SEAT has introduced its latest sedan, called Exeo, in Paris. This is the first model in years that doesn't have a name from a Spanish town but it still might seem familiar to you: it's a rebadged previous-generation Audi A4. Hey, Europeans can rebadge like the best of the Chinese, after all! Why did Seat do this? Because no resources were ready to develop an all-new sedan and the classic name for the SEAT sedan, the Toledo, was used for a complete sales disaster mini-MPV with a strange hatch based on the Altea. At least the Exeo gets the latest generation VW engines, which will be all Euro V-compliant. The diesel versions will now have common-rail diesel technology instead of pump-injectors, as seen in the 6th generation VW Golf/Rabbit and range from 120 to 170 hp. SEAT models are already on sale in Mexico and rumors have it that SEAT could be sold stateside, aiming the Latin market.



[Source: SEAT]

Volkswagen is introducing a new 160hp version of its 1.4-liter TFSI engine. This engine and the 122hp version are replacing VW's 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI engines which produced 115 and 150hp, respectively. This change in the engine lineup will start in the Golf Plus, Jetta and Golf Variant versions.

As we mentioned before, Volkswagen is dropping its direct-injection diesel technology (pump-injection), first used two decades ago, and will join the rest of automakers in using common-rail injection technology for its diesel drivelines. This new 2.0 HDi dCi CDi CDTi TDI is already Euro 5 compliant. Although it was announced as coming in the new Golf VI, Germans can already buy the 2.0 TDI mated to the Jetta and Golf Variant (pictured above) and, later, in the Golf Plus. Although power remains unchanged from the old 2.0-liter at 140hp and fuel consumption is kept at 5.5 l/km (43mpg U.S.), CO₂ emissions are down to 143 grams of CO₂ per km and torque improves up to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

[Source: Auto News]

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Although it is supposed to be introduced on Wednesday, the photos of the sixth generation of the Golf are now available online. The official introduction of the car is still set for October 2nd in Paris. This new generation gets the Scirocco frontal treatment although it's more an evolution than a revolution from the current model. Why is this interesting? VW is phasing out the last of their older TDI technology to become HDIs, and both the Polo and the Golf (Rabbit as it's known in the U. S.) will be the first models to get these diesels. Until now, VW's older diesels used pump injectors, but they're switching to common-rail technology, as the rest of competitors (namely the PSA HDI diesels and the Opel/Fiat CDTIs). The Golf is also expected to get a brand-new 1.6-liter TDi that will lower consumption and improve emissions, to get under the magical 120 g/km figure.


[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Skoda, the Czech marque that belongs to the VW group, has announced that its Octavia model will from now on use the latest iteration of TDI technology. TDI is based in the use of common-rail injection, and it phases out pump-injectors. The new Superb, due in two months, will also have the new engines installed.

The first powertrain will be installed in the sporty RS version, which gets 170 HP of diesel power from a 2-liter unit, while keeping fuel consumption at very low levels: 5.7 l/100 km for the sedan and 5.9 l/100 km for the station wagon version (42 and 41 mpg, U.S., respectively). A diesel particulate filter comes standard. DPFs can also be fitted to VW's double-clutch transmission for better performance. Prices start at € 28,050 in Germany.

[Source: Autoblog en Español]

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Australia's best selling small car over AUD$40,000 (US$31,440), the BMW 1 Series, is getting some upgrades; refreshed exterior and interior styling, increases in power and reductions in fuel consumption, plus a new generation four-cylinder diesel engine. Due to go on sale mid-year, the new diesel in the 1 Series is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder second generation common-rail turbodiesel which features a host of performance improvements and fuel consumption reductions.

The new 120d develops a maximum output of 125 kW / 167 hp, an increase of 10 kW / 13 hp over the former engine. Peak torque is up by 24 Nm / 17 ft-lbs to 340 Nm / 250 ft-lbs and the new BMW 120d accelerates from zero to 100 km/h / 62 mph in just 7.8 seconds (previous model: 8.5 seconds).

Despite the performance gains, combined fuel consumption for the new 120d is down to 6.1 litres/100 kilometres (previously 6.6 l/100km). The optional six-speed automatic transmission (standard on the 120d) comes with new converter technology featuring an integrated torsion damper reducing energy losses and ensuring even shorter reaction and gearshift times.

Check out the four 1,280 pixel-wide, high resolution pics suitable for personal use as desktop wallpaper in our gallery.








Complete press release after the jump.

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• Step right up! How automakers have placed their bets on future powertrain technologies

[Source: BMW]

The new 2007 Cadillac BLS Sport model has just gone on sale in Europe to extend the BLS sedan lineup. "Sports" features include bigger 18-inch wheels, lowered sports suspension, and chassis tuning to take advantage of the powerful engines available and to give more dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort.

Engine options include two 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engines which output 129kW / 175hp and 154kW / 210hp, while a 2.8 liter V6 unit puts out 188kW / 255hp. Also available in the Sport range is a direct-injected, common rail turbo-diesel engine fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter, developing 110kW / 150hp plus, no doubt, a mountain of torque. Transmission options are six-speed manual or an automatic with a "Sport Mode". The interior features aluminium trip instead of wood and a tweaked instrumentation panel, along with a three-spoke leather steering wheel.

Related:

• First Cadillac turbo diesel, but only for Europe
• Cadillac 1.9 Turbo Diesel tests at 55.6 mpg

[Source: GM]