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Consumer Reports criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video]

Consumer Reports has taken aim at at small-displacement, forced-induction engines, saying the powerplants don't manage to deliver on automaker fuel economy claims. Manufacturers have long held that smaller, turbocharged engines pack all power of their larger displacement cousins with significantly better fuel economy, but the research organization says that despite scoring high EPA economy numbers, the engines are no better than conventional drivetrains in both categories. Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, says the forced induction options "are often slower and less fuel efficient than larger four and six-cylinder engines."
Specifically, CR calls out the new Ford Fusion equipped with the automaker's Ecoboost 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The institute's researchers found the engine, which is a $795 option over the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, fails to match competitors in acceleration and served up 25 miles per gallon in testing, putting the sedan dead last among other midsize options.
The Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Sonata Turbo and Ford Escape 2.0T all got dinged for the same troubles, though Consumer Reports has found the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the BMW 328i does deliver on its promises. You can check out the full press release below. You can also read the full study on the Consumer Reports site, or scroll down for a short video recap.

GM might share the Chevy Volt's powertrain tech with rivals

Car shoppers might eventually find the award-winning powertrain from the second-generation Chevrolet Volt under the hood of another automaker's vehicle – at least if General Motors global powertrain chief Dan Nicholson gets his way. According to Automotive News, Nicholson would be open to partnerships with other companies to share the range-extended setup. "We want to be the partner of choice in propulsion system development in this complex and turbulent era we are approaching," he told the trade publication. For an automaker that wants an electrified solution, the Volt's system would be an easy choice. It combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors and an 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. The EPA estimates the setup is good for 106 MPGe combined and 53 miles of EV range in the Volt. Wards selected the powertrain for its 10 Best Engines list for 2016, and the Chevy won the Green Car of the Year Award. According to Automotive News, a partnership could have serious financial implications for GM and its collaborator. Rival automakers could get a competitive powertrain without the huge expense of research and development. Meanwhile, The General would benefit from larger economies of scale to drive down prices. Don't look for the Volt's powertrain to arrive in other vehicles too soon, though. GM spokesperson Kevin Kelley told Autoblog that he was "not aware of anything going on" in regards to negotiations with other automakers. In the meantime, we'll keep our eyes open for companies borrowing the Bowtie's advanced tech. Related Video: Related Gallery 2016 Chevrolet Volt: First Drive View 24 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Copyright 2016 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green Chevrolet GM Technology Hybrid Videos Sedan

Watch NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon put one over on a used car dealer... sorta

Full Disclosure: in my younger days, I loved nothing more than tormenting passengers with my behind-the-wheel hijinks. Once, after a particularly artful handbrake turn on a two-lane at around 50 miles per hour, I left one backseat occupant crying in their own lap. This isn't necessarily something to be proud of, but it gives you a glimpse into why it is that I find this ad from Pepsi so damn disappointing. The premise is beautiful. Take NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, give him a disguise and set him loose upon some unsuspecting used car dealer. Hilarity ensues.
Except that this Pepsi Max commercial is so obviously staged, it can't help but feel like some ham-fisted marketing fail. From the strategically placed aftermarket cupholder mounted mid-dash for the hidden camera to the fact that the supposed dealer Camaro is displayed as a 2009 model (Hint: Chevrolet didn't make any), this clip is about as organic as a Twinkie. Still, we would never turn down a chance to watch Gordon thrash on a rental-spec coupe - only problem is, he probably didn't even do the driving himself. Check it out below.