock. To keep the temperatures down, Mazda employs a seriously lengthy 4-2-1 exhaust header, designed so that the hot exhaust gases don't get pulled back into the next cylinder's intake stroke. As it stands today, it doesn't appear that the Sky could fit in a longitudinal application such as the Miata—the huge header likely would poke through a front fender."
"Further improvements include the addition of direct injection and a reduction of heat loss -- too much heat can be problematic, but temperature is a necessary byproduct of burning fuel, and squelching it all is inefficient. The heat-loss reduction comes from a smaller bore and a much more complex piston shape that features a cavity directly in the piston's center, the hot area where the spark plug fires. Friction also has been reduced in the pistons, rods, and crankshaft (which is now forged steel instead of cast iron), and roller finger followers reduce it in the valvetrain. The engine uses 0W20 oil, which looks frighteningly like colored water. The Sky also gets dual variable valve timing, electronically varied (as opposed to using oil pressure) on the intake side, so that rapid adjustments can be made even during cold starts. Overall weight has been reduced by about 15 pounds, including 10 saved by thinning out the block where additional strength wasn't needed."
Source: Caranddriver.com
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
By Michael Brose on Sep 01, 2010
VW has finally gotten around to giving the New Beetle a face lift. I'd have to say, it reminds me of an Audi TT.
Full Story: HERE
"Compared to the outgoing model, the next-gen New Beetle sports somewhat more angular details, and a source who has seen the vehicle describes it as 'a sharper, stronger, more substantial car.' The front end draws from the horizontal lines that characterize VW's current portfolio -- without abandoning the trademark round headlights, of course. The side windows are outlined, and the rear end looks more powerful than that of the current model. Still, the look will be immediately recognizable."
"Powertrains for this front-driver will come from VW's vast parts bin, with the naturally aspirated, 115-hp, 2.0-liter four likely serving as the entry-level engine for the U.S. market. More power could come from the 2.5-liter five-cylinder, but VW might also make the switch to the smaller but more powerful turbo- and supercharged 1.4-liter TSI engine, which can make upwards of 170 hp, and the turbocharged, 200- or 210-hp 2.0-liter TSI from the GTI and GLI. This platform's possibilities are virtually limitless: There could be an R version with some 270 hp, a return of a TDI model, all-wheel-drive versions, or a hybrid. While the entry-level Beetle will likely keep its Aisin-designed automatic, the turbocharged models will get VW's dual-clutch automated manual transmissions."
Source: Caranddriver.com
