Autoblog

REPORT: Honda warming up to idea of electric vehicles

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Japan, Honda, Electric

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

With offerings like the FCX Clarity and the Insight, it's been clear what technologies Honda favors for environmentally-friendly transportation. But a change in strategy conceded by CEO Takanobu Ito could see Honda focusing more energy on plug-in electric vehicles in the near future.

Although Honda takes the standpoint that battery technology has not progressed enough for widespread implementation in passenger vehicles, difficulty setting up hydrogen fueling stations have forced Japan's second largest automaker to reconsider its strategy. With regulations constricting, especially in California, Honda will reportedly be shifting its focus to electric vehicles for the American market as well as for Europe and its own home turf in Japan.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Honda warming up to idea of electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Electric

Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault has created a new website that is dedicated to promoting its upcoming model range of battery powered cars. The site is actually about more than just the Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe and Twizzy. It also offers explanations of how Renault hopes to make these cars mainstream and affordable. It appears from the information provided that Renault plans to sell all of its EVs without a battery pack. The energy storage system will all be leased separately with payments going to a chosen energy supplier. There will be the three options for replenishing the charge.

Europeans can use their standard 220V / 10-16A outlet to charge in 6-8 hours. A standardized fast charge connector is currently being developed among multiple automakers and utilities, and it should facilitate 20-30 minute charges with a 400 V / 36 A, three-phase source. Finally, Renault appears set to implement battery swap capabilities across its full lineup for three minute battery changes. Along with the main site there, Renault has also added a video blog that thus far contains a series of videos shot at the Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the ZEV lineup. You can check out one the videos after the jump. Thanks to Shadowcast for the tip!

Gallery: Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept

[Source: Renault-ZE.com]

Continue reading Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën, Electric, Diesel

Images assumed to be the final take on the Citroen C-Cactus have found their way online, and there is a whole lotta ugly going on up front. When we heard Citroen was actually going to make a production car based on the concept we wrote "let's just hope they don't keep too much of the melted-candle look." Thankfully, they didn't.

But what they did was squash the front end of the Citroen GT, add some Nissan-esque headlights and enough curvy shut lines to confuse a protractor, then topped it off with some Klingon forehead bulges running from hood to fenders. Then they gave it a tiny body and rested the package on little wheels. If nothing else, it is arresting.

Touted as a city car, the C-Cactus -- about the size of a Sandero -- would offer three powerplants: a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gas engine with 90 hp; a 1.4-liter diesel hybrid; and an electric car. This car could also be the first in Citroen's Essentielle sub-brand of Eco cars which are, according to latest reports, due to roll out in 2012.

[Source: Auto Internationaal via Euro Car Blog]

Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British government drags its feet, Tata threatens to cancel Indica EV for the UK

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hatchback, Jaguar, Land Rover, UK, Tata, Electric

In January, the UK government set aside £2.3 billion for loan guarantees to help automakers start producing electric cars on the island. In April, Tata applied for £10 billion from the program to build its Indica Vista EV. Last week the Indian firm was told that it would be another eight weeks before the Department for Business Innovation and Skills would decide on Tata's application.

Tata can't understand what the holdup is and plans to deliver a petition to the minister in charge of the program to make its case. It can't help that while Tata waits it's watching UK government figures give speeches at Nissan facilities in an attempt to woo the Japanese automaker to produce electric cars in England. Nor can it help that Tata's Norwegian arm has already been approved by for a loan by the Norwegian government to make electric cars there.

Tata is also waiting on its €340 billion European Investment Bank loan to be approved by the UK government. That loan was for Jaguar and Land Rover aid, but the issue of both loans is said to be about the British government wanting to make sure that Tata can repay the money. If the government doesn't decide soon, they might have much bigger things to deliberate on -- like more job losses at JLR...

[Source: Guardian]

British government drags its feet, Tata threatens to cancel Indica EV for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota plans to manufacture up to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012

Michael Harley — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Toyota

Fanning competition against GM's upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in, the Nikkei business daily reports that Toyota Motor Corp. plans to manufacture 20,000 to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012. Toyota allegedly wants pricing comparable to Mitsubishi's all-electric car, which is set to debut this month to fleet customers in Japan (both vehicles are eligible for government subsidies).

Toyota's plug-in vehicles will be powered by lithium-ion batteries co-developed with Panasonic EV Energy Co. and are expected to offer a full-charge range between 20 to 30 km (12.4 to 18.6 miles) on battery power alone. According to the paper, Toyota would not comment on future product plans.

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

REPORT: Toyota plans to manufacture up to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new Audi: more performance, less weight

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Technology, Audi

Audi is developing the groundwork for an entirely new way of building its cars. The future for the four rings is light weight, giving it the proper base to support the best hybrid and electric cars, as well as extract the most from its traditional offerings.

As previously reported, the first example from the test lab is an S5 that is 400 kg -- yes, 880 pounds -- lighter than a traditional S5. Whereas the conventional S5 uses a 354 hp V8, the experimental utilizes a 230 hp four-cylinder, yet laps the 'Ring a humongous eight seconds faster than the V8. The test, of course, is to make such technology cost feasible to consumers and safe to boot.

The reduced calorie S5 is a hybrid steel and aluminum body built over a spaceframe, but Audi didn't say what the spaceframe was composed of. One hopes that they haven't started off with something unobtanium, and that given time, VW group scale could keep the price within a single-digit percent of the current car. If Audi does manage to get the light weight, safety, and affordability equation correct, that could make them... Lotus.

[Source: Autocar]

The new Audi: more performance, less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ariel planning all-new alt-powered vehicle

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Green, Supercars

Ariel Atom - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Ariel, our favorite purveyors of minimalist motoring this side of a Se7en, are reportedly working on an all-new vehicle that won't be powered by a standard engine and would "break new ground in the same way that the Atom first did."

According to Ariel's head Simon Saunders, the new model will be a significant departure from the Atom, nixing the exposed tube-frame chassis and mid-ship powerplant. Those decisions have allowed Ariel to look at new drivetrains - including fuel cells and electric motors - but Saunders insists that the company's core philosophy of light weight and spine-crushing acceleration won't be compromised. Additionally, Ariel has no intention of competing with the world's largest automakers. Speaking with PistonHeads, Saunders said, "We don't want to take on the established manufacturers. We will use our knowledge from building the Atom to produce a car for a totally new segment."

Although plans for an all-new model packing a 12-liter engine producing between 600 and 800 hp have been shelved, Ariel is currently working on another Atom variant equipped with a 500 hp, 2.4-liter V8 aimed to compete with the Caterham R500. And if that wasn't enough, Ariel is also contemplating a return to its roots with production of a new motorcycle.

Gallery: Ariel Atom

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: Ariel planning all-new alt-powered vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #126

Dan Roth — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Podcasts, Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM, Earnings/Financials, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The esteemed Mr. Lavrinc joins us for Episode #126 of the Autoblog Podcast, and Dan shows up late, but we still pack in an hour and a half of goodness. Starting with the Autoblog Garage kicks off a discussion about diesel and then electric vehicles and technology. The GM/Fiat/Chrysler dealings are once again kicked around for quite a while, with a wide ranging discussion of what Fiat platforms might be coming, and how GM's shrinkage strikes us. We move on to the death of Knight Rider, lamenting the loss of Nunez's liveblog, before we split opinions on Cash for Clunkers and finish with some letters. Thanks for hanging in for the full hour and a half, please keep your feedback rolling in to podcast at autoblog dot com.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator... or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #126

Autoblog Podcast #126 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Buffet recharges his batteries with investment in BYD

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, Technology

Chinese battery manufacturer BYD can now be mentioned in the same breath as Goldman Sachs: both have recently been given the blue-chip imprimatur by U.S. billionaire investor Warren Buffet. The Oracle of Omaha's MidAmerican Energy Holdings has bought a 10-percent stake in BYD for $230 million.

BYD has big plans for its lithium-ion battery work and its automotive division. The company's automaking arm builds - or clones, depending on your viewpoint - cars that it intends to eventually export around the world, including America. Its ultimate aim is create its own cars that run on its own batteries, like the e6. Assuming that BYD gets the batteries to work, and then can sell them to other automakers, the company will have a huge competitive advantage. If it can sell its cars, that is.

Buffett's investment will help BYD achieve that, and should help Buffett make even more money. BYD says another planned use of that $230 million is to accelerate its move into the U.S. market, which was planned for 2010. When they finally do arrive, we'll see if Buffett has as much faith in their vehicles as he does in their batteries.

[Source: IHT]

Warren Buffet recharges his batteries with investment in BYD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan's Nuvu electric car to compete with Toyota iQ

Michael Harley — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Europe, Green, Paris Motor Show, Nissan

October's Paris Motor Show will be the stage for Nissan to unveil their new Nuvu concept, an electric 2+1 micro-car that would compete with the Toyota iQ if the automaker rolls it out. At less than ten feet long, the Nuvu will be about the same size as a smart fortwo, but powered solely by a battery. There are two main seats and an extra seat for a third passenger. According to Nissan, there is "sufficient space for a typical supermarket or shopping expedition". Demonstrating Nissan's commitment to EV technology, and their environmentally-conscience green side, the Nuvu's all-glass roof is covered with solar panels placed in the pattern of leaves on a tree. The "trunk" of the tree is the conduit feeding the power to the battery. Nissan hasn't released pictures of their newest EV, but we promise full details and a gallery when we see it in person next month.

[Source: Autocar]

Nissan's Nuvu electric car to compete with Toyota iQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz to introduce fully turbocharged lineup by 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:16:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Smart

When it comes to increasing fuel economy, turbochargers are the replacement for displacement. The combination of highly efficient snails and smaller engines provides the power people expect, while reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Like other automakers that have realized that forced induction is a suitable stop-gap for improving fuel economy, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of developing turbo'd engines that will proliferate throughout its lineup in the next two and a half years.

Thomas Weber, a Daimler board member in charge of research and development told Automotive News, "All our vehicles will have turbocharged engines in series production by the end of 2010 at the latest."

Mercedes is joining BMW and Audi by investing heavily into forced induction, primarily to cope with new fuel economy standards in the U.S. and Europe. But turbos are only going to take them so far. Mercedes plans to introduce hybrids into its lineup towards the close of the decade, beginning with the S-class sedan in 2009. According to Weber, zero-emission vehicles are the automaker's long-term goal and Daimler intends to push heavily towards fuel-cells and electric-powered vehicle in the future, including an electric smart fortwo which will go into production sometime in 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes-Benz to introduce fully turbocharged lineup by 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen debuts zero-emission Tiguan HyMotion in the U.S.

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Green, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tiguan HyMotion

Volkswagen has shown off its Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept for the first time in California. The five-passenger SUV, based on the Volkswagen Tiguan, features a hydrogen fuel cell powering an electric motor. The electric motor may also pull power from a 6.8 Ampere-hour lithium-ion battery that is recharged by recuperating braking energy. The VW hybrid generates 107 horsepower under normal conditions. With assist from its auxiliary energy battery, the total output increases to 134 horsepower. According to VW, that is enough power to push the Tiguan HyMotion to 60 mph in about 14 seconds and a top speed is 93 mph.

While the performance is less-than-stellar, you have to remember that the Tiguan HyMotion produces zero tailpipe emissions. Yes, the only thing coming out of the pipe is clean water vapor. It's a concept, however, so don't expect to see it in showrooms anytime soon.

Gallery: Volkswagen Tiguan HyMotion

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen debuts zero-emission Tiguan HyMotion in the U.S.

Volkswagen debuts zero-emission Tiguan HyMotion in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nardelli: Chrysler open to more partnerships

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Last month, a major announcement was made regarding an effort between Nissan and Chrysler to share products. Specifically, Nissan will build a small car for Chrysler and receive a large truck in return. It seems as if the Pentastar brand could use some more help when it comes to offering the types of vehicles that the public wants as quickly as possible. To that end, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli says, "If we can have similar arrangements ... and it makes financial sense and supports our dealer network relative to what customers are telling them they want, we're going to go do it." What customers want is fuel efficient vehicles, something which Chrysler is not exactly well positioned with at the moment.

In related news, Nardelli also mentions that Chrysler sees hybrids and electric cars as the most viable options moving forward to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The first hybrid vehicles from Chrysler are expected to be the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUV's, which use a version of the dual mode hybrid system that is currently offered by GM on the Tahoe and Yukon.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Nardelli: Chrysler open to more partnerships originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 May 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to offer electric vehicles within ten years

Chris Shunk — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Green, Audi

Audi has been quietly going about the business of preparing its lineup for a green future, with cleaner and more efficient diesels in Europe, and oil-burners scheduled for the US in the near future. While the German automaker realizes diesel will be big in the next 10 years, it's also planning for life without emissions. Audi exec Rupert Stadler says the four-ringed automaker is primed to offer an electric vehicle in the next five to ten years. Meanwhile, Audi's German competition has been talking up its green position, but Stadler points out that the Volkswagen-owned brand has more research resources to exercise its options.

With the emissions belt being tightened both here in the US and in Europe, every automaker is going to have to make huge changes to its vehicles to stay in the game, and Audi is no different. We're going to be the big winners during these changing times, and while a battery-powered R8 won't sound as good as its petrol-powered twin, we like the idea of plugging in our sports car instead of filling it with gas every few days.

[Source: Reuters]

Audi to offer electric vehicles within ten years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nanotech research stumbles on homemade hydrogen

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Technology

Efficiency is a large stumbling block if you're looking for a way to replace gasoline. It's pretty hard to better such an exceptional fuel, and several alternatives show promise but are nagged by inefficiencies or cost, and usually both. Nanotech to the rescue; it may soon be possible to produce your own hydrogen at home cheaply and easily, and NiMH batteries and fuel cells also stand to become less expensive and offer much better performance. With claims like that, QuantumSphere might well be selling fairy dust, but the Portland, Oregon-based company has developed a nanoparticle coating that may end up being the key to making alternative fuels actually viable.

QuantumSphere's catalytic nanoparticle coatings have 1,000 times the surface area of traditional materials, which means that more catalytic action can be housed in the same space. It's the the highly reactive nature of the coatings that allows cheap home electrolysis, also boding well for replacing precious metals like platinum in fuel cells with a coated piece of stainless steel. QuantumSphere's president Kevin Maloney claims that his company's technology makes electrolysers so efficient that they can supply hydrogen on demand while driving. The technology will roll out later this year in a battery that uses a coated cathode for a five-fold increase in energy density, which translates into a 320-percent power gain over alkaline cells. If things go QuantumSphere's way, we won't be paying $100,000 for the Tesla Roadster in a few years, and it will have an even better range than already promised.

[Source: Automotive Design Line]

Nanotech research stumbles on homemade hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New fuel economy report to finally recommend diesels and hybrids for first time

Michael Harley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:17:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green

In a move sure to be embraced by environmentalists, a panel of trusted outside experts is finally recommending to federal regulators that light-duty diesel engines and hybrids should be regarded as available technologies to improve fuel economy. Neither of these technologies were included in a previous report released in 2001 when hybrids were not as mainstream as they are today and diesel emissions standards were lower than they are now.

The study is part of an initiative to meet the stricter standards set by our nation's new energy law enacted this past December. That measure calls for a 40-percent increase in both car and truck standards to a 35 mpg fleet average by 2020. While the addition of diesel and hybrid technology is welcomed news, the recommendation is embarrassingly behind the times (at least for hybrids) and this time around forgets to include all-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

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

New fuel economy report to finally recommend diesels and hybrids for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghosn on Middle East tour: Electric cars in Israel, factory in Morocco

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, Renault

Renault-Nissan president Carlos Ghosn is arguably one of the most effective automotive industry executives, and having just embarked upon a tour of the Middle East, may prove to be more effective than the endless stream of government and military envoys parading in and out of sand-swept capitals.

Ghosn flew to Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Shimon Peres and announced a project to launch an electric vehicle network in the country's burgeoning and overcrowded Mediterranean metropolis of Tel Aviv. The project, called "Better Place", is being led by former SAP executive Shai Agassi (seen shaking hands with Ghosn above), and is financially supported by Israel Corp, the holding company that controls shipping giant Zim and recently embarked upon an automotive joint venture in China. (The Knesset, Israel's parliament that usually has to support any such ventures itself financially, has paved the way by preparing supportive legislation.) Renault will develop the vehicles, which are projected to have a 160-km range on the highway, or 100 in the city, hit 100km/h (62mph) in 13 seconds and top out at 110 km/h. The cars are expected to hit the shuk (that's "market" in Hebrew and Arabic) in 2011.

While he was at it, Ghosn hopped over to Morocco to announce the construction of a new plant for Renault and Nissan. (Yes, we know Morocco is not technically part of the Middle East, but Northern Africa is often grouped together with it. So please don't shoot us.) The new factory in Tangiers will have a capacity of 400,000 vehicles per year and will employ 6,000 directly and 30,000 indirectly. Renault will use the facility to build cars on the cost-effective Dacia Logan platform, while Nissan will manufacture light commercial vehicles there, as well.

[Source: Reuters, Photo by DAVID FURST/AFP/Getty]

Ghosn on Middle East tour: Electric cars in Israel, factory in Morocco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Hang Ten with Tang Hua

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, China, Green

Click above for mini gallery of high-res hilarity

Sister site AB Green did a post on the Tang Hua clan yesterday, but we had to get in on the fun, too. A trio of bright yellow Dr. Suess-mobiles are being displayed by the Chinese company in the basement of COBO. As you might imagine, Chinese cars don't necessarily get that much respect here in Detroit, but when they look like these three Disneyland rejects, showgoers can't help but smile. Or laugh. And they don't even have the decency to run on dead dino juice, so that just makes them even more comical here in Motor City. Each of these three "neighborhood electric vehicles" has its own charms, but we tend to like the amphibious one above the best. And what better customer to espouse your product than the "Renowned environmentalists - President Bush..."

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Tang Hua Chinese electric vehicles

Detroit 2008: Hang Ten with Tang Hua originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make it up to the kid with an Alfa Spider

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Alfa Romeo

Uh-oh. The big day came and went and you forgot a present for that pint-size kiddie on your shopping list. This is gonna cost ya. We'd charge you for information on the ultimate "stop crying, let me make it up to you" gift, but our lawyers insist it's legally questionable and our life coach says it's "wrong", whatever that means.

So here's what you want to get to make the kid forget the conspicuous and disappointing void under the tree: an Alfa Romeo. Okay, not a real one, but everything is relative and to a child, this will seem just as cool - trust us. These downsized rideable Alfa Spiders are available with a choice of body-styles - 8C Competizione or Brera - and powertrain. A hair under three bills will get pedal-power, or an extra two hundred nets the 6-volt electric version. Shipping's extra if you live outside the UK, and the roadsters are made for kids ages 2-5. Oh, and they're available only in red.

If your kid's passion lies elsewhere than with Alfa Romeo, we'd recommend a better education. In the meantime, don't fret: Turbo Toys has a variety of similar ride-ons, including a Maserati, Audi TT, Jag XK, Porsche, and several Ferraris.

You can thank us later.

[Source: Turbo Toys via Carscoop]

Make it up to the kid with an Alfa Spider originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is confusing the blog out of us with its nomenclature. Sure, it's usually pretty straightforward: one letter for the class, three numbers for the (approximate) engine displacement. Tack on 4Matic for all-wheel-drive, chop off a zero and add AMG for the performance models. But they just about lost us on this one.

In Frankfurt Mercedes unveiled two new hybrid versions of the S-Class: the S300 Bluetec Hybrid with diesel-electric power, and the S400 Hybrid with gas-electric power. In Los Angeles, however, they took the wraps off the S400 Bluetec Hybrid. Still with us? Well, they lost us, too. This version packs a V6 diesel coupled with an electric motor to provide 265 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, resulting in what Mercedes calls V8 performance with four-cylinder economy: 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and 40.5 mpg on the highway.

While the previous S400 Hybrid unveiled in Frankfurt was gas-electric, the S300 Bluetec Hybrid unveiled with it was stated as producing 413 lb-ft of torque to this S400 Bluetec Hybrid's stated 465. Still, the press materials didn't specifically differentiate it from its Frankfurt-revealed stablemate, and nobody at the Mercedes booth here in LA could tell us if this was actually a different model. Think you can make sense of it? The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Gallery: LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think

LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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