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Google and IEEE launch $1M challenge for downsized inverters

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Google and the IEEE have launched the Littlebox Challenge—an open competition to design and build a small kW-scale inverter with the highest power density (of at least 50 W/in 3 , or 3.05 The peak power density of the 2010 Prius motor inverter is 11.1 kW/L) in an enclosure of less than 40 in 3 in volume (0.66L).

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EIA: trends in downsized engine design leading to increased demand for higher-octane gasoline

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One significant trend is engine downsizing coupled with turbocharging. Smaller, turbocharged engines can be used to raise fuel economy while meeting or exceeding the power and torque of larger engines, allowing engine downsizing and improved fuel economy with little or no performance compromise. In MY 2010, 12.5%

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Volvo to concentrate on hybrids and downsized engines for US

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Volvo Car Corporation will rely on a powertrain strategy based on its new downsized 4-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine platform ( earlier post ) and hybrids for the US market, said John Maloney, recently appointed President of Volvo Cars, US, in an interview at the Detroit Auto Show. Click to enlarge. Earlier post.)

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Toyota announces aggressive environmental targets through 2050; cutting new vehicle CO2 by 90% compared to 2010

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The challenge comprises six individual challenges across three areas: Ever-better cars, quantified as reducing global average new-vehicle CO 2 emissions by 90% by 2050 compared to Toyota’s 2010 global average; ever-better manufacturing (zero CO 2 emissions at all plants by 2050); and enriching the lives of communities. Achieving sales of 1.5

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Toyotas Yaris hybrid concept anticipates B-segment hybrid strategy with first downsizing of HSD; Prius +

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This marks Toyota’s first downsizing of its HSD technology. Toyota aims to bring full hybrid technology to every main European model as early as possible in the 2020s, and introduced the Auris HSD to the C-segment in 2010, equipped with the same powertrain as the Prius. Earlier post.). Today that figure has doubled, to 16%.

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Peugeot Launches New Marque Plan with Downsizing, Hybrids and Plug-ins for Two-, Three- and Four-Wheeled Vehicles; Unveils SR1 Hybrid Concept

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To achieve its goals, Peugeot is relying on a new products strategy that includes electric propulsion (the i0n i-MiEV-derived electric car) and E-Vivacity scooter from 2010; diesel hybrid in the 3008 from 2011 ( earlier post) ; e-HDi (microhybrid) from 2011 on the entire diesel range; and a plug-in diesel hybrid in 2012. Earlier post.).

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Renault 2010 Environment Workshop, Part 1: Combustion Engine Technology and Product Plans

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Renault held a “2010 Environment Workshop” last week to showcase its progress across its range of vehicles’ full lifecycle through the Renault eco² program. It is available with several power outputs (currently from 65 to 110hp) and powers numerous Renault (from Twingo to Laguna) and Dacia models. Select Engines. The current 1.5