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Mazda refines lineup with SkyActiv technology

It turns out Mazda isn't simply shooting for the sky. Rather, the protagonists of zoom-zoom driving dynamics are taking an active approach to the brand's DNA: Put it all together, and it's called “SkyActiv.” Mazda is billing the suite of technologies as the pillars of its way forward. Much of these features--which enhance future products in nearly all areas including engine, transmission and chassis--have already been revealed.

Porsche buyers put the brakes on stop-start technology

By Chris Chilton Motor Industry 23 June 2008 18:56 Direct injection and a clever new PDK dual-clutch gearbox have cemented the new 911’s reputation as the greenest performance car around, but Porsche engineers are being hampered from making the iconic sports car even cleaner by the public’s reluctance to accept further green technology Engineers at the launch of the facelifted 911 told CAR that fitting a BMW-style start-stop system could chop a further 10g/km from the Carrera’s 225g/km CO2 rating but that performance car buyers weren’t keen on having such overtly planet-conscious tech on their cars. Start-stop works by cutting the engine when the car’s stationary in traffic, and restarting automatically when you touch the pedals to move off again. Every manual transmission-equipped BMW 1-series comes with the technology, excepting the truly high performance versions.

Ford Interceptor (2007): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 02 January 2007 12:51 Ford Interceptor Concept: the lowdown What do you get if you take the iconic Ford Mustang and mix in a four-door saloon with a large dollop of attitude? Ford has tried just that and come up with the Interceptor concept, due to bow in at the Detroit Motor Show next week. Conceived along the lines of the Chrysler 300C, this is a four-door you'd be happy to drive, unlike many of Ford's recent saloons.