Diesel power
BMW's new 116d model uses a highly efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that yields a Toyota Prius-rivaling 53.4 mpg rating. It will be released in Europe this month, with plans to bring it to North America by 2010.
Clutch move
Ford is joining the growing number of automakers that use dual-clutch transmissions in place of traditional automatics and even some manuals. The technology shifts faster than typical manual gearboxes and can reduce fuel consumption by up to nine percent over a four-speed automatic transmission.
Max demand
In order to accommodate as many requests as possible, Mini delayed the launch date for its all-electric "E" vehicle until the beginning of April. Mini had allotted 450 units, but more than 1,800 requests were made. The "E" will first be available for lease in the New York and Los Angeles areas.
--Wheelbase Communications
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