Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[House panel blocks sale of E15]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/house-panel-blocks-sale-of-e15/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/house-panel-blocks-sale-of-e15/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/house-panel-blocks-sale-of-e15/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Science Committee in the House of Representatives has a approved a bill that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from allowing the use of gasoline with a higher ethanol content without additional study.

According to The Detroit News, the bill was sponsored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin and passed 19-7 along party lines after numerous groups spoke out against E15. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the American Petroleum Institute, the Friends of the Earth, the Milk Producers Council, the American Bakers Association and the National Turkey Federation all pushed for further E15 study.

Last year, the government estimated more domestic corn was used for ethanol than to feed farm animals, and opponents of ethanol argue E15 would only lead to steeper food prices across the country.

Congress just recently ended a 30-year tax subsidy on corn-based ethanol and put a stop to tariffs on the fuel imported from Brazil. The subsidy alone reportedly cost taxpayers $6 billion annually. All told, Congress has awarded the ethanol industry $45 billion in subsidies since 1980.

House panel blocks sale of E15 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e15environmental protection agencyepaethanolhouse of representativesscience committeeThu, 09 Feb 2012 07:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/house-panel-blocks-sale-of-e15/20167034/article-detail.xml 20167034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gyi0055894548628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gyi0055894548628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai hits 2016 CAFE requirements early]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/#commentsFiled under: ,



All automakers are under pressure to hit more stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, figures set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 1978, the CAFE standards were just 18 miles per gallon, but they have increased gradually each year. This summer, the bar was raised high when automobile manufacturers were told to hit 54.5 mpg by 2025. While that is a very steep ladder to climb, Hyundai hit the 2016 CAFE requirements in 2011 - the Korean automaker seems to be jumping the rungs on the way up.

The announcement that Hyundai hit a 36 mpg average four years ahead of the requirement is impressive, but there is never good news without some controversy. A consumer protection group is standing behind its claim that the Hyundai Elantra doesn't meet its U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy in real-world driving. Hyundai acknowledges that consumers may not achieve EPA estimated efficiency, but the Elanta's discrepancy was consistent with the other vehicles in its segment when tested by Consumer Reports (and just about every vehicle on the road, says our experience).

It is interesting to note that, while the EPA has not altered its fuel economy ratings on the 2012 Elantra, the automaker has added its ActiveECO feature to the model that reportedly improves fuel economy up to seven percent.

Hyundai hits 2016 CAFE requirements early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafe 2016cafe mpgcafe requirementscorporate average fuel economyelantraepahyundaihyundai cafehyundai elantrampgFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20145255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/20145255/article-detail.xml 20145255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lead1-2011-hyundai-elantra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lead1-2011-hyundai-elantra-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why the 2013 Dodge Dart won't really get 40 mpg combined]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/why-the-2013-dodge-dart-wont-really-get-40-mpg-combined/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/why-the-2013-dodge-dart-wont-really-get-40-mpg-combined/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/why-the-2013-dodge-dart-wont-really-get-40-mpg-combined/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler dropped a bombshell today, insinuating that its forthcoming 2013 Dodge Dart will have a combined fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon. Some media outlets have regurgitated this number without question. But it just isn't true, as that 40-mpg fuel economy number is unadjusted and will most certainly be lower once it gets printed on window stickers.

To better understand the way fuel economy numbers get calculated, we'll point you to this page on the Environmental Protection Agency's website. The short version is that cars are tested by the EPA to determine fuel economy for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), then adjusted for real world conditions before they are published, both on the EPA website and on Monroneys, or window stickers. City numbers are dropped by 10 percent, while highway numbers get a 22-percent reduction. Some rough estimating says that the Dart will probably be rated at about 34-mpg combined once the final adjustments are made. Still a good score, for sure, but far from 40.

So why did Chrysler even mention 40? In its big announcement today that Fiat had increased its ownership stake, the explanation is that Chrysler has met one of the conditions of the bankruptcy agreement, that it produce a 40-mpg vehicle for CAFE. That vehicle is the Dart.

Could Chrysler have done a better job of explaining what the fuel economy number really means? Sure, but then we wouldn't have been able to write this post.

Continue reading Why the 2013 Dodge Dart won't really get 40 mpg combined

Why the 2013 Dodge Dart won't really get 40 mpg combined originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart40 mpg40 mpg combinedcafedartdodgeenvironmental protection agencyepafuel economyThu, 05 Jan 2012 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141216/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/why-the-2013-dodge-dart-wont-really-get-40-mpg-combined/20141216/article-detail.xml 20141216 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2013-dodge-dart-teaser-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2013-dodge-dart-teaser-opt.jpg <![CDATA[California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Los Angeles smog

TheDetroitBureau.com reports that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is out to change the zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) game again, this time revising its desired numbers for vehicle sales and prodding industry to make alternative fuels more available. From 2018 to 2025, CARB wants ZEVs to number 1.4 million sales every year. According to its numbers, by 2025, that would result in a decrease of 52 million metric tons of emissions.

But what good is a car that runs on hydrogen without convenient places to refuel? The Cleans Fuels Outlet part of its plan "would require oil companies to install hydrogen refueling stations." That part of the plan sounds like it will be rather expensive for someone, but according to CARB, somehow it won't be the consumer: CARB says residents will save $22 billion on fuel costs, 21,000 jobs will be created because of the move to different fuels, and a car buyer in 2025 would save $4,000 over the life of the car even with the extra cost of the tech.

What's more, in 2017, CARB - in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency - has released an emissions-level limit of 166 g/km for cars sold in the state. That would represent another 34 percent drop from the emissions levels targeted in 2016.

California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacalifornia air resources boardcarbclean fuels outletepafuel cellzero emissionszero emissions vehiclezevThu, 15 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127436/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/20127436/article-detail.xml 20127436 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/los-angeles-smog_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/los-angeles-smog.jpg <![CDATA[Why CAFE changes could lead to larger cars, not smaller ones]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/why-cafe-changes-could-lead-to-larger-cars-not-smaller-ones/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/why-cafe-changes-could-lead-to-larger-cars-not-smaller-ones/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/why-cafe-changes-could-lead-to-larger-cars-not-smaller-ones/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty

A study by the University of Michigan shows that auto manufacturers could meet tougher fuel economy standards simply by increasing the size of the vehicles they sell. A "footprint-based" formula for calculating mileage targets was adopted when Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards were revised in 2007. Researchers now think this could lead to bigger vehicles on the road rather than increases in fuel economy for our nation's fleet.

"It's cheaper to make large vehicles, and meeting fuel-economy standards costs [manufacturers] money in implementing and looking at what consumers will purchase," one of the researchers told Automotive News.

The study simulated changes that auto manufacturers could make to 473 different vehicles in order to meet the new regulations. The model allowed for changing the size of vehicles, as well as adding fuel-saving technology, wile balancing acceleration and performance with fuel economy. Pricing was also taken into account. The researchers think that the size of light trucks is likely to grow, even more than the increases they forecast for cars, with the changes coming about as soon as 2014.

"This study illustrates that there may be a substantial financial incentive to produce larger vehicles, and that it can undermine the goals of the policy," said the lead researcher, who wants the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to revise its formula. Click past the jump to read the University of Michigan's press release on the study.

Continue reading Why CAFE changes could lead to larger cars, not smaller ones

Why CAFE changes could lead to larger cars, not smaller ones originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecorporate average fuel economyenvironmental protection agencyepafuel economygas mileagenational highway trafiic safety administrationnhtsauniversity of michiganTue, 13 Dec 2011 18:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127022/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/why-cafe-changes-could-lead-to-larger-cars-not-smaller-ones/20127022/article-detail.xml 20127022 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/12f250superduty004hr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/12f250superduty004hr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Consumer group cries foul on Hyundai's 40-mpg claim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/consumer-group-cries-foul-on-hyundais-40-mpg-claim/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/consumer-group-cries-foul-on-hyundais-40-mpg-claim/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/consumer-group-cries-foul-on-hyundais-40-mpg-claim/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Right when it looks like Hyundai can do no wrong, we have this: A consumer protection group is asking the United States Environmental Protection Agency to look into claims that the Elantra has exaggerated fuel economy numbers.

Consumer Watchdog sent the EPA a letter citing a litany of public criticism of the compact Elantra's real-world fuel economy, and asking the EPA to "re-test the 2011 and 2012 Elantra models in its own facility, to seek an explanation for the MPG disappointments of so many Elantra buyers."

Except that many Elantra buyers are actually satisfied with their mileage. When we asked Hyundai for a response to the allegations, its public relations staff pointed us to a J.D. Power APEAL study showing that, "Elantra owners are the happiest in the entire compact segment competitive set in terms of fuel economy."

Hyundai did note that real-world fuel economy results often differ from EPA label values, but stopped short of writing the whole thing off as "your mileage may vary." According to Hyundai, when Consumer Reports put the Elantra through its tough city cycle test regimen, the results were consistent with other compact cars, all of which underperformed compared to the EPA test. Hyundai said the Elantra achieved 20 mpg, which was higher than Honda Civic at 19, Ford Focus at 18, and Chevrolet Cruze at 17. "These results show rank-order consistency with the EPA results of Elantra (29), Civic (28), Focus (28), and Cruze (22)," said Hyundai.

The Elantra was redesigned for the 2011 model year, and when we tested one, we averaged 31 mpg over a week of mixed driving, compared to EPA numbers of 29/40/33 city/highway/combined. For 2012, Hyundai has actually added its ActiveECO system that it says can improve fuel economy by up to seven percent. Sales of the Elantra were up 44 percent in November.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Consumer group cries foul on Hyundai's 40-mpg claim

Consumer group cries foul on Hyundai's 40-mpg claim originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai elantra2012 hyundai elantraconsumer watchdogelantraenivronmental protection agencyepafuel economyhyundaiFri, 02 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20119459/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/02/consumer-group-cries-foul-on-hyundais-40-mpg-claim/20119459/article-detail.xml 20119459 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2011-hyundai-elantra-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2011-hyundai-elantra-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/mitsubishi-i-tops-2012-epa-fuel-economy-guide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/mitsubishi-i-tops-2012-epa-fuel-economy-guide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/mitsubishi-i-tops-2012-epa-fuel-economy-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Mitsubishi i

What's the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold in the United States? Well, for 2012 it's the Mitsubishi i, at least according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

The federal agencies have issued the latest edition of their Fuel Economy Guide, and Mitsubishi's subcompact electric leads all vehicles with a combined rating of 112 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent. The Nissan Leaf is second at 99 MPGe, the Ford Transit Connect Electric is third at 62, and the Chevrolet Volt ranks fourth at 60 MPGe.

Of course, they're all electric vehicles (well, in the case of the Volt, a part-time EV), which is why their mileage numbers are listed as MPGe. The highest-rated vehicle powered by a conventional internal combustion engine continues to be the Toyota Prius, at 50 miles per gallon combined.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide

Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mitsubishi i2012 mitsubishi i-mievdepartment of energydoeenvironmental protection agencyepafuel economyii-mievmitsubishiSun, 20 Nov 2011 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20110199/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/20/mitsubishi-i-tops-2012-epa-fuel-economy-guide/20110199/article-detail.xml 20110199 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-mitsubishi-i-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-mitsubishi-i-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/#commentsFiled under:

Sunoco gas station line

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency and the White House have announced new fuel economy standards for model year 2017-2025 vehicles that will require cars and light trucks to yield a combined 54.5 mpg, as was proposed back in July.

According to the government, these new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards will help save as much as 2.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2025, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and saving vehicle owners plenty of money at the pump. In fact, the fed says that a consumer purchasing a new car in 2025 will save $6,600 in fuel costs over the lifetime of that vehicle. Of course, the technologies required to achieve these new targets will make vehicles more expensive too, but the agencies claim that consumers will still save $4,400 over the life of a vehicle after factoring in those extra costs.

The new CAFE rules will follow current 2011-2016 standards that call for cars and light trucks to hit 34.1 mpg combined by 2016. The rule is backed by over 100 members of Congress, and if adopted will undergo a 90-day comment period before becoming official.

Some members of Congress believe that the rules haven't been evaluated thoroughly enough, however. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California) has expressed concerns about the technical feasibility of the new standards. While most automakers have backed the 54.5 mpg goal, Volkswagen has been vocally against the plan in the past. While the new standards are strict, the plan does provide one single national standard for the industry to follow, unlike before where automakers met a minimum national standard as well as separate, tougher standards adopted by individual states led by California (the dreaded "patchwork" of regulation).

We're all for better fuel economy, though the tight time frame likely means that automakers will resort to costly hybrid and alt-fuel options over the next 18 years to boost their fuel economy figures, and those substantial research, development and production costs are sure to get passed on to car buyers. It will be interesting to watch how eager shoppers are to hop onto this new, greener bandwagon.

Continue reading Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025

Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>54.554.5 mpgcafecafe standardscongresscorporate average fuel economydepartment of transportationenvironmental protection agencyepafuel economyfuel economy standardsmpgus department of transportationusdotWed, 16 Nov 2011 16:09:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/20107715/article-detail.xml 20107715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gas-station-line-ap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gas-station-line-ap.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i>: Large majority favor stronger fuel economy standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/consumer-reports-large-majority-favor-stronger-fuel-econ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/consumer-reports-large-majority-favor-stronger-fuel-econ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/consumer-reports-large-majority-favor-stronger-fuel-econ/#commentsFiled under:

Chevrolet Volt

In advance of eagerly awaited details regarding proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, Consumer Reports has released results of a new survey, and - no surprise here - 93 percent of respondents "support increased fuel efficiency." Further revelations include 77 percent in favor of car manufacturers producing more fuel-efficient vehicles, and 80 percent agreeing with fuel economy standards requiring fleet averages to top 55 miles per gallon by 2025. Mark Cooper, Director of Research at the Consumer Federation of America, said in a statement,

"These results reflect the strongest support for higher fuel economy standards and willingness to adopt new fuel savings technologies we have seen to date."

If there's anything truly interesting to be gleaned from the results, it's that 56 percent of those surveyed claim to be considering a hybrid or EV, with fuel costs cited as a primary motivation. Correspondingly, 81 percent of consumers indicate that they would be willing to pay extra for a vehicle if it was cheaper to operate.

And these weren't just readers of Consumer Reports who were being polled. The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted telephone interviews with 1,008 people over the age of 18 who were chosen as a "nationally representative probability sample."

While automakers have long decried Americans' willingness to put their money where their mouths are when it comes to fuel economy, if this survey is indeed reflective of consumer trends, that could be changing.

To read the full press release, continue past the jump.

Continue reading Consumer Reports: Large majority favor stronger fuel economy standards

Consumer Reports: Large majority favor stronger fuel economy standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafeconsumer reportscorporate average fuel economyepafuel economynhtsasurveyMon, 14 Nov 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105723/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/14/consumer-reports-large-majority-favor-stronger-fuel-econ/20105723/article-detail.xml 20105723 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/volteconomy02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/volteconomy02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C avoids gas-guzzler tax, U.S. deliveries commence in January]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/mclaren-mp4-12c-avoids-gas-guzzler-tax-u-s-deliveries-commence/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/mclaren-mp4-12c-avoids-gas-guzzler-tax-u-s-deliveries-commence/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/mclaren-mp4-12c-avoids-gas-guzzler-tax-u-s-deliveries-commence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McLaren MP4-12C

List price is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when considering the purchase of a new supercar. Never mind the premium you're likely to pay a speculator to avoid long waiting lists, or astronomic insurance rates, for that matter. If you actually plan on driving your six-figure exotic, you're going to be spending a whole lot on fuel, plus another chunk on gas-guzzler tax. Right?

Well, usually, but the latest intel suggests otherwise when it comes to no less a capable performance machine than the McLaren MP4-12C. While most supercars achieve dismal fuel economy figures - after all, that's not why they're bought in the first place - and are subsequently hit with the EPA's fossil-gulping penalty, the MP4 has reportedly managed to avoid it with (relatively) respectable fuel economy figures of 15 city/22 highway miles per gallon.

That's enough for the carbon-fiber wonder and its twin-turbo V8 to skip the extra tax, which just leaves more money for all the rubber you're bound to burn through while gleefully sliding Britain's finest around every corner in sight. It'll undoubtedly come as good news by January when the buyers lining up for the 500 examples bound for the U.S. market will begin taking delivery. That'll be taking place at a new network of dealerships, which will, incidentally, each display a vintage grand prix racer from the company's illustrious racing heritage, and you can check 'em out in the high-res image gallery below.

McLaren MP4-12C avoids gas-guzzler tax, U.S. deliveries commence in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epafuel economygas guzzler taxgas-guzzler taxmclarenmclaren automotivemclaren mp4-12cmp4-12cThu, 10 Nov 2011 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20103485/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/mclaren-mp4-12c-avoids-gas-guzzler-tax-u-s-deliveries-commence/20103485/article-detail.xml 20103485 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mp412c0142_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mp412c0142.jpg <![CDATA[Bill introduced to give low-volume vehicle manufacturers a break]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/bill-introduced-to-give-low-volume-vehicle-manufacturers-a-break/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/bill-introduced-to-give-low-volume-vehicle-manufacturers-a-break/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/bill-introduced-to-give-low-volume-vehicle-manufacturers-a-break/#commentsFiled under: ,

Icon FJ45

Low volume vehicle manufacturers may soon find it easier to have their products approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Congressman John Campbell (R-Calif.) has introduced the "Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturer's Act," which aims to introduce a regulatory system specifically designed for companies that build fewer than 1,000 vehicles per year. Currently, it's difficult for boutique carmakers to shoulder the burden of safety and emissions evaluations tied to bringing a new vehicle to market. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would make it possible for the Environmental Protection Agency greenlight low-volume cars and trucks that use engines that have already been EPA-certified in other vehicles.

That would allow small carmakers to skip the costly exercise of having their creations subjected to emissions evaluations. The legislation also has provisions for alternative-fuel powerplants, which would theoretically make it easier for green-car startups to take to the roads. The bill is also being advocated by the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

Bill introduced to give low-volume vehicle manufacturers a break originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmental protection agencyepajohn campbelllow volume vehicle manufacturers actNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsasemaspecialty equipment market associationSat, 29 Oct 2011 16:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20093102/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/29/bill-introduced-to-give-low-volume-vehicle-manufacturers-a-break/20093102/article-detail.xml 20093102 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/icon-fj-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/icon-fj-628.jpg <![CDATA[EPA says Fisker Karma is a 2.5-ton subcompact]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/epa-says-fisker-karma-is-a-2-5-ton-subcompact/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/epa-says-fisker-karma-is-a-2-5-ton-subcompact/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/epa-says-fisker-karma-is-a-2-5-ton-subcompact/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

fisker-karma

The Fisker Karma is 16.5 feet long and tips the scales at 5,300 pounds. Sounds more like a 1960s Lincoln than an extended-range green machine capable of 32 miles on electric power alone, doesn't it? Actually, if you ask the Environmental Protection Agency, the Karma is a lot more like a subcompact.

That's because the Karma features interior volume of less than 100 cubic feet, and Auto Observer reminds us that the EPA classifies vehicles based on cabin volume. This odd determinant of vehicle size means that the Aston Martin Rapide, Ford Mustang and the Bentley Continental Convertible are all subcompacts. If that makes no sense to you, you're not alone. Automakers have long used the overall exterior length to classify vehicle size.

As you can imagine, Fisker isn't all that thrilled with the EPA's subcompact label or its methodology for determining fuel economy. The automaker claims that the EPA used a worst-case scenario to come up with 32 miles on electric power, and the company maintains it is certain that the Karma can travel 50 miles without using any gasoline. Overall, the Karma received a rating of 52 mpge due to the fact that it averaged just 20 miles per gallon on gas-only power during EPA testing.

EPA says Fisker Karma is a 2.5-ton subcompact originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karma32 miles52 mpgeepaepa ratingfiskerkarmasubcompactThu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091457/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/27/epa-says-fisker-karma-is-a-2-5-ton-subcompact/20091457/article-detail.xml 20091457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Karma gets EPA certified: 52 mpge, 32-mile electric range, 20 mpg on gas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

fisker karma

Yikes. The EPA has finally released its official fuel economy rating for the Fisker Karma, and it's not high: just 52 MPGe, an all-electric range of 32 miles and 20 miles per gallon on gasoline when the battery runs dry. This is well below the numbers that Fisker reps were bandying about in past years: 67.2 mpge and an all-electric range of 50 miles.

American conservatives - who really have it out for plug-in hybrids that the federal government helped fund with loan guarantees - are already calling the Karma's numbers a "flop." It's kind of hard to say if that's the right word to use since luxury car buyers probably won't be turned off by these figures - 20 mpg is nothing surprising for the class - but we agree that the PHEV needed to be more efficient when running on gasoline to truly impress us on the green front. At least a 32-mile electric range isn't all that shabby, and company CEO and co-founder Henrik Fisker said he still thinks most drivers will beat the EPA estimate and be able to wring 50 electric miles out of their $95,900-plus cars.

Whatever they are, the numbers do contain some good news for Fisker. With EPA certification now in the bag, sales can officialy begin. Fisker said the first sales marked a "major milestone" and that his company "can deliver many more of these truly amazing automobiles to customers during the remainder of 2011 and for many years to come." The first 39 Karmas should be rolling out "now-ish" to dealers for use at demonstration vehicles and the first customer vehicles should arrive from Finland in about two weeks.

Continue reading Fisker Karma gets EPA certified: 52 mpge, 32-mile electric range, 20 mpg on gas

Fisker Karma gets EPA certified: 52 mpge, 32-mile electric range, 20 mpg on gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaelectric vehicleenvironmental protection agencyepaepa mpgfiskerfisker epahenrik fiskerkarmakarma fuel economykarma mpgmpgplug-in hybridWed, 19 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20085189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/20085189/article-detail.xml 20085189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[White House delaying release of new fuel economy standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/#commentsFiled under:

62 mpg coffee mug

The Obama Administration will reportedly delay the release of the U.S.' most ambitious fuel economy proposal ever.

Word is the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency won't be able to string together a Corporate Average Fuel Economy draft for Model Year 2017-25 for public comment by the end of this week, as was initially intended. Instead, sources close to the matter claim the proposal won't be rolled out until November, or possibly even later. But even with the expected delay, the administration should remain on track to meet its deadline of issuing final guidelines by July of 2012.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and EPA are jointly writing the regulations based on the July agreement, which tentatively calls for automakers to hit a CAFE target of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Sources claim regulators are moving slower than anticipated on details of the official proposal to ensure it covers issues likely to be voiced during the public comment period.

White House delaying release of new fuel economy standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2025 cafecafecafe standardscorporate average fuel economyepafuel economympgobamatrnsportation departmentWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20068731/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/20068731/article-detail.xml 20068731 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/abg-cafe-cup-x_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/abg-cafe-cup-x.jpg <![CDATA[First-ever heavy-duty truck efficiency standards announced, will save a month's worth of oil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/#commentsFiled under: ,

Heavy-Duty trucks Federal Emissions Standards

If you're not sure why today's announcement from the Obama Administration about the first-ever fuel economy standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses is important, read this.

Okay, now that we're all on the same page, let's take a look at the new standards. These aren't specific MPG targets like passenger vehicles have. Instead, different vehicle categories have different improvement targets. The headline numbers from the EPA are that the new standards will save $50 billion in fuel costs and around 530 million barrels of oil over the life of new trucks built between 2014 and 2018.

To put that in perspective, the U.S. uses around 19 million barrels of oil a day, so we'll be saving just under a month's worth of the entire country's appetite for oil from heavy-duty trucks built during these four years.

As for the standards themselves, semi trucks are required to achieve a 20-percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gasses by 2018, heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans a 15-percent reduction, and vocational vehicles (buses, garbage trucks, etc.) a 10-percent reduction. The improvements will come from mostly off-the-shelf technologies, and a second phase dealing with trucks built after 2018 will require the use of more advanced tech and save even more fuel.

Similar to the passenger car and light truck standards that were proposed the other day, initial response to the heavy-duty truck standards has been universally popular. This shouldn't be a surprise, since the administration worked with "truck and engine manufacturers, fleet owners, the State of California, environmental groups and other stakeholders" to develop the standards. The Heavy Duty Fuel Efficiency Leadership Group, for example, endorsed the rules, which you can read for yourself, as well as more reactions, after the jump.

Continue reading First-ever heavy-duty truck efficiency standards announced, will save a month's worth of oil

First-ever heavy-duty truck efficiency standards announced, will save a month's worth of oil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big rigsepafederal governmentheavy duty trucksmpgobama administrationsemi truckstractor trailerstruck cafetruck mpgtruck standardsTue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/20013353/article-detail.xml 20013353 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/heavy-duty-trucks-semi-big-rigs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/heavy-duty-trucks-semi-big-rigs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy figures improve]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/2012-jeep-wrangler-fuel-economy-figures-improve/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/2012-jeep-wrangler-fuel-economy-figures-improve/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/2012-jeep-wrangler-fuel-economy-figures-improve/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

Chrysler has managed to squeeze a little extra fuel economy from the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the model now gets up to 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, good for 18 mpg combined when saddled with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. That's a thirteen-percent improvement over the 2011 model's 15 mpg city and an 11 percent boost over the old bruiser's 19 mpg highway. Not surprisingly, the increases come from the fact that the Wrangler now boasts the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine.

The better fuel economy doesn't come at the cost of horsepower, either. In fact, the new V6 rocks 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The old 3.8-liter V6 was only good for a comparatively asthmatic 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of twist.

The four-door Wrangler Unlimited shown above has also benefited from the Pentastar engine - its fuel economy has increased to 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

2012 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy figures improve originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 jeep wranglerenvironmental protection agencyepajeepjeep wranglerjeep wrangler unlimitedpentastarwranglerwrangler unlimitedMon, 01 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20005975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/01/2012-jeep-wrangler-fuel-economy-figures-improve/20005975/article-detail.xml 20005975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/wrangler-mojave-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/wrangler-mojave-630.jpg <![CDATA[Revised 2012 Chevrolet Impala to net 30 mpg on highway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/revised-2012-chevrolet-impala-to-net-30-mpg-on-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/revised-2012-chevrolet-impala-to-net-30-mpg-on-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/revised-2012-chevrolet-impala-to-net-30-mpg-on-highway/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala hasn't had many updates since it last received an overhaul for 2006, but that changes for 2012, at least in the area of powertrains. As we told you back in May, the otherwise untouched Impala will receive General Motors' tried and true 3.6-liter V6 for 2012. The direct-injected engine boasts 302 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque - a far cry from the 211-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 it replaces. Heck, even the optional 3.9-liter V6 could only muster 230 horsepower.

To sweeten the pot a bit more, the Environmental Protection Agency's website now verifies that the 2012 Impala can hit 30 miles per gallon on the highway. That's better than the 29 mpg of the outgoing model, though the '12 model could only manage 18 mpg in city driving, while the '11 model registers a tick better at 19 mpg. While the combined fuel economy of the two models is likely still the same, it's hard to argue with an extra 91 horsepower without a penalty at the pump.

We're still waiting on Chevy to cough up images of the updated 2012 model, but if you've somehow forgotten what the ubiquitous Impala looks like, you can check out our gallery of the 2011 model above.

Revised 2012 Chevrolet Impala to net 30 mpg on highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet impala30 mpgchevroletepageneral motorsgmimpalaimpala fuel economyWed, 20 Jul 2011 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19995215/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/20/revised-2012-chevrolet-impala-to-net-30-mpg-on-highway/19995215/article-detail.xml 19995215 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2011-chevrolet-impala630-1297112030_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2011-chevrolet-impala630-1297112030.jpg <![CDATA[E15 not coming to gas stations anytime soon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/e15-not-coming-to-gas-stations-anytime-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/e15-not-coming-to-gas-stations-anytime-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/e15-not-coming-to-gas-stations-anytime-soon/#commentsFiled under:

E15 warning labelWith the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially issuing its finalized E15 (gasoline with 15-percent ethanol content) warning label, there's widespread belief that the recently approved biofuel will be coming to gasoline stations soon. Well, it seems that's not likely to be the case. In fact, it won't take place for at least a year.

The Government Accountability Office says that health, safety, cost and environmental concerns will probably keep E15 away from the pumps for more than one year. The GOA claims that nozzles, underground storage tanks and other fuel-dispensing equipment will need to be evaluated prior to E15's arrival. The concern is that leakage, which isn't an issue with E10, could suddenly become a problem with E15.

The GAO continues by claiming that some fuel stations may have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to upgrade equipment in preparation for the arrival of E15. There is also the matter of an ongoing lawsuit that sees automakers trying to overturn the EPA's approval of the blended fuel along with a promise to void the warranties of vehicles with E15 found in their tanks. We'd guess E15 has a very long road ahead of it...

E15 not coming to gas stations anytime soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blender pumpse15e15 blende15 certificationenvironmental protection agencyepaethanolgovernment accountability officeFri, 15 Jul 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19991734/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/e15-not-coming-to-gas-stations-anytime-soon/19991734/article-detail.xml 19991734 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/e15-warning-label_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/e15-warning-label.png <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/#commentsFiled under: ,

mitsubishi i
Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi is nearly ready to join North America's nascent all-electric parade. The 2012 Mitsubishi i will be available sometime early next year, and the automotive world has been speculating on the type of electron-powered economy one can expect to achieve when behind the wheel. The speculators can take a break because the EPA has finally released its ratings for the i.

How does a mile per gallon equivalent of 126 city and 99 highway sound? That's a combined MPGe rating of 112. The EPA also subjected the 2012 i to its LA4 driving test, also known as the city test. This subjects the vehicle to numerous starts and stops, as one would encounter when cruising through town. The electric four-door achieved a max cycle range of 98 miles.

From an efficiency standpoint, the 2012 Mitsubishi i stacks up nicely against its electricity-drinking competition. The Tesla Roadster 2.5 has a 119 MPGe combined rating while the Nissan Leaf sports a rating of 99 MPGe combined.

Check out our photos of the Mitsubishi i in the gallery below, and be sure to keep reading for the full press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range

Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mitsubishi iepagreeniimievmiles per gallon equivalentmitsubishimitsubishi impgeThu, 07 Jul 2011 15:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19985785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/07/mitsubishi-i-rated-at-112-mpge-with-62-to-98-mile-range/19985785/article-detail.xml 19985785 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/73-mitsubishi-i-miev-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/73-mitsubishi-i-miev-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini Aventador Roadster leaked by EPA?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/lamborghini-aventador-roadster-leaked-by-epa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/lamborghini-aventador-roadster-leaked-by-epa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/lamborghini-aventador-roadster-leaked-by-epa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Automakers try to keep upcoming models secret, meting out limited details on their own terms until the vehicle in question makes its debut. But the best laid plans of mice and men, wrote Steinbeck, often go awry. And in many cases, it's government agencies that can be held responsible, whether it's the vice-president leaking information or a patent offices releasing regulatory sketches.

In this case, it appears to be the Environmental Protection Agency and its fueleconomy.gov website, which has apparently let slip the arrival of the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. The information in the EPA data sheet is roughly the same as the existing Aventador coupe's, but it's not these sorts of details that count here. After all, how many Lamborghini drivers are really that concerned with fuel economy or carbon emissions?

Now, this should come as no surprise, as we've been expecting the open-air Lambo to arrive at some point, particularly since its predecessors - the Murcielago and Diablo before it - offered convertible models. But this appears to be our first real confirmation.

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster leaked by EPA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lamborghini aventador roadsteraventadoraventador roadsterenvironmental protection agencyepalamborghinilamborghini aventadorlamborghini aventador roadsterlp700-4Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19955159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/01/lamborghini-aventador-roadster-leaked-by-epa/19955159/article-detail.xml 19955159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/33-2012-lamborghini-aventador-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/33-2012-lamborghini-aventador-fd.jpg -1 2