Carbon Motors claims 14,000 reservations for E7 police car [Video]

Carbon Motors will put its E7 Police Car into production in 2012 and the brave men and women of the law enforcement, City Mayors, Managers and Council Members, the State Controllers and even the Federal Government are starting to recognize the benefits of this diesel police interceptor that will carry a BMW diesel engine.



In its latest newsletter update, Carbon Motors has revealed that it's received over 14,000 reservations from over 400 police agencies for its new purpose built E7 police car. However, it's best to bear in mind those are just reservations for slots in the production schedule. As of yet, no one has placed a firm order for the E7 because Carbon hasn't even announced pricing. While the concept of a vehicle built specifically to meet the needs of police forces certainly sounds good on paper, the E7 will undoubtedly be expensive.



The Carbon Motors E7 will be powered by a diesel engine from BMW. The twin-turbocharged diesel unit, which is also used in the BMW X5 xDrive35d and the BMW 335d, will produce 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. So far Carbon Motors has ordered 240,000 of these engines from BMW.













Press Release:



Carbon Motors: A Catalyst for Change



New Entrants into Market Raise the Question, "What's the Difference?"



It has long been assumed that law enforcement professionals – police, sheriff's deputies, state patrol, etc. – operate real "police cars", yet there has never been any proof backed up with logic to show why this statement might be true (or in this case false) in the first place. It is a myth. Law enforcement organizations have never been offered a purpose-built solution because one never existed anywhere in the world until Carbon Motors came along with world's first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle.



With the help of over 3,500 US law enforcement professionals from all 50 States representing the local, state and federal levels, Carbon Motors wrote the groundbreaking specifications for such a vehicle. Based on this comprehensive list, it became evident that modifying a retail passenger car would not suffice – from interior space requirements, to vehicle performance, to the use of advanced homeland security technologies, to the long-term durability based on law enforcement usage patterns, to the fuel efficiency, to the required safety attributes and the list goes on and on and on. Carbon Motors decided to develop an all-new, ground-up homeland security platform for the United States of America "Designed by Law Enforcement, Exclusively for Law Enforcement."



What Really is "Purpose-Built"?



Purpose-built quite simply means, "exclusively built for a particular purpose" – a superior product built from the ground-up with one sole mission, dedicated and committed to one set of professional users. Our country builds purpose-built vehicles to put out fires, go into battle, clean our streets, collect our trash and deliver our mail. Why not a purpose-built vehicle, then, for patrolling our roadways, protecting our communities, and securing our homeland?



The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the MRAP All-Terrain Armored Vehicle, an emergency fire truck, a SWAT armored rescue vehicle, and the Carbon 'E7' – these are purpose-built vehicles on a very serious, clear and singular mission. The Carbon E7 is in fact so serious, that it will have a positive and material effect on at least six of President Obama's cabinet-level departments including the Departments of Labor, Energy, Homeland Security, Justice, Transportation, and Treasury. From creating thousands of new American jobs of national importance, to reducing our dependence on foreign oil, to better securing our homeland, and even reducing taxpayer burden regarding the approximately $100 billion the United States of America will spend on law enforcement vehicle operations over the next decade.

Demand is Unquestionable – 14,000 Reservations Says So!



Clearly, the brave women and men of law enforcement, the City Mayors, Managers and Council Members, the State Controllers and even the Federal Government all recognize the benefits of a purpose-built vehicle. And they have all backed it up in writing. Carbon Motors has surpassed 14,000 production slot reservations for the Carbon E7. These reservations were made by over 400 law enforcement agencies in 48 US States, representing each functional area of law enforcement. At this rate, Carbon Motors fully expects to have production sold out well in advance of the first vehicle rolling out of the Carbon Campus in Connersville, Indiana.



51st stop on Pure Justice Tour Features Ride-and-Drive



Carbon Motors Corporation was invited to participate in the Advanced Automotive Technology Symposium in Sacramento, California last week. The purpose of the event was to highlight some of the emerging technologies in the automotive powertrain space. Other participants included Bosch, BMW, Daimler, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen. Advanced clean diesel technology was not only featured as a prominent provider of both reduced fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, but as a long-term, durable solution to reducing our dependence on foreign oil.



Carbon Motors set out to provide an optimum balance of performance and fuel economy in the E7 law enforcement patrol vehicle with the selection of its advanced clean diesel engines by BMW. Symposium guests were invited to experience that performance first-hand after looking over Carbon's E7 – the thrill of having 80% of the engine's torque available between 1100 rpm to 4200 rpm!



Law enforcement professionals spent extraordinary lengths of time gazing at the E7 and learning of its unique features and functionalities. They were then escorted over to participate in a very special ride-and-drive in vehicles with this type of advanced powertrain. It was fun to see the looks on the faces of both law enforcement officers and fleet administrators as they were pinned to the backs of their seats. One of the California Congressional Delegates was even spotted kneeling down to smell the exhaust because she couldn't believe how clean this advanced technology actually is!



All of those who participated agreed that Carbon's E7, coupled with the BMW advanced diesel engine, is the one and only breakthrough product for our brave women and men in uniform that put their lives on the line for us, every single day!

Fiat launches new Diesel edition 500C in Japan

The Fiat 500C by Diesel makes its formal debut in Japan on April 12.


All engine choices will have five or six-speed manual tranmissions while for the exterior customers are able to choose three body and top colour combinations for their Fiat 500 by Diesel.

The interior also gets denim-like upholstery with yellow top-stitching. Yellow brake calipers peer out from behind the 16" alloys finished in dark satin like the rest of the muted brightwork.

The Fiat 500 by Diesel price starts at 18,000 Euro and Italy will be the first to ge the limite-edition cabriolet starting from May. The automaker says they have allready sold 6,500 exemplars Fiat 500 by Diesel ans the car will be marketed worldwide.





Press Release:

Fiat 500C by Diesel debuts in Japan

Fiat 500C by Diesel, the new cabriolet version of the model jointly created in 2008 by Fiat and Diesel, the famous clothing and lifestyle brand, will debut in Japan on 12 April. The Fiat Café in Aoyama (Tokyo) – an exclusive location, which has become a byword for sociability and Italian style – has been chosen for the prestigious event, which will be attended by representatives of the establishment, the world of culture and the press, in addition to Diesel founder Renzo Rosso and the top managers of Fiat Group Automobiles Japan. The car will then make its European debut on 15 April at the Milan Furniture Fair in front of the splendid Diesel flagship store in the renowned Piazza S. Babila.

The Fiat 500C by Diesel will be marketed worldwide - in Italy from May, with an on-road price starting from 18,000 euros. Nearly 6,500 units of the already available limited-edition saloon version have already been sold. The new cabriolet "by Diesel" confirms the extraordinary capacity of the "500 Project" to continuously evolve with the addition of new versions. This is precisely one of the secrets of the undisputed success of the Fiat 500, a genuine pop icon and expression of the concept of "massexclusivity" ("non-exclusive exclusiveness"), which a few days ago reached the target of 500,000 units produced in only 31 months after having been launched.

In detail, the 500 by Diesel is distinguished by some bold aesthetic features, starting with the exterior. Everything is exclusive for this version, the result of the creativity of two teams of designers: the aggressive 16" alloy wheels, the rear trim with imitation air intake where one of the most famous logos of Italian fashion is set, the yellow brake calipers (only on the 1.4 100 HP version) and the satin finish chrome painted details, including the mouldings which with their bosses evoke the atmosphere of the Diesel fashion world. The interiors are also highly customised, sporting a dark denim style fabric with yellow stitching, a fifth pocket with the unmistakable Diesel brand, the head of the famous "Mohican" on the gear lever knob and the special satin chrome coloured dashboard.

Just like the saloon, theFiat 500C by Diesel also combines two apparently distant worlds: fashion and motoring. In fact, they have some important concepts in common, such as talent, creativity, charm and innovation, the winning ingredients of Italian style, which is famous worldwide.

Finally, according to markets, the Fiat 500C by Diesel range comes with four Euro 5 engine versions (1.2 69 HP, 1.4 16v 100 HP, 1.3 Multijet 75 HP with DPF and 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP); manual 5 or 6 speed gearboxes (petrol engines can be fitted with a Dualogic 5 speed robotised gearbox); and three body and top colour combinations: the distinctive green with black top, the elegant black with black or red top and the original "Midnight indigo" blue with ivory top. The latest two innovations of the Fiat 500 by Diesel stand out: a second-generation 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro5) turbo diesel with Start&Stop system as standard, with emissions of just 104 g/km of CO2 and "Midnight indigo" blue, an intriguing metal-flake body colour which - with a finer paint texture and almost 3D effect - is reminiscent of the look of stone-washed fabrics.

Turin, 9 April 2010

Cargraphic - Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Diesel cars are good for consumption, but usually their appearance is left on second place. This is where tuners come along and change it. And this is the case with the Porsche Cayenne Diesel, a good looking car, for sure, but not as good looking as, lets say a Turbo version.


Consisting of a rear valence and a stainless steel exhaust system, the package (€2,495) evokes the rear-end of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Of course, to complete the Diesel to Turbo transformation, you'll also need the front valance and side skirts.


The Cargraphic upgrade kit for the Porsche Cayenne 3 litre Diesel The Cayenne Diesel is a real alternative to the petrol-driven models, especially for long-distance motoring. Diesel drivers can really get their money's worth...


And of course the engine’s power was also upgraded: from a standard 240 hp, the tuner raised it to 290 hp and 630 NM of torque.
via:topspeed


Press Release


The Cargraphic upgrade kit for the Porsche Cayenne 3 litre Diesel
The Cayenne Diesel is a real alternative to the petrol-driven models, especially for long-distance motoring. Diesel drivers can really get their money's worth, not just in economic terms, and this is down to the V6 unit's high torque of 550 Nm at 176 kW / 240 PS. The only issue is the look, which does come across as somewhat tame, compared with the top Cayenne models. Yet even this is now no longer a major shortcoming, as Cargraphic, the traditional customizing company from Germany, has now included in its range a conversion kit for Cayenne Turbo look.

What the vehicle enhancement specialists, with their reputation for attention to detail, can offer the customer is a matching rear valence along with sports exhaust, heat shield and end pipes, all for 2,495 euros (plus VAT). The exhaust systems are produced in England by Cargraphic's own manufacturers, working to the highest standards of craftmanship. Only high-grade stainless steel is used, good enough to satisfy even the quality standards demanded in the aviation industry.

All that remains, then, is the "moral" issue of whether a diesel model should actually even be allowed to bear the Turbo insignia. Michael Schnarr, who heads the company along with his brother Thomas, has got the answer: "Technically, the diesel engine used in the Cayenne is actually a turbo engine." And on the subject of performance, he points to another of the company's products. Thanks to an upgrade via software, the engine power soars to 290 PS (213 kW) and the top speed rises to 133 mph (221 km/h). In terms of torque - now up to 630 Nm - the diesel model is now getting dangerously close to the "real" Turbo Cayenne, with its 700 Nm. The price of the software performance upgrade runs to 995 euros (plus VAT).

New VW Touareg sheds 200kg

Following in the Polo's footsteps, Volkswagen has revealed that the next version of their Touareg will shed as much as 208kg in the base model and offer up to 20% improvements in economy.

The weight saving amounts to as much as 10% removed from the kerb weight of the previous Touareg, and coupled with improved aerodynamics and updated engines, including a new hybrid motor, the new Touareg promises to be one of the most efficient large SUVs on the market.

According to Volkswagen's press release (available on ABG), the new Touareg also offers more space, more equipment (including stop/start technology) and more off-road biased options packages. Visually, the new car shares Volkswagen's family face first seen on the Scirocco, and it works well with the slightly more chiselled body, making the car look much smaller and more dynamic.

Of course, the weight savings on the Touareg will be reflected in the upcoming Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, which share the same platform. Perhaps Volkswagen's step onto the treadmill will encourage other manufactures to do the same with their larger vehicles - the biggest gains can be found from improving the efficiency of the biggest vehicles.

(Image: Volkswagen)

Video: AC Schnitzer BMW 335d Coupe – World’s fastest diesel car

By creating the ACS3 3.5d Coupé, based on the BMW 335d, Ac Schnitzer brakes the world record for the fastest production diesel car for the third time in a row! Apparently they are really god at working with diesel engines! The record was set during ‘Auto Bild Sportscars‘ high speed test at the world famous Nardo track in Italy. The ACS3 managed to hit 288.7 km/h (~180 mph). This record is 8.7 km/h faster than the previous one set in 2006.


The tuner did not release technical details on the specific model, but we assume that it features the standard 310HP upgrade to the twin-turbocharged straight-six diesel engine.
Together with the record breaking ACS3 3.5d Coupe, AC Schnitzer also tested the ACS4 3.5 turbo, which is based on the BMW Z4 sDrive 35i, at Nardo. The 360HP hardtop roadster achieved a top speed of 303.1 km/h or about 188 mph, which may not have set a world record, but it's impressive nevertheless.



via:carscoop

Spy Shots: MINI Cooper S Diesel & Clubman S Diesel

The petrol Cooper S range uses a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo for maximum power output of 128kW (172hp) and 240Nm of torque (260Nm with overboost). The MINI One D on the other hand kicks out only 66kW (90hp) and 215Nm while its Cooper D brother works with 80kW (110hp) and 240Nm.


Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?


What gave the game away was the distinctive engine sound that diesel-powered cars are known for. The front bumper is of a slightly different design as well. Some prototypes that have been spotted carried the cosmetic-only bonnet scoop, while others did not. Therefore we can't really say if it will be kept or not.


If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.
More Photos

Most frugal car in the real world? Autocar finds out with a race...

Manufacturers make big claims about their fuel economy figures. Occasionally, even these claims can be bettered, as Toyota's now closed blog for the iQ managed back in January, extracting 72mpg when Toyota themselves only claimed 65mpg. Often though, real-world driving prevents us from extracting the optimum economy from our cars.

Autocar's test then perhaps sheds a little more relevance on achieving high miles to the gallon. Armed with a Ford Fiesta Econetic, a Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex, an Insight, a Prius, a BMW 116d and a Smart ForTwo CDi, they each hit the track at Bruntingthorpe with a single litre of fuel and a driver trying to achieve as many miles in the hour as possible. By working to distance rather than outright economy, it avoided the whole race becoming a slow eco-trundle.

The most efficient at the end of the hour? Ford's Fiesta Econetic. It achieved almost sixty miles at the hands of Matt Prior, equivalent - unsurprisingly - to roughly 60mpg. A little way short of Ford's 76mpg combined figure perhaps, but much more representative of what drivers can expect in their daily grind, and a long way from shabby.

The other cars in the test all managed to average around 55mpg, including the diminutive Smart despite being driven pedal-to-the-metal until it spluttered to a halt after 53 minutes.

The full story can be found in the 30th September issue of Autocar, out now. Alternatively, you can watch the video:

(Picture credits: Tarmac)

Volkswagen 1-litre concept one step closer

News arrives via AutoBlogGreen that Volkswagen's 1-litre concept is still under development and nearing production reality.
The concept, now being named the L1, will be on display at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and Volkswagen have released more details about the car and the engine that will be powering it in a press release that you can read in full on ABG's page.

The 1L has a 0.8 litre TDI developed from Volkswagen's new 1.6 TDI that makes its debut in the new Golf and Passat BlueMotion. Along with automatic stop-start, a 0.195 coefficient of drag and thanks to an all-in weight of only 380kg, the 1L is claimed to sip one US gallon of fuel every 170 miles, or 204mpg imperial (and only 36 grammes per kilometer of CO2). This works out at a little over the original 1l/100km that Volkswagen claimed, though I'm sure owners wouldn't complain as the eventual figure is still only 1.38 litres per 100km. Thanks to the light weight and slippery shape, the 1L also manages 100mph.
Volkswagen are now giving the car a tentative 2013 release date. Should give you time to save up...

(Image credits: Volkswagen)

80mpg from diesel-powered first-gen Insight

Yes, you read that correctly. AutoBlogGreen has released news that a company called Red Light Racing has installed Volkswagen's 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder Pumpe Düse TDI in a first-generation Honda Insight and the net result is 80mpg in US gallons - a staggering 96mpg imperial.

The engine has been taken from Volkswagen's Lupo 3L, a model that was only available in mainland Europe and itself made 94mpg imperial, equivalent to 3 litres/100km. The Lupo however was solely diesel-powered - and Red Light Racing state that they haven't even hooked up the Insight's hybrid motor to the diesel unit yet and once they do there could be another 15-20% improvement.

The Lupo 3L was highly modified from the standard Lupo TDI - like the Insight, it used aluminium in much of its construction, and also in common with the Insight it used low rolling-resistance tyres and a stop-start function to save fuel when stopped in traffic. The engine produces 61bhp and makes 140Nm of torque, which is 9bhp less than the Insight's 1.0 litre petrol IMA unit but a useful 27Nm more torque. Coincidentally, both Lupo 3L and Insight weigh in the region of 850kg, so the engine seems ideal for use in the Insight, though according to Red Light Racing the installation naturally wasn't too straightforward.

Diesel clatter aside, the new engine should provide very pleasant driving characteristics too. The final quote goes to Red Light Racing, clearly a company after Tarmac's heart: "The main idea was to take existing hardware, hack it, and make a vehicle that could be produced by major manufacturers or individuals that would deliver tremendous fuel economy without a tremendous leap in technology. I believe we succeeded."

(Image credits: AutoBlogGreen and Wikipedia)

The numbers have it: UK car CO2 emissions are falling fast

If ever there was a sign that times are tough and people are trading down to more efficient cars, it's the sharp reduction in the average CO₂ emissions of cars sold in the UK from 2007 to 2008.

Average emissions have dropped by over 5g/km in the past year, continuing a trend that's seen CO₂ plummet by over 30g/km in the last ten years. 2008's figures show a significant fall however, suggesting that the current economic climate, the spike in the price of fuel last year and purse-strings generally being tightened across the country are resulting in people buying much more economical cars than they may have in more favourable times. The figures have been outlined by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) More of the results are illustrated below.

(Images: SMMT)

The trend can also be attributed to the huge efforts that manufacturers have made in recent years too. BMW recently launched their 116d, the most fuel efficient BMW currently available, capable of over 50mpg and with CO₂ emissions as low as 118g/km. Many companies now offer stop-start technology which significantly reduces fuel consumption in city traffic, and companies like Mazda with their 2 and Volkswagen with their upcoming new Polo have worked hard to reduce weight, allowing smaller and more efficient engines to be used without compromising on performance. Volkswagen recently unveiled the new Polo Bluemotion concept at the Geneva Motor Show, which sips a gallon of fuel as infrequently as every 85 miles. It also manages to look very handsome indeed.

With cars such as these, expect the current trend to continue.

(Image: AutoBlogGreen)

Reasons to be happy in '09 - small, fun cars

In the midst of economic gloom and worries about the environment easing us into 2009, at least some car manufacturers still know how to have fun. First to take a bow is Fiat, who bring us news of something we've all secretly been hoping for since the demise of the Barchetta and the reinvention of the Abarth marque - a small sports car. This news comes via Auto Express, who give us pictures (albeit artists interpretations, as far as I can gather) of an agressive looking small coupe/roadster based on the Fiat 500.

This means the car will be front-wheel drive, but equipped with the 1.4 turbocharged motor from the 500 Abarth, exciting performance should be readily available, amplified by the lightweight body and low centre of gravity. Not only that, it's anticipated to deliver 45mpg, so whilst not a smart Roadster in terms of green fun, it's more than adequate. Unlike the Roadster it should also be inexpensive - Fiat are aiming for a £12,000 starting tag. Given that the Fiat 500 shares it's platform with the Ford Ka, could we be in for a possible StreetKa replacement in the future?

Abarth Coupe (Image: Auto Express)

Also bringing us a small and economical sports car is Volkswagen. VW have tempted us with small roadsters before, but appear more serious this time, touting their BlueSport concept as a cut-price Porsche Boxter. Whilst not exactly svelte at 1200kg, this is still relatively light by Volkswagen standards and the 178bhp, 350Nm 2.0 TDI engine should have no problem propelling it along, especially through VW's DSG dual-clutch transmission feeding power to the rear wheels.

Unfortunately, though somewhat predictably, you pay VW prices for a VW roadster and it's expected to start at over £22,000, over ten grand more than the Abarth. That said, by Boxter standards it's a steal and you're unlikely to get 42mpg and 113g/km of CO2 from a Boxter.

Volkswagen BlueSport (Image: Volkswagen)

Giving us open-air fun in a different form is Kia, who presented the Soul'ster at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Soul'ster is based on the new Kia Soul so isn't a dedicated sports car like the others, instead presenting us with a kind of pickup/roadster hybrid. Being based on the normal hatchback, practicality is still a strong point with room for four plus luggage, according to Auto Express. With the 1.6 litre turbodiesel available in the UK-bound soul it should be capable of close to the 55mpg that Kia claim for the regular Soul. Alas, as yet the 'ster is only a concept, but it should raise interest in the production Soul.

Kia Soul'ster (Image: Kia Motors)