Motoryzacja

Ford Motor Co. is to unveil a new engine technology today called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20% better fuel economy on half a million of the company's Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles during the next five years. The new EcoBoost family of four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines will be optimized with a combination of turbocharging and direct injection technology.

General Motors Corp. opened the North American International Auto Show with a road rally of 17 new and upcoming cars and crossovers -- including four global premieres -- that underscored the company's commitment to compelling design, fuel efficiency and advanced technology. Among the highlights:

Honda Motor Co. will unveil a prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot at the North American International Auto Show to be held in Detroit in January. Sales for the SUV have slipped this year to 106,743 vehicles through November, down 22% from the same period last year, reports Autodata. Honda also plans to showcase the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle.

The BMW 5 Gran Turismo uses a new switchable alternator to reduce fuel consumption slightly. Conventional alternators are always engaged when the engine is running, whether the battery needs charging or not. That means they continually draw some of the engine's power, reducing the amount of energy that goes to moving the vehicle.

GM's Hummer brand will unveil a small concept vehicle that hints at future production models at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.