Ford Motor Co. has announced it will use more diesel engine technology to develop the second generation of the EcoBoost  engine. The result will be improved power and better fuel economy compared with the first-generation engines. Ford wants to get close to the same driving characteristics from the EcoBoost engine as it can from a diesel engine, such as strong low-end torque and good fuel economy. By borrowing from diesel technology, the result also will be a cleaner running EcoBoost engine that generates more power and delivers about a 5 percent gain in fuel economy over the current EcoBoost engines.

EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and vehicle weight. But it gives drivers the performance of a bigger engine. Ford said its current generation of 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines deliver between 10 and 20 percent better fuel economy than comparable normally aspirated V-6 and V-8 engines, respectively. Ford said it will launch three new EcoBoost engines by year end. Those are: A 1.6-liter four-cylinder for the European C-Max microvan, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge crossover, and the 3.5-liter V-6 for the F-150 pickup. The EcoBoost F-150 will deliver best-in-class fuel economy with the power and towing capability of a V-8, Ford said. The three new EcoBoost engines will increase the number of Ford’s global nameplates offering EcoBoost to 11. EcoBoost is available now in the Ford Flex crossover, Ford Taurus sedan, Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover.

While the Fiesta debuted in Europe last year with instant success, it has been eagerly waited in the States, until now. The 2011 Ford Fiesta has arrived at many dealerships, and is on its way to many more.  And considering the fact that the European model of the Fiesta was the best-selling vehicle across the continent in the first quarter of 2010, Ford is hoping it will do just as well in the U.S.  Our version of the Fiesta is slightly different than overseas. More appealing to buyers in the U.S.is a newly styled four-door sedan, which will be sold here alongside a slightly pricier five-door hatchback beginning in July. The starting price for the four-door base-level sedan is $13,995, while the five-door hatchback will go for $15,795.

The U.S. Fiesta comes only with the largest engine available in any Fiesta: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque, yet returns spectacular fuel efficiency when matched to a sophisticated new automatic transmission that makes its debut here. The engine features the most optimal variable valve timing setup, with independent control of both intake and exhaust. A refined five-speed manual transmission is standard, but for about $1,200 the so-called “Powershift” automatic six-speed raises the car’s expected EPA  test cycle performance from 38 to 40 mpg on the highway. In the city, the standard manual is expected to get 29 mpg, while the automatic gets 30 mpg. For more research and information about preordering the 2011 Fiesta, read our 2011 Fiesta Review.

The Ford Mustang represents All-American homegrown style in two words. Its affordable, fast, stylish. No matter what competitors offer,  the Mustang is one of the most widely recognized, respected, nameplates in the auto industry. The 2010 Mustang has carried on the tradition well and there are many updates and minor adjustments for the 2010 Mustang.  The Mustang gets a restyled exterior and interior, a more powerful optional V-8, and new convenience and safety features.  This is a vehicle that is pure fun when driving; it has a high level of performance, all at a great value.  For buyers interested view our own 2010 Mustang Review. If you are looking to research more after reading our review,  you can read another complete Mustang overview at NH Ford for more details.  Any consumers will learn that the Mustang is quick and fun to drive and offers combination of style, performance, and handling that’s hard to beat for the money.  As far as trims go, the V6 Deluxe is a sporty cruiser, the GT and Shelby GT are serious performance cars, and the Shelby GT500 raises it to near Corvette performance levels. Prices for the 2010 model starts around 20,000 and goes up from there.

Things have been quiet from Chrysler for a while. But, while their 2010 models were rolled out with success, we all know big changes are coming for the automaker. Most likely, the slow selling Chrysler Sebring is reportedly going to be dropped from the line-up, in favor of a new nameplate. “Nassau” will be a freshened version of this midsize sedan, launching late this year as a 2011 model. Chrysler designers have also been working on a completely new interior for the 2011 Dodge Avenger, the sister car that shares a platform with the Sebring. The Nassau name was used on a Chrysler concept car that was displayed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, but insiders don’t expect the new Nassau to bear much resemblance to that concept vehicle.

Chrysler will be rolling out its redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, due this summer and powered by its new 280-horsepower Pentastar V6. The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are also slated for a 2011 redesign. This pair was initially slated to arrive at the end of the year, but the latest scuttlebutt is that the Charger may come to market sooner, ahead of the 300. Finally, the Fiat 500 is also slated to hit these shores in the coming months. This Mini-fighter will be the first tangible benefit of Chrysler’s union with Fiat, and a harbinger of things to come.

While many drivers today would love to ‘go green’ while on the road, they may not be aware of the many ways to do this. Read below for some great ideas to make your daily commute cleaner:

Driving Habits: First, think about how you drive. Could you change your route to make it shorter? Could you combine multiple trips into one? Is your destination close enough to walk or bike? There are many easy ways to drive more ‘green’, its just up to you to make these changes.

Green Materials: Today automakers are using green and recycled materials for the cars cabin. These include recycled components and parts made from plants.  Those who prefer can opt for a non-leather interior in most lower- and mid-priced vehicles, and even in some luxury cars.

Go Small: Buying a small car is one of the best way to reduce your car’s environmental impact. Today’s small cars are better than ever, unlike the tin boxes of yesteryear. Furthermore they are becoming very popular, prompting automakers to renew their focus on the small car market. Small cars biggest benefit is their excellent fuel efficieny. If a small car fits your lifestyle, and you don’t have a thirst for overwhelming power, it may be the right way to go green.

Tire Pressure: If your car’s tires are underinflated, it can result in increased tire wear as well as reduced fuel economy. Plus, they adversely affect handling, increase stopping distances and increase the chance of tire failure. If your vehicle does not have an included tire pressure monitor, make sure you check yours regularly.

Hybrid or Diesel: This may be an obvious one, but it’s certainly not right or affordable for everyone. Hybrids have improved over the years and there are now many models to choose from.  Diesel, once considered dirty cars, use new technology to create a super clean and fuel efficient engine. While the U.S. still lags behind in available diesels, compared to Europe, the trend may be catching on. The main downside to these vehicles is the more expensive price tag.

Shut Off Cylinder Technology: To improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, some automakers have created systems that deactivate half an engine’s cylinders during certain driving conditions. Chrysler introduced the second generation of its Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on the 2009 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which can improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent on models such as the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Challenger R/T.

Ford has revealed the Ford Start concept at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. The automaker’s attempt was to create a nd practical and realistic vehicle that found a perfect balance between commuting needs and excellent fuel efficiency. This is Ford’s first concept in three years.. Although the Start shows traces of Ford’s “kinetic” design language, its rounded form is much more elegant. Angular edges are limited to both the shoulder lines and the slender, LED-powered headlamp and taillights.  Function doesn’t necessarily follow form, however, as stylists made an effort to improve the car’s aerodynamics. Many surfaces, including the windshield, side window glass, and center stop lamp, are flush with the body, while an underbody aero pan further reduces the Start’s drag. The interior is as equally stylish and functional — the floating dual-cockpit dashboard lends a sporty look, but a conceptual infotainment system, billed as “MyFord Mobile,” incorporates a multi-function touch screen to simplify the center stack.

The turbocharged, 1.0-liter I-3 utilizes a cast-iron block, but a cylinder head and sump fabricated from cast aluminum. Ford won’t talk power figures, saying only that early tests suggest it can produce power on par with its 1.6-liter I-4, which is rated at 120 horsepower in North America. Power is routed to the front wheels via an ordinary five-speed manual transaxle.

A new type of ‘green vehicle’ is being tested for future use in both fleet vehicles and consumer cars. A novel system called “hydraulic hybrid” has so far been tested in a Peterbilt garbage truck that increases the fuel economy an estimated 30 percent and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent or more. Developed at EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) system essentially operates in the same manner as a gasoline-electric hybrid.

Like gas-electric versions, HLA works by recovering a portion of the energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle’s brakes. But instead of a battery pack, a hydraulic system uses pistons to capture the wasted energy by compressing nitrogen gas stored in a tank. When the nitrogen is allowed to expand, it pushes a piston in a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid that helps the diesel engine turn the rear wheels.

An aggressive variation of the HLA design has been tested in two UPS parcel delivery trucks. Using a series-type hybrid design, the V6 diesel engines do not power the vehicles, but serve solely to actuate the hydraulic systems’ pumps. It’s estimated that these vehicles could see fuel economy improvements of as much as 60 percent and a reduction of greenhouse emissions of 40 percent.

The engineers at the EPA’s Michigan laboratory have built and tested many prototypes over the years, including a diesel-hydraulic passenger car that delivered more than 80 miles per gallon. In 2004 the EPA displayed a hydraulic hybrid Ford Expedition SUV with a small diesel engine replacing the large displacement gasoline V8. It is unknown if this new type of hybrid will ever become mainstreamed, but it is another glimpse of hope in the race to create a super fuel efficient vehicle.

Dodge is rolling out some new variations of its already popular Caliber wagon. The models, which will soon all be available, are dubbed ‘lifestyle-oriented’ and have been given names such as the Express, Mainstreet, Heat, Uptown and Rush. The idea behind these models is that each one is directed specifically at a certain type of consumer.

The Dodge Caliber Rush is for those looking for extra power. It includes a unique five-speed manual transmission mated to a larger 2.4-liter World Engine with 172 horsepower.  Equipment differences from the Caliber Heat include 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, SRT-designed spoiler, automatic climate control, Premium Sound Group, Media Center 430 radio with touchscreen and 30-gigabyte hard drive. A CVT2 with Auto Stick is optional. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Rush is $20,625.

The 2010 Dodge Caliber Express is aimed towards fuel efficiency and value. It comes with standard Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power windows, mirrors and locks, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tonneau cover, air conditioning, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and 2.0-liter 16-valve World Engine with fuel-efficient five-speed manual transmission capable of 31 mpg on the highway.

The 2010 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet offers the features of the Dodge Caliber Express with added capability and style featuring standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, chromed crosshair grille, body-color door handles, fog lamps, folding front-passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat, touring suspension, tachometer and 2.0-liter 16-valve World Engine with second-generation Continuously-variable Transmission (CVT2). MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet is $18,890.

The Dodge Caliber Heat adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch polished-aluminum wheels, four-wheel Anti-lock disc Brakes (ABS), performance steering, color-keyed instrument panel and seats, B- and C-pillar blackout accents and five-speed manual transmission. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Heat is $18,625.

The Dodge Caliber Uptown is aimed at those looking for capability combined with added technology and refinement, adds automatic climate control, five-passenger leather seating, power driver’s seat and four-wheel Anti-lock disc Brakes (ABS) to the Caliber Mainstreet. The Premium Sound Group kicks-up the tunes with the MusicGate Power™ nine-speaker Boston Acoustics system, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and two articulating liftgate speakers.

Ford’s new 2011 Super Duty trucks have taken heavy duty hauling fuel efficiency to another level. In the past, fuel efficiency was at the bottom of the list for truck owners, the fact was they needed power, towing, and hauling capacity, and what their gas mileage was didn’t really matter. But fuel economy on the all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty equipped with the Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine averages an 18-percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25-percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models. To help track fuel economy numbers 2011 Super Duty diesels are available with CrewChief™, a component of available Ford Work Solutions™, a technology package that can help owners manage their business from the work site. CrewChief is a fleet telematics and diagnostics system that allows fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

Ford recently held a competition in Arizona for journalists to see who could get the best mileage out of a Super Duty. During the program, Ford challenged these reporters to a contest to see who could achieve the best fuel economy while driving a the Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 on an 80-mile stretch of surface roads and highways. The winning media team on the first round achieved 29.2 mpg and the second an astonishing 34 mpg. Three-person media teams drove from Buckeye to Glendale, Arizona, in an F-250 or F-350 with 1,000 pounds of payload. Depending on vehicle configuration, media teams were expected to meet targets of 26.5 mpg (pickups with 17-inch wheels and a 3.31:1 axle ratio) or 24 mpg (pickups with 20-inch wheels and a 3.55:1 axle ratio) while driving the 80 miles in a time frame consistent with what Ford engineers achieved. Drivers were given fuel economy tips from the Ford vehicle energy engineering team and a few ground rules: stay on the specified route, follow the provided turn-by-turn directions and drive at the posted speeds (no speeding and no crawling).

Overall, it was a fun event that further proved Ford’s point, that they have created one of the most fuel efficient heavy duty trucks available. When the 2011 model arrives at dealerships, potential truck buyers may have a new requirement at the top of their lists: optimal fuel economy.