With the rise of turbochargers as a “green” technology, the lifespan of superchargers looked numbers as their popularity decreased, with the belt driven forced induction systems appearing only on high-end V6 and V8 powered sports cars. While superchargers delivery power in a smooth, linear manner, their cost, complexity and noise has relegated them to near extinction.

An interview with Automotive News, featuring Eaton’s Ken Davis, President of their vehicle group, suggests otherwise. Davis remarked that their new line of superchargers are gaining favor with automakers, among them Nissan and Volkswagen. Audi’s 3.0L V6 engines already use superchargers, as well as some of Volkswagen’s small displacement 4-cylinder engines not sold in North America. Volkswagen could use superchargers across a broader number of engines, but we’re stumped as to what applications the new Eaton blowers could have with Nissan products.

Davis also notes that Chinese OEM Chery has been using greater numbers of superchargers. Their QQ small car is equipped with a blower, and given the vast amount of vehicles sold in China, Davis’ claims of doubling supercharger sales in 5 years doesn’t look so outlandish anymore.

[Source: Automotive News]

Formula 1 has decided to implement the 1.6-liter V6 for the 2014 race year. Teams have been grumbling over the 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder plants but are more eager to compromise with the V6.

The difference in size between the two engines may seem very small, but the idea is to get all of the current teams to agree on a standard so the series doesn’t lose any of its relatively few participants. A Kinetic Energy Recovery System hybrid has also been part of the new proposal. With the 1.6-liter V6 already approved, the next step is for the World Motor Sport Council to vote.

Stay tuned for more info!

[Source: Motor Authority]

MINI has been know to have fun with their commercials and they definitely pulled it off with their newest ad.  In this latest commercial entitled “Another Day. Another Adventure” the coupe tours around through Iceland, Rio De Janiero and Hong Kong in less than a week.

The cars goes through a series of parades, parties and adventures, picking up different passengers along the way. The slogan in the video is; “no matter where you are, no matter where you are going, adventure will find you”. It’s a fun, happy commercial and the coupe looks great from every angle.

Three different trims will be offered with the Coupe including the standard Cooper, Cooper S and the high performance John Cooper works model.  The base model will start at $22,000 and have a 121-hp engine. The S model will start at $25,300 and gets a turbocharged 181-hp engine. The steroid infused JCW model will start at $31,900 and produce 208-hp, also through a turbocharged engine.

Check out the commercial after the jump!

Gallery: MINI Coupe

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So if you already thought the Coupe was mostly similar to the hard-top hatchback model, you now have another reason, with the base price just $900 more than the traditional MINI.

The mid-level S model starts at $25,300 and gets a turbocharger delivering 181-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque with a special overboost function producing 192 lb-ft of torque.

The high-performance John Cooper Works Coupe starts at $31,900 and gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 208-hp and 192 lb-ft of torque with overboost allowing 207 lb-ft. This Coupe is capable of a 0-60 time in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph. This makes the JCW Coupe, the  ”fastest-accelerating Mini ever (with) the highest top speed,” the company says.

GALLERY: 2012 MINI Cooper Coupe

The all-new 2012 Buick Regal GS arrives this fall and will pack a serious punch. The GS has ow officially been rated at 270-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and achieves a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds. For the record, that’s 15 more horsepower than originally claimed.

The GS will be powered exclusively by a 2.0-liter direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine that boasts more torque than the Acura TSX V6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 or Volvo S60 T5.

“The Regal GS 2.0L turbo delivers the highest specific output of any production engine GM has ever offered, and at 135 hp per liter is the most power dense engine ever certified by SAE,” explained Mike Anderson, Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager. “We’ve been combining direct injection and variable valve timing with boosted engines since 2006, and there’s no question the Regal GS turbo has the responsiveness and acceleration of some V6s, while delivering the fuel economy you’d expect of a four-cylinder.”

This very special Ecotec engine will include direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, a forged steel crankshaft, a twin scroll turbocharger and a highly efficient intercooler system. The 295 lb-ft of torque is available from as low as 2400 rpm and 95 percent of the torque is available between 2300 and 4900 rpm.

Two transmission choices are available including a six-speed manual that comes as standard or a six-speed automatic which will be available later on. Even with the high-output Ecotec engine, the GS can still achieve 28 mpg and the entire powertrain will be covered by a five-year 100,000 mile warranty.

The GS will also feature a lower ride height than other Regal models and get aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy rims and all season tires. 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy rims with performance tires will be optional.

GALLERY: 2012 Buick Regal GS

Subaru has announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement of the Isle of Man TT Races and rather than just sit idly by, the AWD turbo 4-banger brand is looking to participate, running a WRX STI on several timed laps of the famous TT motorcycle course.

The iconic motorcycle course is infamously known as one of the harshest test of man and machine. Professional British Rally driver Mark Higgins will drive a 305-hp Subaru WRX STI on the closed course run of the Snaefell Mountain Course. The Rally Champion and World Rally stage winner, will look to set the fastest time for a 4-cylinder engine production vehicle. The previous lap record of the same course was set in 1990, and the former test driver for Subaru is eager to beat it.

“I’m really excited at the opportunity,” said Higgins. “I know it will be hard work, but it’s a great challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The US-spec Subaru WRX STI will race the 37 mile course with only minor modifications including a roll care, racing seats and harness as well as upgraded brake pads, Pirelli racing tires and a louder exhaust to alert fans of the on-coming car.

The last time a four-cylinder turbo-charged engine was used in a Mustang, Ronald Reagan was president, but this may change. Ford is looking at producing a version of the EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder found in the upcoming 2013 Ford Taurus for the new Mustang. The mustang would be a 2.3-liter version with a different cylinder head configuration.

Ford is also working on a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 that is capable of powering  front-wheel and rear-wheel drive cars. This engine is a likely candidate for the Edge crossover SUV, possibly the Fusion sedan and possibly the Mustang. This V6 may even power the Ford Ranger replacement.

For the Mustang enthusiasts reading this may be shedding a tear, do not worry. The 5.0-liter V8 is not going anywhere soon. However the V8 may receive direct-injection technology, to improve fuel efficiency. A source revealed there may be a plan to turbocharge the V8, but nothing is set in stone as of yet.

The Mustang lineup of engines is starting to resemble the variety Audi offers.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Audi has won the “International Engine of the Year 2011″ award for the second year in a row in the 2-liter to 2.5-liter category and seventh category award in a row for Audi TFSI technology.

This engine is fitted in the RS3 Sportback and the TT RS . The engine produces 340-hp between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm with 332 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 5,300 rpm. The TT RS Coupe can do 0-100 kph in 4.3 seconds. The roadster achieves 100 in 4.4 seconds and the RS 3 Sportback can accelerate to 100 kph in 4.6 seconds.

One Internationl Engine of the Year jury member said the 2.5-liter engine is “certainly the best turbocharged engine in recent years. Torque, power, and great sound – this engine has it all! It is a powerful, visceral reminder of the original quattro rally racing engine that put Audi on the map.”

The upcoming Cadillac ATS is expected to slot below the mid-size CTS, and compete with upcoming compact luxury cars. In order to differentiate itself from the CTS, the ATS will get a series of smaller engines, with an Ecotec 4-cylinder or a small V6 (much like the high feature V6, seen above) among the possibilities.

According to sources, the Cadillac CTS-V’s LSA V8 may fit under the hood of the ATS, but with the next BMW M3 getting an inline six engine, the ATS-V will likely get a twin turbo V6 making 380 horsepower, with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Unfortunately for Cadillac, their last effort with turbocharging on the SRX crossover was poorly received by everyone but critics. Hopefully the ATS-V provides some redemption, and with current gas prices, the idea of yet another blown V8 is unfathomable.

[Source: Car and Driver]

At the unveiling of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, chief engineer Mark Moussa took some time to discuss the future of the car with the folks at egmCarTech, and Moussa took great lengths to tout the advantages of the new Ecotec 4-cylinder engine and the Malibu’s sporting character.

Naturally, Moussa was pressed on the possibility of a V6, SS or Hybrid variant. Moussa implied that the new Ecotec motor would deliver the benefits of a V6 with none of the trade-offs, leading us to conclude that the Malibu will follow the Hyundai Sonata in remaining exclusively a 4-cylinder, and leave the larger Impala to carry the V6 torch. Moussa was also non-commital regarding an SS variant, and a turbocharged Ecotec could fill the role nicely while competing with cars like the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T.

Finally, Moussa said that the Malibu Eco, which uses the eAssist mild hybrid system, is adequate for the car’s current needs, and didn’t comment on any further hybrid models.

[Source: egmCarTech]

We’ve all needed a tow one time or another, and for those who like off-roading, it seems to be inevitable. One unlucky Chevrolet Silverado owner found himself stuck in some not-too-deep mud, and the vehicle that was up for the job was none other than a Subaru Legacy GT, a family sedan with a pretty peppy turbocharged engine.

Conventional wisdom says that this situation should be reversed. But as the video shows, the little Subaru had no trouble hauling the big pickup out of the mud. Hit the jump to see the video below.

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The BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster will be the first BMW to get a 4-cylinder engine in the United States since the BMW 318i was offered in the early 1990s. But unlike the underpowered 1.8L mill of yore, this new 2.0L 4-banger will pack a turbocharger, helping it make 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 260 pounds of twist arrives at 1,250 rpm, giving the car some urgency down low.

Fuel economy is said to be up 20 percent when equipped with the optional 8-speed automatic, the gearbox that will undoubtedly find a home in many Z4s, even if its not our choice of transmission. The base model 6-cylinder, with a 3.0L naturally aspirated engine, weighs about 3,240 lbs, a not exactly svelte number, but with the added boost, we expect the Z4 to put up respectable, but not thrilling acceleration numbers – even though this model is likely being sold to those who value “show” greatly over “go”.

Kia is forging ahead with plans to build a rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, complete with a turbocharged engine and class-leading driving dynamics.

The new car will be part of Kia’s effort to differentiate itself from Hyundai by focusing on performance and excitement. The GTI rival will likely be based on the well-received Cee’d, which is sold in Europe and other markets. Power will come from the Optima Turbo’s 2.0L 4-cylinder, although the engine could be detuned from the 274 horsepower it currently makes to around 230 horsepower.

Kia also confirmed that their new convertible will hit production in 2014, but that it will be based on the Soul, and thus front-wheel drive, rather than a rear-drive rival to the Mazda MX-5.

[Source: Autocar]

Suzuki is set to reveal two all new cars at the upcoming New York Auto Show and the automaker has announced that one of those vehicles will be an updated Kizashi.

With Suzuki stating that the new reveal will bring the “Kizashi to the next level,”, we’re left wondering whether this may be the long awaited Kizashi turbo. A power boost might help the flaccid sales of this wonderful sedan, but with such limited ad dollars being spent on the car, we have to wonder whether some more grunt is really the answer.

As for Suzuki’s other reveal, well, we’ll have the answer for you when we cover the New York Auto Show in mid-April. Your guess is as good as ours.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Fiat’s 900cc TwinAir 2-cylinder turbocharged engine, currently available in the European market Fiat 500, has won critical acclaim for its performance and use of advanced technology, and the motor will soon be available in both the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Fiat Punto.

The TwinAir will superceed the current base engines in both cars, rated at 77 and 64 horsepower respectively, as it produces 85 horsepower. The TwinAir will also likely be more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and carbon emissions, with estimates ranging between a 10 and 15 percent gain in both categories. A start-stop system will also be employed.

The base engines will still remain available, but the TwinAir is expected to be a popular option, as it will allow buyers to dodge European C02 emissions taxes.

[Source: Left Lane News]

There once was a time, when turbocharged engines translated to big horsepower and big fuel consumption.

The new generation of turbocharged engines are still producing very decent power outputs, but their main concern is to improve fuel-economy, and a company that is  getting the most out of this type of set-up is BMW.

They have thus-far developed twin-turbo V8′s, twin-turbo and twin-scroll (called TwinPower) turbo straight sixes, and TwinPower four-cylinder engines. Now BMW are planning on even smaller turbo engines. According to the latest reports from Bavaria, BMW is developing turbo-charged three-cylinder engines, which will go into upcoming small BMW and Mini models.

These new engines, which are part of BMW’s long-term goal to cut emissions by an additional 25% will start appearing in production vehicles by 2014.

[Source: Motor Authority]

With the Chevrolet Cobalt SS being a critical (if not commercial) success, General Motors has been pushing for an SS version of their new Chevrolet Cruze small car, and the program looks like it’s a go, with much of the work being done by their Australian Holden division.

While details are still preliminary, a more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, sharper steering and an improved rear suspension seem to be in the cards, with engine choices ranging from anywhere between a 1.6L 180 horsepower turbo mill to a 2.0L 280 horsepower 4-cylinder.

Expect to see the car offered in hatchback form, to appeal to much of the world market. A sedan version is still up in the air – as are North American sales for that matter.

[Source: Motor Authority]

While forced induction has long been in favor in the rest of the world, Americans have often favored big displacement motors, but recent trends towards fuel economy have necessitated a shift to smaller motors, and turbocharging is considered the optimal way to stretch 4-cylinders into feeling like 6.

Honeywell, one of the largest manufacturers of turbochargers, is forecasting use of turbochargers to double in time for strict new fuel economy regulations that are set to take effect in 2015. Honeywell expects 20 percent of engines to use turbochargers by then, up from 9 percent in 2010. However that number lags behind Europe’s 67 percent figure and 28 percent in India.

While turbochargers previously carried negative connotations in the United States, the need for more power and efficiency has led them out of a small performance niche and into the mainstream. Ford expects 90 percent of its lineup to offer a turbocharged Ecoboost motor by 2013, and Chevrolet’s Cruze Eco, one of its heavily promoted “green” cars, uses a small turbocharged engine to deliver 40 mpg.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Saab has officially begun production of the 9-4x crossover at their Mexican assembly plant. While the 9-4x was due to hit the market some time ago, financial troubles at GM halted production.

The first 9-4x , an Ice Pearl metallic Aero model, was fitted with a 2.8L turbo V6, and will be used as a media car before being shipped off to Saab’s museum. Sales begin in May in the United States, with European sales following in the summer.

[Source: LeftLane News]

The long awaited next generation BMW M5 will get its first showing in (lightly disguised) concept form at the Shanghai Auto Show. With China becoming a rapidly important market for BMW (read: sales are booming), the new car, codenamed the F10, will surely be a hit with performance-minded buyers in China and the world over.

The sublime V10 is expected to be jettisoned in favor of a new twin-turbo V8, as seen in the X5M and X6M. Rumors state that the car will also feature ceramic brakes (a first for any BMW), and we can similarly expect to see some kind of dual clutch transmission. The new V8 makes 555 horsepower and 510 lb-ft in the SUVs, and a bump in power wouldn’t be unreasonable for what is arguably BMW’s flagship M car. The most significant development of course, is that BMW chose to reveal the car at Shanghai, but this still leaves the door open for an official production unveiling at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show, which is of course, BMW’s home turf.

[Source: 4 Wheels News]

The Ford F-150 and its 8-cylinder bretheren may have a lock on America’s auto market, but rising gas prices and improving technology have helped the once-pedestrian 4-cylinder engine dominate the automotive world, with 65.4% of cars built in 2010 powered by a 4-banger. About 18 percent of light trucks were similarly equipped.

While we lost one of the best 4-cylinders ever in 2009, when the Honda S2000 finally ended production, top-notch inline-4s entered the mainstream this past year, as turbocharging and direct-injection helped everyman cars like the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Sonata and even the Range Rover Evoque punch way above their weight in terms of fuel economy and horsepower, while down on displacement. Look for this trend to continue as oil is now over $100 per barrel, and consumers have found satisfaction without having to go to 6 or 8 cylinders.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

BMW has always been known for their trademark inline-6 engines, but the recent industry-wide trend of downsizing has led to BMW adopting turbocharged four-cylinder engines as an alternative to smaller, naturally aspirated I6 engines in the name of efficiency.

First to get the turbo-4 treatment is the X1 small crossover, although Jim O’Donnell, head of BMW USA, said that more are on their way. Likely candidates for this engine are the 3-Series and Z4, whose rivals, like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, SLK and Audi A4 and A5 already offer a turbo 4-cylinder as the base engine. The X3 could also be a candidate, as Audi’s Q5 shares the same 2.0T engine and doesn’t seem to fare any worse than its 6-cylinder siblings.

Expect an announcement at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. With the X1 hitting 60 mph in about 6 seconds while returning a smidge under 30 mpg on the European highway cycle, we’re pretty optimistic that these new BMW four-bangers will be just fine.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Everytime we feel that Mansory can’t top its previous creation, it looks like the out-of-the-box vehicle builders have no end of out-of-the-box thoughts. Most recently, they’ve taken their already modified Porsche Panamera creation and have decided to splash a highlighter-bright yellow to its exterior.

Prestige Cars in in the United Arab Emirates will be offering the Bright Yellow Edition Porsche Panamera by Mansory that sports blue carbon fiber accents to contrast the bright yellow. The yellow/blue theme doesn’t stop there either, spreading to the engine bay and the interior.

Just like all the previous Mansory Porsche Panamera Turbo creations, this one received upgraded turbos and an exhaust system, bringing horsepower up to 690-hp and torque to 590 ft-lbs.

GALLERY: Mansory Bright Yellow Porsche Panamera

While the Hyundai Veloster made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the company has quietly been testing a barely disguised Veloster with something a bit more sinister under the hood. The most likely explanation is that Hyundai is testing a more powerful Veloster, likely with a turbocharger.

A turbo Veloster would be the most logical choice, as its GDI engine would be well-paired with a turbo. Horsepower could be boosted well above the current 138-hp figure without a major penalty in fuel economy or curb weight. Since the standard Veloster weighs just under 2600 lbs, the associated turbo hardware would likely bring the car closer to 2700lbs.

Of course, Hyundai can’t make the Veloster too quick. Although the Genesis Coupe is expected to get a boost in power, with a base engine making 274 horsepower, the Veloster can’t step on the toes of the flagship sports car, and we think Hyundai won’t show us the Veloster’s full potential for that reason alone.

[Source: Carscoop]