Autoblog

Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

There is some ethanol in almost all of the gasoline sold in the U.S. Usually, this amount is no more than 10 percent of the total and, if it's more than that, it jumps all the way to 85 percent and is sold as E85. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was supposed to come down on one side or the other today of a possible increase across the board to 15 percent that Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers asked for, but instead announced that it needs more time.

The EPA has been looking at the E15 issue all year and investigating all sorts of issues, but there are a lot of moving parts in this sort of decision. Everyone from farmers and their subsidies to grow the corn used to make most of the ethanol sold today to car makers who have tuned their engines to run on E10 but not E15 want to have their say. The EPA has heard the comments, and now says that it needs more time to test E15 in vehicles. Right now, it thinks that any vehicle built after 2001 will burn E15 just fine, but there are a lot of older vehicles still on the road. Cash For Clunkers didn't get all of them off the road, after all. A decision is now expected in mid-June 2010.

The postponement was met with approval by the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, which said they want more government testing "to prove that increasing the allowable ethanol blend limit will not harm vehicle emissions, performance, and durability." Read their full statement after the jump.

[Source: Reuters, Auto Allliance | Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images]

Continue reading Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars

Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley to delay flex-fuel capability for 2010 Continental Supersports

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Bentley, Electric, Luxury

Bentley Continental Supersports - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the environmental merits of any 621 horsepower, twelve-cylinder behemoth that's capable of traveling at speeds of up to 204 miles per hour are, at the very least, debatable, Bentley hasn't exactly been shy about touting the green angle of its upcoming 2010 Continental Supersports.

Further straining the gorgeous coupe's eco credibility is word from Green Car Advisor that U.S. laws and "engineering challenges" - including the fitment of hardened valve seats in Bentley's W12 engine - mean that the first 200 Supersports imported to the United States won't actually be flex-fuel capable.

Ah well, somehow we doubt that buyers willing to plonk down the $267,000 it takes to park a twin-turbocharged Continental Supersports in their driveway will be all that concerned with pumping ethanol in the tank.

UPDATE: Bentley informs us that there is no delay in the Continental Supersport's getting the flex-fuel treatment. It's been Bentley's plan all along to wait until summer of 2010 to introduce flex-fuel capability in the United States.

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Bentley to delay flex-fuel capability for 2010 Continental Supersports originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lazareth creates a 500-horsepower E85-powered quad (w/VIDEO)

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, BMW, Motorcycle, Electric

Lazareth Wazuma Bio V12 - Click above for an image gallery

French automobile and motorcycle builder Lazareth has managed to shoehorn an entire BMW V12 engine into one of its crazy Wazuma quads. While there isn't much that's environmentally friendly about a 500-horsepower supercharged V12 from BMW that's powering a rather large and impractical quad platform, Lazareth has decided to attempt to give the machine a bit of eco-cred by running the engine on E85.

Why use ethanol in a decidedly performance-minded machine? We'd guess Lazareth's decision to run E85 as a fuel is due to its superior octane rating, which allows the engine to run a higher compression ratio than with gasoline. If you're interested in adding an ethanol-burning, V12-powered road rocket to your own personal stable of vehicles, all you need to do is write Lazareth a check for €200,000 ($283,000) and await your delivery. Click past the break for a video of the Wazuma Bio V12 in action.

Gallery: Lazareth Wazuma Bio V12

[Source: MotoRevue via Faster and Faster]

Continue reading Lazareth creates a 500-horsepower E85-powered quad (w/VIDEO)

Lazareth creates a 500-horsepower E85-powered quad (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Supercars, Bentley

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley has decided to go green, and the fabulously white coupe you see above is how they've done it: "a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience." Sounds green so far, right? It's called the Continental Supersports, and the marque from Crewe hasn't merely pulled out all the stops... they created a few extra stops, just so they could pull them out as well.

Under the hood is the Supersports' main event: the most powerful engine Bentley has ever created, it is a 621 brake horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque, E85-capable W12 that pulls the ghostly looking thing to 60 in just - ready for this? - 3.7 seconds. The engine is fitted with sensors to monitor how much gasoline and/or ethanol is being used, and power and torque stay constant no matter what the ratio is. Speaking of torque, all of it is available at the low, low rpm of 1,750. In case there's a Polaris rocket in the next lane you need to teach a few lessons.

While that engine might take the title card, there is a massively full undercard as well. That 3.7-second 0-to-60 flip is not only about the engine, it's about the fact that the car is 110 kilograms lighter than its 4-seater brethren. The Supersports has rear deck where back seats once resided, and it has also scored a raft of weight-saving components like the wheels and those carbon fiber thrones. It also benefits from Quickshift, which halves gear change times.

Of course, there are a gaggle of additional details, but you don't need us to tell you about it. There's a detailed press release after the jump, and a gallery of high-res photos below. If this is the future of green, *ahem,* yes, over here please.

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports

Geneva Preview: Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oklahoma Dreamin': Mustang-lovin' corn-grower chases record with ethanol

Noah Joseph — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Ford

Brent Hajek loves racing cars and corn. The Oklahoma corn farmer is also the proprietor of a race car museum, and has managed to combine his two passions in an effort to set a new land speed record.

The idea came out of the record Ford set with a Mustang Mach 1 some 40 years ago. Hajek wanted to commemorate the event by returning to Bonneville, and even got the original record driver's son to pilot his modified S197 Mustang. The idea really gained steam - and support from FoMoCo - when Hajek and co. decided to go for the record using E85 bio-ethanol. They set a top speed of 252.78 mph, which will be a new record if and when they manage to replicate it so it can be etched into the books. In the meantime, Hajek is convinced the initiative will pave the way for Ford to produce an E85-powered Mustang straight from the factory, which may be the corniest Mustang dream we've heard yet. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: NewsOK via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Oklahoma Dreamin': Mustang-lovin' corn-grower chases record with ethanol

Oklahoma Dreamin': Mustang-lovin' corn-grower chases record with ethanol originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda to cut fuel consumption 30 percent by 2015

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Mazda

Mazda has announced plans to increase the fuel efficiency of its vehicles by 30 percent in the next seven years through the use of new engine technology and lighter materials. By 2015, Mazda's entire range of vehicles will roll off the assembly line some 220 pounds lighter compared to the vehicles it offers today, with a diet that includes a new three-layer wet paint system, along with more innovative materials, including carbon neutral bioplastics due to arrive in 2013.

The automaker's goal will also be realized through the use of its new proprietary Smart Idle Stop System that will debut on one of its products in 2009. Unlike other systems, the Mazda start-stop setup injects fuel directly into the cylinder after the engine has shut down and then ignites the fuel to force the piston down. According to Mazda this makes for a smoother, faster and quieter restart and should improve fuel economy by seven- to eight-percent. The Smart Idle Stop System will originally be equipped on models in Europe and Japan, with a worldwide rollout coming shortly thereafter.

In 2009, Mazda will begin offering E85-compatible engines in North America and Northern Europe, and in 2011 all of the automaker's gasoline engines will utilize direct-injection fuel delivery. That same year, Mazda will introduce new diesel engines worldwide that boost fuel economy by 20-percent and in 2010, look for a new 16X rotary engine equipped with Direct Injection Spark Ignition that will increase both performance and fuel economy.

Hit the jump to read Mazda's press release.

Continue reading Mazda to cut fuel consumption 30 percent by 2015

Mazda to cut fuel consumption 30 percent by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford gives 88-MPG flex-fuel, plug-in Escape Hybrid to Department of Energy

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Government/Legal, Green, Ford

The Blue Oval has gifted the U.S. Department of Energy a one-of-a-kind vehicle: a plug-in Escape Hybrid that can run on E85, has a 30-mile range on pure electric power at up to 40 mph, and gets 88 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. Yes, you read that correctly. But you might want to read it again.

The Escape uses a 4-cylinder engine assisted by a 10kW lithium-ion battery pack made by Johnson Controls/Saft. In pure electric mode, the battery pack runs until it is 70-percent depleted, and then the gasoline engine kicks in. The vehicle's emissions are estimated to be 60-percent less than that of a traditional gas vehicle, and that could climb all the way to 90-percent less if the car used cellulosic ethanol.

This is one of 20 vehicles that Ford is giving to government and research bodies in order to help push the growth and penetration of hybrid vehicles. Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said "There's no silver bullet solution, so we're pursuing multiple technology paths - recognizing that commercial viability is an essential component for success." And we say hear hear, well done, and it's about time...

[Source: Ford via GM Inside News]

Ford gives 88-MPG flex-fuel, plug-in Escape Hybrid to Department of Energy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT will be E85 compatible

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Hummer

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.

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2010 HUMMER H3 to get direct-inject 3.6L V6 as base engine

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Green, Hummer

Our friend Mike Levine, proprietor of PickupTruck.com, was trying out the new H3T pickup out in Moab, Utah this week and learned that the H3 will finally lose its hoary old five-cylinder base engine in favor of something a little more modern. A new flex fuel-capable direct-injected 3.6L V6 like the one used in the HX concept will become the new base powerplant for the H3 by 2010. The last remaining question is, will the H3 get a diesel? The answer is yes... eventually. We spoke with HUMMER's Martin Walsh at the New York Auto Show this week and a diesel is in the cards for the H3, and it will be different than the diesel six-cylinder being used in Europe. Since the 4.5L fits in anything that GM's small-block V8 does, the European diesel six is possible, but a smaller diesel seems more likely. To that end, we've heard rumors since last spring of a new diesel V6 being developed for use in the H3. We don't know when it's ultimately going to arrive, but it will, and change is clearly afoot on the powertrain side at HUMMER.

[Source: PickupTruck.com, Photo: Alex Núñez]

2010 HUMMER H3 to get direct-inject 3.6L V6 as base engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Science magazine declares ethanol worse for the Earth than fossil fuels

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Technology

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.

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The US according to Lutz: ethanol, yes, diesels, not so much

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green, Technology, GM

In the fuel economy and future tech debate, the hybrid vs. diesel vs. hydrogen fuel cells vs. smaller cars and smaller engines always provokes a fair bit of discussion among Autoblog commentators. At this point, no one yet knows what's going to win since nobody knows how the volatile mix of products, timelines, prices, regulations, legislation, state standards, and gas prices will ultimately pan out. Bob Lutz's prediction is that diesels, at least as far as the US is concerned, won't be much of a factor.

His reasoning is simple: "I think customers are going to say, 'Wait a minute. At equal fuel prices I'm paying $4,000 more for this." Unlike many countries in Europe, the US offers no incentive for people to buy diesels. In the States the price of a diesel vehicle is often more than $1,000 higher than that of a gasoline-engined car, and diesel fuel is just as expensive as gas (throughout California and other states, it's slightly more expensive than premium unleaded). In that case, Lutz's opinion is that just about all the customer will glean from an oilburner is a higher car payment.

Lutz sees diesel uptake in the US hovering at about eight-percent. The technology he sees as winning the day: ethanol. It's clean, it's easy to integrate into the refueling infrastructure, and it "doesn't require a change in consumer behavior." (Except for the people in emerging markets who've seen the price of corn skyrocket.) For another take on the fuel economy battle, according to Kelly Blue Book, 40-percent of US new car shoppers think hybrids are the future, with just 17-percent citing flex-fuel.

[Source: The Car Connection]

The US according to Lutz: ethanol, yes, diesels, not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Autoline on Autoblog

THE BREAKTHROUGH WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR?

There seems to be an anti-ethanol bias in so much of the media that GM's recent announcement didn't get the kind of coverage it deserves. Did you miss it, too? Here's the news: GM is teaming up with a company called Coskata that's come up with a breakthrough to make cellulosic ethanol.

But there's a big difference between their effort and everyone else's. Coskata's process goes way beyond using switch grass. It can use any kind of agricultural waste. Even more importantly, it can use a lot of municipal waste, i.e., most the stuff we're dumping into landfills. In fact, it can use anything that has carbon in it, including used tires.

Move over Brazil! We're about to get into the ethanol game in a big way.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to finish reading this week's editorial.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A1GP switches to ethanol mix, ships fuel to New Zealand

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Green

Switching a racing series to ethanol? Smart. Shipping the ethanol around the world to show how green that racing series is? Less so.

A1GP has announced that its upcoming race in New Zealand will mark the inauguration of the series' switch to E30 Hiperflo ethanol-gasoline blend, which, as organizers point out, cuts CO2 emissions by 21% and, of course, reduces the use of fossil fuels. The mixture is specially made for use in A1GP and consists of 30% ethanol and 70% gasoline. While IndyCars and Champ Cars have run on methanol since the '60s, both series are based in the US and have to ship their fuel to fewer races abroad than A1GP.

Logistical considerations aside, overall we say it's a good thing that motorsports are shifting to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly fuel sources. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show this week we heard all about the American Le Mans Series and its green intentions. Ferrari, which is set to begin supplying the engines for A1GP in two years, revealed its bio-ethanol-powered 430 Spider in Detroit, as well. Meanwhile, the FIA has revealed a preliminary timeline for introducing a new F1 engine formula that's anticipated to include environmental measures.

Excerpt from the press release after the jump.

[Source: A1GP via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading A1GP switches to ethanol mix, ships fuel to New Zealand

A1GP switches to ethanol mix, ships fuel to New Zealand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Ferrari fills in details on F430 Spider Bio Fuel

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Ferrari

click above to view more images of the Ferrari 430 Spider Bio Fuel

Ferrari's press conference here in Detroit was rather short and to the point. They reminded us that Kimi is World Champion and that the team is busy readying his defense. They also pointed out that the F430 GT is doing a bang-up job in GT2. And then they talked about the street cars. Besides telling us that Ferrari had a record year, with sales up 8% to 6,400 units worldwide, they also showed the E85 ethanol-powered version of the F430 Spider we talked about yesterday. The F430 Spider Bio Fuel runs on the familiar mix of 85% natural ethanol and 15% gasoline, which results in a modest 10HP power bump and fuel economy that improves by 5% over the standard gas-only V8. So that means that the sweet-sounding 4.3-liter plant is now good for a true 500 HP.

The bio fuel car on display in Detroit is still labeled a concept, but the company says that it'd like to put it into production as part of its efforts to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions 40% by 2012. As we mentioned yesterday, the regions where ethanol is readily available - like the Midwest states, Brazil and Sweden - are not major markets for the sportscar maker. But ethanol is already being used in the ALMS and elsewhere, so Ferrari already has some experience with it. We already put in our request to have one in the AB Garage. We'll let you know how that goes.

[Source: Ferrari]

Gallery: Ferrari 430 Spider Bio Fuel

Detroit 2008: Ferrari fills in details on F430 Spider Bio Fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Racing releases sketch of Vantage GT2

Alex Nunez — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Aston Martin

Click image to enlarge

Aston Martin has officially completed the GT-class superfecta with the announcement of its new Vantage GT2. Aston Martin Racing has unveiled the first sketch of the GT2-class racing car, which is based on the V8 Vantage. The Vantage GT2 has been designed to be campaigned on either normal race fuel or E85 in race series that allow the bio-based juice, such as ALMS. It joins the stable of AM racers that already includes the Le Mans-winning DBR9 GT1 car, the DBRS9 GT3 car, and the Vantage N24 GT4 racer. The menacing GT2 car will be fully unveiled next week in Birmingham at the Autosport International show. Stay tuned for more.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Racing releases sketch of Vantage GT2

Aston Martin Racing releases sketch of Vantage GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E85 as a performance fuel? Could be, according to General Motors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Chevrolet, GM

Taking a short break from wrangling the new HHR SS around the track at the Bondurant School for High Performance Driving (see above -- that's me), we got a chance to speak with some of the engineers behind the SS series of vehicles, among others. We took that opportunity to ask whether or not GM has considered using the alcohol-based E85 fuel as a high performance option -- as opposed to just marketing E85 as a "green" fuel. Perhaps not too surprisingly, the idea has been considered at General Motors. E85 happens to have a very high octane rating. The fuel burns at a comparatively low temperature, meaning that additional power can be extracted from a given amount as compared to gasoline. Turbocharged vehicles offer an excellent opportunity to tap into that additional available power, so the fact that it was left off the HHR SS probably means that we're not likely to see that angle of the corny-fuel any time soon.

E85 as a performance fuel? Could be, according to General Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Chris Shunk — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Green, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Jay Leno is among the world's most famous car enthusiasts, and he seems to appear in a major auto publication every single month. Of course, there is a good reason for all the pub: he has some kick-ass cars. One of his newest white diamonds is the C6RS E85 Corvette, which started life as a stock Z06 and ended up with an 8.2L E85-capable engine and plenty of racing parts. We interviewed Steve Hofmann of Jay's Big Dog Garage, and he had plenty of details concerning the C6RS green machine. Click play on the video above to check it out.

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

SEMA 2007 VIDEO: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 pops into GM party

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:01:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Click the image above for updated gallery of this sweet '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85.

We stumbled upon Chevy's popcorn hotrod at the Wynn tonight and we liked what we saw. While calling this thing green is indeed a bit of a stretch to many observers, in person it at least fits the hot rod tag to a T. With its 2.0L, E85-fueled, Ecotec four prominently displayed, it managed to attract some curious looks. Knowing that little four-banger uses GM's Performance Parts Stage III package and a giant turbo to pump out 500 HP, it seems to have the stones to back up the hot rod looks. Definitely a looker inside and out with a menacing stance and a purely functional cockpit, it could be Chevy's Prowler if they decide to get whacky.

Take a look at the full press release after the jump for all the details.

Gallery: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

Continue reading SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 pops into GM party

SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 pops into GM party originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Click the image above for more pics of the '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85.

Two things that are diametrically opposed - hot rods and going green - have been fused into one open wheel custom for the throngs of SEMA-goers this week. The General is bringing a '34 Chevy hot rod to the show, outfitted with a 2.0-liter Ecotec four tuned to run on E85, and equipped with GM's Performance Parts Stage III package plus a larger turbo. 35-inch Excelsior rear tires partnered with 29-inch gumballs up front assure that presence will not be lacking when it's on display in Vegas tomorrow. Other notable tidbits include a custom front suspension with lightening holes drilled into the hardware, a reversed Corvair steering box mated to custom fabricated linkage and what GM is calling "earth-friendly" interior materials.

Take a look at the full press release after the jump for all the details.

Gallery: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

Continue reading SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85

SEMA 2007: '34 Chevrolet Coupe E85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: GM to show Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept

Alex Nunez — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Green, Opel

Click image for gallery

General Motors' Opel division will use the IAA in Frankfurt to push its ecoFLEX initiative, which will see the automaker leverage multiple technologies to help lower its offerings' CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Headlining ecoFLEX for the automaker is the Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept, which mates a 1.3L diesel with the next-gen Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) light hybrid system (BAS is the mild hybrid setup used in the Saturn Green Line vehicles), which trades in the current system's NiMH battery for a lithium-ion unit. The arrangement is good for a claimed fuel economy rating of 62.7 mpg (3.75 L/100km). It also emits just 99 g/km of CO2 per km.

Joining the Hybrid Concept in Frankfurt is the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, which has 75 hp, boasts fuel economy of 52 mpg and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. In addition, Opel will showcase CNG-powered vehicles, promote its "Eco-Turbo" approach to using smaller turbocharged engines that match the power of larger units but are more efficient and cleaner-running. Finally, the Vectra FlexPower will be on display, which is powered by the 175 hp E85-compatible 2.0L turbo engine used in the Saab 9-5 BioPower models.

This puts Opel in line with other European competitors, which are also actively downsizing engines and embracing biofuels, etc.

[Source: Opel]

Gallery: Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: GM to show Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept

Frankfurt Preview: GM to show Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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