2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty power stroke Diesel is cleanest ever; fuel economy greatly improved
The all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers best-in-class torque, horsepower, towing and payload capability – and does it all more efficiently, resulting in less fuel usage and extended maintenance intervals that can translate directly into bottom-line savings for customers.
“The 2011 Super Duty is not only the most powerful, most capable and fuel-efficient heavy-duty pickup truck on the road, it performs the tough jobs with even more efficiency than ever before,” said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. “Customers can be confident that Super Duty’s class-leading capability comes with Ford’s ‘and solution’ of best-in-class fuel economy.”
All-new diesel and gas engine powertrains are the backbone of the 2011 Super Duty’s best-in-class towing (26,400 pounds for F-550 chassis cab with fifth-wheel hitch) and payload capability (6,520 pounds for F-350 dual rear-wheel pickup). The Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine produces best-in-class 735 ft.-lb. of torque at 1,600 rpm and best-in-class 390 horsepower at 2,800 rpm. The new engine is compatible up to B20 biodiesel fuel as well.
The new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also boasts best-in-class numbers of 405 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm and 385 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The new engine is E85 compatible.
Mated to each engine is the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission. The added feature content and overall efficiency of the transmission are the main reasons for the improved fuel economy. The all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty equipped with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel averages an 18 percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25 percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models. Trucks equipped with new base 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine average a 15 percent improvement versus 2010 models.
“The new transmission is a ‘clean-sheet’ design, developed specifically to handle the significantly increased torque produced by the new diesel engine and the higher rotational speeds produced by the new gas engine, and to deliver the power to the wheels seamlessly and efficiently for heavy-duty truck customers,” said Al Bruck, transmission engineering manager. “Each system and component was scrutinized to deliver optimum performance.”
Here’s a closer look at what was achieved and the benefits to the customer:
– New torque converter that locks at a far lower rpm than the competition: The new, stronger torque converter is core to the improved transmission performance. One key component is the long-travel turbine damper that allows the transmission to lock earlier, at a lower rpm, which translates to less slip and more fuel efficiency. The new transmission locks down to 900 rpm, which is about 200 rpm less than the outgoing product and more than 100 rpm less than competitors. The second key component of the torque converter is the closed-piston design. This design allows for better control of the lock-up clutch, which enables controlled converter clutch slip during lock-to-lock upshifts that are seamless to the customer.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Locked converter operation at lower speeds means less wasted heat energy and better fuel economy.
– Optimized shift and converter lock-up schedule: After analyzing the entire shift schedule, Ford calibration engineers fine-tuned it by measuring and optimizing the fuel flow. The system recognizes light or heavy throttle use, and puts the transmission in the right gear for best performance and efficiency. The entire operating range has been optimized to get the best fuel economy by locking up the converter as soon as possible and as much as possible.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Optimizing the shift schedule and lock schedule ensures customers automatically operate in the most efficient gears and save fuel.
– Gearing and double-overdrive: The 6R140 transmission has a ratio span of about 5.9, which is quite a bit wider than competitors. This wider span means the transmission has a deeper first gear that allows customers to get the load moving quicker, and a tall overdrive ratio for good highway efficiency. While the gearing itself is important, the key to overall efficiency is matching that gearing to the correct axle. With the diesel engine, up to four axle ratios are available on the pickups – 3.31, 3.55, 3.73 and 4.30. Matching up the gearing with the right axles means better overall efficiency.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: The double-overdrive gear means even if a customer gets a downshift on the highway, the transmission remains in overdrive. Also, the F-450 pickup went from a 4.88 axle to a 4.30 axle at launch for the 2011 model mated to the wide ratio span of the transmission. This and other optimizations mean the F-450 now has about a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy.
– Optimized pumping pressure: A certain amount of pressure is required to hold the clutches together so they don’t slip. The trick is to have the right amount of pressure to do the job. Too much pressure wastes fuel. The solution is to optimize the size of the pump and precisely control the pressure for all operating conditions.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: At highway speeds, for example, the line pressure is reduced, which helps save fuel. The system maintains the right amount of pressure for any given speed range. The less energy needed for internal pump pressure means less fuel used.
– Optimized drainback to reduce spin losses: A main objective is to get the fluid through the main barrel to lubricate and cool components, and get it back to the sump as quickly as possible. This reduces windage and parasitic loss. The clutch friction plates were designed to allow fluid to flow through them efficiently for cooling and reduced drag. Clutch housings, connecting shells and the main case housing were optimized to quickly drain the fluid out of rotating components and back into the sump.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Fewer parasitic losses due to reduced churning of fluid increases fuel economy.
– Warmer operating temperature: Tied in with spin losses, the 6R140 cooling system has been optimized to allow for the proper amount of cooling when towing heavy loads in high ambient temperatures, while running at an overall higher stabilized temperature. This higher stabilized temperature lowers the viscosity and helps the fluid flow more easily, which reduces parasitic losses and saves fuel. The fluid also warms up faster because it does not flow to the cooling circuit until properly warmed up. Faster warm-up also reduces overall parasitic losses.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Fewer parasitic losses due to reduced fluid viscosity translates to less internal drag on the system and increases fuel economy.
Lighter, more efficient than competition
The 6R140 transmission is about 25 pounds lighter than those of competitors. The new engines are lighter than the outgoing products as well, which altogether means much more efficient power flow on a pound-for-pound basis. The 6R140 also has a 150,000-mile fluid change interval, which is 2-1/2 times greater than the outgoing product. A patent-pending high-efficiency dual-media filter is the main reason for the extended maintenance interval, which is another savings for customers.
Cleanest Power Stroke ever
The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel employs an aftertreatment system to help comply with 2010 federal regulations to reduce NOx levels in diesel emissions by more than 80 percent compared with the previous standard. The Ford aftertreatment system is a three-stage process; a key component is the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
Injection of DEF to reduce NOx is a proven technology that’s been used throughout the automotive industry. Unlike other strategies used to control NOx, the DEF system allows the diesel engine to run at its optimum range in terms of fuel mixture. Some systems require the engine to run richer – which can be harmful to diesel engines – in order to control the NOx.
The aftertreatment system works like this:
Step One: Cleaning and Heating – The first step in cleaning the diesel exhaust occurs when the exhaust stream enters the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). The role of the DOC is twofold. First, it converts and oxidizes hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide. This conversion happens at about 250 degrees Celsius.
Second, the DOC is used to provide and promote heat, using specific engine management strategies, into the exhaust system. Through appropriate thermal management, this heat increases the conversion efficiency of the downstream subsystems in reducing emissions.
Step Two: Knocking Out the NOx – The next step in the process is what’s known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). In this process, the NOx in the exhaust stream is converted into water and inert nitrogen, which is present in the atmosphere and harmless. Before the exhaust gas enters the SCR chamber, it is dosed with DEF, an aqueous solution that is approximately 67.5 percent water and 32.5 percent pure urea.
When heated, the DEF splits into ammonia and carbon dioxide. These molecules are atomized and vaporized, then enter a mixer that resembles a corkscrew. This twist mixer evenly distributes the ammonia within the exhaust flow. The ammonia enters the SCR module, which contains a catalyzed substrate, and through chemical reactions combines and converts the NOx and ammonia into the harmless inert nitrogen and water. Dosing occurs between 200 and 500 degrees Celsius.
Step Three: Scrubbing Away the Soot – The final part of the cleansing system for the diesel exhaust gas involves the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The DPF traps any remaining soot, which is then periodically burned away, known as regenerating, when sensors detect the trap is full. The regeneration process sees temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Celsius to burn away soot.
This industry-proven technology ensures that the new 6.7-liter diesel is the cleanest Power Stroke ever, as well as the most fuel-efficient.
“Having this diesel designed in-house at Ford meant we were able to work on optimizations and refinements right from the start,” said Tim Ogilvie, vehicle energy supervisor. “We’re able to deliver to customers a more refined, more fuel-efficient Super Duty, with class-leading torque and horsepower and the class-leading capability they demand.”
Mercedes-Benz Financial expands mobile platform to include smartphones
“Coolest way to pay” now includes users of BlackBerry, Droid and more
Mercedes-Benz Financial is now the first automotive financial services company to expand personalized and convenient account management features to all of its customers using smartphones like BlackBerry®, Droid ®, and other mobile devices with internet capability.
Mercedes-Benz Financial last Fall became the first auto finance company to offer account management features with the launch of its iPhone® App free download.
Account holders must first register online at www.Mercedes-BenzFinancial.com to access secure account management features. Detailed instructions for smartphone users are available at www.Mercedes-BenzFinancial.com/mobile.
All smartphone users, even those who are not customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial, will be able to locate the nearest Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer, contact a customer service representative and see what’s new from Mercedes-Benz Financial.
Account holders of Mercedes-Benz Financial will be able to make a payment, view their account summary and request a payoff quote.
“We are closing in on 10,000 downloads of our iPhone App which validates our decision to expand our mobile capabilities to all customers who are smartphone users,” said Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial. “By expanding our mobile services to smartphone users, more of our customers will enjoy the conveniences of connecting with us from the palm of their hand.”
Lexus and Scholastic announce Lexus Eco Challenge #2 winners
All Winning Teams Invited to Participate in the Final Challenge for $270,000 in Grants and Scholarships
Creating rain gardens, building a biodiesel processor, and promoting the use of solar chimneys were some of the actions taken by the winning teams in the second round of the Lexus Eco Challenge, an educational program and contest that empowers young people to make a positive difference for the environment. The 15 winning middle and high schools teams in Challenge #2 were awarded $10,000 each and are now qualified to participate in the Final Challenge for a chance at one of two $30,000 grand prizes and 14 $15,000 first-place awards. In all, Lexus will award a total of $500,000 in grants and scholarships throughout this year’s program. All award money is shared among the students, teacher advisor and school.
“Since launching the Lexus Eco Challenge three years ago, we’ve enjoyed watching as thousands of students have stepped up to protect our environment, and this latest round of entries did not disappoint us,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “We’ve been impressed, humbled, and most of all, inspired by the dedication of the teams and their teacher advisors.”
For each of the challenges, teams are required to define an environmental issue that is important to them, develop an action plan to address the issue, implement the plan, and report on the results. The Challenge #2 winning teams that best addressed environmental challenges associated with air and climate were (winners listed in alphabetical order by state along with city, team name. school name, and each project’s subject).
High School Winners:
– Florida (Newberry) – “P.A.N.T.H.E.R. – Providing a New Way to Help Environmental Restoration” – Newberry High School – “Green” Christmas initiative
– Georgia (Atlanta) – “Westminster Greencats” – The Westminster Schools – Reducing greenhouse gases and investing in renewable energy sources
– Hawaii (Honolulu) – “LEXgo” – W.R. Farrington High School – Preservation and recycling
– Illinois (Chicago) – “McAuley EcoMacs: Operation Haiti” – Mother McAuley High School – Built a biodiesel processor and solar-thermal heating system
– Missouri (St. Louis) – “Team Neon” – Parkway North High School -Addressed destruction of natural prairies
– New Jersey (Manalapan) – “Project Blue Sky” – Manalapan High School – Educated about renewable energy sources
– Pennsylvania (Souderton) – “SAVE – Students Against Violating the Earth” – Souderton Area High School – Encouraged use of solar chimneys
– Utah (Orem) – “R.A.W.R. – Rocky-Mountain Area Wildlife Research” – Timpanogos High School – Environmental research and education about effects of climate change
Middle School Winners:
– Florida (Boca Raton) – “Tap In Too” – Logger’s Run Middle School – Recycling plastic water bottles and switching to reusable water bottles
– Kentucky (Lexington) – “E.F.B.S. – Eco-Friendly Bag Savers” – SCAPA Bluegrass – Impact of plastic and paper bags on the environment
– New York (East Greenbush) – “Goff Gone Green” – Howard L. Goff Middle School – Conservation of fossil fuels
– New York (Rosedale) – “The Eco Team” – PS 270 – Air pollution reduction
– South Carolina (Hanahan) – “HMS Hawks” – Hanahan Middle School – Conserving fossil fuels by reducing energy use.
– Utah (Holladay) – “Unplug the Thug” – Olympus Junior High – Energy conservation by unplugging cell phone chargers
– Wisconsin (Milwaukee) – “Bayside Pollution Revolution” – Bayside Middle School – Energy conservation by reducing use of electricity
This year’s Lexus Eco Challenge launched on Sept. 28, 2009, and concludes with the announcement of the first place and grand-prize-winning teams during Earth Month in April 2010. All winners from Challenges #1 and #2 have been invited to participate in the Final Challenge with an entry deadline of March 16, 2010.
In addition to the ongoing contest, the Lexus Eco Challenge also includes educational materials developed by Scholastic to encourage teachers to integrate creative lesson plans into their classrooms to help teach students about the environment. For each challenge, the Web site (www.scholastic.com/lexus) has lesson plans and teacher instructions including questions to help guide a discussion about the current challenge, facts about the topic, and guidelines for a specific classroom project.
The Lexus Eco Challenge is part of The Lexus Pursuit of Potential, a philanthropic initiative that generates up to $3 million in donations each year for organizations that help build, shape and improve children’s lives.
Chicago is worst city for auto repair
AutoMD.com Report Measures Affordability, Price Disparity Range and Shop Integrity
Chicago, Illinois ranked last overall in AutoMD.com’s Advocacy for Repair Shop Fairness Report, the first study ever to analyze how the top-50 most populated U.S. cities stack up when it comes to providing consumers with fair quotes for auto repair. Chicago ranked 46th for Affordability, 30th for Price Disparity Range, and 50th for Shop Integrity. Memphis was ranked as the best city.
For the report, AutoMD.com mystery shoppers conducted a fairness check of over 600 shops in the top-50 DMAs* (including a range of dealers, independent shops, and franchises like Pep Boys) by requesting quotes on a typical auto repair job: a front brake replacement job for a Ford Focus. To measure pricing integrity, the mystery shoppers called back two weeks later with an industry standard price estimate. The best and worst list was then calculated based on each city’s rankings for three critical factors, Repair Affordability, Price Disparity and Shop Integrity, weighted equally:
1. Repair Affordability: Chicago ranked 46th among the top 50 US markets for the average price/cost-per-job – with an average quote of $226 for the repair. Miami ranked #1 for affordability with an average quote of $127 for the job.
2. Price Disparity Range: Chicago ranked #30 when it came to the market’s variance in quotes for the same job. For Chicago, quotes ranged from $150 to $425, representing a 183% variance. Long Beach, California ranked #1, with the lowest Price Disparity Range of the 50 cities tested.
3. Shop Integrity Factor: Chicago ranked 50th for Shop Integrity, a measure of the percentage of shops that shifted their original quoted price by more than 5% when presented with an industry standard price estimate. One hundred percent of Chicago shops tested shifted their price. The top ranked city, Memphis, was number one for Shop Integrity.
With Chicago’s poor marks in affordability, price disparity, and shop integrity, AutoMD.com recommends that Chicago residents compare shops to make sure they receive the best possible repair shop quote before setting foot into the repair shop.
“Doing your research is critical to getting a fair shake at the repair shop,” said AutoMD President, Shane Evangelist. “Fortunately, car owners now have access to online tools so they can compare local repair shops, establish a local market repair invoice price and make sure that they get a fair deal.”
* Designated Market Area
Toyota Consumer Law Firm consortium grows
Members Now Preparing Cases in More Than 20 States
Court hearing to consolidate national consumer litigation will be heard in San Diego on March 25, 2010
The ATAC (Attorneys Toyota Action Consortium), a federation of consumer law firms filing lawsuits against Toyota across the nation, has grown to 22 law firms in 16 states, with more states being planned.
ATAC also announced that a court hearing on consolidation of the national litigation is expected to be heard before a multidistrict panel in U.S. District Court in San Diego on March 25, 2010.
The ATAC effort is coordinated by Dr. P. Tim Howard, a Professor of Law and Policy at Northeastern University, who is known for his national legal work in consumer law cases. Howard coordinated the legal team in the Florida tobacco lawsuit in the 1990s that led to a $20 billion settlement with the State of Florida and a national settlement of $250 billion, and is currently co-counsel representing 3,600 victims of cigarette-related diseases in Florida.
Toyota owners nationwide have seen the value of their vehicles plummet as a result of avoidable problems with a wide range of Toyota models. Toyota owners have also lost the use of their vehicles for significant periods of time. Published reports indicate Toyota officials knew about the problems as early as 2004, yet news coverage also indicates that rather than putting American consumers first, Toyota avoided addressing problems, destroyed and hid documents, and continued to pocket billions of American consumer’s dollars by falsely selling Toyota vehicles as the “quality” choice.
“This is the strongest and largest case for economic damages to American consumers we’ve ever had,” said Dr. Howard, who also practices consumer law at Howard & Associates in Tallahassee, Florida. “Major used-car valuation services like Edmonds, NADA, and Kelley Blue Book have already downgraded resale value by as much as 3.5%, and consumers can expect an additional decrease up to 6%. As a result, Toyota owners have been robbed of their investment, along with their ability to trade in these vehicles rather than submit to hasty and questionable repairs. In the meantime, they have also lost the use of their car. That’s economic damage, plain and simple.”
“Toyota owners thought they were buying quality. Instead, they got a car so defective it could lead to their death,” Dr. Howard added.
Along with fellow Florida attorneys, Howard filed one of the consortium’s first lawsuits for $1 billion in damages in Florida on February 4, 2010.
In addition to Dr. Howard, key members of the ATAC team include Stephen A. Sheller and Brian J. McCormick, Jr., of Sheller, P.C., in Philadelphia, who have already filed a case in Pennsylvania and will file a case in New Jersey immediately. Sheller, who also led many of the tobacco cases in recent years, is among the best-known attorneys in the nation in the area of whistleblower cases – in 2009 alone, his firm represented the plaintiffs in separate settlements of $1.4 billion against Eli Lilly and $2.3 billion against Pfizer.
In California, ATAC is led by Larry Gornick of Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick in San Francisco. Gornick is well known for his work involving defective products, toxic torts, unfair business practices and false advertising. The team is also working with several prominent firms in Los Angeles that have filed previous Toyota class actions.
In New York, the litigation is led by attorney James F. Haggerty, who is also among the nation’s leading experts on effective public relations during lawsuits. Haggerty’s involvement has a personal element: in early 2009, his mother-in-law was nearly killed in a crash involving a 2005 Toyota Camry, with sudden acceleration a suspected cause. The Washington Post reported this week (click here) that the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) was informed of problems with the 2005 Camry in 2007; problems with this same model have also been reported in The New York Times (click here).
In addition to Toyota vehicles with problems related to sudden acceleration, the ATAC Team is now also preparing cases involving braking issues with the Toyota Prius – the subject of a recall announcement this week of nearly 500,000 cars worldwide.
A full list of consortium team members is below and growing.
Additional Member Firms
Attorneys Toyota Action Consortium (ATAC)
Key members of the ATAC Team include the following:
– In Florida, the consortium is led by Dr. Howard and Norwood Wilner of Wilner Hartley & Metcalf. The Wilner firm is currently playing a key role in more than 3,600 tobacco disease and death cases in Florida.
Other Florida lawyers joining effort include:
– Mike Papantonio, of Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Echsner & Proctor, P.A. of Pensacola, a firm that has won more than one billion dollars in total settlements. Papantonio’s firm runs the successful “Mass Torts Made Perfect” series of seminars, training trial lawyers nationwide in advanced litigation strategies.
– Douglas Lyons of Lyons and Farrar of Tallahassee, who won one of the first sudden acceleration cases against General Motors more than 20 years ago.
– Eddie Farah, senior partner with Farah and Farah of Jacksonville, which has been involved in major product liability litigation nationally.
– John Rimes, of The Law Office of John Rimes of Tallahassee, who has 25 years experience as lead trial and appellate counsel and as general counsel to various departments and other entities of state government.
– Gary Farmer of Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman, P.L. of Ft. Lauderdale.
– In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the consortium is led by Stephen A. Sheller and Brian J. McCormick, Jr., of Sheller, P.C., in Philadelphia, who have already filed a case in Pennsylvania and will shortly file in New Jersey. Sheller was a finalist for the 2003 Trial Lawyer of the Year Award “for discovering the light cigarette fraud and initiating the litigation strategy to remedy the deception.” This innovative legal strategy resulted in a $10.1 billion verdict against Phillip Morris. The firm is among the best-known in the nation in the area of whistleblower cases – in 2009 alone, the firm represented the plaintiffs in separate settlements of $1.4 billion against Eli Lilly and $2.3 billion against Pfizer.
– In Massachusetts and Vermont, Edward Broderick of The Broderick Law Firm in Boston will lead the effort. Broderick has broad experience in complex litigation, including consumer and personal injury litigation. Broderick is joined by Dr. Richard Daynard, a well-known consumer law specialist and Director of the Tobacco Products Liability Project and the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University.
– In California, the consortium is led by Larry Gornick of Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick in San Francisco. Gornick is well known for his work involving defective products, toxic torts, unfair business practices and false advertising.
– In New York, the litigation is led by attorney James F. Haggerty, who is also among the nation’s leading experts on effective public relations during lawsuits.
– Working with the consortium in Las Vegas, Nevada, is Dennis Kennedy of Bailey Kennedy. Kennedy is a well known Nevada lawyer whose firm has a long reputation in “bet-the-company” commercial litigation.
– In Kansas and Missouri, Neil Sader of The Sader Law Firm, located in Kansas City, is an experienced Kansas City consumer attorney. Sader’s Firm has successfully handled significant class actions in the areas of consumer law and securities violations against some of the largest corporations in America.
– In Maryland, Philip Zipin of The Law Offices of Phil Zipin leads the effort. Zipin has handled numerous lawsuits in the automotive industry in Maryland, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, California, Colorado and Virginia.
– Shawn Council in Connecticut has handled hundreds of cases in state and federal court and is an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University.
Other current consortium members, consultants, and states where actions are being prepared for filing include:
– John Hughes , Wallace & Graham, Salisbury, North Carolina
– Bryce Johnson, Johnson & Biscone, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
– Butch Starns and Blake Shepard, Leonard, Street and Deinard, Minneapolis, Minnesota
– Henry Garrard III, Blasingame Burch Garrard & Ashley, P.C., Athens, Georgia
– Don Slavik, Habush, Habush, Rottier, S.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Source: Attorneys Toyota Action Consortium
911 GT3 R Hybrid to world debut in Geneva
Porsche Intelligent Performance to make Race Cars even More Efficient
110 years after Ferdinand Porsche developed the world’s first hybrid, the Lohner-Porsche, Porsche engineers are now expanding this visionary drive concept with a production-based GT race car: Over the past 45 years, Porsche 911 race cars have recorded more than 20,000 victories and on March 4, a Porsche 911 GT3 featuring an innovative hybrid drive will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, opening a new chapter in the history of Porsche.
This innovative hybrid technology has been developed especially for racing, differentiating itself from conventional hybrid systems by way of its configuration and components. In the case of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, the front axle features two electric motors, each developing 60 kW and supplement the 480 hp, naturally aspirated four-liter flat-six that drives the rear wheels. Instead of the heavy batteries usually found in a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power generator is installed inside next to the driver delivering energy to the electric motors.
The flywheel generator is also an electric motor, with its rotor spinning at speeds of up to 40,000 rpm while mechanically storing energy. The flywheel generator is charged whenever the driver applies the brakes, as the two front axle electric motors reverse their role and act as generators. Then, when accelerating out of a bend or while overtaking, the driver can use the extra energy from the charged flywheel generator, sending up to 120 kW of stored kinetic energy to the motors. This additional power is available after each charge for approximately six to eight seconds.
Energy formerly converted into heat upon each brake application, and therefore wasted, is now converted into additional drive power in a very efficient manner.
In addition to increasing available drive power, depending on racing conditions, the hybrid drive can also be called upon to save fuel. By increasing the efficiency and, accordingly, the performance of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, reductions can be made to the weight of the fuel tank or the car can make less frequent pit stops, for example.
After its debut in Geneva, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be tested in long-distance races on the Nurburgring. The highlight of this test program will be the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife of Nurburgring, May 15-16, 2010. The focus is not on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid winning the race, but rather spearheading technology as a “racing lab.” The intent is to provide hands-on know-how for the subsequent use of hybrid technology in road-going sports cars.
The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, a principle to be found in every Porsche: More power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions – on the track and on the road.
Kbb.com study: Toyota brand consideration, vehicle interest dramatically drops following recall
Car Shoppers Defect from Toyota Immediately Following Recall, Yet Seem Confident Toyota will Eventually Rebound
According to the latest Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com Market Intelligence data, Toyota consideration and interest has dramatically dropped since the company recently announced its massive recall.
More than 20 percent of those who said they were considering a Toyota prior to the recall now say they no longer are considering the brand for their next vehicle purchase. In addition, Toyota’s overall brand consideration dropped to third-place and now trails its domestic rivals, first-place Ford and second-place Chevrolet.
When comparing Toyota consideration in Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence’s Brand Watch survey from the days prior to the recall to the days following the recall announcement, consideration dropped nearly half, from 29 percent to just 18 percent. In addition, the Brand Watch data showed a drop in Toyota’s perceived safety rating from 8.4 to 7.6.
Site traffic from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com also detailed in the company’s Market Watch report shows a steep drop in Toyota interest, as the majority of the company’s vehicles involved in the recall saw a nearly 30 percent drop in page views when comparing the week before the recall announcement to the week after. Even Toyota models not specifically involved in the recall saw a decline in page views, demonstrating the negative impact the recall is having on current interest in all Toyota vehicles, not just the models named in the recall.
However, car shoppers seem confident that Toyota will eventually rebound from this recall crisis. More than 30 percent of those surveyed said that Toyota is currently experiencing a challenge, but will offer better products in the future. In addition, 28 percent said that Toyota has had fewer recalls than other manufacturers, and [the current recall] does not change the fact that they produce great products.
“The attitudes and behaviors gleaned from the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence data show that, in the short-term, the impact of this recall nightmare on Toyota could be substantial on future sales as well as intangible factors such as market perception,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “While it may take some time for Toyota to regain consumers’ trust and confidence in their products, the company should feel somewhat relieved that the car-shopping public does not appear to believe the effects of this crisis will be permanent. In the interim, however, these unfortunate times for Toyota present a golden conquesting opportunity for competitors, some of which already are capturing new car shopper consideration.”
This Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study was fielded to more than 400 in-market car shoppers on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com from January 29 – February 1, 2010. Brand Watch data cited compared Toyota brand consideration from January 21-26, 2010 to January 27-31, 2010. Market Watch data cited compared Toyota model page views on kbb.com from the week of January 18, 2010 to the week of January 25, 2010.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Toyota announces comprehensive plan to fix accelerator pedals on recalled vehicles and ensure customer safety
Rigorously Tested Reinforced Pedals Will Eliminate the Excess Friction that Caused Sticking Toyota Will Make Concerted Effort to Repair Recalled Vehicles as Quickly and Conveniently as Possible
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.
Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive,” said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. “We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road.”
Lentz added: “We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering.”
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
– Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
– Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
– 2009-2010 Matrix
– 2005-2010 Avalon
– Certain 2007-2010 Camry
– Certain 2010 Highlander
– 2007-2010 Tundra
– 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with “J” are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to this recall are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles
Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position. The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper “feel” by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable. The device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.
Toyota’s solution for current owners is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated. The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota’s intention to remedy both at the same time.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Toyota temporarily suspends sales of selected vehicles
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.,announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.
“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”
Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and coordinate activities. The North America vehicle production facilities affected are:
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
– Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
No other North American Toyota vehicle production facilities are affected by the decision to stop production.
The sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales
Subaru Master the Mountain is back
Subaru Hits the Slopes Again in 2010
Subaru of America, Inc. will once again host Master the Mountain. Each winter season, the Subaru Master the Mountain team travels to ski resorts across the country bringing music, giveaways, and free activities for people to enjoy. This will be the company’s 15th year bringing the event to ski slopes throughout the United States. Since Subaru owners enjoy the outdoors and activities such as skiing, the company hosts the event to promote a safe and fun-filled snow riding experience for all.
“Subaru has a long history of hosting events with which our customers identify,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO for Subaru of America, Inc. “Master the Mountain remains a terrific fit for our company and vehicle owners.”
Skiers will have the opportunity to demo the latest Nordica skis, hone their skills with free mini ski and snowboard sessions (must have prior skiing and boarding experience), pick-up complimentary skiing tips in the Subaru learning lane, enjoy behind the scenes mountain tours and watch avalanche rescue demonstrations.
Enthusiasts can check out the competition footage from the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, The Northface Masters of Snowboarding tour stops, and the latest film from MSP Films, In Deep: The Skiing Experience, all in the Subaru Master the Mountain tent.
Below are locations of Subaru Master the Mountain events according to geographic location:
California
- February 27-28, 2010, Kirkwood, Calif.
- March 6-7, 2010, Kirkwood, Calif.
- March 6-7, 2010, Mountain High, Calif.
Colorado
- January 16-17, 2010, Telluride, Colo.
- January 30-31, 2010, Crested Butte, Colo.
- February 6-7, 2010, Telluride, Colo.
- February 27-28, 2010, Durango, Colo.
- February 20-21, 2010, Crested Butte, Colo.
- March 27-28, 2010, Loveland, Colo.
New Mexico
- February 20-21, 2010, Taos, N.M.
Pennsylvania
- February 27-28, 2010, Hidden Valley, Pa.
- March 5-6, 2010, Jack Frost Big Boulder, Pa.
Utah
- January 23-24, 2010, Snowbird, Utah
- March 20-21, 2010, Snowbird, Utah
Washington
- February 13-14, 2010, Crystal Mountain, Wash.
West Virginia
- January 23-24, 2010, Snowshoe, W.Va.
- February 20-21, 2010, Snowshoe, W.Va.