Talking About Automobiles

Bosch, a popular auto parts manufacturer has announced recently that it has signed a contract with one of Europe’s carmakers for the supply of diesel-hybrid technology. According to Bosch the system would be ready by 2010 and it would become the new benchmark in fuel consumption. And of course the issue on harmful emissions is also taken into consideration, the carbon-dioxide emissions level that the new hybrid technology will produce is below 100g/km.

The contract will call for Bosch to supply the needed motor and electronic controller that would be made to function in conjunction with a diesel powerplant. It can be noted that automakers have not really considered seriously the production of diesel hybrid powertrains since it’s too costly for them but due to the extreme pressure that they are getting from the government and from countless environmental groups to reduce CO2 emissions, they are forced to reconsider the idea.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen is hoping to be the first automaker to introduce diesel hybrid vehicles. Automotive News has also reported that Bosch is still bidding with the French Group to produce a hybrid version of its other models and not just the midsized 308.

The French automaker is also said to be in the process of developing its very own system for the 308 which it claimed will be ready by 2010. Aside from PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, Bosch will also be supplying petrol-electric hybrid technology to Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi which will start next year.

Sports car fans, here is one good news for all of ya!

Audi has recently announced on their official press release that the high performance RS4 Cabriolet will arrive in US shores and will roll out in Audi dealer showrooms all over the country as a 2008 model year. In addition, the Ingolstadt, Germany-based automaker also announced that the Audi RS4 sedan currently offered in the US market will receive new features and optional packages for the customers.

For the Audi RS4 Cabriolet, Audi said they will only produce 300 units of this model that will be on sale in US dealerships starting this fall. Audi did not yet announced the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the RS4 Cabriolet, so watch out for other upcoming company press releases for you to find out. Anyway, check out what does the Audi RS4 Cabriolet model has in store for us.

Highlights of the Audi RS4 Cabriolet:

- 4.2 V8 FSI engine with 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and 317 ft-lbs. of torque at 5,500 rpm
- Six- speed manual gearbox
- Quattro(R) all-wheel drive featuring the asymmetrical dynamic torque split
- 19-inch RS 4-style alloy wheels with 255/35/ 19 performance tires
- four-link front and trapezoidal- link rear sport-tuned suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), and 14.4" front and 12.8" rear brake rotors.

For the Audi RS4 sedan, new packages offered include:

Titanium package - $750
- titanium colored 19-inch RS 4- style alloy wheels
- black front grille
- black side window moldings
- black interior headliner
- black interior trim.

Audi exclusive package - $3,800
- Crimson red leather seat centers
- black leather side bolsters and head rests
- Crimson red door trim
- contrasting red seat piping, red stitching on the shift boot and steering wheel
- piano black interior trim
- carpeted floor mats with RS 4 logo and contrasting piping
- Audi exclusive badging
- Standard Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth

Now it is time to visit the nearest Audi dealer showroom in your area and place your orders.

Volvo Cars of North America was very proud of the recognition given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the safety features found on the Volvo C70 convertible coupe model. During the recent crash test for convertible models conducted by IIHS, the Volvo C70 earned the "Top Safety Pick" award for frontal, side, and rear impact protection. The C70 earned the award along with the Saab 9-3.

Anne Belec, President and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America exclaimed: "For more than 80 years, Volvo has built cars with Safety in mind. We are extremely pleased to have done well in the Institutes' testing program. From the very start of our modern convertible program, our goal was to bring advanced technology and engineering skills into this flagship vehicle."

The Volvo C70 earned the Top Safety Pick from IIHS, thanks to the vehicle's numerous advanced safety features inside and out. These include the Inflatable Curtain (IC), four seats with seat belt pretensioners, side impact airbags, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), three-piece steering column designed to pivot up and collapse away from the driver, Volvo's Roll Over Protection System (ROPS), Rollover Protection pop-up roll bars, and energy absorbing body structure made of High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra-High Strength Steel (UHSS).

Volvo Cars installed the newest safety feature, the Inflatable Curtain to provide additional protection to side impact crashes. Ingrid Skogsmo, Director of Safety for Volvo Car Corporation explained how the IC works:

"As there are no roof members to which the curtain can be attached it is mounted in the door. When activated it is directed upwards. The curtain has an extra stiff construction with double rows of slats that are slightly offset from each other. This allows them to remain upright and offer effective head protection even with the window open. The curtain also deflates slowly to provide protection should the car roll over. This is a unique solution in the automotive world."