Autoblog

Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Quick - name the most fuel efficient automobile brand in America. Did you say Toyota? Honda? Surely, you're not alone, but incorrect all the same. In fact, the answer is none other than Hyundai, which publicly set out to nab the title just one year ago. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Hyundai cars averaged 30.1 miles per gallon for the 2009 model year.

Rounding out the top five are Honda (29.7 mpg), Volkswagen (29.6), Toyota (29.4) and Kia (28.0). Naturally, we can expect all of these figures to continue rising in the coming years as every automaker strives to meet the upcoming 35.5 mpg U.S. standard for the 2016 model year.

Hyundai promises to meet that requirement with such technologies as direct injection, turbocharging, hybrid powertrains and lithium polymer batteries. The Korean automaker's first hybrid vehicle will be the 2011 Sonata sedan, which will hit the market early next year. Click past the break for the press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The success or failure of the Cash for Clunkers program that recently came to an end here in the United States has been and will continue to be debatable, but at least some good was accomplished by the legislation. According to data compiled by Wards Auto, the average new car fuel mileage hit a new record of 23 miles per gallon in August, which is a gain of approximately eight percent from August of 2008.

As far as individual automakers go, Toyota came out on top with an average of 26.9 mpg for all cars sold in August, followed by Kia at 25.1 and Hyundai at 24.9 mpg. American nameplates made the biggest mileage jump, rising about four percent from August of 2008 to 20.4 mpg - a new record.

Nobody knows exactly what will happen when the sales figures from September are calculated, but many experts are predicting that fuel efficiency will take a nosedive now that C4C will no longer be offering up to $4,500 to trade up to a new, more efficient car or truck. Overall though, fuel efficiency is likely to steadily increase over the next few years in correlation with the latest CAFE requirements.

[Source: Wards Auto via Green Car Reports | Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty]

Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Porsche Panamera will evade gas guzzler tax

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as high-end sports cars go, the Porsche lineup is pretty fuel efficient. Light weight and six-cylinder engines usually do the trick, but those attributes don't exactly describe the new Panamera. The large, four-door Porsche comes standard with a bare minimum of 400 horsepower, and while it isn't a Biggest Loser candidate, it won't balance the scales of justice with a GT3 on the opposing dish, either.

Inside Line is reporting that the impressive size and power of the Panamera won't lead to a gas guzzler tax, citing an email from Porsche Cars North America spokesman Gary Fong that reportedly tabs fuel economy for the 4.8-liter, 400-horsepower Panamera S and 4S models at an impressive 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The 500 pony Panamera Turbo will reportedly still have a respectable 15/23 rating. For comparison's sake, Maserati's rival Quattroporte GT S achieves just 12 mpg/18 highway, and it is down 66 horses on the Porsche.

Fuel economy numbers for the Panamera are surprisingly handsome, beating even some sport coupes in the $100,000+ range. Reasons for the car's remarkable fuel economy numbers include its dual clutch transmission and the inclusion of start/stop technology. The Environmental Protection Agency hasn't yet published the official fuel economy numbers for the range, so we'll just have to sit tight for now with these preliminary figures.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Porsche Panamera will evade gas guzzler tax originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

C/D drills down to find out what goes into EPA fuel economy ratings

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever wonder what actually goes into determining the rated fuel economy of a new car or truck? Anyone with a vehicle that's failed to live up to its EPA estimated figures would surely fit into that camp - especially if the car or truck were purchased in large part to its high mileage rating - and you can add our names to that list as well. As it turns out, the process is every bit as as complicated as we'd expect.

Car and Driver recently hung out at the EPA's testing facility near the Motor City, and some highly intriguing bits of information were gleaned. For instance, C/D says that just 15 percent of new cars get tested by the EPA each year for fuel efficiency, and the rest get their ratings from testing performed by the manufacturer using the government agency's guidelines. It's reportedly rare that the EPA's figures vary greatly from the numbers provided by the manufacturer, but if they do, discussions and negotiations ensue.

There are a total of five tests performed to measure expected fuel efficiency, some dating all the way back to the late Seventies. More recent protocols are a bit more complex and require specialized facilities that can cost up to $10 million dollars by EPA estimates. There's plenty more to the story, so click here to read the full four-page report. Hat tip to Julio!

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Car and Driver]

C/D drills down to find out what goes into EPA fuel economy ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Saturn

Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

While perusing the EPA's fuel economy listings, one of our readers stumbled across a vehicle that we didn't even know had been rated. The 2-Mode Hybrid version of the Saturn Vue had initially been scheduled to go into production in November of 2008. However, as General Motors careened toward financial apocalypse, many product programs were put on hold or canceled altogether. Among those was the new hybrid Vue, which was delayed at least twice before finally being terminated altogether in late spring.

It appears that the EPA had already completed its testing regimen last fall and had officially rated the 2-Mode Vue at 27 city, 30 highway and 28 mpg combined. Compared to the existing mild-hybrid Vue, this doesn't look particularly great, since that one also had a 28 mpg combined rating (25 city and 32 highway). The mild hybrid, of course, used a four cylinder engine while the 2-Mode would have had the 3.6-liter V6, giving it much better performance and a 3,500 pound tow rating.

Saturn did pretty much hit its target of a 50-percent improvement in combined efficiency compared to the non-hybrid V6 Vue, which carries a 19 mpg combined rating. The Vue doesn't look as impressive as the Ford Escape Hybrid that's rated at 34/31 mpg, but the Ford is powered by a four cylinder and is smaller and lighter. A closer comparison might be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which while larger is also V6 powered. The Toyota is rated at 27/25 mpg and 26 mpg combined.

We know that the Vue will never be built, but GM has promised to put the new hybrid system into other vehicles in its lineup - perhaps even with a smaller and more efficient engine to improve overall efficiency. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

[Source: EPA]
All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: GM

It's only been a year since General Motors launched its 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission for mid-size and compact cars. When it was introduced, this new transmission brought with it a five percent bump in fuel efficiency. The engineers at GM Powertrain are now developing a second generation variant of the 6T40 for introduction in 2011 that will bump fuel efficiency by yet another five percent.

The new version will have updated electronic control strategies based on the work done for the new 2011 Chevy Equinox with the four-cylinder engine. The Equinox manages a 32 mpg highway rating. These new controls developed for the Equinox will contribute three percent of the improvement for 2012 models like the Cruze compact.

Another two percent improvement will come from refinements to the guts of the transmission. Changes to the hydraulic valve body, friction plates and variable flow solenoid will cut internal pumping losses and friction.

GM is also working on its own in-house developed dual clutch transmissions. GMPT is developing a dry clutch system that should yield another incremental improvement in efficiency, but no announcement was forthcoming about timing.

[Source: General Motors]

Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

How did GM arrive at 230 mpg for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Neither General Motors nor the EPA are making declarative statements about how, exactly, the 2011 Chevy Volt will achieve it's much-touted 230 mpg rating that was announced today. GM's most clear statement (available in full after the break) says that some consumers "may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas" and that "key to high-mileage performance is for a Volt driver to plug into the electric grid at least once each day."

Without access to the actual method that the EPA is tentatively going to apply to plug-in vehicles (we have requests for clarification out to the EPA), all that GM's Dave Darovitz would tell us is that the number is "based on city cycles and we're not really talking in detail yet." Instead, the press release says that:

Under the new methodology being developed, EPA weights plug-in electric vehicles as traveling more city miles than highway miles on only electricity. The EPA methodology uses kilowatt hours per 100 miles traveled to define the electrical efficiency of plug-ins. Applying EPA's methodology, GM expects the Volt to consume as little as 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles in city driving. At the U.S. average cost of electricity (approximately 11 cents per kWh), a typical Volt driver would pay about $2.75 for electricity to travel 100 miles, or less than 3 cents per mile.

Frank Weber, vehicle chief engineer for the Volt, told AutoblogGreen that the EPA's method takes into account the two extremes: People who plug in every chance they get and therefore barely ever need gasoline and people who never plug in (if you're buying a Volt and never plug it in, we'd like to offer you a bridge or two. Call us). By figuring out what the average driver will do with the Volt, the EPA has declared that 230 mpg is reasonable. Weber said, "The number is in the ballpark, it is not unrealistic. The moment you are driving shorter trips, or you go on longer trips and look at your average fuel economy, this number is achievable."

Keep in mind, that 230 mpg number is only valid in city driving, though GM claims that the Volt's combined mpg rating will still be in the triple-digit range. Though the EPA has yet to finalize its methodology, we have come across a calculation that makes sense. According to a commenter on TTAC.com, the EPA would first drive a PHEV with a full charge until it reaches a charge-sustaining mode, after which it completes a normal cycle of 11 miles. The Volt, therefore, would presumably go 40 miles before activating charge-sustaining mode, and then travel another 11 miles for a total of 51 miles. Thus, GM can claim the Volt will achieve 230 mpg based on 51 miles of driving during which only .22 gallons of fuel would be used. Likewise, if we know the Volt would use .22 gallons of fuel while traveling 11 miles in charge-sustaining mode, we can calculate that it would achieve 50 mpg while traveling with the generator on.

However, as you can read in this detailed PDF from NREL, there is much more to think about in calculating the fuel economy of a PHEV than simply how far it can go on a single charge and then what its "regular" mpg rating is. We'll just have to wait until the EPA finalizes its methodology for testing these types of vehicles before we can say for certain how GM arrived at the magic number of 230 mpg.

[Source: GM, NREL]

Continue reading How did GM arrive at 230 mpg for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

How did GM arrive at 230 mpg for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Nissan engineers tweaking vehicles to meet Cash-for-Clunkers requirements

Michael Harley — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Nissan

2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an effort to sweeten the incentive for those taking advantage of the government's Car Allowance Rebate System (a.k.a. "Cash-for-Clunkers"), Nissan has reportedly sent its engineers back to the lab in order to pinch every last mile out of each gallon of fuel. As it is written, the program offers a sweeter incentive when consumers purchase vehicles with greater efficiency (based on the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in).

Putting the squeeze on the Sentra's four-cylinder powerplant yielded a 1 mpg improvement - not bad for some minor drivetrain tuning. If the EPA reviews and confirms the bump, the small gain may create the necessary 10-mpg difference Nissan's customers need for the top $4,500 credit.

The program is set to expire this November. That isn't enough time for Nissan, or any automaker for that matter, to make drastic changes. However, engineers are able to focus on quicker fixes such as using lightweight wheels, subtle engine tuning, and changing option packages to reduce weight. According to Nissan, the lure of trade-in bonuses to attract new customers has promoted the automaker to divert much of its engineering to the cause.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

REPORT: Nissan engineers tweaking vehicles to meet Cash-for-Clunkers requirements originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Toyota's push to build green cars may destroy 17th century Japanese rice paddies

Chris Shunk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

Toyota has worked hard to cultivate its image as the "green" automaker. And with so many hybrids on the road, it's hard to argue. Some critics have cited the fact that mining for battery components is bad for the environment and the thousands of miles that massive, CO2-spewing ships travel to park those hybrids on our shores more than negate the positive effects. It's hard to argue with 50 mpg for $22,000, though, and, after all, politicians love them some hybrids.

Toyota's plans to build a new technical center and test track only 30 miles from its Aichi, Japan headquarters has those critics chirping anew, as the land pegged for construction is a 17th century rice patty. Toyota plans to use the facility to fine-tune its vehicles and stay ahead of Honda and GM in the hybrid game, but the cost of the price may be a bit too steep.

To clear the 1,631 acres to create the facility, Toyota will need to deforest 691 acres, fill the rice paddies and flatten mountains. Flatten mountains? Really? Good thing Toyota also owns Hino heavy trucks. Activists allege that the construction will destroy the habitat of the endangered gray-faced buzzard and oriental honey buzzard, too.

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Three Lions/Hutton Gallery/Getty]

REPORT: Toyota's push to build green cars may destroy 17th century Japanese rice paddies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is bigger, wider, and more powerful than ever, yet the engineers made a point to increase fuel economy as well. The new Legacy will hit 31 mpg on the highway and 23 around town, but you'll have to opt for the 2.5i model with the CVT transmission.

With the more enjoyable 6MT transmission, fuel economy isn't such a great story. The row-your-own 2.5i model will only get you 19/27. Step up to the Legacy manual trans 2.5 GT or the 3.6R with the five-speed auto and you'll have to settle for 18/25, which is actually decent considering the fact that you're getting plenty of power and AWD.

Beyond the more competitive powertrains and improved fuel economy, the new Legacy also starts at a competitive $19,995. We can't think of another vehicle that has room for five, AWD and a price tag under $20,000, making the Legacy a very competitive option in the mid-size market. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Continue reading 2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Chevy Equinox expected to hit 32 mpg highway

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet

2010 Chevy Equinox - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When General Motors rolled out the new 2010 Chevy Equinox in January, they announced the new EcoTec 2.4-liter four-cylinder version equipped with direct injection was expected to get 30 mpg on EPA highway cycle. Since then, the powertrain engineers have continued to tweak the calibrations to eek out every last mile from every gallon of gas. The EPA is still finishing up its evaluation of the Equinox but Chevy spokesman Brian Goebel sent out a note this morning that the latest internal tests at GM are showing the Equinox hitting 32 mpg on the highway cycle. In the city, the Equinox is expected to achieve a rating of 22 mpg. Those numbers easily top competitors like the Honda CR-V at 20/27 mpg and the Toyota Rav4 at 22/28 mpg. The Equinox should be in dealer showrooms in June.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevy Equinox expected to hit 32 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

California to require mandatory tire-pressure checks at automotive businesses

Chris Shunk — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Government/Legal, Green, Safety

Keeping your tires properly inflated is a very good idea. An under-inflated radial can increase wear while also decreasing performance and fuel economy. But if the state of California can help it, under-inflated tires may soon be a thing of the past.

California has passed a new law requiring most auto servicing sites to check tire pressure at each visit and add air when necessary. The law will affect 40,000 businesses in the state, although the mandate does not effect body shops, car washes, glass repair shops, or parts stores. The state's government will let the service stations, smog-check stations, oil change places, and so on determine how much to charge for the check, and they must have a high-accuracy pressure gauge on hand. The tire pressure monitoring law will go into effect in July 1, 2010.

California's Air Resources Board says the state-wide law will save 75 million gallons of fuel per year, while also eliminating 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses. That sounds mighty impressive, but if the Sacramento Bee is to believed, that's less than 0.5 percent of what California's greenhouse-gas reduction goals for 2020. Better is the CARB estimate that optimized tire pressure will save drivers about $12 per year (about six gallons of gas at today's prices), along with added safety and tire longevity benefits.

Those figures are based off statistics which show that vehicles lose 1% efficiency for every 3 psi a tire is low. Testing by Consumer Reports showed little or no impact on fuel economy when tire pressure is off by 10%, though most agree that low tire pressure will shorten the life of tires. Fewer tires in state landfills figures to be a good thing, too.

Check out CARB's official press release by clicking here, and find more information at the link below. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Einstein/Getty]

California to require mandatory tire-pressure checks at automotive businesses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: CAFE fuel economy standards to rise 8% by 2011

Chris Paukert — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal, Green

The nation's Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards will swell to 27.3 miles-per-gallon by 2011. That's the word coming out of Washington, where the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to bump the fleet fuel economy standards for the first time in more than a quarter-century.

The 27.3 mpg figure represents an 8% increase over the current 2010 requirement of 25.3. In specific, cars will need to average 30.2 mpg and light trucks will need to hit 24.1 mpg.

The truck figure is expected to be a tough one for automakers to meet within that timetable (most of the vehicles for 2011 are already well along in development - if not on dealer lots already). However, automakers are actually operating ahead of the 2010 requirements, achieving 2007 model year averages of 31.3 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for trucks, so there is some hope that the figures are workable.

Further, General Motors and Chrysler may have some additional federal funds to help them get there - the Obama administration is hinting that it will release more federal aid to the troubled automakers. The two companies have already received $17.4 billion in loans and are seeking a further $21.6 billion to stave off bankruptcy.

This is a separate issue from the decision that President Obama's administration is mulling over whether it should allow California (and the 13 other states that follow its policies) to mandate a 30 percent drop in tailpipe emissions by 2016, essentially a backdoor mandate of 34.5 mpg by 2015.

Federal estimates say the new CAFE figures will save 887 million gallons of fuel and 8.3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: David McNew/Getty]

REPORT: CAFE fuel economy standards to rise 8% by 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Work, Daimler

The next step in cruise control comes courtesy of Freightliner semis and GPS data company NAVTEQ. Freightliner broadened communication between the cruise control and map data: the GPS transmits information on the road ahead up to a mile, and then the cruise control computes the best speed at which to cover the distance with the greatest fuel efficiency.

It's called RunSmart Predictive Cruise, and it employs slope data from the NAVTEQ system that has been collected on 200,000 miles of the most used truck routes. While RunSmart is looking for peak efficiency, it won't sacrifice speed; the system remains within 6% of the set speed. It's an available option on Freightliner's Detroit Diesel DD15-equipped Cascadia model with the 72-inch raised roof.

[Source: Daimler]

Freightliner debuts RunSmart Predictive Cruise Control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid

Chris Paukert — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Europe, Green, Technology, Porsche, First Drive

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

While charging along at 85 mph with a particularly poker-faced Porsche engineer riding shotgun, traffic begins to cluster on the horizon. Not willing to risk our seven-figure prototype, I gently roll off the accelerator, at which point a funny thing happens: Without warning, the tachometer needle dies, unceremoniously plunging to zero RPM. The supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 ahead of us has gone stone dead, yet our Porsche Cayenne continues to waft along unruffled. We are coasting along on the Autobahn, with only a modest bit of wind noise and tire roar as our soundtrack.

Just as quickly as it began to appear, Stuttgart's traffic thins, and after gliding along for perhaps 15 or 20 seconds -- losing remarkably little velocity -- I ease back onto the throttle, at which point the rev counter jumps back to life just as quickly as it had extinguished, and the Cayenne sashays back up to 95 mph before I slot in amongst slower traffic in the right lane. Beyond the tachometer's telltale drop and jump, there is exactly no indication that the engine momentarily packed it up just seconds before. My copilot, Dr. Michael Leiters, project manager for Porsche's Cayenne Hybrid, allows himself a brief smile.

Far from indicating a mechanical defect, we've just witnessed what our Deutsche companion refers to as "segeln" -- sailing -- a fuel saving maneuver that Porsche says other automakers have written off as impossible at roadway speeds without jolting disruptions. Yet beyond the tach needle's machinations, there has been no drama whatsoever: no untoward thwack in the back, no expensive-sounding noises, no head toss, no coffee spilled, just seamlessly reintroduced acceleration. The gas pedal simply called upon the engine again and the electric motor restarted it in a flawless, 300-millisecond passing of the power baton. Remarkable stuff.

Follow the jump for more.

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Continue reading First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid

First Drive: Sailing in Stuttgart with Porsche's Cayenne S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Transit Connect

Ford is making an interesting habit of giving low-ball estimates regarding the mileage of their new vehicles, only to later announce final EPA numbers that are higher by several miles per gallon. This happened with the Fusion Hybrid which was estimated at 39 miles-per-gallon city and then ended up at 41 mpg city. The latest example is the new Transit Connect compact van. When Ford announced the US bound production version just before the Chicago Auto Show, product development boss Derrick Kuzak estimated it would get 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The EPA has now finished its data analysis and come up with even better numbers: 22 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the motorways. Not too shabby for a vehicle with this much room inside and only a four speed automatic transmission.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25

Commercial Appeal: Ford Transit Connect gets higher-than-expected EPA rating of 22/25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New vehicle wraps claim to increase fuel economy by as much as 25%

Dan Roth — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Green

Say you've got a company making plastic vehicle wraps for advertising. One day, you drive your graphic'd-up car to the golf course, and after losing three balls trying to drive across a water hazard, you get to pondering the golf ball itself. Those distinctive dimples on the surface of a golf ball reduce aerodynamic drag, allowing your Titleist to sail over the fairway. What if you wrapped a car in a similar dimpled layer? Thus was born FastSkinz, a new venture of SkinzWraps. Instead of turning vehicles into garish mobile billboards for radio stations, FastSkinz applies a dimpled covering that is supposed to "trip" the boundary layer, changing airflow around the vehicle from laminar to turbulent, reducing wake turbulence, just like those dimples on a golf ball, or the fancy new Olympic swimsuits that mimic shark skin.

Call us skeptical, but what works for a round ball flying through the air might not have equal success when applied to an automobile. Not being aerodynamicists, we'll wait for independent test results to either verify or debunk the FastSkinz claims of an 18-to-20-percent fuel economy improvement. In the past, such large gains have been merely fantastical PR noise, and FastSkinz's own documentation is buried in acronyms and tends toward the obfuscatory; basically purporting that a vehicle wrap will substitute for reduced frontal area and a low coefficient of drag. There are also some equally uninformative videos, none offering the sustaining manna of clear understanding. Automotive airflow techniques are at the highest level of practice in racing, and you don't see mottled F1 cars. What those racing cars do sport, however, are other techniques of controlling and manipulating airflow, which are actually effective.

[Source: FastSkinz via MaxGladwell]

New vehicle wraps claim to increase fuel economy by as much as 25% originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Ford

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Ranger

Despite dwindling sales in a dwindling segment, Ford's Ranger refuses to pack up. For 2010, the compact pickup looks unchanged on the outside, but beneath the skin it gains some new electronic gubbins to help make it more competitive.

In the main, the trucklet soldiers on into its next model year with a larger complement of standard safety equipment. Traction and stability control (AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control in Blue Oval-speak) will be built into every 2010 Ranger, along with new side airbags designed to protect the head and torso.

The rest of the package continues essentially unaltered, with Ford continuing to wave the Ranger's banner as America's most fuel-efficient pickup (the base 2.3-liter four-cylinder nets 21 miles-per-gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway).

Rumors have persisted that the Ranger might be euthanized ahead of its Twin Cities production plant's scheduled closing in 2011 - and indeed, just yesterday word came down that the truck's assembly lines will be idled for an additional two weeks due to slow sales. But the added investment in safety equipment for 2010 would seem to indicate that the Ranger is likely to soldier on until the plant's scheduled closing date. Click on the jump for Ford's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger

[Sources: Ford Motor Company; Minneapolis Star Tribune]

Continue reading Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010

Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

When we drove the thoroughly refreshed Fusion out in California after the LA Auto Show, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It now turns out that the Fusion is not only fun to drive, but also fuel efficient in forms other than the new Fusion Hybrid. The EPA has just finished crunching the numbers on fuel consumption for the four-cylinder Fusion and Mercury Milan, and the results are good. Very good. The 2.5L four-cylinder with new six-speed automatic is rated at 23 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. By comparison, the 2009 2.3L Fusion was rated at just 20/28 mpg.

Those numbers are good enough to beat out every other four-cylinder mid-size sedan sold in the U.S. Compared to offerings from Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet and Hyundai, it beats the the Altima's 23 mpg city mileage and the Malibu's 33 mpg highway number.

Related:

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments