Autoblog

Americans driving fewest miles since 2003

Zach Bowman — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST

USA Today reports that Americans are driving less today than they were one year ago. According to a new study by the Department of Transportation, travel on U.S. roads has declined by around 1.3 percent through the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2010. That equates to around 26 billion vehicle miles, or the lowest figure since 2003.

The report also indicates that travel varied by area somewhat. The Northeast, for example, curtailed its travel by 2.2 percent in August compared to the same month in 2010, while drivers in the West cut back by just 1.2 percent.

There's no clear indication as to the reason behind the decline, though as USA Today points out, higher fuel prices likely played a part. A gallon of regular gasoline cost driver $3.68 in August; up a full dollar from the same period last year.

Americans driving fewest miles since 2003 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Americans driving less, log fewest miles since 2004

Chris Shunk — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

The price of a gallon of gasoline has been a major downer so far in 2011, and data shows that it may be affecting driving habits. According to The Detroit News, the Federal Highway Administration claims that Americans drove 1.453 trillion miles in the first half of 2011. That's down 1.1 percent compared to the first six months of 2010, or an eye-popping 15.5 billion fewer miles compared to the first half of last year. In fact, the government report shows that total miles are down to the lowest level since 2004.

Traffic was down on both rural and urban roads during that time span, though the greater drop occurred outside our nation's cities. Rural roads dropped by 1.7 percent, while urban roads declined by only one percent.

There is no telling if economic woes and pricey petrol will continue to keep Americans out of their vehicles in the second half of 2011, but it's a solid bet that we'll fall short of the 3 trillion miles traveled in 2010.

Americans driving less, log fewest miles since 2004 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reuters: Gasoline prices begin falling, may be past 2011 peak

Chris Shunk — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The price of a gallon of crude may have dropped by $16 in the past month, but for the most part, gas prices haven't followed suit. In fact, the nationwide average hit $4 per gallon just last week, or $1.10 higher than it was at this time in 2010.

But while relief at the pump feels far from fruition, Reuters reports that the worst may be behind us. Gas prices have dropped to a national average of $3.96, the first decrease in eight weeks. Diesel fuel is cheaper as well, down 4.3 cents to $4.03 per gallon.

Phil Flynn of PFGBest Research in Chicago reportedly told Reuters, "I think we've turned the corner and we should expect to see substantial price drops in the coming weeks." Flynn adds that we should see a national price of $3.50 per gallon at some point in the summer. Guy Caruso of the Center for Strategic and International Studies goes a step further, speculating that we may have already seen the peak gas price for 2011.

It's hard to believe that we're looking forward to $3.50 per gallon gasoline, but even a cut of 50 cents per gallon can be a big relief on the family budget. If, for example, you drive 15,000 miles per year and your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon in mixed driving, a per-gallon drop of 50 cents could result in another $300 in your pocket at the end of the year.

It's still early, but we're thinking that the downward trend of oil prices means that relief at the pump is relatively close. Of course, we're not likely to pay $2.50 per gallon again anytime soon, but we'll take whatever we can get.

Reuters: Gasoline prices begin falling, may be past 2011 peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Price of oil plummets below $100, gas may fall to $3.50/gallon by June

Chris Shunk — Fri, 06 May 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The United States economy has been on the up-swing over the past year and a half, but recent data shows that economic growth is slowing and unemployment is once again creeping upward. That certainly isn't good news, but but those factors are starting to take their toll on the fuel prices... for the better.

The price of a barrel of oil dropped by $9.44 on Thursday alone, lowering the price below $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. According to the Associated Press, the per-barrel price reportedly dropped further to $97/barrel early Friday, and the trend may not reverse itself any time soon.

Some analysts feel that we may see some relief at the fuel pump, with prices dropping to an average of $3.75 per gallon by Memorial Day, and $3.50 by mid-summer. Currently, the price of a gallon of petrol rests at about $4.00 per gallon nation-wide, though many areas are paying much more.

That's great news for commuters, but the New York Times Green blog points out that the precipitous price drop was less of a trend and more of a market correction. Demand for oil in India and China, the two countries with the highest population by far, continues to grow at a substantial rate. That means any substantial drop in demand over the long term is unlikely. At any rate, the price of a gallon of gas should drop a bit in the near future, and at this point, we'll take what we can get.

Price of oil plummets below $100, gas may fall to $3.50/gallon by June originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

According to the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Monthly Statistical Report, U.S. gasoline deliveries for the first half of 2010 averaged 8.88 million barrels per day, 0.6 percent lower than the corresponding period a year ago. Though the drop in demand is minuscule, it does provide us with an indication that despite low gas prices and a rebounding economy, U.S. demand for gas continues to wane.

The numbers for the month of June paint a more vivid picture of our declining need for gas. June gasoline deliveries of 9.18 million barrel per day were the lowest level for any June on record since 2004 and were 0.5 percent lower than June 2009 deliveries. To gain a better understanding of the numbers, gasoline prices in 2004 barely cracked $2, whereas prices now sit at a nationwide average just north of $2.70.

API chief economist John Felmy offered additional insight into the declining demand for gas:

The listless economic recovery continues to take a bite out of gasoline demand. It's clear from the gasoline deliveries data that consumer confidence in the economy remains shaky. This certainly supports API's position that increased taxes or other anti-jobs policies by Congress or the administration could increase unemployment and harm our economic recovery.

While economists like to attribute decreased demand for gasoline to our shaky economical situation, we'd also point out that advancements in fuel-saving technologies lead to a dwindling need for gas. Follow the jump for more info from the API.

[Source: American Petroleum Institute | Image: FutureAtlas - C.C License 2.0]

Continue reading API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years

API: June demand for gasoline at lowest level in six years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Vehicles manufactured by Volvo are the subject of two different recalls newly announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). The recalls, both involving problems with fuel systems, cover more than 140,000 vehicles manufactured within the past decade.

The first recall is directed at 136,100 2001-2005 model year S60, S80, V70, XC70, and XC90 vehicles sold and operated in warmer climates. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump can develop cracks in its flange when exposed to hot temperatures (and thermal cycling) combined with varying fuel quality. A compromised flange may leak fuel and/or result in a fire. Owners are instructed to bring their vehicles into the dealer for inspection. If the part is defective, Volvo will replaced it with modified flange at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

The second recall is directed at 5,253 2010 model year XC60 vehicles. According to NHTSA, a fuel line rail cover designed to protect the fuel lines on the XC60 may be improperly attached, thus exposing the lines to damage. The damaged pieces may leak, possibly resulting in a fire. Owners of the affected models are asked to bring their vehicles to the dealer for inspection and/or a repair at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

Owners are asked to contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information. The full text from both recall notices is after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns

Michael Harley — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart - Click above for high-res gallery

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall of potentially 6,903 Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart vehicles fitted with 2.0-liter turbocharged engines falling between model year 2008 and 2009. According to the report, running the engine at certain speeds over time may cause a damaging vibration that could lead to a stress crack in the fuel pipe (the fuel return pipe is apparently improperly attached to the engine). If a crack does develop, the resulting fuel leakage could cause a fire.

Dealers will be instructed to replace the fuel pipe with a new component and add two new additional attachment brackets to lessen the effects of vibration. Of course, all of this work will be performed free of charge. Owners of the recalled Mitsubishi vehicles may contact the manufacturer at 1-888-648-7820, contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov regarding campaign ID 09V349000.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns

Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Codemasters' FUEL features 5,000+ square miles of drivable terrain

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Toys/Games

Codemasters Fuel - Click above to watch the video

Getting tired of driving over the same virtual circuits over and over again? Sure, it's a good way to get to know a track, but if can get tiresome. That's why Codemasters - the game studio behind DiRT, Grid and the upcoming F1 series - is releasing Fuel.

The arcade-style racing game boasts a Guinness World Record for the most virtual terrain in any video game: a whopping 5,560 square miles of drivable turf. To design the digital turf layout, developers took the entire Western United States and put the best into the game, encompassing everything from city streets and desert highways to switchback country roads and snowy mountain passes, in all manner of weather conditions.

The paddock of vehicles includes motorbikes, race cars and trucks, but they're all fictitious, so if you're looking for a realistic racing simulator, look elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you're looking for an old-school arcade game with a virtually endless array of tracks, this game's got your name written all over it. Check out the video after the jump and the high-res screencaps in the gallery below. Fuel releases for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Windows on June 5.

Gallery: Codemasters Fuel

[Source: Codemasters]

Continue reading VIDEO: Codemasters' FUEL features 5,000+ square miles of drivable terrain

VIDEO: Codemasters' FUEL features 5,000+ square miles of drivable terrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interactive map reveals our global oil useage by barrel, money

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The Rocky Mountain Institute has created a nifty interactive map that shows you where the U.S. gets its oil from, along with how much - and who - the U.S. pays for its oil. Based on the thickness of the lines, you can see just how much black stuff is coming from where. The map goes as far back as 1973, the year of the first oil crisis, and is accompanied by a graph charting usage and dollars since then. As you'll notice in the pic above, we give a whole lot of money to Saudi Arabia, as well as our Canuck friends up north.

Additionally, RMI has included information on oil production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Outer Continental Shelf (in the Gulf) There are some interesting factoids to be found: ANWR drilling wouldn't start until 7-12 years after it's opened up, and peak production - up to 1.9 million barrels-per-day - isn't expected to commence until 20-30 years after that. Thus, drilling in the OCS probably won''t have any impact on fuel prices until 2030. Follow the link to check it out for yourself. Hat tip to reader Rick!

[Source: Technology Review]

Interactive map reveals our global oil useage by barrel, money originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybe you should think in gallons-per-mile instead of MPG

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

U.S. university boffins have hypothesized that you'll get a better idea of how much you spend on gas if you start thinking in gallons per mile. With U.S. gas prices headed for the upper atmosphere, people are paying more attention to fuel efficiency numbers. Europeans already express their fuel usage in liters/100 km, which makes sense seeing that they've been paying $5 a gallon for much longer than we have.

The key is that going from 10- to 20-MPG yields higher savings -- which means less money spent on fuel -- than going from 25- to 50-MPG. The former swap yields $25 dollars in savings over 100 miles, the latter yields just $10 in savings. However, if you know that one car uses 5.5 gallons per 100 miles, and another uses 3.5 gallons per 100 miles... then you immediately know which one will cost you less at the pump.

Of course, this all depends on what kind of car you're starting with in the first place. Researcher Richard Larrick said, "We were trying to decide whether to get rid of a minivan and go for a station wagon versus getting rid of a sedan and going for a really high-mileage hybrid car. We realized in the end we were better off trading in the minivan and only gaining 10 miles per gallon then we would be trying to swap out the sedan for a highly efficient car." Thanks for the tip, Stephen!

[Source: Reuters]

Maybe you should think in gallons-per-mile instead of MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gas buyers favor brand, not price

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Marketing/Advertising, First Drives

Oil company advertising is apparently much more effective than we had originally thought. As gasoline prices creep up towards $4.00 per gallon (already there in Southern California), consumers are still more likely to purchase fuel based on brand over price.

According to NPD Group analyst David Portalatin, consumers cite "product performance" as their justification for buying one particular brand over another. It's all due to very effective branding and marketing, cites Portalatin. (We'd have to agree, as we've yet to meet anyone who can discern a difference between a tank of Chevron or Costco fuel from the driver's seat.) Now that the massive oil mergers are behind them, the petroleum giants are focusing on selling "quality" to differentiate themselves from the discount fuel stations. As consumers continue to blindly drive towards big brand gasoline, their efforts are apparently working -- regardless of cost. Let's just hope Starbucks doesn't catch wind of this trend and try a new source of revenue...

[Source Advertising Age, Photo by David McNew, Getty Images]

Gas buyers favor brand, not price originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More cars than ever require premium fuel

Michael Harley — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, First Drives

Whether you call it "premium," "super unleaded," or even "high test," it all means the same thing -- the most expensive gasoline at the pump. In a somewhat counterproductive trend, the skyrocketing cost of fuel is forcing automobile manufacturers to use smaller and more powerful engines, often with forced-induction. Unfortunately, these engines require higher octane... the distinguishing feature of premium fuel.

Kelley Blue Book has been following the trend and according to their analysis, there were 166 vehicle models that required premium fuel in 2002. This year, that number is up to 282. While some automakers only require premium for their highest performing models, companies like BMW call for premium fuel across their model range.

While there is no advantage to running premium fuel in an engine that doesn't call for it, you should run the higher octane fuel in a powerplant designed for it (if in doubt, check the owner's manual, or the inside of the fuel filler door). While nearly every late-model high-performance engine on the road can handle a slightly lower octane rating without damage, don't skimp when filling up as your fuel economy and horsepower will suffer (yes, it will likely negate any savings at the pump).

[Source: USA Today]

More cars than ever require premium fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:03:00 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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Report: Consumers want cup holders, not fuel economy

Michael Harley — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Green, GM, Lifestyle

Consumers prefer cup holders and heated seats over fuel efficiency, according to CNW Marketing Research. That's right, we all talk about how we want our vehicles to be environmentally friendly and easy on gas, but when it comes down to it, what we really want are things to hold our coffee and keep our derrières warm. On the plus side, General Motors is saying fuel economy is becoming more of a priority to shoppers - it points out that four years ago it wasn't even in the top ten (studies by GM list fuel economy behind styling and value). So, what is it going to take to wake up consumers and make fuel efficiency a priority? Most experts feel that a significant hike in the cost of gas will be the kick that sets us straight. Just don't take away the cup holders.

[Source: Forbes via AutoblogGreen]

Report: Consumers want cup holders, not fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche recalling 5,900 Cayennes for fuel line problem

Michael Harley — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Porsche

Click above for a high-resolution gallery of the 2008 Porsche Cayenne.

The Cayenne, Porsche's ultimate sport-ute, is the subject of a new recall to fix a fuel line problem. While the V8 models (including the new GTS) are unaffected, about 5,900 V6 models need to visit the Porsche doctor (a.k.a. any dealer) for repair. The recall centers on a fuel line that may be abraded by engine cladding through normal driving. Initially, a knocking sound is heard that can eventually lead to marking on the fuel line. Dealers will simply reroute the fuel line to solve the problem. No fuss, no muss.

A total of 5,573 Cayennes sold in the United States and 392 sold in Canada are covered by the recall and all are 2008 models.

Gallery: 2008 Porsche Cayenne

[Source: Autoweek]

Porsche recalling 5,900 Cayennes for fuel line problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Chevy Camaro spied, minor details revealed

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

While two Camaro mules were caught at LAX earlier in the week, another was recently captured on the other side of the world. Still sporting the camouflage look that Bob Lutz vowed to banish, the car was spotted on an open trailer somewhere in Australia. The photographer managed to capture an important detail that many fans have been mulling over since the launch of the Camaro concept. That essential feature is the appearance of the fuel door. The concept perched the door on top of the driver's side rear fender. Apparently that will not be true of the production vehicle. The spy shot indicates that the Camaro will intake fuel through the passenger side rear fender. However, since folks in Australia drive on the right side of the vehicle that makes it the driver's side in their world. We hear their toilets swirl in the other direction, too. Due to cost saving measures, we don't expect the fuel door location to change for U.S. production. Also of note are the rear taillights, which we can see in these images are red on the inside and amber on the outside. Minor details, for sure, that will no doubt be eagerly devoured by Camaro faithful waiting for this car's return.

The taillights also appear to be colored specifically for the Australian market. Australian Design Rule 6 calls for all amber direction indicators. That explains the change from all red taillights. It is a detail that will probably be spared from the U.S. market. However, if any stateside owners clamor to be different they might be able to score some ADM amber lenses off eBay.

[Source: Camaro5.com via Jalopnik]

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Camaro unloading at LAX

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Camaro - spy shots

Spy Shots: 2009 Chevy Camaro spied, minor details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler says it will meet new CAFE standards

Dan Roth — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

Detroit's sharp intake of breath over the very real possibility of increased federal fuel economy standards apparently doesn't include Chrysler's voice. CEO Robert Nardelli has told The Car Connection that rather than waste lots of time and energy opposing the likely increase to a 35 mpg fleet average, Chrysler will put its head down and get it done. Attaining the goal will not be without pain, however. Cuts will be made, and the books are still in the red.

There is hope, though, if Chrysler and parent Cerberus Capital can stick it out. A new contract with the UAW eases some of the automaker's financial burden, allowing that money to be plowed into development of more fuel efficient vehicles. There's a new two-mode hybrid system, co-developed with Daimler, GM, and BMW, which should help lift the fleet average without Chrysler abandoning their bread and butter moneymakers. With a lineup heavy in less-frugal vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and minivans, Chrysler's acknowledged the holes in their product mix and will set about plugging product into the voids. First up is the new Journey, the company's first crossover vehicle. The CUV segment is red-hot right now, so having a model to sell is a plus. Having a good model that will continue to sell well is an even bigger plus. At this point, Chrysler's facing an uphill climb.

[Source: TCC]

Chrysler says it will meet new CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIA rejects McLaren appeal, confirms Raikkonen's title

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Kimi Raikkonen and the boys at Ferrari can breathe a sigh of relief, as their championship has been formally confirmed by the FIA. The title was appealed by the incredibly sore losers at McLaren, who insisted that because of a temperature irregularity in the fuel in BMW's and Williams' cars at the season closer in Brazil, those four cars should have been disqualified, thereby catapulting McLaren's Lewis Hamilton to the championship. (Yeah, they were serious.)

Hamilton, it should be noted, stated that he didn't want to win the championship that way. And nobody else wanted him too, either. Even F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone threatened to quit the sport if the FIA took the title away from Raikkonen and awarded it to Hamilton over the technicality.

The ruling was issued by a specially-convened panel of the FIA's International Court of Appeal, presided over by a Czech motorsport judge and three others from the United States, Greece and Portugal. The court, which heard testimonies from BMW, Williams and McLaren, convened in London instead of the FIA's headquarters in Paris due to traffic issues in the French capital.

Our take: Rules are rules, but if the FIA had stripped Raikkonen of his title, it would have been bad for him, bad for Hamilton, bad for F1 and bad for motorsports. We'll be waiting for Ron Dennis to find a way to blame us for this, too.

Full statement from the FIA after the jump.

Continue reading FIA rejects McLaren appeal, confirms Raikkonen's title

FIA rejects McLaren appeal, confirms Raikkonen's title originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Green, Crossover, Hyundai

Click the pics above for a gallery of high-res images of the Hyundai i-Blue Concept.

Hyundai, like practically every other automaker in Frankfurt, is showing off its green-wares. The i-Blue is the poster-child for the automaker's environmentally focused future, with a 100 kW motor powered by a fuel cell. Developed by Hyundai's Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan, the i-Blue's platform shares the concept's name, and will likely underpin future D-segment crossovers with a 2+2 seating arrangement.

The styling is certainly futuristic, with expansive front fenders, a dramatic fascia, heavily sculpted sides and a rear spoiler that culminates in a sharp point and houses a reversing camera. Inside, it's all flowing shapes, all the time, with plenty of space for its occupants and technology that only Data could wrap his head around.

All the details are available in Hyundai's press release after the jump, and we've assembled a gallery of live and press pics for your viewing pleasure.

Gallery: Hyundai i-Blue Concept

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green

Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA proposes its own oil regulations

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

The U.S. Congress isn't the only ruling body proposing new measures to curb the nation's reliance on foreign oil. The EPA is currently in the process of writing up new rules that it hopes will limit fuel consumption, and is currently gathering 75 regulators to help implement George Bush's '20-in-10' plan, which would see fuel consumption drop 20% in ten years.

Such a move would have the setting of fuel economy standards move from traditional transportation officials to the environmental regulators, and has only come about because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The EPA has been in charge of regulating auto emissions for years, but this would be the first time its policies would have an effect on the levels of fuel consumption.

Under the stipulations of Bush's original 20-in-10 plan, manufacturers would have to improve the mileage of cars by 4% a year between 2010 and 2017 and the same 4% a year for trucks between 2012 and 2017. As expected, automakers consider such a proposal as being too harsh, citing the fact that cars would have to average 32 mpg in just 10 years ,when today's average is just 24mpg.

[Source: Automotive News - Subs. Req'd]

EPA proposes its own oil regulations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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