Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #299

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Opel, Tesla

2013 Honda Accord, Volkswagen CUV, GM and Opel, Autoblog talks to Elon Musk

Episode #299 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2013 Honda Accord, the suggestion by Morgan Stanley for GM to unload Opel, Autoblog Green's chat with Elon Musk, and the possibility of Volkswagen reviving the Microbus with a compact CUV. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #299:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Porsche Boxster S
2013 Lexus GS 350
2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Hosts: Dan Roth, Jeff Ross, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:24:33

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #299

Autoblog Podcast #299 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cummins will recall 405 engines, pay $2.1 million penalty for Clean Air Act violations

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls

Cummins Inc. has lodged a settlement in the U.S. District Court for D.C. agreeing to pay a $2.1 million penalty for violating the Clean Air Act. What did Cummins do? Well, it "shipped more than 570,000 heavy duty diesel engines to vehicle equipment manufacturers nationwide without pollution control equipment included" between 1998 and 2006. Even with that many engines sold, Cummins has agreed to recall only 405 of them because that is all that "were found to have reached the ultimate consumers without the correct ATDs in order to install the correct ATDs." (ATD here standing for exhaust After-Treatment Devices like catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters that control pollutants).

What effects did the faulty engines have on the environment? The EPA estimates that "approximately 167 excess tons of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon emissions, and 30 excess tons of particulate matter emissions" were released into the air. To make up for this, Cummis will also "permanently retire" enough emission credits to equal the excess tons of pollution. The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period.

[Source: Environmental Protection Agency]

Continue reading Cummins will recall 405 engines, pay $2.1 million penalty for Clean Air Act violations

Cummins will recall 405 engines, pay $2.1 million penalty for Clean Air Act violations originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tools Down: IKEA not building cars, Leko a car-sharing service in France

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Green

Last week, rumors regarding an upcoming eco-friendly small car from IKEA hit the internet in full force. Sounds pretty crazy, no? As it turns out, the truth is much less interesting than we had hoped. It seems the viral ad campaign that we saw last week for the IKEA Leko is announcing nothing more than a new car-sharing service in France that's set for a proper introduction on Tuesday. A similar program is already available at IKEA locations in Austria.

According to Isabelle Cremoux-Mirgalet, a spokesperson for the Swedish furniture maker, a total of 26 IKEA locations in France will take part in the venture, which was created in conjunction with France's ride-sharing Web site Covoiturage.fr. So far, there's no indication that the service will be launched in any other markets, but it sure would make it easier to haul the company's flat-packable wares home, right?

[Source: New York Times via Jalopnik]

Tools Down: IKEA not building cars, Leko a car-sharing service in France originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Toyota Prius puts up BIG numbers

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Toyota, First Drives

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

When you sit in the 2010 Toyota Prius, you notice all those little things that provide the "Prius experience" - the shift lever, information screen, center-mounted instrument panel - are all present, but they're slightly different and noticeably improved. The time it takes to adapt to the revised interior is emblematic of the new Prius experience. It's the same oddly shaped hybrid that almost two million buyers love, but it gets better mileage, looks sharper and is packing more technological whiz-bangery than any vehicle this simple to drive has the right to.

We recently tested the 2010 Prius at its North American launch through the vineyard-covered fields and hills surrounding Napa, California. Through it all, the hybrid, officially rated at 50 mpg, performed well and delivered better-than-expected fuel economy. In fact, when we pushed the car's eco prowess by using the EV mode as much as possible and employing a few other tricks, we blew that EPA estimate out of the water by almost 15 mpg. And we weren't alone.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius - First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Toyota Prius puts up BIG numbers

First Drive: 2010 Toyota Prius puts up BIG numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Green

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Running television ads. Taking orders. And now, setting up a network of dealerships. Fisker Automotive is starting to act like a real car company.

The company announced today that it has signed up its first group of 32 retailers. These outlets will be located in 17 states - Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Wisconsin - and one Canadian Province, British Columbia (see the full list after the jump). But Fisker isn't stopping there - the company hopes to have at least 40 dealers in the U.S. signed up by June. Deliveries of the $87,900 plug-in hybrid Karma should begin at the end of this year, and Fisker hopes to sell 15,000 units a year once they get up to full production.

Like the luxury PHEVs themselves, Fisker vows that their showrooms will make efforts to be eco-friendly, with natural and sustainable materials used throughout, and a solar-powered carport available.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states

Fisker Automotive signs up 32 dealers in 17 states originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: AutoblogGreen tries out for the Fiesta Movement

John Neff — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Videos, Ford

Click above to watch video after the jump

So, applications for Ford's Fiesta Movement closed last night, and AutoblogGreen got its entry in just under the buzzer. We're nothing if not slackers waiting for a deadline. With a few Lego props (our models didn't go into this much detail, though), a camera and iMovie, we thought we'd make some promises to Ford on how we'd treat their car should they give it to us for half a year as part of the Fiesta promotion. We think we covered everything: pirates vs. ninja, paparazzi, Yoda. Yup, that's about it. Check out the video after the jump and then watch more video entries for the competition over on YouTube.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Fiesta Movement 01

Continue reading VIDEO: AutoblogGreen tries out for the Fiesta Movement

VIDEO: AutoblogGreen tries out for the Fiesta Movement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Kia, South Korea

Kia Forte LPI hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has just introduced its first mass production hybrid model based on the new Forte compact sedan in its home market of South Korea. The Forte LPI hybrid uses a smaller 20-hp version of the hybrid system that Hyundai showed at the LA Auto Show last November. That system uses a pancake motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission for electric drive and boost as well as regenerative braking. A separate, integrated starter generator handles auto start-stop duties.

The Forte hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and is the first production vehicle to use a lithium polymer battery. The new battery was developed by LG Chem and will also be used in the Sonata Hybrid when it debuts next year. Along with the hybrid Forte, Kia rolled out new eco-Dynamics branding for its more efficient vehicles including hybrids.

While it's unlikely we'll ever see an LPG-equipped car from Kia in the U.S. market, it does seem likely that a Forte hybrid with a gas engine will arrive at some point. We've contacted Kia for comment on that but have yet to get a response. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid

[Source: Kia-World]

Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New VW Golf GTD to debut in April, Rabbit GTD to follow for U.S.?

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf Mk VI GTI - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing rumblings about a new variant of the Volkswagen Golf and Rabbit for several months now, ever since a reader sent in what appeared to be an order form for the new sixth generation model for the U.S. market. This new model was dubbed the Rabbit GTD, implying that it's a sporting variant like the GTI, but powered by a TDI diesel engine. Volkswagen of America has only confirmed that the U.S. will get a new Mk VI GTI this summer followed by a new Rabbit in the fall that will offer TDI power.

It now appears that the Golf GTD will at least be unveiled in April at the AMI Car Show in Leipzig, Germany. If the reports are correct, the GTD will use the more powerful 170-hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI that we already get here in the Jetta. This is the same unit used in the Jetta TDI cup race cars as well as the European market Audi TT TDI. The Golf/Rabbit GTD will be a bit quicker than the Jetta with a 0-60 time of about 8.2 seconds, but should still approach the 40+ mpg real world mileage of the sedan. As for whether or not it will be sold in the U.S., we still don't know, but at least it exists. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

New VW Golf GTD to debut in April, Rabbit GTD to follow for U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Out in San Diego today, the Renault-Nissan Alliance officially brought its electric vehicle ~~world domination plan~~ project to California. Renault-Nissan will work with local utility company San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) in a partnership "to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network."

Nissan will bring the electric cars to the U.S. next year and SDG&E will help build up the charging infrastructure. The partners will also work with local groups to get the network up and running, maintain it, and teach people how to use it. As we mentioned earlier today, the word on the street is that Nissan is "not going to be charging a premium for this car, batteries included," for when the EV goes on sale in the U.S. in 2010.

Renault-Nissan is also moving forward with EV plans in Zürich, London, and is working with Better Place in various locations (see gallery below). Read more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Project Better Place Renault Nissan Signs Deal

[Source: Renault-Nissan Alliance]

Continue reading Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure

Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aptera rebuts safety concerns about its three-wheeled 2e

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:31:00 EST

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

Aptera 2e - Click above for image gallery

We recently opined about the fact that the Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program excludes vehicles not covered by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The subject specifically came up because Aptera is supporting a bill that would amend the rules of the program to allow alternative vehicles such as its three-wheeled 2e to be eligible for support from the low interest loan program.

The problem arises because three-wheelers are considered motorcycles and exempt from U.S. safety regulations that govern cars and trucks. The concern is that many consumers may not be aware that just because a vehicle has a fully enclosed body, it doesn't necessarily meet the safety standards that other modern vehicles do. Aptera spoke with Green Fuels Forecast about the safety elements built into its design and emphasizes that even though it is not legally required to do so (because it only has three wheels), the 2e is being crash tested and built to automotive safety standards. We'll let the Feds and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety decide whether Aptera has succeeded in its safety quest.

As for the loan program, perhaps it should be adjusted to allow vehicles that meet safety requirements to be eligible regardless of their number of wheels. Or perhaps it's time to revisit the safety rules altogether and have them apply to vehicles capable of higher speeds even if they have three wheels.

Gallery: Aptera 2e

[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Aptera rebuts safety concerns about its three-wheeled 2e originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford celebrates production of 100,000th hybrid SUV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ford Escape Hybrid

Today, Ford celebrates a new milestone in the life of its hybrid SUV platform as the 100,000th vehicle rolls down the assembly line at the Blue Oval's Assembly Plant in Kansas City. This production total includes all Ford Escape Hybrids, Mercury Mariner Hybrids and Mazda Tribute Hybrids produced since 2004, the year that Ford launched its first-ever fuel-saving gas/electric model.

Perhaps now would be a good time to remind our readers that Ford hit the 60,000 hybrid mark in the 4th quarter of 2008, meaning that the automaker's federal hybrid tax credit will be cut in half beginning in April of this year. Buyers wanting to capitalize on the full rebate will need to make their purchase before the end of this month.

Despite being on the market now for the last five years or so, Ford's hybrid SUVs continue to be the most fuel efficient 'utes on the market with an EPA estimated rating of 34 city, 31 highway. Feel like reminiscing? Click past the break for Ford's teary-eyed tribute to the Escape Hybrid.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford celebrates production of 100,000th hybrid SUV

Ford celebrates production of 100,000th hybrid SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Drives

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.

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Elon Musk reportedly sets trap for loose lipped Tesla employees

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

The breathless style of writing at which Valleywag has made a name for itself isn't the sort of thing we often link to, but we'll make an exception today. According to the Gawker team, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is not making any friends in his own company; in fact, Valleywag claims that Musk recently tried to pinpoint people on his team who may be leaking confidential information to the media. The tactic - sending each employee a slightly altered version of an email about stopping the leaks and then checking to see which version made it to the media. It reportedly backfired in a pretty big way. Valleywag reports that Musk did not let his own executives know of this plan to smoke out the leaker. One of them unknowingly forwarded his version of the email within the company, which made it clear to the rest of Tesla's workforce that they were being set up.

We contacted Tesla about this story, but got a simple "No Comment." That's fine for us, but it might be a long, long month before the Model S unveiling on the 26th. Follow the source link to read a version of the email, presumably one of many, that Musk sent to his employees. Thanks to Yanquetino for the tip!

[Source: Valleywag]

Elon Musk reportedly sets trap for loose lipped Tesla employees originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Toyota Prius: The steering wheel wants your Touch (Tracer Display)

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:19:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Technology

There is one aspect of the 2010 Prius that AutoblogGreen didn't highlight in its recent info overload post on the 2010 Toyota Prius: the Touch Tracer Display. There is usually nothing in front of the speedometer in most cars; we want a clear view of how fast we're going, right? But there are also a lot of buttons on the steering wheel and constantly shifting our view from the road to the volume or temperature controls isn't exactly a safe way to drive. To combat furtive downward glances, Toyota has come up with the TTD, which goes into action when you push the circular buttons on the steering wheel. Doing so causes little orange lights to appear on a screen that looks as if it's hovering on top of the speedometer. The effect is definitely neat and kind of surprising the first time it happens. Once you learn to expect it, however, the feature is a great visual cue to go along with the wheel-mounted controls. Toyota says this is the "the first display system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel." We doubt it'll be the last.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Toyota]

2010 Toyota Prius: The steering wheel wants your Touch (Tracer Display) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster evolves the electric Porsche concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Green, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ruf Greenster

Last fall, Porsche high performance tuning specialist Ruf announced it had built a prototype electric sports car called the eRuf, which was essentially a lithium ion battery-powered 911. That was just the beginning of the story, as the company has brought the Greenster here to the Geneva Motor Show. The Greenster is a targa top 911 in the old style with a chopped speedster-type windshield. In the back sits a 270kW Siemens electric motor with 695 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack system has been improved and is now 30% smaller in volume, restoring the front trunk space that was lost on the original. The battery pack also has greater power capacity allowing it to release and absorb power faster, enabling more regenerative braking capacity. The battery can apparently be charged in only one hour from a 400V outlet. The next iteration will switch to a twin motor setup and the company is planning a small series production run in 2010.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster

Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster evolves the electric Porsche concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green

Click above for more images of the Tesla Roadster testing in the snow

Canada has not always been the friendliest territory for electric cars, but that's changing. After the Tesla empire officially expanded to Chicago yesterday, the company has announced it will join the northern rush and is now ready to take orders in Canada. Canadian buyers will have to wait until the fourth quarter of 2009 to actually get their cars, but they should feel free to sign up for the $109,000 electric car whenever they feel like it. Oh, and that's the U.S. price; the cost for Canadians will be set later this year) The first deliveries will be made out of upcoming Tesla "regional centers" in Seattle and New York, but Canada-based stores are in the works.

In the announcement of the Canadian sales, Tesla highlights one big difference between American and Canadian Roadsters: the electricity used to power the vehicles is much more likely to be clean up north:

Canada and Norway are the only two countries worldwide where the majority of electricity comes from renewable resources, including run-of-river small hydro, wind, biomass, geothermal and solar energy. An EV recharged from the current Canadian grid, on average, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 85 percent compared to an equivalent gasoline-powered vehicle. In hydro-dominant British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba, the reduction would be an impressive 98 percent.

Click here for some fun video of the Tesla Roadster undergoing ice testing, and see more images of Roadsters in the snow here.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

[Source: Tesla]

Continue reading Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09

Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Green, Chevrolet, GMC, First Drives

2009 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

With the 2009 editions of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids just now beginning to appear on dealer lots around the country, we decided it would be a good idea to strap ourselves behind the wheel of the fuel-saving duo to see what fuel efficiency improvements we could manage in some typical city driving scenarios. Plus, there's all kinds of techno-wizardry at play as soon as the driver's right loafer touches the go-pedal, so we were keenly interested to see if The General was able to harness the power of three distinct power sources (one gas engine, two electric motors) while keeping everything smooth and controlled as one would expect from a $40,000 pickup truck.

Interested? Click here for the whole story on AutoblogGreen.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids

First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Tesla Model S teaser surfaces, our friend Jason orders two!

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Green

Click above to view enhanced version of Tesla Model S teaser

Over at Jason Calacanis' blog, a new teaser shot of the Tesla Model S has surfaced that shows a bit more detail of the car's greenhouse profile. According to Jason, the photo was emailed to buyers of the Signature 100 cars, of which he is one. We got our first glimpse of the new car last week but this one shows more. Most of the car appears to be hidden in this image but there are details if you know how to look. A visit to the curves adjustment in Photoshop reveals the same fender trim seen on the earlier shot as well as the wheels. In the adjusted version, the door handles and side glass profile are also visible, as is the glass roof. We don't know at this point if the glass roof will be part of the production model, although it could be problematic for an EV. The extra thermal load would have the air conditioning working harder and thus cut into the range. You can check out the enhanced photo after the jump.

Tesla has opened the reservation list for the Signature Series and Jason is so happy with his Roadster that he has decided to order two Model S Signature Series sedans. Right now, only early adopters of the Roadster can get on the list for a $40,000 refundable deposit. Following the March 26 reveal, anyone will be able to order one for a $10,000 deposit, and if you already own a Roadster, you'll get $10,000 off the price of a Model S. Don't forget the enhanced version of the Model S teaser after the jump. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

[Source: Calacanis.com]

Continue reading New Tesla Model S teaser surfaces, our friend Jason orders two!

New Tesla Model S teaser surfaces, our friend Jason orders two! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 7.31.08

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:25:00 EST

Filed under: Green

Once again Exxon set a new record profit record this quarter raking in cash in excess of expenses to the tune of $1,500 per second. Meanwhile Tata might be hooking up with Fiat to help sell the Nano outside of India and Audi has killed plans for a hybrid version of the Q7, focusing on diesels instead.

AutoblogGreen for 7.31.08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Roadster rated at 300 HP

Chris Shunk — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Green

Click above for more high-res images of the Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster is like the gorgeous girlfriend that loves football, tunes a hotrod in her spare time, and doesn't believe in celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. The Roadster is a beautiful car, it runs on exhaust-free plug power, and it's already primed for more power. A Norwegian specialty car importer is quoting the Euro Tesla's power at or over 300 hp, with a 13,000 rpm redline and a single speed transmission.

Our man Sam tells us that the above is likely to come courtesy of drivetrain 1.5, which will be available later in the Tesla's production run. The revised gearbox drops a gear, adds an upgraded power electronics module, and provides better cooling. It seems the hype machine that is the Tesla Roadster is beginning to heat up, and more power will only make us want the green little drop-top more.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Tesla Roadster rated at 300 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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