Autoblog

Spy Shots: New Peugeot 508 sedan caught undisguised?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Peugeot

Peugeot's new executive-class sedan has spotted getting ready for a likely photoshoot in Madrid, wearing nothing but a car cover. Given the timing, we're guessing the new 508 sedan will get its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September and then go on sale late this year or in early 2011.

The 508 will likely share most of its underpinnings with the Citroen C5 and be powered by range of engines, starting with a gasoline 1.6-liter inline-four,and topping out with a 3.0-liter 240-horsepower diesel V6. The 508 is also expected to be available with Peugeot's new Hybrid4 through-the-road hybrid system.

This uses an internal combustion engine with a conventional transmission at the front wheels and an electric motor and battery for the rear axle. It's mechanically simpler than power-split systems like those from Toyota, and it offers on-demand all-wheel-drive.

[Source: Autoblog.IT, 1Minutocoches]

Spy Shots: New Peugeot 508 sedan caught undisguised? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, who is it for?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

When pondering the idea of any near-$100,000 hybrid luxury sedan, one has to wonder, "What's the point?" The only hybrids that sell in any significant numbers are the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion, and for good reason. Both allow drivers - and particularly hyper-milers - to squeeze every last mile out of each gallon of fuel.

Obviously, anyone with the financial wherewithal to purchase a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is unlikely to be motivated by the technology's fuel savings. Similarly, if someone wants to make a social statement by driving a "green" vehicle, they will likely want their ride to be instantly recognizable as a hybrid.

So the cost-no-object camp is divided. They can either drop their coin on an all-electric Tesla Roadster or, in spite of their bank balance, go with a lowly Toyota. Which begs the question: Is there something in between? We tested Mercedes' newest hybrid to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

Continue reading Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, who is it for?

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, who is it for? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: U.S. government to purchase first 100 Chevy Volts and thousands of hybrids *UPDATE

Eric Loveday — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an effort to make the government's fleet of vehicles more green, the Obama administration has reportedly announced plans to add more hybrids this year followed by plug-in hybrids next year. The plan should double the number of hybrids in the government's fleet, a step towards achieving its goal of reducing fleet petroleum use by 30 percent by 2020.

The new plan involves purchasing 100 plug-in vehicles by the end of next year, and the front-runner is the Chevrolet Volt. According to Ward's Auto, the White House has announced that the government will purchase the first 100 Chevy Volts to roll off the assembly line later this year. The government is also considering adding the plug-in hybrid electric Dodge Ram to its fleet, though how many units it's considering has not been released.

Whether or not the Volt and PHEV Ram are being considered because the government just happens to be part owner of their parent companies remains to be seen, but we haven't heard mention of the excellent Ford Fusion Hybrid.

UPDATE: GM has officially responded to the government suggesting that the first 100 Volts will end up in government fleets by stating,

We are pleased to see that the Federal government is interested in the greening of their vehicle fleet. Media speculation has led to reports that the GSA and DOE will be buying the first 100 Chevrolet Volt's because we will meet this criteria. At this time we have no further details regarding these purchases.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: U.S. government to purchase first 100 Chevy Volts and thousands of hybrids *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Diesel and electric vehicles two of many options to meet CAFE regulations

Eric Loveday — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Electric, Diesel

2010 Volkswagen Golf - Click above for high-res image gallery

New CAFE standards set to take affect in 2015 have automakers in a hurried frenzy. Meeting target CAFE numbers of 35.5 miles per gallon within the short five-year time frame is no easy feat. Current standards, set at a fleet average of 27.5 mpg, will quickly become a thing of the past. As automakers push to meet the new requirements, decisions must be made. These decisions could best be regarded as risky bets that could impact an automakers success in the years ahead.

New rules within the CAFE guidelines will require many compact vehicles to achieve even higher numbers than the 35.5 mpg listed above. It's a bit technical, but put simply, the more compact vehicles a company sells, the higher its fleet average must be. This may sound simple, but compact cars may be hard to sell if the technology required to meet the goals adds a significant amount to the vehicle's bottom line.

Automakers are at a crossroads where they must decide which approach will prove to be most beneficial. Should the diesel engine be employed to meet CAFE requirements? Should hybrid powertrains be widely adopted? Automakers must answer these questions and many more. The wrong answer could spell disaster for market share and profits, and the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that new CAFE requirements will increase a vehicle's price by an average of $1,300. Others predict numbers far exceeding these claims, but no matter the numbers, cost is a major concern in the compact class of cars.

Here's a breakdown of some choices automakers should consider; improve gasoline engines to extract up to 20 percent more fuel efficiency, more widespread adoption of diesel engines, aerodynamically design vehicles for improved efficiency, add start/stop features, add more mild hybrids and consider weight saving measures or electrify vehicles. Each option has an associated risk versus cost versus reward factor that must be weighed out precisely for automotive success.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Diesel and electric vehicles two of many options to meet CAFE regulations originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Norio Tomobe, chief engineer of the Honda CR-Z, said "The CR-Z is supposed to be an intelligent sports car." We can spend a fair bit of time debating the 'intelligence' of a sports coupe that gets from 0-to-60 in 9.7 seconds and has just two seats but gets worse gas mileage than a Toyota Prius. However, we won't really be able to decide on the issue until we drive it, and that is apparently what it takes to feel the love for it.

According to Automotive News, back when the CR-Z was being designed to house a traditional gasoline-only drivetrain, Tomobe said he and his team dug deep to come up with a new idea for the car, which ended up being a hybrid drivetrain and a six-speed transmission. But that wasn't until after they had tried to kill the project. Twice. And that didn't stop the president of American Honda Motor from repeatedly telling Japan the U.S. didn't need or want a sporty hybrid, which he thought would confuse customers. Until he drove it, and then all was go.

The hybrid's compromises remain a subject on everyone's minds. Tomobe wants more horsepower, and rumors began a month ago about a Type-R iteration. Even though Tomobe claims "We are not pursuing absolute maximum speed," we can't help but wonder if this first version of Honda's 122-horsepower future satisfies his own aspiration that "What we aim for is a car that is exhilarating to drive."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming Soon: Downloadable ringtones for your silent electric car?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Electric

Like to download new ringtones for your phone so that you don't sound like everybody else in the world that opts for the free cell phones from their chosen service provider? The same kind of thing is reportedly in the works for future electric cars.

We've been hearing for the last few years that the near silent nature of hybrids and EVs is a potential safety problem for pedestrians, especially for children and those hard of hearing, and these so-called "car tones" are seen as a possible answer to this problem.

At this point, there isn't any real data that suggests these quiet cars are any more or less dangerous to pedestrians than any other two-ton behemoth rolling down the road, but its still an issue being looked at closely by automakers.

According to the New York Times, companies like BMW, Fisker and Nissan are currently working with Hollywood special-effects teams and the film industry on new sounds that could be downloaded to current and future electric cars. We want our first EV to sound like Darth Vader's TIE Fighter and the horn to grunt like Chewie. Why not?

[Source: New York Times | Photo: Flickr/robad0b via C.C. 2.0]

Coming Soon: Downloadable ringtones for your silent electric car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Electric

Besides the potential feeling of environmental superiority, one of the great benefits to having a hybrid in California has been the availability of a magic little sticker set for a vehicle's rear bumper and fender. The "Access OK" tags have allowed its possessors to cruise in the carpool lanes even while driving solo. The special lanes - alternatively known as HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle) or diamond lanes - have proven to be a great time saver on California's clogged freeway system, but not everyone can find a ride-share partner to grant them access. Thus, getting a hybrid with one of the highly prized yellow (or white) decals is like getting yourself a free passenger - without the annoying banter.

As a result of their rarity and ultility, used cars with those decals usually command a premium. Heck, we've even reported on sticker thefts. The problem is that the benefits of those stickers were originally set to run out by 2009. The government intervened and extended those limits through January 1, 2011, but some would like to see them extended further - like through 2016.

Naturally, as more people move towards more efficient vehicles, some think the program should be halted altogether, while others (especially those with stickers themselves) continue to think that hybrids and other "clean" vehicles deserve the added benefit of solo access.You can be sure that this debate will continue right up until the deadline - unless California's legislature steps in to extend the program before then.

[Sources: The Los Angeles Times; California DMV | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM willing to investigate hybrid tech, low-rolling resistance tires if Corvette's survival depends on it

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Chevrolet, Rumormill, Electric

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept - Is a hybrid powertrain in the Corvette's future?

Is GM really considering a hybrid Corvette? Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product development, says it's a possibility. However, Stephens' comments are based on the new CAFE standards -- 35.5 mpg by 2016 -- and would only happen if the Corvette's livelihood depends on fitting a hybrid drivetrain.

With Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and others showing electrics and other alternatively powered sports cars, and some companies doing nothing but hybrids or electrics (see: Fisker and Tesla), it isn't hard to imagine an electrically boosted fiberglass flyer. The question is whether or not Corvette buyers would even consider a hybrid.

For now GM thinks they have a good enough plan to keep the Corvette electron-free. Until a hybrid is the only option, expect future 'Vettes to be made lighter, and equipped with low rolling resistance tires, direct injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation to make them more fuel frugal. Even electric power steering can boost mileage by half a gallon. So although a hybrid Corvette hasn't been ruled out, Stephens does say that we shouldn't expect a six-cylinder in the 'Vette's engine bay anytime soon.

[Source: Auomotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM willing to investigate hybrid tech, low-rolling resistance tires if Corvette's survival depends on it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has apparently begun shipping the new S400 BlueHybrid sedan to its US dealer network, as one of our readers spotted one and grabbed a photo of the window sticker. The S400 is Mercedes' first production hybrid vehicle and utilizes the mild hybrid system it developed in conjunction with BMW. While BMW is going whole-hog for performance with its ActiveHybrid 7 Series, Mercedes is going for more efficiency. The Stuttgart brand has opted use its 3.5-liter V6 with the hybrid system along with the first lithium ion battery used in such an application. The 120 V battery is actually nearly the same size as a traditional lead acid starter battery and takes its place in the engine compartment - meaning no trunk space is lost compared to the standard car.

The S400 Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That compares to 15/23 mpg for the V8 powered S550. The base price on the S400 starts at $87,950 and the car spotted by our reader had a bottom line of $93,775. You can configure your own S400 at the Mercedes USA site. Thanks to USCGTO for the tip!

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Japan

2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that hybrid cars have taken the top sales spots in Japan for the last few months, that country's Transport Ministry is reportedly launching an investigation to determine whether it's wise to require hybrid automobiles to emit an artificial sound when operating with the internal combustion engine switched off. The thinking is that hybrids may be more dangerous to the blind due to their quiet operation under electric power.

According to an unnamed official, the government's 13-member panel - consisting of a diverse group of scholars, vision-impaired groups, consumers, police and automobile industry officials - "decided to consider introducing a sound-making function" on all hybrids at its first meeting on Thursday, July 2. The panel hasn't yet decided what sound hybrids should make. We'll cast our unofficial vote in the direction of cowbells.

The issue is well-known in America, where the government has launched Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Acts in each of the last two years to study the supposed problem. Naturally, there is some opposition to artificial noise generators on hybrids. "On the other hand, we should pay attention to residents (along roads) as hybrids are excellent in reducing noise," added the Transport Ministry official.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus HS250h

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AFP via Google]

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini adding solar power to factory, vows to cut range CO₂ 35% by 2015

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Lamborghini

In the grand scheme of things, the facilities and products of Lamborghini don't really amount to a hill of beans. After all, the company only has one main factory that produces a few thousand cars a year. While those cars are high-powered and consume a lot of fuel per mile driven, Lamborghini owners tend to drive those cars far fewer miles than the mainstream autos the rest of us hop into on a daily basis. As such, the Lambos' total emissions don't add up to much.

Nonetheless, Lamborghini is still somewhat sensitive to both social and regulatory concerns and has an ambitious plan to reduce CO₂ emissions. The automaker is in the process of installing a 17,000 square meter solar array to its factory roof that, when completed later this year, will generate 1,582 MWh of electricity annually. In addition to that, changes are being made inside the plant to improve insulation, lighting, and climate control as part of a broader effort to lower factory-related CO₂ emissions 30 percent by 2010.

As for the products coming out of the factory, Lamborghini is pursuing several paths towards a goal of 35-percent CO₂ reduction by 2015. In addition to expanding the use of technology like the direct injection that debuted on the Gallardo LP560-4 last year, the engineers are working on improved combustion, weight reduction, auto start/stop systems, hybrid drive and biofuel use.

Gallery: Lamborghini CO₂ reductions

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Lamborghini adding solar power to factory, vows to cut range CO₂ 35% by 2015

Lamborghini adding solar power to factory, vows to cut range CO₂ 35% by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: 20% of all vehicles sold in U.S. to be hybrids by 2020 [w/POLL]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Green

What percentage of new vehicles in the U.S. will be hybrid in the year 2020? Take our poll after the jump!

According to a recent study conducted by JPMorgan, hybrid sales are about to take off. Last year, there were some 480,000 total hybrid vehicles sold around the world, which represents less than 1% of global sales. By 2020, though, JPMorgan predicts that 11.28 million hybrids will be sold annually, representing over 13% of all vehicles sold.

Much of that increase in sales will be attributed to the United States, as the report suggests that hybrids will capture nearly 20% of total market share in this country. The study suggests that the increase in hybrid vehicle sales will be influenced by such factors such as increased pressure from government agencies to reduce fuel consumption and overall vehicle emissions, as well as a drastic reduction in the cost of hybrid technology.

Of course, it stands to reason that hybrid-producing automakers will benefit from this uptick in hybrid vehicle sales, but JPMorgan's study may also portend good things for the ailing supplier industry, which produces the majority of the hybrid drivetrain components used by major automakers all around the world.

What percentage of new U.S. vehicle sales do you think hybrids will represent in 2020? Take our poll after the jump!

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Continue reading Study: 20% of all vehicles sold in U.S. to be hybrids by 2020 [w/POLL]

Study: 20% of all vehicles sold in U.S. to be hybrids by 2020 [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius rumors abound: Separate brand, 80 mpg, 3 different models

Chris Tutor — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for more images of the 2010 Toyota Prius

An "insider" at LLN has it on good authority that the oft-rumored Prius brand is, in their words, "a go." According to their source, the goal of the spin-off is to create cheaper hybrid models that would command a marginal premium over their standard, hybrid-free counterparts.

The rumormill pot gets stirred a bit more with the claim that the 2010 Prius could achieve up to 80 mpg. Combine that with the rumblings about a Prius price cut and it's starting to look like the Volt will have it's work cut out for it. Informed speculation also says that the reworked Prius may be joined by an upscale five-door Prius model in the $28-30,000 range and that Toyota could be planning a four-door "Baby Prius" expected to sell in the mid-teens, utilizing a nickel metal hydride battery pack and coming to market in 2013.

Gallery: Confirmed: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: LLN]

Prius rumors abound: Separate brand, 80 mpg, 3 different models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: In 2020, all cars will be hybrids, Toyota think so too

Dan Roth — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Green, Toyota

In the future, we'll eat all our meals from toothpaste tubes, everyone will be beautiful and healthy, and we won't need cars, what with the proliferation of nuclear-powered jet packs. Prediction is such thorny business, though Toyota isn't making such a fantastical claim by suggesting that each of its vehicles will have a hybrid option available by 2020. Wired's blog seems to agree that by 2020, hybrids will have proliferated like rabbits, and we'll be awash in electron propulsion systems.

We still feel a little cheated that eight years into the 21st century, we still don't have all those things promised to us fifty years ago, but at least automakers are hard at work pushing alternative systems toward viability. Justin Ward, a manager at the Toyota Technical Center overseeing advanced powertrain programs, told a Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse city that work continues on fuel cells to overcome challenges like climate extremes and range. Battery technology, too, will continue to advance, making the current Hybrid Synergy Drive even more efficient. Toyota is still holding off on diesels, and plug-ins present some issues when you consider where that electricity is generated, so it's looking like Toyota will continue to develop its fuel cell technology for the long term and bolster its hybrid offerings in the near future.

[Source: Auto News - sub req. Photo: itd.idaho.gov]

Report: In 2020, all cars will be hybrids, Toyota think so too originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog

Spy Shots: New Peugeot 508 sedan caught undisguised?

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, who is it for?

Report: U.S. government to purchase first 100 Chevy Volts and thousands of hybrids *UPDATE

Report: Diesel and electric vehicles two of many options to meet CAFE regulations

Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it

Coming Soon: Downloadable ringtones for your silent electric car?

Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA

REPORT: GM willing to investigate hybrid tech, low-rolling resistance tires if Corvette's survival depends on it

Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound

Lamborghini adding solar power to factory, vows to cut range CO2 35% by 2015

Study: 20% of all vehicles sold in U.S. to be hybrids by 2020 [w/POLL]

Prius rumors abound: Separate brand, 80 mpg, 3 different models

Report: In 2020, all cars will be hybrids, Toyota think so too

Lamborghini adding solar power to factory, vows to cut range CO₂ 35% by 2015