Autoblog

Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is nothing if not ambitious. The Korean automaker announced today that it will continue its efforts to be the most fuel-efficient automaker in America through the next two decades, with plans to achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating of 50 miles per gallon by 2025 for its entire vehicle lineup.

The cornerstone of Hyundai's approach is its Blue Drive strategy, which incorporates a range of engine technologies - from turbocharging and direct-injection to lightweight materials and both traditional and plug-in hybrids - to reduce consumption and improve overall efficiency.

Hyundai points to the 2011 Sonata as the first in a wave of new products to utilize its new and improved drivetrains, available with either hybrid, turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines. And Hyundai appears to be in a better position than other full-line automakers to reach its lofty mpg goal, as it doesn't offer any pickup or body-on-frame SUV models. Hit the jump for the full blast and read our First Drive of the Sonata Hybrid for details on its gas-electric system.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid pre-production

Continue reading Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A glass of water a day can help keep your fuel consumption at bay

Autoblog Staff — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:36:00 EST

The idea of driving around with a glass of water on your dashboard may seem ludicrous, but if Toyota told you that a single glass of water could help you reduce your fuel consumption by 10 percent, would you think differently? Now, Toyota doesn't want you to literally place a glass of water on the dash. Instead, the company is pushing the idea that driving in such a way that a theoretical glass of water there remains full would reduce fuel consumption significantly. To spread the word about this fuel-saving concept, Toyota has created a website appropriately called "A Glass of Water."

So, how do you keep this imaginary glass of water topped off at all times? Well, provided you aren't in a hurry to get somewhere, it should be quite simple. Begin by accelerating gracefully, leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead, brake gently, and apply tactics used by hypermillers.

If you'd like to learn more about Toyota's "A Glass of Water" challenge and are interested in giving it a try, then click here. iPhone users can also download a virtual glass of water app by clicking here.

[Source: A Glass of Water]

A glass of water a day can help keep your fuel consumption at bay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Edge gets 19/27 mpg EPA ratings, tops mid-size V6 class

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Edge - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 3.5-liter V6 edition of the revamped 2011 Ford Edge has finally received its official fuel mileage ratings from the EPA, and like its more luxurious Lincoln MKX sibling, it has topped its class. The Edge is ranked at 19 miles per gallon on the urban drive cycle and 27 mpg on the highway. That's a tick better on the highway than the MKX with its 3.7-liter version of the V6. It's also 1 and 2 mpg better respectively than its chief domestic rival, the 3.0-liter V6 Chevrolet Equinox - despite the fact that at 285 horsepower, the Ford engine is significantly more powerful (the 'Nox offers 264 hp).

The big news that we are still waiting on is the ratings for the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine. The four-cylinder Equinox is rated at an impressive 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Ford will have quite a challenge beating those figures, however, especially with an engine that is expected to produce about 45 more horsepower than the naturally aspirated engine in General Motors' crossover. Offiicial PR verbiage after the jump, high-res gallery below.

Update: It turns out that while the Edge is tops in highway mileage at 27 mpg, it's combined rating is 22 mpg. The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe V6 is rated at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Edge gets 19/27 mpg EPA ratings, tops mid-size V6 class

2011 Ford Edge gets 19/27 mpg EPA ratings, tops mid-size V6 class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class

Chris Shunk — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Lincoln MKX delivers 15 percent more horsepower (305 ponies in all) and 12 percent more torque (280 pound-feet) than the outgoing model, and that added power comes with the added bonus of improved efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the 2011 MKX at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg around the highway, besting the Lexus RX350 by one mpg in the city and on the highway. That's a combined 21 mpg, which Ford says is enough to best its nine closest competitors.

Ford was able to crank up ponies while also ratcheting up efficiency by adding twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to its 3.7-liter V6 engine. TI-VCT enables a larger torque-curve while also improving power by 10 percent and efficiency by 4.5 percent versus an engine without the technology. The 3.7-liter engine, which is also available on the 2011 Mustang and the 2011 Edge Sport, also utilizes aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff to further increase efficiency. Basically, the engine shuts down whenever the driver doesn't need engine torque.

The EPA has also rated the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which scores 36 mpg on the highway and 41 mpg in the city. That's the same numbers as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which shares a common powertrain, and six mpg better than the smaller Lexus HS250h. Hit the jump to read over the Ford presser.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class

2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Obama kicks off drive to enact tough fuel economy standards through 2025

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 May 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

A year ago, the White House led the effort to get automakers' Corporate Average Fuel Economy to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. Although the number was eventually pegged at 34.1 mpg, it will actually be slightly lower because of other non-automotive credits that will be applied. One might have thought automakers would still be grousing the work that needs to be done, but in fact they encouraged the federal government to go further, and so it has: the White House began working this week on setting CAFE standards through 2025.

The reason for this? The Golden State. Just after last year's 2016 CAFE numbers were announced, California said it would work on "a much more stringent standard" for 2017 and afterward. Automakers urged the feds to head the California Air Resources Board off at the pass in order to stay ahead of state initiatives, thereby quashing the chance that different laws would hit the books.

The EPA and DOT have just gotten to work on crafting new standards, so it will probably be another year before new numbers come out. For you folks with large-capacity, high-horsepower engines, you might want to take this chance to rev 'em if ya got 'em.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: AFP/Getty]

Report: Obama kicks off drive to enact tough fuel economy standards through 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Oval adds fuel economy coach to MyFord Touch [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford, Lincoln

Ford Eco Route - Click above for high-res image gallery

MyFord Touch promises to better connect drivers to their phones and MP3 players as well as the functions that are traditionally controlled by buttons and knobs. The screen will be displayed on a 4.2-inch LCD located directly in front of the driver next to the speedometer, with a five-way switch on either side of the steering wheel that enables the driver to access information without turning his or her head or taking a hand off the steering wheel.

MyFord (and MyLincoln) Touch already sounds impressive, but Ford apparently isn't done wowing with its functionality. The Blue Oval announced today that its new touch interface will also help drivers save fuel by arming them with real-time feedback on fuel efficiency performance, helping coach drivers on how to conserve fuel. Jim Buczkowski, Ford director of Global Electrical and Electronics Systems Engineering, says in the company's press release that MyFord Touch "provides an unprecedented level of information and interaction so drivers can make the choice to be more fuel efficient."

Ford's newest interactive infotainment creation will accomplish this feat by providing additional fuel economy information, similar to the SmartGauge leaf display utilized in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. SmartGauge rewards efficient driving with an increasing amount of leaves and flowers, and drivers can also track their fuel economy with a graphical bar chart next to the fuel gauge display that shows mile-per-gallon averages for the past five, 10 and 30 minutes.

Ford also plans to utilize its excellent navigation system to help drivers become more efficient. MyFord Touch pairs up with the map-based navigation to provide drivers an Eco-Route that instantly utilizes both historical and real-time traffic data to map you to the most efficient route possible. Ford says that while the Eco-Route isn't necessarily the fastest route, it can help drivers consume up to 15 percent less fuel on any given trip.

MyFord Touch arrives this summer with the launch of the 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Hit the jump to watch a video and read over Ford's MyFord Touch press release, which also lists 10 useful tips for conserving fuel.

Gallery: Ford Eco Route

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Blue Oval adds fuel economy coach to MyFord Touch [w/video]

Blue Oval adds fuel economy coach to MyFord Touch [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Canada reveals first-ever vehicle emissions standards that looks awfully familiar

Eric Loveday — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:38:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Canada

Following the lead of the United States, Canada has reportedly chosen to employ a fuel economy regulation program for the first time ever, and it's virtually identical to ours. According to the Times Colonist, the differences between the two countries' programs are so minute that you could essentially say Canada has copied our new Corporate Average Fuel Economy guidelines that require automakers to achieve a fleet average fuel economy of around 35 mpg by 2016. Prior to this, Canada did issue emissions guidelines, but it apparently didn't actually require compliance from automakers.

The guidelines for Canada's new emissions standard require automakers operating in that country achieve a CAFE number of 35.5 mpg by 2016. Starting in 2011, vehicles will also have to meet stringent greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) ratings, and a failure to meet the standards will result in monetary penalties. The GHG requirements will become more stringent as time passes. Sound familiar?

Okay, so Canada's new requirements are practically identical to our new U.S. regulations, and that's great because automakers will only have one standard to meet across both countries. Well, almost. It's not yet known if Quebec and British Columbia will adopt the new Canadian standards or attempt to regulate vehicle emissions on their own. Regardless, the new Canadian emissions standards will for the most part allow automakers to make one vehicle that can be sold in both countries with no emissions related modifications needed. Now, if we could just get a few more countries on-board, those pesky European and Japanese cars we've been longing for could make their way Stateside some day. Except for the issue of differing crash standards. Oh, well...

[Source: Times Colonist | Image: TKOwned via CC2.0]

Report: Canada reveals first-ever vehicle emissions standards that looks awfully familiar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Federal CAFE standards officially released, 34.1 mpg by 2016

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:38:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Electric

We knew it was coming. Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency jointly released new federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) fuel mileage and greenhouse gas emissions requirements that will cover the 2012 through 2016 model years. The estimated fleet-wide fuel economy standard has been set at 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016, though improvements in air conditioning systems will bring that number up to around 35 mpg. That equals a standard of roughly 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile.

The overall fleet fuel mileage requirement will be an average between both passenger cars and light trucks, and NHTSA is predicting that the 2012 numbers will be 33.3 for cars and 25.4 for trucks in 2012, rising to 37.8 for cars and 28.8 for trucks by 2016. As before, credits will be dished out for vehicles that can run on E85 (ethanol), though automakers will need to prove their cars are running on the alcohol fuel by 2015 to continue earning those credits.

Smaller volume automakers that sold fewer that 400,000 cars in 2009 will get a break on the requirements while "specialty automakers" such as BMW and Porsche will reportedly get longer lead-in times. Automakers will also get some sort of incentive for the first 200,000 plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles built by 2016. These standards are said to be equivalent to taking 58 million cars off our nation's roads for a year, representing a savings of 1.8 billion barrels of oil.

Naturally, all of this is going to cost some extra dough. If the Feds are right, automakers will spend $51.5 billion over the next five years putting the standards into effect and the average price of a new car will rise by $985 by 2016. Savings, though, are expected to be even greater, with the average consumer will net an extra $3,000 in their wallets per in fuel savings over the life of the vehicle.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Tim Boyle/Getty]

New Federal CAFE standards officially released, 34.1 mpg by 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Infiniti M officially goes on sale next month, and in addition to boasting higher performance numbers and a sleek new exterior design, the EPA has officially released some relatively impressive fuel economy numbers for the new sedan. Both the six- and eight-cylinder Ms benefit from technologies like continuously variable valve timing, and the M56's 5.6-liter V8 uses direct injection to aid in better performance as well as improved efficiency.

The base M37 with Infiniti's 3.7-liter V6 produces 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, and nets 18/26 miles per gallon (city/highway). This represents power increases of 27 hp and eight lb-ft versus the outgoing M35 model, as well as one more mpg in both driving cycles. The all-wheel-drive M37x is rated at 17/24 mpg, increases of one and two mpg over the M35x, respectively.

V8-powered M56s use an all-new 5.6-liter engine, good for 420 hp and 417 lb-ft-meaning the grandaddy M produces a whopping 95 hp and 81 lb-ft more than the previous M45. Rear-drive M56s net 16/25 mpg city/hwy, and the all-wheel drive M56x is rated at 16/23 mpg. Even though this engine is substantially more powerful than the old 4.5-liter V8, Infiniti has still managed to improve overall fuel economy.

By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is less powerful in both V6 and V8 variants while netting roughly the same fuel economy numbers. If Infiniti can keep the new sedan's price down, consumers in this segment will be smart to add the M to their shopping lists. Click through the jump to read Infiniti's official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan

Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Quick - name the most fuel efficient automobile brand in America. Did you say Toyota? Honda? Surely, you're not alone, but incorrect all the same. In fact, the answer is none other than Hyundai, which publicly set out to nab the title just one year ago. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Hyundai cars averaged 30.1 miles per gallon for the 2009 model year.

Rounding out the top five are Honda (29.7 mpg), Volkswagen (29.6), Toyota (29.4) and Kia (28.0). Naturally, we can expect all of these figures to continue rising in the coming years as every automaker strives to meet the upcoming 35.5 mpg U.S. standard for the 2016 model year.

Hyundai promises to meet that requirement with such technologies as direct injection, turbocharging, hybrid powertrains and lithium polymer batteries. The Korean automaker's first hybrid vehicle will be the 2011 Sonata sedan, which will hit the market early next year. Click past the break for the press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Hyundai tops list as most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The success or failure of the Cash for Clunkers program that recently came to an end here in the United States has been and will continue to be debatable, but at least some good was accomplished by the legislation. According to data compiled by Wards Auto, the average new car fuel mileage hit a new record of 23 miles per gallon in August, which is a gain of approximately eight percent from August of 2008.

As far as individual automakers go, Toyota came out on top with an average of 26.9 mpg for all cars sold in August, followed by Kia at 25.1 and Hyundai at 24.9 mpg. American nameplates made the biggest mileage jump, rising about four percent from August of 2008 to 20.4 mpg - a new record.

Nobody knows exactly what will happen when the sales figures from September are calculated, but many experts are predicting that fuel efficiency will take a nosedive now that C4C will no longer be offering up to $4,500 to trade up to a new, more efficient car or truck. Overall though, fuel efficiency is likely to steadily increase over the next few years in correlation with the latest CAFE requirements.

[Source: Wards Auto via Green Car Reports | Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty]

Average new car mpg levels hit record high in August, spurred by Cash for Clunkers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Porsche Panamera will evade gas guzzler tax

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as high-end sports cars go, the Porsche lineup is pretty fuel efficient. Light weight and six-cylinder engines usually do the trick, but those attributes don't exactly describe the new Panamera. The large, four-door Porsche comes standard with a bare minimum of 400 horsepower, and while it isn't a Biggest Loser candidate, it won't balance the scales of justice with a GT3 on the opposing dish, either.

Inside Line is reporting that the impressive size and power of the Panamera won't lead to a gas guzzler tax, citing an email from Porsche Cars North America spokesman Gary Fong that reportedly tabs fuel economy for the 4.8-liter, 400-horsepower Panamera S and 4S models at an impressive 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The 500 pony Panamera Turbo will reportedly still have a respectable 15/23 rating. For comparison's sake, Maserati's rival Quattroporte GT S achieves just 12 mpg/18 highway, and it is down 66 horses on the Porsche.

Fuel economy numbers for the Panamera are surprisingly handsome, beating even some sport coupes in the $100,000+ range. Reasons for the car's remarkable fuel economy numbers include its dual clutch transmission and the inclusion of start/stop technology. The Environmental Protection Agency hasn't yet published the official fuel economy numbers for the range, so we'll just have to sit tight for now with these preliminary figures.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Porsche Panamera will evade gas guzzler tax originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

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

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C/D drills down to find out what goes into EPA fuel economy ratings

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever wonder what actually goes into determining the rated fuel economy of a new car or truck? Anyone with a vehicle that's failed to live up to its EPA estimated figures would surely fit into that camp - especially if the car or truck were purchased in large part to its high mileage rating - and you can add our names to that list as well. As it turns out, the process is every bit as as complicated as we'd expect.

Car and Driver recently hung out at the EPA's testing facility near the Motor City, and some highly intriguing bits of information were gleaned. For instance, C/D says that just 15 percent of new cars get tested by the EPA each year for fuel efficiency, and the rest get their ratings from testing performed by the manufacturer using the government agency's guidelines. It's reportedly rare that the EPA's figures vary greatly from the numbers provided by the manufacturer, but if they do, discussions and negotiations ensue.

There are a total of five tests performed to measure expected fuel efficiency, some dating all the way back to the late Seventies. More recent protocols are a bit more complex and require specialized facilities that can cost up to $10 million dollars by EPA estimates. There's plenty more to the story, so click here to read the full four-page report. Hat tip to Julio!

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Car and Driver]

C/D drills down to find out what goes into EPA fuel economy ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Saturn

Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

While perusing the EPA's fuel economy listings, one of our readers stumbled across a vehicle that we didn't even know had been rated. The 2-Mode Hybrid version of the Saturn Vue had initially been scheduled to go into production in November of 2008. However, as General Motors careened toward financial apocalypse, many product programs were put on hold or canceled altogether. Among those was the new hybrid Vue, which was delayed at least twice before finally being terminated altogether in late spring.

It appears that the EPA had already completed its testing regimen last fall and had officially rated the 2-Mode Vue at 27 city, 30 highway and 28 mpg combined. Compared to the existing mild-hybrid Vue, this doesn't look particularly great, since that one also had a 28 mpg combined rating (25 city and 32 highway). The mild hybrid, of course, used a four cylinder engine while the 2-Mode would have had the 3.6-liter V6, giving it much better performance and a 3,500 pound tow rating.

Saturn did pretty much hit its target of a 50-percent improvement in combined efficiency compared to the non-hybrid V6 Vue, which carries a 19 mpg combined rating. The Vue doesn't look as impressive as the Ford Escape Hybrid that's rated at 34/31 mpg, but the Ford is powered by a four cylinder and is smaller and lighter. A closer comparison might be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which while larger is also V6 powered. The Toyota is rated at 27/25 mpg and 26 mpg combined.

We know that the Vue will never be built, but GM has promised to put the new hybrid system into other vehicles in its lineup - perhaps even with a smaller and more efficient engine to improve overall efficiency. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Saturn VUE 2 Mode Hybrid

From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: GM

It's only been a year since General Motors launched its 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission for mid-size and compact cars. When it was introduced, this new transmission brought with it a five percent bump in fuel efficiency. The engineers at GM Powertrain are now developing a second generation variant of the 6T40 for introduction in 2011 that will bump fuel efficiency by yet another five percent.

The new version will have updated electronic control strategies based on the work done for the new 2011 Chevy Equinox with the four-cylinder engine. The Equinox manages a 32 mpg highway rating. These new controls developed for the Equinox will contribute three percent of the improvement for 2012 models like the Cruze compact.

Another two percent improvement will come from refinements to the guts of the transmission. Changes to the hydraulic valve body, friction plates and variable flow solenoid will cut internal pumping losses and friction.

GM is also working on its own in-house developed dual clutch transmissions. GMPT is developing a dry clutch system that should yield another incremental improvement in efficiency, but no announcement was forthcoming about timing.

[Source: General Motors]

Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How did GM arrive at 230 mpg for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Neither General Motors nor the EPA are making declarative statements about how, exactly, the 2011 Chevy Volt will achieve it's much-touted 230 mpg rating that was announced today. GM's most clear statement (available in full after the break) says that some consumers "may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas" and that "key to high-mileage performance is for a Volt driver to plug into the electric grid at least once each day."

Without access to the actual method that the EPA is tentatively going to apply to plug-in vehicles (we have requests for clarification out to the EPA), all that GM's Dave Darovitz would tell us is that the number is "based on city cycles and we're not really talking in detail yet." Instead, the press release says that:

Under the new methodology being developed, EPA weights plug-in electric vehicles as traveling more city miles than highway miles on only electricity. The EPA methodology uses kilowatt hours per 100 miles traveled to define the electrical efficiency of plug-ins. Applying EPA's methodology, GM expects the Volt to consume as little as 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles in city driving. At the U.S. average cost of electricity (approximately 11 cents per kWh), a typical Volt driver would pay about $2.75 for electricity to travel 100 miles, or less than 3 cents per mile.

Frank Weber, vehicle chief engineer for the Volt, told AutoblogGreen that the EPA's method takes into account the two extremes: People who plug in every chance they get and therefore barely ever need gasoline and people who never plug in (if you're buying a Volt and never plug it in, we'd like to offer you a bridge or two. Call us). By figuring out what the average driver will do with the Volt, the EPA has declared that 230 mpg is reasonable. Weber said, "The number is in the ballpark, it is not unrealistic. The moment you are driving shorter trips, or you go on longer trips and look at your average fuel economy, this number is achievable."

Keep in mind, that 230 mpg number is only valid in city driving, though GM claims that the Volt's combined mpg rating will still be in the triple-digit range. Though the EPA has yet to finalize its methodology, we have come across a calculation that makes sense. According to a commenter on TTAC.com, the EPA would first drive a PHEV with a full charge until it reaches a charge-sustaining mode, after which it completes a normal cycle of 11 miles. The Volt, therefore, would presumably go 40 miles before activating charge-sustaining mode, and then travel another 11 miles for a total of 51 miles. Thus, GM can claim the Volt will achieve 230 mpg based on 51 miles of driving during which only .22 gallons of fuel would be used. Likewise, if we know the Volt would use .22 gallons of fuel while traveling 11 miles in charge-sustaining mode, we can calculate that it would achieve 50 mpg while traveling with the generator on.

However, as you can read in this detailed PDF from NREL, there is much more to think about in calculating the fuel economy of a PHEV than simply how far it can go on a single charge and then what its "regular" mpg rating is. We'll just have to wait until the EPA finalizes its methodology for testing these types of vehicles before we can say for certain how GM arrived at the magic number of 230 mpg.

[Source: GM, NREL]

Continue reading How did GM arrive at 230 mpg for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?

How did GM arrive at 230 mpg for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan engineers tweaking vehicles to meet Cash-for-Clunkers requirements

Michael Harley — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Nissan

2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an effort to sweeten the incentive for those taking advantage of the government's Car Allowance Rebate System (a.k.a. "Cash-for-Clunkers"), Nissan has reportedly sent its engineers back to the lab in order to pinch every last mile out of each gallon of fuel. As it is written, the program offers a sweeter incentive when consumers purchase vehicles with greater efficiency (based on the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in).

Putting the squeeze on the Sentra's four-cylinder powerplant yielded a 1 mpg improvement - not bad for some minor drivetrain tuning. If the EPA reviews and confirms the bump, the small gain may create the necessary 10-mpg difference Nissan's customers need for the top $4,500 credit.

The program is set to expire this November. That isn't enough time for Nissan, or any automaker for that matter, to make drastic changes. However, engineers are able to focus on quicker fixes such as using lightweight wheels, subtle engine tuning, and changing option packages to reduce weight. According to Nissan, the lure of trade-in bonuses to attract new customers has promoted the automaker to divert much of its engineering to the cause.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR

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

REPORT: Nissan engineers tweaking vehicles to meet Cash-for-Clunkers requirements originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota's push to build green cars may destroy 17th century Japanese rice paddies

Chris Shunk — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

Toyota has worked hard to cultivate its image as the "green" automaker. And with so many hybrids on the road, it's hard to argue. Some critics have cited the fact that mining for battery components is bad for the environment and the thousands of miles that massive, CO2-spewing ships travel to park those hybrids on our shores more than negate the positive effects. It's hard to argue with 50 mpg for $22,000, though, and, after all, politicians love them some hybrids.

Toyota's plans to build a new technical center and test track only 30 miles from its Aichi, Japan headquarters has those critics chirping anew, as the land pegged for construction is a 17th century rice patty. Toyota plans to use the facility to fine-tune its vehicles and stay ahead of Honda and GM in the hybrid game, but the cost of the price may be a bit too steep.

To clear the 1,631 acres to create the facility, Toyota will need to deforest 691 acres, fill the rice paddies and flatten mountains. Flatten mountains? Really? Good thing Toyota also owns Hino heavy trucks. Activists allege that the construction will destroy the habitat of the endangered gray-faced buzzard and oriental honey buzzard, too.

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Three Lions/Hutton Gallery/Getty]

REPORT: Toyota's push to build green cars may destroy 17th century Japanese rice paddies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is bigger, wider, and more powerful than ever, yet the engineers made a point to increase fuel economy as well. The new Legacy will hit 31 mpg on the highway and 23 around town, but you'll have to opt for the 2.5i model with the CVT transmission.

With the more enjoyable 6MT transmission, fuel economy isn't such a great story. The row-your-own 2.5i model will only get you 19/27. Step up to the Legacy manual trans 2.5 GT or the 3.6R with the five-speed auto and you'll have to settle for 18/25, which is actually decent considering the fact that you're getting plenty of power and AWD.

Beyond the more competitive powertrains and improved fuel economy, the new Legacy also starts at a competitive $19,995. We can't think of another vehicle that has room for five, AWD and a price tag under $20,000, making the Legacy a very competitive option in the mid-size market. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Continue reading 2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway

2010 Subaru Legacy gets its EPA numbers, hits 31 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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