This week's snippets of automotive news include news on Mazda's diesel technology development, Peugeot 508 GTi, Renault's basement test track and the Audi RS5 Sportback.
Mazda on diesel technology:
Mazda is continuing to invest in the development of diesel technology because the company believes that the fuel type remains important for CO2 targets.
Mazda vice president of communications in Europe Wojciech Halarewicz told Autocar that “from well to wheel, diesel is still the most sustainable option in most cases, so you will see we’ll have a greater mix of powertrains rather than fewer”.
Peugeot 508 GTi:
Peugeot has admitted that there are no plans for Peugeot Sport to create a 508 GTi. A company spokesperson told Autocar that while the base model would lend itself to a performance makeover, and that the 1.6-litre petrol engine powering it could easily be tuned, PSA boss Carlos Tavares doesn’t yet see a business case for creating a hot model of a niche car in a declining market segment.
Renault's basement test track:
Renault’s Moscow plant is located just five miles from the centre of the Russian capital. With space at a premium, the firm has found an unusual location for its test track: the basement of the factory. That’s possible because the old Muskovitch plant housed a stamping press in the basement.
Audi RS5 Sportback delayed:
The Audi RS5 Sportback, revealed at the Geneva motor show in March, has been delayed for UK and European release. Audi Sport marketing manager Linda Kurz admitted that the model has been prioritised for the US, where there is significantly more demand for it, given the RS4 and RS6 hot estates are not on sale there.
Read more
Mazda plans big efficiency gains
Renault Megane review
New Audi RS5 Sportback features 444bhp turbocharged V6
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