Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet-races-a-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet-races-a-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet-races-a-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jay Leno's EcoJet - Click above to watch the video after the break

In a garage full of ultra rare, highly desirable cars and trucks, Jay Leno's EcoJet still manages to stand out as one of the coolest. Part of the vehicle's claim to fame comes from its ability to run on biodiesel fuel, putting out an impressive 750 horsepower and 700 ft-lb of torque at 48,000 RPM from its Honeywell LT101 jet turbine engine.

Underneath its distinctive carbon fiber skin lies an aluminum chassis that is kept in contact with the ground using existing suspension bits from the Chevrolet Corvette. Also in use is a four-speed automatic transmission from General Motors that gets its input from a custom gearbox that reduces engine speed from those aforementioned lofty heights down to 6,000 rpm.

Naturally, special carbon fiber brake discs from Brembo paired up with aluminum six-piston calipers were necessary to hold back the engine's 200 horsepower at idle. Inside, Microsoft built the dash, including a full Windows Vista-powered computer that is fully connected to the internet.

As we have come to expect from Leno, the EcoJet does indeed see action on the roads in California, and Jay also finds the time to visit the airstrip for a race against a private jet. Wanna know who wins? Click past the break to watch the video.


Gallery: Jay Leno's EcoJet


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane

VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel jetbiodiesel turbineBiodieselJetBiodieselTurbineeco jetecojetgreenjay lenojay leno ecojetJayLenoJayLenoEcojetjet carJetCarlay leno eco jetLayLenoEcoJetlenoMon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Gilligan's Island</i> tech? Coconut oil-fueled, bamboo taxi ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/12/gilligans-island-tech-coconut-oil-fueled-bamboo-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/12/gilligans-island-tech-coconut-oil-fueled-bamboo-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/12/gilligans-island-tech-coconut-oil-fueled-bamboo-taxi/#commentsFiled under:


Bamboo Taxi - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Increasing powertrain efficiency is just one area in which vehicles' environmental impact can be lessened. A significant portion of the total energy used to operate the vehicle over its lifetime comes from sourcing and processing raw materials into individual vehicle components, as well as transporting finished vehicles to their end customers.

With this in mind, new taxis based on renewable materials are being built and used on Gilligan's Island in the Filipino town of Tabontabon. The bodywork is made entirely from bamboo -- a grass which, in addition to being strong and lightweight, grows back after it's harvested. Don't expect to see this on the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks anytime soon, but as a low-speed vehicle for use in rural areas, it's an interesting alternative. Even the fuel is renewable, as the engines in these vehicles are powered by coconut oil-based biodiesel. Plus, if you're lucky, maybe you'll be able to split a fare with Ginger or Mary Ann on the way to the Professor's hut.


Gallery: Bamboo Taxis in the Philippines


[Source: Fast Company]

Gilligan's Island tech? Coconut oil-fueled, bamboo taxi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bamboobamboo taxiBambooTaxibiodieselbiofuelcoconutcoconut oilcoconut oil biodieselCoconutOilCoconutOilBiodieselphilippinesSun, 12 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno takes EcoJet out for a spin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/video-jay-leno-takes-ecojet-out-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/video-jay-leno-takes-ecojet-out-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/video-jay-leno-takes-ecojet-out-for-a-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Jay Leno's EcoJet - Click above to watch the video

Now that Jay Leno's retired from his duties hosting The Tonight Show, he may find himself with a bit more time on his hands to devote to his many automotive passions. Jay occasionally leans towards the green end of the interesting vehicle spectrum, and that tradition looks secure as the comedian has recently been spotted out and about in his home state of California in the EcoJet concept.

It's been a few years since we last heard about the prototype car, which uses a biodiesel-powered Honeywell turbine engine mated to a rear-mounted transaxle and chassis bits from a Corvette Z06, but it's now apparently fully operational. As you can clearly see in the video pasted after the break, the carbon fiber and kevlar-bodied EcoJet sounds like God's Own Hair Dryer and draws quite a crowd when Leno randomly shows up with it it at a local car shows.


Gallery: Jay Leno's EcoJet


[Source: YouTube via Straightline]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno takes EcoJet out for a spin

VIDEO: Jay Leno takes EcoJet out for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel turbineBiodieselTurbineCorvetteecojetjay lenojay leno ecojetJayLenoJayLenoEcojetLenoThe Tonight ShowTheTonightShowturbineturbine carTurbineCarTue, 02 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[No Brainer of the Day: Making biodiesel at home is dangerous ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/no-brainer-of-the-day-making-biodiesel-at-home-is-dangerous/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/no-brainer-of-the-day-making-biodiesel-at-home-is-dangerous/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/no-brainer-of-the-day-making-biodiesel-at-home-is-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: ,

While fuel prices are nothing like they were last summer (but they are climbing), there are still plenty of reasons to want to make your own biodiesel. Homebrew biodieselers are, on the whole, a careful bunch and there are plenty of classes available to make sure your mixing of vegetable fat, lye and methanol goes smoothly.

Not everyone does it right every time, though, and The Associated Press has found a few incidents of biodiesel makers setting garages and backyards on fire in at least five states (Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Oregon). These fires have not caused any deaths - yet - but at least one home was destroyed - and rebuilding must cost way more, environmentally and financially, than was saved by going bio.

There are few laws against making biodiesel at home, but more might be coming. In Phoenix, Arizona, for example, you need to be on a property that is at least one acre so you're not endangering a lot of neighbors. Just a reminder to be careful out there.

[Source: The Associated Press | Image: Eddi 07 (CC 2.0)]

No Brainer of the Day: Making biodiesel at home is dangerous originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel dangerbiodiesel fireBiodieselDangerBiodieselFirehomebrewhomebrew biodieselHomebrewBiodieselFri, 29 May 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Caffeinated Performance: Fill 'er up... with Starbucks?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/caffeinated-performance-fill-er-up-with-starbucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/caffeinated-performance-fill-er-up-with-starbucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/caffeinated-performance-fill-er-up-with-starbucks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If researchers at the University of Nevada prove successful, America's growing caffeine addiction may have at least one major plus side. Apparently, used coffee grounds are between 10- and 15 percent oil, and that's a potential source of energy. Even better, the oil is apparently easy to extract, so experts suggest that the resulting biodiesel could be priced as low as $1 dollar a gallon, which is quite a bit better than what petroleum-based diesel fuel is selling for, even after recent price drops.

Sure, there may not be enough spent coffee beans around the world to completely displace our dependence on petroleum, but every little bit helps. Perhaps the best bit of news is that the fuel retains its coffee smell, and that's reason enough for us to get behind the idea. Thanks for the tip, Luke!

[Source: Consumer Energy Report]

Caffeinated Performance: Fill 'er up... with Starbucks?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselcoffee biodieselcoffee dieselcoffee fuelCoffeeBiodieselCoffeeDieselCoffeeFueldieselThu, 08 Jan 2009 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers discover fungus that eats trees, pees diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/researchers-discover-fungus-that-eats-trees-pees-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/researchers-discover-fungus-that-eats-trees-pees-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/09/researchers-discover-fungus-that-eats-trees-pees-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you read the headline and thought, "Well, that's nothing new," you're partly right. Using microorganisms to turn plants into something you can run through your fuel injectors is otherwise known as fermentation.

But the microscopic bugs used in moonshine stills and distilleries are pretty picky eaters. They like corn, wheat, rice, etc., but throw a corn stalk or a few tree branches in the mix and they just turn up their little noses.

A group of researchers now say they have found a fungus living inside the Ulmo trees of the Patagonian rain forest that happily turns any part of a plant into fuel. It's called Gliocladium roseum (that's it in the photo), and researchers at Yale University are trying to find a way to put it to work churning out gallons of diesel. They're quick to point out, though, that's a long way off.

But there's another twist in the discovery. The researchers bring up an interesting question. If this thing can turn plants into what closely resembles petrochemicals, could they possibly be responsible for part of the Earth's crude oil?

[Source: Wired Science]

Researchers discover fungus that eats trees, pees diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieseldieselfungusSun, 09 Nov 2008 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the Trident Iceni

If the name 'Trident' has visions of Maseratis and vintage Triumphs dancing through your head, you are in for a big surprise. When we first looked at the Trident Iceni, it was powered by a 375-hp GM turbo diesel V8 mounted up front and producing 520 lb-ft of torque. After a year or two of development, it's even better according to its makers, with the latest version of the venerable Duramax diesel tweaked to offer 550 horsepower at 3,800 rpm along with an arm-wrenching 950 lb-ft at just 1,800 rpm. Trident claims the Duramax can slingshot the Iceni to 60 mph in well under four seconds and on up to a top speed easily surpassing 200 miles per hour. According to the British company, its modified GM/Isuzu engine is capable of running on any blend of biodiesel without voiding the warranty and returns 68.9 miles per gallon (or 57 mpg in U.S. gallons) at a steady 70 miles per hour. Is this the guilt-free supercar for the eco-conscious speed freak?

With an elaborate chassis folded from stainless steel and a composite body, the Iceni will not rot away. The rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission also allows for wide gearing, which is fortunate since the diesel engine isn't going to be a revver. The company is currently looking for funding and hopes to offer the Iceni for about £75,000 out the door. So far, Trident has mentioned no plans to send its wares across the pond to the U.S. Pity us poor Americans.

Gallery: Trident Iceni


[Source: Trident Performance Vehicles]

Continue reading Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true

Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel supercarBiodieselSupercardiesel supercarDieselSupercartrident icenitrident performance vehiclesTridentIceniTridentPerformanceVehiclesWed, 20 Aug 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi R10 TDI using biofuel for the first time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/31/audi-r10-tdi-using-biofuel-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/31/audi-r10-tdi-using-biofuel-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/31/audi-r10-tdi-using-biofuel-for-the-first-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the world of alternative power, not all fuels are created equal. This fact is true with ethanol, where the alcohol can be made using fairly inefficient processes, some of which involve corn, or using more advanced cellulosic methods which do not use a foodstock. Diesel too can come from either petroleum or from non-dino sources. You're probably aware that Audi has been assaulting various race tracks using its advanced diesel powered race cars, specifically its two-time Le Mans-winning R10 TDI, which has so far been running on what is known as gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel fuel. With the 24 Hours of Le Mans just around the corner, Audi and Shell, the fuel provider for Audi's race team, have announced that the team will be blending a small amount of biomass-to-liquid (BTL) fuel into its secret mixture. Shell's BTL fuel is made from materials such as wood chips and will make its on-track debut on Sunday, June 1, as Audi's R10 TDI begins its official Le Mans testing.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R10 TDI using biofuel for the first time

Audi R10 TDI using biofuel for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 May 2008 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r10audi r10 tdiaudi-r10audi-r10-tdiAudiR10AudiR10Tdibiodieselshellshell oilshell-oilShellOilSat, 31 May 2008 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenpeace builds Cayenne and M-Class bulldozers for some reason or another]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/greenpeace-builds-cayenne-and-m-class-bulldozers-for-some-reason/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/greenpeace-builds-cayenne-and-m-class-bulldozers-for-some-reason/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/greenpeace-builds-cayenne-and-m-class-bulldozers-for-some-reason/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above for high-res shots of this wacky scene

Running diesel vehicles on biofuels is a good thing, right? Not always, according to Greenpeace Argentina. It seems that the export of soybeans from Argentina is causing more pollution than was initially estimated. Also, too much of Argentina's native forests are being mowed down for the soybeans. These issues are in stark contrast with two of Greenpeace's stated charters: (1) catalyzing an energy revolution to address the number one threat facing our planet: climate change and (2) supporting sustainable agriculture by encouraging socially and ecologically responsible farming practices.

No Greenpeace protest would be complete without some sort of outlandish stunt, and this one follows suit. Because most of the Argentinian biodiesel goes to Germany, a Mercedes-Benz M-Class and a Porsche Cayenne were made to look like bulldozers by men and women wielding German flags. The two SUV's were surrounded by fake tree stumps. Once again, Greenpeace has done an admirable job of catching plenty of attention. Whether the group's wacky efforts have any effect, though, is another matter entirely.

Gallery: Argentina Greenpeace mission


[Source: Argentina Auto Blog - translated]

Greenpeace builds Cayenne and M-Class bulldozers for some reason or another originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Dallas, a businessman has spent half a million dollars to install nine pumps that dispense E85, E10, and biodiesel. The catch: the businessman is a HUMMER dealer, and the pumps are next to his dealership. The station is called Classic Clean Fuels, and it is intended to make a statement for next year's H2 and H2 SUT, which will be the first production models to be Flex-fuel capable.

You won't need to drive a HUMMER to get E85 at the station. The pumps are open to the public, a first for a dealer-owned gas station. By 2010, GM has said all HUMMERs will be biofuel-capable. GM plans to market 15 Flexfuel models next year, but only one percent of the country's service stations sell E85. GM is using that as an opportunity to open the public's (and dealers') minds to putting alternative fuel stations in alternative places.

Said GM's Larry Burns, "Down the road we may even want to consider hydrogen dispensers at dealerships."

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

2009 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT will be E85 compatible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiofuelbiofuelsdealerdealersdealershipdealershipse10e85e85 stationse85stationsflexflex fuelflex-fuelFlexFuelgasgas stationgas stationsgasolineGasStationGasStationsh2h2 suth2suthummerSun, 30 Mar 2008 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Science magazine declares ethanol worse for the Earth than fossil fuels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/science-magazine-declares-ethanol-worse-for-the-earth-than-fossi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/science-magazine-declares-ethanol-worse-for-the-earth-than-fossi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/science-magazine-declares-ethanol-worse-for-the-earth-than-fossi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jon Markman at MSN Money doesn't hold back when he says "Corn-based ethanol production is sure to go down as one of the greatest mistakes ever in U.S. energy policy." It's even more provoking when he writes "replacing fossil fuels with corn-based ethanol would double greenhouse gas emissions over the next three decades. The studies show that switchgrass, an alternative to ethanol that's more weed than plant, would boost emissions by 50%."

The problem isn't with the cars, the problem is with what it takes to grow the biofuel in the first place. Clearing the land, harvesting, and refining the crops, plus the loss of forest and wild lands and habitats, amounts to creating a carbon footprint worse than fossil fuels. According to the Science article which, admittedly, posits an extreme scenario, it would take 423 years to even out the carbon debt if Indonesia's peat lands were converted to palm oil fields.

The research is starting to give some people pause, such as the folks at the European Union who declared they wanted ten-percent of the block's transport fuel to come from plants. And Joe Fargione of the U.S. Nature Conservancy asks, "Is it worth it? ...[S]urprisingly the answer is 'no'. These natural areas store a lot of carbon, so converting them to crops results in tons of carbon emitted into the atmosphere."

Thanks for the tip, Zo!

[Source: MSN Money]

Science magazine declares ethanol worse for the Earth than fossil fuels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergybiodieselbiofuelcarbon footprintCarbonFootprintdeforestatione85emissionsethanolfuelgasolineThu, 21 Feb 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[The greening of Jay Leno]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/the-greening-of-jay-leno/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/the-greening-of-jay-leno/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/the-greening-of-jay-leno/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The LA Times just ran a piece about how car collector extraordinaire and The Tonight Show host Jay Leno is seeing green these days. Not envious in the least, Jay in fact has several warehouses around Burbank that house hundreds of incredible vehicles that would incite lust in just about anyone with a car-loving bone in their bodies. No, the green here is the environmental push that is seemingly sweeping the world over. It seems that after spending more time with fellow celebs and enviro-warriors like Ed Begley, Jr., Jay has become enlightened to the needs of Mother Earth.

It should be pointed out that Jay has always had alternative vehicles in his collection. Most of those are early steam cars, but still, last year at SEMA he introduced the EcoJet powered by biodiesel and this year he rolled out the E85 Corvette C6RS by Pratt & Miller. People see high performance and the green movement as two diametrically opposed concepts, but Leno is one of those people who understands you can have both. Making a high performance vehicle doesn't have to come at the expense of the planet if you choose your motivation carefully. Cars like those mentioned above and Audi's diesel-powered R10 Le Mans racers come to mind. And the greening of Jay extends beyond the vehicles themselves.

Leno is investing in ideas like solar panels, wind turbines and grease-eating microbes, according to the article. He's also gradually making over his Big Dog Garage to incorporate self-generated power, energy-efficient heating and nontoxic cleaners. The article is a pretty good read, so check it out for yourself. The funniest bit in the story is Jay's half-serious, half-joking rationale for getting into the green thing:

"My thing with the green situation is: Even if you don't believe in global warming, don't you want to screw the oil company or gas company or utility company?"

Priceless.

Thanks for the tip Jay!

[Source: LA Times]

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette

The greening of Jay Leno originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenBiodieselCorvette C6RSCorvetteC6rsEcoJetJay LenoJayLenoLenoThu, 08 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt preview: Bioconcept Mustang GT RTD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/frankfurt-preview-bioconcept-mustang-gt-rtd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/frankfurt-preview-bioconcept-mustang-gt-rtd/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/07/frankfurt-preview-bioconcept-mustang-gt-rtd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



While we're a bit weary of the green-theme that seems to be pervading the Frankfurt Motor Show, this latest preview seems to meld both environmental aspects and performance offerings into one cohesive package. Germany's FourMotor will be showing off its BioConcept Mustang GT RTD to the masses next week, although the moniker "concept" doesn't quite do it justice, as the GT RTD has already competed in the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring.

Powering the concept is a turbo'd two-liter in-line four running off of bio-diesel, which produces 280 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. The chassis is still pure Americana, but the stock steel body panels have been nixed in favor of a plastic composite made of plant fibers to reduce weight and lend credence to the GT's environmental cred. Hmm... a turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel Mustang. We're perfectly OK with that.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]

Frankfurt preview: Bioconcept Mustang GT RTD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio-dieselbioconceptbiodieseldieselfordfourmotorgtgt rtdGtRtdmustangFri, 07 Sep 2007 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY: Make your own biodiesel for fun and profit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/diy-make-your-own-biodiesel-for-fun-and-profit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/diy-make-your-own-biodiesel-for-fun-and-profit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/diy-make-your-own-biodiesel-for-fun-and-profit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Etruk, a UK company, is selling a do it yourself biodiesel machine that will turn your fry grease into fuel for just pennies a gallon! For just £895 ($1,821) you can buy its smallest distiller that turns out 40-liter batches. Etruk's site says it's perfect for keeping a single car fueled. Or you can step up to the largest machine, which costs £2,095 ($4,265) and churns out 150 liters of fuel at a time. Just the right amount says the site for someone who wants to start their own biodiesel fueling station.

While it's legal for Brits to make their own highly-flammable fuel right in their own back yards, it's not clear how U.S. authorities would react. We can easily see your neighbors freaking out at the site of this thing next to your kids' swing set. So before you go ordering one of these, check your state and local laws. That is, unless you're just dying to know what Guantanomo is like in the fall.

[Source: Gizmodo]

DIY: Make your own biodiesel for fun and profit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodisel machineBiodiselMachinemake your own biodieselMakeYourOwnBiodieselFri, 03 Aug 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Ranger wears pink for UK city]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/ford-ranger-wears-pink-for-uk-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/ford-ranger-wears-pink-for-uk-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/ford-ranger-wears-pink-for-uk-city/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There's a theory that only men comfortable with their manliness can get away with wearing pink. Whether you buy that or not, Ford's tough little Ranger pickup is trading its plaid shirt image for the pink livery of Salford, UK.

The city just purchased a fleet of six pink Ranger 2.5 TDCi Regular Cab 4x2s fitted with tipper beds for their street-cleaning department.

Salford's Public Relations Officer Ian Andrew tells us, "Yes, magenta is our colour! We want our city to stand out and for people to recognise when the city council is providing them with services."

Situated about 200 miles north of London, Salford prides itself on having an eco-friendly image, with 60% green space, 30 miles of rivers and canals and 112 ponds and lakes. And that's why the six pink Rangers will be burning biodiesel for their five years of service.

"The Rangers are superb," said Salford City Council's Transport Manager Terry Dixie. "Our concern is with paper bulk, rather than weight. This provides an opportunity to reduce vehicle size. The Ranger is less expensive than a conventional 3.5-tonne tipper vehicle, provides superior fuel economy and its robust design promises a long life."

Read Ford's press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford Ranger wears pink for UK city

Ford Ranger wears pink for UK city originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen got to take a look at the testing process that new battery technologies go through before they get on the road in new hybrid vehicles. Speaking of hybrids, a California psychologist examines whether driving one can really make you eternally happy. Oil is the only thing the middle east has in abundance. Desert regions have a lot of sun and an inventor in the United Arab Emirates has developed a two seat car that derives it's energy exclusively from the sun.

AutoblogGreen for 03.20.07 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselhybridhydrogenschool busSchoolBussolarTue, 20 Mar 2007 06:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay Leno shares making of the EcoJet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/jay-leno-shares-making-of-the-ecojet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/jay-leno-shares-making-of-the-ecojet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/03/jay-leno-shares-making-of-the-ecojet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Jay Leno is giving a behind-the-scenes look at how the EcoJet came about. On Leno's web site, a four minute film shows Leno and Ed Wellburn, GM vice president of global design, discussing the design process of the jet-powered car. A gallery of photos taken during the car's construction document the development from scale model to SEMA-ready.

On the video, Leno shares an interesting fact about the EcoJet's Lexan rear window. Lexan, he says, is made by General Electric, owner of NBC which owns The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, on which Kevin Bacon has appeared. Leno says he asked GE for some of the clear, bulletproof material and they gave it to him for the EcoJet.

It's a fascinating look at concept-car development we don't normally get to see, made possible by the car's owner being Leno instead of GM.

[Source: www.jaylenosgarage.com]

Thanks to Peter for the tip!

Jay Leno shares making of the EcoJet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselconcept carConceptCarEd WellburnEdWellburnGeneral ElectricGeneralElectricGMGM designGmDesignJay LenoJay Leno biodieselJay Leno carsJay Leno EcoJetjay leno supercarJay Leno's garageJayLenoJayLeno'sGarageJayLenoBiodieselJayLenoCarsJayLenoEcojetJayLenoSupercarjet carjet powered carJetCarJetPoweredCarlexanSEMASEMA EcoJetSemaEcojetFri, 03 Nov 2006 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay Leno's bio-diesel turbine supercar isn't a joke]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/jay-lenos-bio-diesel-turbine-supercar-isnt-a-joke/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/jay-lenos-bio-diesel-turbine-supercar-isnt-a-joke/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/jay-lenos-bio-diesel-turbine-supercar-isnt-a-joke/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


UPDATE: Live shots from SEMA show floor added after jump


Jay Leno may have made fun of corn farmers and the Toyota Prius, but he unveiled a stunning mid-engine supercar that is environmentally friendly and hopefully an inspiration to young car enthusiasts. The covers were pulled off Leno's EcoJet on Monday at a late-night ceremony in the Wynn's Hotel in Las Vegas where the car will be displayed at the SEMA Show.

"I drive it, wait for the harvest, get some corn and drive it some more," quipped Leno, who told Autoblog that he is also converting his shop to solar power in an effort to be more environmentally conscious.

Leno said he originally wanted a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle but time constraints killed that idea. Bio-diesel was the backup plan, so Leno sought out a 650-horsepower Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine, mated to a Corvette automatic transaxle. Much of the vehicle platform is based on the C6 Corvette, including a special aluminum frame, brakes and suspension components. What was the targeted top speed for the 2,400-pound car? "How much fun can you have with it," answered Leno, noting the exhaust sounds like "a jet engine taking off."



Designer from the GM Advanced Design Studio worked with sketches Leno originally made on a napkin. Leno said there were no constraints placed on the design, like where the golf clubs would go. The idea was built to be a fast, fun vehicle with design cues pulled from Formula 1 and various aircraft. Perhaps the most eye-catching and innovative design elements are the turbine-inspired, Alcoa-built wheels (20x10 front, 22x12 rear) and the massive exhaust slots -- one for each side of the engine. The water-born paint is from BASF and the interior isn't finished, but Leno promises it will be "cruelty free," so Pam Anderson of PETA fame will take a drive with him.

Continue reading Jay Leno's bio-diesel turbine supercar isn't a joke

Jay Leno's bio-diesel turbine supercar isn't a joke originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 04:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlcoaBASFbio dieselBioDieselCorvetteHoneywellJay LenoJayLenoTue, 31 Oct 2006 04:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford backs off on 250,000 hybrid promise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/29/ford-backs-off-on-250-000-hybrid-promise/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/29/ford-backs-off-on-250-000-hybrid-promise/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/29/ford-backs-off-on-250-000-hybrid-promise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bill Ford announced that his company is backing off on a promise he made last September to produce 250,000 hybrid vehicles by 2010 in an email sent to company employees Wednesday. While many see the move as Ford reneging on his promise, the automaker is saying that it "intends to pursue a broader environmental strategy that focuses more on other alternative-fuel vehicles," according to The Detroit News, which obtained a copy of the email.

The email coincides with a letter sent to Congress penned by Ford and the CEOs of General Motors and DaimlerChrysler in which the trio promised to double their annual production of alternative-fuel vehicles to 2 million by 2010.

Ford stated in the email that the Blue Oval will focus more on other fuels like ethanol, clean-diesel and bio-diesel. In conjunction Ford is announcing a partnership with VeraSun Energy today to create an "ethanol corridor" with 50 new E85 pumps between Kansas City and Chicago.

The company still plans to go forward with its plans to produce a hybrid Mazda Tribute and hybrid version of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.

Check out the nicely written article on Ford's new strategy by Bryce G. Hoffman and Deb Price of The Detroit News here.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford backs off on 250,000 hybrid promise originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250,000bill fordbill ford jr.BillFordBillFordJr.biodieselbiofuele85ethanolway forwardWayForwardThu, 29 Jun 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil exec says Europe needs biodiesel, not ethanol]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/oil-exec-says-europe-needs-biodiesel-not-ethanol/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/oil-exec-says-europe-needs-biodiesel-not-ethanol/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/06/oil-exec-says-europe-needs-biodiesel-not-ethanol/#commentsFiled under:

In an interview with Reuters, the head of agricultural development for oil company Total flatly stated that Europe needs more biodiesel production rather than competing alternative fuel ethanol, saying "The European market definitely is, and for a long time will be, a diesel market."

Europe is a net importer of diesel, mostly from Russia, but an exporter of gasoline, much of which goes to the U.S. This year, diesel is forecast to surpass gasoline as the primary fuel for new European passenger vehicles. This lessens the potential impact of ethanol-gasoline blends as an alternative fuel.

The European Union has set targeted biofuels to provide 5.75 percent of transport fuels by 2010, but it's unlikely that Europe can economically grow enough biodiesel feedstock to come close to the target, making imports of oilseeds like rapeseed (pictured) inevitable.

Total is the world's fourth largest oil and gas company, and a European leader in biofuels. Among other initiatives, the company recently entered into a partnership with Finland's Neste Oil to develop a synthetic biodiesel refining capability.

[Sources: Reuters, Total]

Oil exec says Europe needs biodiesel, not ethanol originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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