Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/nearly-7-000-2008-2009-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-ralliart-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/nearly-7-000-2008-2009-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-ralliart-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/nearly-7-000-2008-2009-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-ralliart-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 Mitsubishi Lancer2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart2008 Mitsubishi Sportback Ralliart2008MitsubishiLancer2008MitsubishiLancerEvolution2008MitsubishiRalliart2008MitsubishiSportbackRalliart2009 mitsubishi evolution x fq4002009 mitsubishi lancer ralliart2009 mitsubishi lancer sportback2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart2009MitsubishiEvolutionXFq4002009MitsubishiLancerRalliart2009MitsubishiLancerSportback2009MitsubishiRalliartEvoEvolutionFireFuelFuel PipeFuelPipeLeakageRalliartRecallSportbackTurbochargedThu, 17 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Codemasters' <i>FUEL</i> features 5,000+ square miles of drivable terrain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/video-codemasters-i-fuel-i-features-5-000-square-miles-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/video-codemasters-i-fuel-i-features-5-000-square-miles-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/video-codemasters-i-fuel-i-features-5-000-square-miles-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscodemasters fuelCodemastersFuelcomputer gameComputerGamefuelplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3racing gameRacingGamevideo gameVideoGamexboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Interactive map reveals our global oil useage by barrel, money]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/interactive-map-reveals-global-oil-useage-by-barrel-money/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/interactive-map-reveals-global-oil-useage-by-barrel-money/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/interactive-map-reveals-global-oil-useage-by-barrel-money/#commentsFiled under:



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaska drillingAlaskaDrillinganwrcontinental shelfContinentalShelfdiesel pricesDieselPricesdrillingfuelfuel pricesFuelPricesgasgas pricesGasPriceslifestyleoiloil drillingoil pricesoil refiningOilDrillingOilPricesOilRefiningrefineryrocky mountain instituteRockyMountainInstituteSat, 10 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Maybe you should think in gallons-per-mile instead of MPG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/21/maybe-you-should-think-in-gallons-per-mile-instead-of-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/21/maybe-you-should-think-in-gallons-per-mile-instead-of-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/21/maybe-you-should-think-in-gallons-per-mile-instead-of-mpg/#commentsFiled under:

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuelfuel economyFuelEconomygallons per mileGallonsPerMilegasgas pricesGasPricesmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonSat, 21 Jun 2008 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Gas buyers favor brand, not price]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/gas-buyers-favor-brand-not-price/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/gas-buyers-favor-brand-not-price/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/gas-buyers-favor-brand-not-price/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevronCostExpensiveFuelGasolineOil CompaniesOilCompaniesPricesShellUnocalTue, 22 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[More cars than ever require premium fuel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/more-cars-than-ever-require-premium-fuel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/more-cars-than-ever-require-premium-fuel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/more-cars-than-ever-require-premium-fuel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EconomyFuelHigh OctaneHigh TestHighOctaneHighTestMileageMPGPremiumThu, 17 Apr 2008 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Science magazine declares ethanol worse for the Earth than fossil fuels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/science-magazine-declares-ethanol-worse-for-the-earth-than-fossi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/science-magazine-declares-ethanol-worse-for-the-earth-than-fossi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/science-magazine-declares-ethanol-worse-for-the-earth-than-fossi/#commentsFiled under: ,

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

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

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

Thanks for the tip, Zo!

[Source: MSN Money]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergybiodieselbiofuelcarbon footprintCarbonFootprintdeforestatione85emissionsethanolfuelgasolineThu, 21 Feb 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Consumers want cup holders, not fuel economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/report-consumers-want-cup-holders-not-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/report-consumers-want-cup-holders-not-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/report-consumers-want-cup-holders-not-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CNW Marketing ResearchCnwMarketingResearchEconomyFuelgasolineMPGWed, 20 Feb 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche recalling 5,900 Cayennes for fuel line problem]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/porsche-recalling-5-900-cayennes-for-fuel-line-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/porsche-recalling-5-900-cayennes-for-fuel-line-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/porsche-recalling-5-900-cayennes-for-fuel-line-problem/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CayenneFuelknockingPorscheRecallMon, 18 Feb 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Chevy Camaro spied, minor details revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/01/spy-shots-2009-chevy-camaro-spied-minor-details-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/01/spy-shots-2009-chevy-camaro-spied-minor-details-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/01/spy-shots-2009-chevy-camaro-spied-minor-details-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 chevy camaro2009ChevyCamaroCamaroChevroletChevyDoorFuelspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsFri, 01 Feb 2008 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler says it will meet new CAFE standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/chrysler-says-it-will-meet-new-cafe-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/chrysler-says-it-will-meet-new-cafe-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/chrysler-says-it-will-meet-new-cafe-standards/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecerberuschryslereconomyfuelfuel economyFuelEconomyhemihybridmileagemiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgnardelliThu, 13 Dec 2007 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[FIA rejects McLaren appeal, confirms Raikkonen's title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/fia-rejects-mclaren-appeal-confirms-raikkonens-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/fia-rejects-mclaren-appeal-confirms-raikkonens-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/fia-rejects-mclaren-appeal-confirms-raikkonens-title/#commentsFiled under:

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealcourtdecisionf1fiaformulafuelinternationalmclarenoneraikkonenrulingsaubertemperaturewilliamsTue, 20 Nov 2007 19:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-hyundai-i-blue-isnt-blue-its-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-hyundai-i-blue-isnt-blue-its-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-hyundai-i-blue-isnt-blue-its-green/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellfrankfurtfuelfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhyundaihyundai i-blueHyundaiI-blueTue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[EPA proposes its own oil regulations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/epa-proposes-its-own-oil-regulations/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/epa-proposes-its-own-oil-regulations/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/epa-proposes-its-own-oil-regulations/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EPAfuelfuel economyFuelEconomyGeorge BushGeorgeBushMon, 27 Aug 2007 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sioux Falls residents get free gas today for being safe drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/sioux-falls-residents-get-free-gas-today-for-being-safe-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/sioux-falls-residents-get-free-gas-today-for-being-safe-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/sioux-falls-residents-get-free-gas-today-for-being-safe-drivers/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you live in Sioux Falls, today's your lucky day. Allstate Insurance is going to buy residents of the South Dakota city a free tank of gas for being the safest drivers in the country. The second annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report has been released and the residents of Sioux Falls were found to experience a traffic accident once every 13.7 years on average. The national average for a city is one accident every 10 years. This means Sioux Falls residents are 27.2% less likely to bump fenders than the national average. This is the second year Sioux Falls has been named the city with the safest drivers, having earned the report's inaugural top spot last year, too.

ABC News reports that Allstate expects to fill up 700 gas tanks in Sioux Falls with nature's combustible cocktail, though that estimate might be a little low considering the city's population is estimated to be 123,975 according to the 2000 U.S. Census.

[Source: ABC News]

Continue reading Sioux Falls residents get free gas today for being safe drivers

Sioux Falls residents get free gas today for being safe drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Allstate America's Best Drivers ReportAllstateAmerica'sBestDriversReportfree gasFreeGasfuelgassafe driversSafeDriverssioux fallsSiouxFallsThu, 14 Jun 2007 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/buy-a-vw-rabbit-get-a-bike-if-you-live-in-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen has been down this road before with the Jetta Trek back in the late '90s. This time, though, they're putting a green spin on it. Lime, to be exact. Chi-town Volkswagen dealers are giving buyers a bicycle and roof rack for the next month. The premise is that the dealer will encourage you to take your bike on quick, short-distance jaunts. Not driving a car at all by riding a bike is super effective at reducing fuel consumption, gridlock, and CO2 emissions. Biking is also way cheaper than exotic technological solutions; plus, you'll get some exercise, which is hard to come by in stop and go traffic. The cycle is still a Trek, dubbed the Lime, which is one of their newest models and has a three speed automatic transmission that automatically changes gears for you, in the hopes that you'll find it a more enjoyable way to ride. We'd probably hate it. It really is a great, simple solution that could work for a lot of folks. We know this is Autoblog, and this has turned into a bicycular love-fest, but we have to applaud the marketing stunt as an elegant (if gimmicky) way of focusing on our vast appetite for fuel.

[Source: VW via AutoblogGreen]

Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikecarbonchicagoco2cycledealerfreefuelgreenrabbittrekvolkswagenvwWed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Pasta Cargioli? Pasta powered fuel cell]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/pasta-cargioli-pasta-powered-fuel-cell/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/pasta-cargioli-pasta-powered-fuel-cell/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/pasta-cargioli-pasta-powered-fuel-cell/#commentsFiled under: , ,

High fuel prices and energy mandates bring all sorts of alternative fuel research and technology to the fore. University and government researchers recently whipped up a special blend of 13 enzymes and spices that releases hydrogen from a mixture of starch and water. There's no word on how it tastes, but it will definitely give you some pep, packing into six pounds the same wallop as a gallon of gasoline. The process produces hydrogen efficiently, so a vehicle using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell would only need to carry 12 gallons of water and 60 pounds of solid starch (96 lbs total), plus the enzyme blend, to achieve a 300-mile range. While this process appears to be an economical way to produce hydrogen in a manner quick enough for use in an automotive fuel cell, it does generate carbon dioxide. The reaction also requires a temperature of 86 degrees farenheit. Neither problem sounds as difficult as cold fusion, and the technique will be test driven in small fuel cells for mobile phones before testing in vehicles. Sugar water, pasta power, call it what you will, wouldn't it be nice to fizz up some power to get you on your way?

[Source: Automotive DesignLine]

Pasta Cargioli? Pasta powered fuel cell originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellenzymefuelfuel cellFuelCellgreenhydrogenresearchtechWed, 30 May 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Senate panel approves plan for 35mpg by 2020]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/senate-panel-approves-plan-for-35mpg-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/senate-panel-approves-plan-for-35mpg-by-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/senate-panel-approves-plan-for-35mpg-by-2020/#commentsFiled under:

A Senate panel has approved a plan to increase CAFE standards to 35 mpg by 2020, with a 4% increase every year until 2030. That's almost 40% higher than today's standard for cars, which is 27.5 mpg . Currently, vans and trucks must get at least 22.2 mpg.

This bill, however, has a long, long, long way to go before any of its components are agreed upon. With this bill, work trucks and semis would have to meet CAFE standards for the first time -- but requirements can't be changed for those vehicles without first conducting a federal study. Senator Carl Levin of Michigan said he'll filibuster this kind of legislation since it's unfair to the Big Three. Senators Ted Stevens (AK) and Trent Lott (MS) wonder if it's fair and how it will affect trucking. Senator Bill Nelson (FL) wants the 2020 standard to be 40 mpg. John Kerry (MA) wants 31 mpg by 2015 and 35 by 2020. The Big Three and Toyota don't like it because they think it's unattainable. The UAW doesn't like it because they say it will cause closures and job losses -- even though those have been rampant with the standards we already have. Environmentalists don't like it because it's weaker than President Bush's proposal and there aren't more alternative energy provisions. David Friedman of the Union of Concerned Scientists likens the bill to Swiss cheese because of its loopholes, while Senator Daniel Inouye (HI) thinks it's fair as is.

The bill will go before the full Senate in June. Democrats expect it to pass. Our Magic 8-ball seems to think otherwise. . . .

[Source: Autoblog Green via AP]

Senate panel approves plan for 35mpg by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billcafeeconomyfuelgassenateWed, 09 May 2007 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Fit for Debate, Fit for Rebate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/fit-for-debate-fit-for-rebate/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/fit-for-debate-fit-for-rebate/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/fit-for-debate-fit-for-rebate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Honda's Canadian subsidiary is facing an interesting choice: fuel economy at the expense of safety.

New federal regulations recently passed in Canada award a $1000 rebate for cars that fall below a fuel consumption threshold, set at 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers in that wacky metric system. While the competing Toyota Yaris tests at 6.3l/100km, Honda's smallest offering, the Fit, sits just on the line at 6.5.

Honda figures the differential is created by the host of safety features - including more air bags and anti-lock brakes - which it includes with the Fit which do not come standard on the Yaris. Strip the safety features out, however, and Honda is confident the extra weight saved would bring the Fit below the limit and qualify for the federal rebate.

The question is surely not unique, as carmakers face similar issues in different markets around the globe. But it casts light onto the whole question of safety versus economy, even before cost considerations come into the picture. For your dime, and for your planet, is it worth sacrificing your safety?

[Source: Windsor Star via Vancouver Sun]

Fit for Debate, Fit for Rebate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaconsumptioneconomyfitfuelhondakilometerliterlitrerebatetoyotayarisSun, 22 Apr 2007 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Vintage Tech: The Granddaddy of EFI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/vintage-tech-the-granddaddy-of-efi/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/vintage-tech-the-granddaddy-of-efi/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/vintage-tech-the-granddaddy-of-efi/#comments

Every car on the road now has fuel injection. There was no real battle royale between electronic systems and mechanical, though both flavors saw plenty of development. Rochester's Ramjet system was effective and quite slick, contained in a special intake manifold. Bosch had K-Jetronic which was a mechanically metered system that later gained some feedback electronics, becoming the very first FI system to utilize an exhaust gas oxygen sensor for fine mixture control. Fuel injection systems have now gone the way of all-encompassing powertrain management setups, controlling ignition and fuel; as well as talking to the transmission, anti-lock braking system and stability control. Electronic systems all owe something to the first successful electronic fuel injection rig to be mass-produced: Bosch D-Jetronic. DJet, in turn, has its own piper to pay.

More after the jump

Continue reading Vintage Tech: The Granddaddy of EFI

Vintage Tech: The Granddaddy of EFI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1600boschchryslerdd jetd jetronicde sotodesotoDJetDJetronicfuelfuel injectionFuelInjectioninjectionjetronicnostalgiatechtime warpTimeWarpvolkswagenTue, 06 Feb 2007 13:05:00 EST