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VW to intro Passat BlueMotion Concept at Detroit auto show

While performance heads are anxiously awaiting the North American debut of the hot-heat Mk VII Golf R at the Detroit auto show, Volkswagen's Passat BlueMotion Concept offers never-before technology in the Yank/Canuck family sedan segment: a four-pot motor with cylinder deactivation. Based on the EA211 1.4L turbo motor we sampled last year in the Euro-market Audi A3 sedan, the Passat BlueMotion Concept's engine is capable of shutting down the middle two cylinders during cruise, and features the Jetta Hybrid's gearbox, a twin-clutch unit capable of decoupling from the engine during off-throttle coasting. In the Passat's application, the 1.4 puts out 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque; VW suggests its highway fuel economy will stand at 42 mpg.

Volvo tests flywheel technology to cut fuel use

Volvo is testing flywheel technology--being used in Formula One racing to give cars an extra boost--as a technology that could help cut fuel use in future cars by as much as 20 percent. Flywheels recapture energy normally lost as heat during braking. That energy can then be used to help propel the car.

Fiat-Chrysler to make Jeeps, Alfas in Italy starting in 2012

Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler Group will build Alfa Romeo and Jeep models for global distribution as part of a new joint-venture company that will take control over Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Turin, Fiat said Friday. Fiat-Chrysler will invest more than 1 billion euros (more than $1.3 billion) to retool the factory.