“Best Green Engine of the Year 2013″: is one of the twelve categories of the “International Engine of the Year Awards.”

Now in its 15^th edition, the international contest is considered by the automotive industry as one of the most significant events on the calendar with the participation of all the major world car manufacturers.

The jury consists of a panel of journalists and industry experts from 36 different countries.

Launched last year for the first time on the new Fiat Panda, this two-cylinder engine combines the environmental benefits of methane fuel supply with the power and fun at the wheel ensured by Turbo TwinAir technology.

This is demonstrated by its maximum power of 80 horsepower at 5,500 rpm whilst ensuring reduced fuel consumption and emission levels. The new Fiat Panda TwinAir Turbo Natural Power produces 86 gram per kilometer of CO2,a level among the lowest on the market, and uses just 3.1 kilograms of methane every 100 kilometer (combined cycle).

Compared to the gasoline version, the TwinAir bi-fuel includes specific fuel system components, including the intake manifold, injectors, electronic engine control system and valve seats with specific geometry made of low-wear material.

Fiat said the integration of all components and state-of-the-art technology – such as the MultiAir system and the turbocharger – guarantee maximum reliability and ensure that performance and handling remain the same also when running on methane.

Currently the new 0.9 TwinAir Turbo Natural Power 80 horsepower is available on theFiat Panda and 500L Natural Power models as well as on the Lancia Ypsilon EcoChic.

In the field of alternative fuels, Fiat considers that methane engines are now the most appropriate technological choice for contributing to the reduction of pollution in urban areas and the limitation of CO2 emissions.

Methane engines minimize the most harmful emissions such as particulate (practically reduced to zero), nitrogen oxide and the most reactive hydrocarbons which cause the formation of other pollutants. They also generate 23 percent less CO2 compared to gasoline engines. Therefore, methane is the “cleanest” and cheapest fuel available today and it is also potentially a source of renewable energy thanks to the development of biomethane.

For over 15 years, Fiat said it has been the leading European original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for methane-fuelled vehicles, the one which offers the widest eco-friendly range with bi-fuel supply (methane/petrol) designed to accommodate the needs of a broad-ranging clientele, including goods transport professionals: since 1997, Fiat has sold over 560,000 Natural Power cars and commercial vehicles.

Lastly, mention must be made that the methane (CNG) range has certainly contributed to a significant extent to the records acknowledged in the latest research by JATO Dynamics, world leader in automotive consultancy and research.

In 2012, for the sixth year running, Fiat proved to be the brand which recorded the lowest level of CO2 emissions in Europe among the best-selling automotive brands, with an average value of 119.8 grams per kilometer.

Over the last 5 years, Fiat has reduced its average emissions by 13 percent, which is significantly lower than the target of 130 g/km set out by the European Union for 2015.

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This new diesel car will be rated at 46 mpg in highway driving.

As revealed at the Chicago Auto Show, the Cruze Diesel will become the manufacturer’s first clean-diesel passenger car effort since the Chevette came in a diesel option in 1985. Honeywell turbochargers will allow the 2.0-liter diesel powerplant to make 148 horsepower and accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in less than nine seconds, while still providing highway fuel mileage that, according to Honeywell, is the best of any non-hybrid car on the market.

“At Honeywell, we never stop working with manufacturers to optimize our turbocharging solutions no matter what the application,” said Tony Schultz , Honeywell Turbo Technologies vice president of the Americas. “In this case we worked with Chevrolet even after the unveiling, and continued to find ways to increase fuel mileage and performance from initial estimates.”

The Cruze Diesel was anticipated to get slightly more than 40 mpg in highway driving at its launch in Chicago, but Honeywell said its participation with the manufacturer helped discover improvements that boosted the final estimate to 46 mpg.

In addition, the Honeywell turbocharger in the Cruze Diesel will provide an overboost feature that will give drivers added acceleration when conditions demand a quick response in traffic.

The addition of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel expands a blossoming market of small, ultra-efficient turbocharged engines in passenger cars.

Honeywell is providing turbocharged solutions for a U.S. market that anticipates sales of passenger cars with turbocharged diesel engines surpassing 1,000,000 per year by 2017. According to data compiled by the Diesel Technology Forum, diesel car and SUV registrations have already increased by more than 24 percent from 2010 through the end of 2012.

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Buick said the 2014 Regal is designed to be a sportier and smarter evolution of the brand’s dynamic midsize sedan. New purposeful technologies enhance safety and the driving experience with a more refined turbo engine – along with the introduction of all-wheel drive.

The new Regal also introduces new radar- and camera-based safety features – including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking – for surround protection. In-vehicle connectivity is enhanced with next-generation IntelliLink, featuring simpler, more intuitive controls and natural speech recognition.

Adaptive Cruise Control is also offered. It senses traffic in front of the Regal to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again.

“The new 2014 Regal is more expressive, more connected and more technologically advanced,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “ Nearly half of new Regal buyers are conquests who are new to Buick and they represent the youngest median age among the brand’s lineup.The new Regal gives those discerning buyers more of the technologically advanced features they want in a modern luxury sedan, all with the style and refinement they expect from Buick.”

The new 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers 18 percent more horsepower in the Regal Turbo.

The available Haldex all-wheel-drive system helps make the most of traction in all driving conditions and also enhances the cornering capability of the Regal GS when driven in the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System.

A 2.4-liter engine with eAssist light electrification technology is also available on the 2014 Regal.

Six-speed automatic transmissions are matched with both engines and a six-speed manual is available in the Regal GS. Electric power steering is now featured on all models.

The new Regal will celebrate its public debut at the New York International Auto Show later this week.

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Though the car has not yet undergone EPA testing, Ford expects this Fiesta to be certified as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car available in the United States.

To be the smallest engine available in its class, Ford said its patented 1.0-liter EcoBoost won’t be short on power, torque or refinement. The engine is projected to produce 123 horsepower and peak torque of 148 pound -feet.

“Customers are going to be pleasantly surprised at what the smallest member of the EcoBoost engine family can do,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Most customers are not going to be thinking about the number of cylinders under the hood when they drive the new 1.0-liter EcoBoost Fiesta. They’ll notice an extremely smooth and quiet idle, terrific acceleration accompanied by a sporty sound at high revs, and – most importantly – outstanding fuel economy.”

Next year, Ford will offer eight vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher. Ford says this is double today’s total, and more than any other automaker.

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Fiesta expands Ford’s power of choice strategy by giving customers interested in a very fuel-efficient car a new alternative.

Pricing is not yet set, but as with the other EcoBoost engines available across Ford’s car, truck, SUV and crossover lineup, Ford said the 1.0-liter will be a very affordable option.

“Many customers would like the fuel efficiency of a modern diesel or a hybrid, but can’t stretch their budgets to cover the cost premium,” said Bakaj. “That’s where the EcoBoost Fiesta fits in. It will offer a highly fuel-efficient alternative at a lower cost.”

In Europe, where the diesel engine is king, the 1.0-liter engine now accounts for about 30 percent of sales in the Focus. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is just now launching in the B-MAX and C-MAX, and will also be offered in the all-new Mondeo.

Ford has more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology, and the number of patents continues to grow.

EcoBoost combines turbocharging with gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing to allow a smaller engine to replace a larger one with no loss of performance and, according to Ford, at least a 20 per cent gain in fuel economy.

“We’re extremely proud of the amazing success the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine has achieved in such a short time,” said Bakaj. “We think it will do extremely well here in the United States. With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the F-150, we learned customers will embrace smaller engines as long as you don’t ask them to sacrifice performance. The 1.0-liter will deliver three things that matter most to our customers – value for the dollar, terrific fuel economy and great performance.”

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GM said this Cruze diesel is featuring the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.

Clean diesels generate at least 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels.

The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will be built in Lordstown, Ohio.

Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has an estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway.

“Chevrolet has a diverse portfolio of products and technologies to meet the needs of the most discerning customer, whether it’s driving across town gas free in a Spark EV or cross-country  in a clean turbo diesel,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 258 pound-foot pf torque, which will result in a 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 horsepower and 258 pound-foot pf torque

According to GM, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Perry. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

The Diesel Cruze will have a starting MSRP of $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees).

It looks like the Cruze Diesel will be a high-trim only car as GM says it will come with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Leather-appointed seating will be part of the Cruze diesel interior equipment.

Other standard features will include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced,” said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze’s diesel engine. “We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers.”

GM has sold nearly 2 million Chevrolet Cruze models globally since it was launched in mid-2010.

GM is no stranger to diesel engines in passenger cars as it has produced more than half a million small diesel-engine cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including the Cruze. In Europe, approximately 40 percent of Cruze models are diesel-powered.

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