Jalopnik: Powertrain

Automotive News: Ford EcoBoost V6 To Cost About $700, Appearing On Flex, MKS Next Year

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Automotive News is speculating that Ford's highly anticipated EcoBoost twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 will cost about $700 over the standard powerplant when it's released as an option for the Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex next year. While Ford didn't release output numbers or mileage expectations for the initial applications, they are saying that pickup versions of the EcoBoost V6 will produce "significantly more" than 340 HP and 340 lb-ft of torque while returning 20% better mileage than an equivalent V8. Just don't call it a Twinforce. [AutoNews(Sub. Req.)]

GM May Subsidize $10,000 Two-Mode Hybrid Powertrain

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EDT

Automotive News is reporting the General's new dual-mode hybrid powertrain, which has two electric motors to assist the engine, and is one of what may be up to three new hybrid powertrain systems for the General, costs $10,000. The dual-mode hybrid system is designed to be dropped into the upcoming hybrid versions of the GMT-900 twins, the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe. Although considering the Toyota Highlander hybrid costs about $8,000 more than the base model Toyota Highlander, this sounds pretty much in line with the rest of the industry. But, to make a more steal-like deal out of the dual-mode expected to cut 25% of the fuel consumption in the big SUV's, we're also hearing GM's looking to subsidize the cost. Sounds like a smart marketing move to us but we'll see if it translates to a sticker price that'll push big beasts out of dealer lots.

GM may eat hybrid cost (sub. req.) [Automotive News]

Dodge's World Beat: The 2007 Caliber's Global Powertrain

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 10 Aug 2005 14:51:17 EDT

Gone are the days when automakers wouldn't use anything not designed in their own studios (about forty years gone, if we're being honest). The powertrain of Dodge's new 2007 Caliber, for example, is a figment of globalization worthy of champagne and tongue-kisses from George Soros. For one, the Caliber's CVT2 continuously variable transmission (pictured), a DiVinciesque system of belts, pulleys and cogs, was created by Nissan's Jatco, Ltd. (CVT systems, as you may know, allow a car's engine to stay in its optimum RPM range, notwithstanding its velocity.)

One notable feature of the CVT2 application, is software that mimics the feel of a traditional transmission, squelching the instant rise in RPMs that could give first-time CVT operators the sensation of slipping on banana peels.

What's more, the Caliber's all-wheel-drive system — with variable torque output for front and rear — was developed with Mitsubishi. (It's Chrysler Group s first electronically controlled AWD system.) Plus, VW will supply a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbodiesel engine that will be available in overseas markets.