#v6

Efficiency is important these days. The government is cracking down on gas guzzlers and imposing strict regulations that force automakers into saving more fuel than ever before.

The publication Race Engine Technology has given Audi Motorsport the “Race Engine of the Year” award for their 3.7L V6 TDI powerplant. The engine, which was vital to Audi capturing its 10th title at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year, produces more than 540-hp through the use of a single turbocharger.

We’re pretty sure this video is more of a testament to the stupidity of some people rather than the shortcomings of Ford‘s V6 Mustang.

First of all, we hardly believe that this individual had the opportunity of driving his Mustang “on a closed road at high speeds”, especially considering the quick glance of the road from the video proves it’s your run-of-the-mill public street. Secondly, there’s a reason why Ford – who has been manufacturing vehicles for over a century – put a speed limiter of 112-mph on their new Mustang V6. Lastly, what were you thinking filming yourself trying to go towards 140-mph while driving the car?

The original poster of the video, who is also the owner of the vehicle, bashes Ford stating that the drivetrain was not designed to handle the power of the engine. No, the drivetrain wasn’t designed for people to remove the speed limiter and try to take their V6 Mustang to 140-mph. There’s a V8 for that.

According to the owner, the broken driveshaft caused write a bit of havoc (as one could expect) to the Mustang. There was a hole in the metal floorpan, major exhaust system and muffler damage, broken transmission shifter, broken parking brake, broken interior plastic trim, etc.

Thankfully the majority of the people commenting on the video gives us hope that not everyone is this silly in believing this is Ford’s fault.

Check out the video after the break.

[Source: Autoblog]

Ford is revising their forecast for F-150 Ecoboost sales, estimating that the turbocharged 6-cylinder pickup will comprise 45 percent of F-150 sales, versus original estimates of 40 percent. Ford now estimates that the Ecoboost will sell 100,000 units this year.

General Motors much loved LNF engine, the same 2.0L Ecotec that powered the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and Chevrolet Cobalt SS is continuing on in the Buick Regal Turbo and Buick Regal GS, but a new generation of turbocharged 4-cylinder motor is set to replace the LNF next year, packing even more power.

The Honda Pilot mid-size SUV will be receiving some minor upgrades for the 2012 model year which includes exterior, interior and mechanical updates.

Infiniti announced U.S pricing for the 2012 QX full-size SUV and the 2012 EX crossover. The QX was redesigned in 2011, so changes to the 2012 model are non-existent.

Lexus has just released a promo clip for the all-new 2013 GS350, highlighting the car’s power and agility. With details provided on the new suspension setup as well as the 306-hp 3.5-liter V6, there are also plenty of stunning visuals.

With the debut of the all new 2012 Toyota Camry yesterday ( review here), Honda’s Accord soldiers on for another model year mostly unchanged save for the addition of a Special Edition (SE) trim level. All Accord models will also receive a USB audio interface for 2012.

Toyota has announced pricing on the all-new, seventh-generation 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid. The all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid will be offered in four different model grades. The models will include the entry-level L, value-driven LE, premium XLE and sporty SE grades. The XLE and SE are available with four-cylinder or V6 engines. The Camry Hybrid is offered in LE and XLE grades.

Ford ventured into dangerous territory five years ago, when they considered switching out the traditional V8 for a V6 powerplant. The two biggest issues surrounding the change was whether the V6 would have enough power, and whether the engine would be durable enough to compete with big boy V8’s. Doug Scott, manager of Ford’s truck marketing group said, “We knew there’s no replacement for displacement. That’s a very popular saying among full-sized pickup customers, which just shows their love for the V8 engine. We knew we had a marketing challenge”.

Lexus is set to launch its next-gen GS at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, and the vehicle will feature a much smaller engine. Reports from Thailand say that the new model will have an available smaller 2.5-liter V6 engine, along with bigger six cylinder engines. The smaller engine will mean the Japanese automaker can better compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class.

Audi is continuing to dump money into the development of its next generation crossovers, with the brand selling 155,000 Q5s globally last year along with 47,700 Q7s. “There is no doubt…that crossovers are still selling like hotcakes even though the trend seems to be shifting toward more compact models,” says Audi chairman Rupert Stadler. The high-riding Q5 and Q7 will go on a serious diet for their next-generation.

So what is Lotus to do with the Exige now? Simple answer, make a V6 version with the engine out of the Evora. But it is no easy swap. The Toyota-sourced V6 engine is bigger, so Lotus has been running a test mule with a wider track and a longer wheelbase.

Infiniti has released photos of its refreshed 2012 FX ahead of its debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The luxury crossover gets a revised front grille and front fascia design that clearly draws inspiration from the Essence concept. Other changes on the vehicle include newly-restyled 20-inch wheels (FX35 Deluxe Touring package), an updated instrument cluster and heated seats that come standard.