You have read it right! DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group division is adding up a new hybrid powertrain for the Chrysler Aspen full size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV), featuring the company’s advanced two-mode hybrid technology. According to Chrysler Group, the new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid will be officially launched early next year along with the Dodge Durango Hybrid. Will Chrysler Group continue to produce more hybrid vehicles in 2008? Well, we won't know until the company say so.

Going back to the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, the luxury SUV still features the monstrous 5.7-liter HEMI power plant. But this time, the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid now comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid engine with Multi-displacement System (MDS). The MDS allows the engine to switch between two modes of displacement, from 4- or 8-cylinder modes depending on driving conditions. Chrysler Group said that they expect the new HEMI hybrid power plant to "deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city." The two-mode hybrid powertrain for the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid features the low and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes to further increase the fuel efficiency and performance. So probably you won't be needing a Hypertech programmer to boost the SUVs performance. As for a hybrid powertrain, the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid can run on either on its electric motors or with the 5.7-liter HEMI engine, or a combination of both power plants.

Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President for Product Development at Chrysler Group said:
"The all-new Chrysler Group HEMI Hybrid will offer our customers the best of both worlds: renowned performance and significantly improved fuel economy. With the new HEMI-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV."

Watch out until next year for the official debut of the new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and the Dodge Durango Hybrid.

The new Volvo S80 mid size luxury executive car is got something new under its sleek hood.

Volvo Cars has recently announced that they are offering two new powertrain options for the vehicle. The 3.0-litre turbo T6 petrol engine tops the range in terms of performance and power output. The turbo engine is actually based on the compact 3.2-litre in-line aluminium engine The engine pumps out 285 hp (210 kW) and pulls out 295 lb ft (400 Nm) amount of peak torque rotating at engine speeds of 1,500 rpm. It also allows the Volvo S80 to sprint from 0 to 62 mpg in just 7.2 seconds.

"The T6 engine adds an extra dimension to the S80 engine range. The engine has been programmed to provide the highest possible performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions." says Hans Wikman, Vice President Vehicle Line Large Cars at Volvo Cars.

In a recent company press release, Volvo Cars explained the features of their 3.0-litre turbo T6 engine:

"The somewhat smaller cylinder displacement of the turbo version, owing to the slightly narrower cylinder bore and shorter stroke, is compensated by the turbocharger which in this engine takes in exhaust gases in two stages, with the inflow divided into two lots of three cylinders each, a system known as twin-scroll technology. Twin-scroll technology permits use of a more compact and uncomplicated turbocharger and provides extremely swift response, fully on a par with that from twin turbochargers."

For fuel efficient customers, the 5-cylinder D5 turbo diesel engine is also available under the hood of the Volvo S80. The engine delivers 185 hp (136 kW) and develops 295 lb ft (400 Nm) amount of peak torque. Not only it offers an impressive fuel efficiency, the engine also provides low exhaust emissions making it as an eco-friendly engine, thanks to the engine's advanced features like the electronically controlled turbocharger, advanced multi-point injection system, powerful engine management system, and service-free particle filter. The engine also comes with thermostat similar to Mercedes thermostat found on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, one of Volvo S80's competitor in the mid size luxury car segment.

Both the T6 petrol and D5 turbo diesel engines can be connected with an All Wheel Drive (AWD) configuration with Instant Traction. This allows the Volvo S80 to have a better grip on the road for any driving conditions.

Weeks ago, I was wondering why the 2007 Honda CR-V turned out to be one of car buyers’ favorite. I know it is equipped with great interior and exterior features, but what’s underneath the hood that favors car buyers to choose this vehicle? That was what I was focused on finding out.

When I finished researching about the Nissan cold air intake and Nissan fuel filters, I had a quick study on the CR-V’s engine and its specifications. And from the information that I got, it shows that its engine is fair enough to have a great auto performance. Now that’s a great deal! I posted the engine’s specifications so that you’ll get to evaluate the quality of the 2007 Honda CR-V which I think is totally cool!

• Engine Type: In-Line 4-Cylinder
  
• Engine Block/Cylinder Head: Aluminum-Alloy
  
• Displacement (cc): 2354
  
• Horsepower at rpm (SAE net, Rev 8/04): 166 at 5800
  
• Torque (lb.-ft. at rpm): 161 at 4200
  
• Bore and Stroke (mm): 87x99
  
• Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
  
• Valve Train: 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®
  
• Multi-Point Fuel Injection: Standard
  
• Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System: Standard
  
• Real Time 4-Wheel Drive™: Available
  
• CARB Emissions Rating: ULEV-2
  
• Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer: Standard
  
• 100,000 Miles-or-More Tune-Up Interval: Standard