Autoblog

More details on the 2011 Le Mans technical regulations, now with hybrid power

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Audi, Honda, Porsche, Peugeot, Diesel, Racing

Peugeot 908-HY hybrid prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

On Thursday, June 10, the Automobile Club de L'Ouest (ACO), which organizes the 24 Hours of Le Mans, held its annual press conference and announced new technical regulations for the 2011 event as well as the European Le Mans Series. The ACO has long encouraged a variety of powerplant configurations, which is what prompted first Audi and then Peugeot to develop diesel-powered prototypes. 2011 will bring the official introduction hybrid power to Le Mans racing in all of the new classes.

Next year the club will move even further in the direction already pioneered by the American Le Mans Series with its "green racing" initiatives. The top LMP1 class will adopt what are essentially the current LMP2 rules, with gasoline racing engines limited to 3.4 liters normally aspirated or 2.0 liters turbocharged. Diesels can displace no more than 3.7 liters. The current LMP1 cars will be allowed to compete in 2011, but performance will be restricted by as-yet-unannounced means that will likely include more weight and smaller air restrictors. Check out the rest of the changes after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Peugeot 908 hy

[Source: Automobile Club de L'Ouest]

Continue reading More details on the 2011 Le Mans technical regulations, now with hybrid power

More details on the 2011 Le Mans technical regulations, now with hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:30:00 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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2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid boasts luxury plus efficiency, but is it enough?

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this week we reported that Ford had plans to repurpose its very well-received hybrid powertrain in the Lincoln MKZ. Makes sense, right? Both the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan (sister cars of the MKZ) benefit from the fuel-sipping mill, and by adding a bit of electric power to the Lincoln lineup, Ford is hoping to attract more buyers into its luxury division's showrooms. What's more, since Lincoln vehicles carry higher price points than comparable Ford or Mercury products, the return on this hybrid investment means a larger profit margin for the automaker as a whole.

Well, now it's official. For the 2011 model year, the Lincoln MKZ will offer the award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline/electric powertrain from the Fusion and Milan hybrids, good for up to 41 miles per gallon in the city. In doing this, Lincoln aims to compete directly with the recently introduced Lexus HS250h, and since the MKZ will net six more MPGs than the HS, it can safely take the title of most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. What's more, the MKZ is slightly larger than the Lexus, and if Ford plays its cards right, we wouldn't be surprised if the MKZ Hybrid is less expensive than the HS, as well.

Aside from the powertrain, the new hybrid doesn't differ too much from the rest of the MKZ range. Plenty of standard amenities are on tap, such as the cool-looking SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a reverse sensing system, heated and cooled front seats, Ford's MyKey system and - of course - SYNC.

But the big question surrounding the MKZ Hybrid isn't how well it will perform against the Lexus, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from a Fusion or Milan with the same powertrain. Consumers who are only looking for efficiency might be willing to sacrifice certain luxury amenities to save money, and this dilemma has always affected MKZ sales. Still, luxury-minted customers would be wise to look at this as an alternative option to the HS250h, and we'll keep a close eye on sales numbers when the MKZ Hybrid goes on sale later this year. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in the press release, and click through our gallery below to see the electrified MKZ for yourself.

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

[Source: Lincoln]

Continue reading 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid boasts luxury plus efficiency, but is it enough?

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid boasts luxury plus efficiency, but is it enough? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:01:00 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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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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REPORT: Daimler to open Mercedes hybrid electric research base in MI

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

In an all-too-rare win for Detroit's automaker base, the state of Michigan and Daimler have reportedly reached a deal to see a new Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric car research and development facility built in neighboring Ann Arbor. Among other things, the facility will develop hybrid transmissions, electric motors, and powertrain management software.

The German automaker is reportedly seeking a 65,000 square-foot facility to house the R&D works, and the development will also see the relocation of an existing facility currently located in Troy. Over the course of the next decade, the new operation is expected to represent a $9.9 million investment and generate 454 jobs - 223 of them directly. However, in order to secure the facility in Michigan (California and South Carolina were reportedly also considered), the state has had to cough up a tax break package worth some $7.5 million over 10 years.

[Source: MLive]

REPORT: Daimler to open Mercedes hybrid electric research base in MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hybrid sales slide 9.9% in 2008

Dan Roth — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Nissan, Toyota

Despite all the clamor about how hybrids are going to save the planet, cure cancer, facilitate the second coming, etc., sales of battery-pack-mobiles are down nearly ten percent for 2008. At the beginning of 2008, it looked like hybrids were going to have their best year ever, driven by high fuel prices and a recessive economy. That recession, however,has caused consumers to cut way back, leading to dramatic drop in fuel prices, killing much of the argument for a hybrid's price premium. Consumers shy away from hybrids when fuel dips below $3.50 per gallon, and the incessant clang of news stories about expensive fuel also dries up, causing the issue of fuel efficiency to fall from consciousness.

Toyota is still the hybrid sales king, with 241,000 units shifted in 2008. Honda managed to ring up 31,000 sales, and Ford came in third with nearly 20,000 vehicles sold. While nearly every automaker offering hybrids is down (Nissan actually saw a 5 percent increase, and General Motors garnered a whopping 179 percent jump thanks to its 2008 introductions), Ford was hardest hit, with a 22 percent drop. Some might say "we told you so" about the way things have played out - by the time everyone got on board with more efficient offerings, the bottom has fallen out of the price of fuel - and others might use the sales figures to agitate for a gas tax to stimulate the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Hybrid sales slide 9.9% in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spawn of Volt: More details on more variants

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Wagon, Green, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

Click above for live high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

GM is not going to let the Volt or its E-Flex powertrain get lonely. The first Volt -- the one due in late 2010 -- hasn't been finished yet, yet is so popular that GM is publicly theorizing about how far it can spread the technology through the empire. Ideas include a smaller car with a smaller battery pack that could go 20 miles on pure electric, and be much cheaper. A proper wagon, just "a little bit bigger," could also make the cut.

And those variants don't all need to be Chevrolets. Other GM brands will certainly be blessed with Volt technology, if not an outright case of brand engineering. Cadillac is one of the wolves thought to be circling the Volt's henhouse, and using Volt systems in a Caddy might allow GM to make a profit on such a car without tax breaks. If there were a more economical Volt with a shorter electric range, Saturn would seem to be a prime candidate.

It looks like the sole E-Flex powertrain option not planned is an electric-only car, one without a range-extending gasoline engine. GM feels that people would find it too risky to have no backup. But back to that first car, the plain vanilla Chevy Volt that's still two years away from showrooms - a Volt team member doesn't appear to have forgotten the prime directive: "You always have to do the first car right and well." Amen.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - Interior

[Source: CNN Money]

Spawn of Volt: More details on more variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:04:00 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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Mercedes outlines its "Road to the Future"

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has laid out a long Road to the Future, detailing its efforts to create "fuel-efficient and environmentally-sustainable premium automobiles without the need to forgo the characteristic brand features." That's fancy talk for having your German chocolate cake and eating it, too.

The three areas on which the tri-pointed star wants to focus are fitting vehicles with the latest internal combustion engine technology, including smaller engines, gasoline direct injection, turbocharging, and BlueTEC; improving vehicle aerodynamics, weight, and energy management (BlueEFFICIENCY); adding more "hybrid" technologies like start/stop functions and a fully-electric-capable 2-mode hybrid drive; and creating zero-emissions vehicles.

Mercedes wants diesels as clean as gas engines, gas engines as efficient as diesels, diesel hybrids, lighter cars, better gas mileage, leprechauns, unicorns, and rainbows for everyone. Well, not those last three, but you get the picture. To understand the full sweep of Mercedes' efforts, follow the jump for the full press release.

[Source: eGM Car Tech]

Continue reading Mercedes outlines its "Road to the Future"

Mercedes outlines its "Road to the Future" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's next hybrid could revive Insight name

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda CR-Z concept

First Honda said it was going to press the reset button on its hybrid efforts and come out with something bolder than the Civic Hybrid. Then it laid out plans for a number of hybrids that would be priced considerably more aggressively than the Toyota Prius. One of the concepts, the funky CR-Z, has already got people abuzz.

More details have emerged about the first hybrid to appear, a 5-door hatch with unique styling that's based on the Fit, but three inches taller and one inch wider. It will use the Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist technology and mate that car's 1.3-liter engine with 94 hp to a 15kW electric motor powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Fuel economy, according to insider predictions, will be somewhere around 71 - 82 miles per gallon, but that's based on Japanese domestic use. Expect a drop for U.S. comparison.

Honda is considering a return to the name "Insight" for its first new hybrid, which we're all for. The Insight was a brilliant little ride, and we never understood why Honda let it go. Though it was low on practicality with only two seats and not much storage, it was a purpose-built vehicle for big mpg numbers. This potential new Insight will be Honda's global hybrid, and the company expects to sell 100,000 of them in the U.S. annually. Add this to the other three hybrids Honda is planning, and Honda's hybrid future -- assuming it delivers as promised -- looks quite bright.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

[Source: Auto Observer via eGM Car Tech]

Honda's next hybrid could revive Insight name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to keep your land barge and still drive green(ish)

Chris Tutor — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, First Drives

These days it seems more common to overhear comments about a particular car's appalling fuel economy than idle chatter about the weather, which makes sense when a gallon of gas costs as much as a cheap umbrella. For instance, just the other day there was some guy going on about how his car was getting 3 mpg less than just a few months ago and had no idea why. That is until it was pointed out to him that his car's adjustable luggage rack was in its full, upright position, giving his car the aerodynamic efficiency of a cinder block.

That's just one of the points Forbes includes on its list of things to do so you can drive green without buying a new car. Improving your gas-guzzling vehicle's sleekness by losing that luggage rack, ditching that inefficient and egregiously ugly three-foot-tall spoiler and quit sticking your hand out the window are all little things that add up to an appreciable difference at the pump.

Most of the advice is common sense we've all heard before, but Sebastian Blanco, editor of AutoblogGreen, offered a novel suggestion for the list. Reduce your car's weight by only filling up half the tank. One gallon of gasoline can weigh as much as 6.5 lbs. On a 2008 Ford Escape, a half a tank of gas weighs 53 pounds.

Like the Forbes article points out, there's only so much you can do to curb a car's drinking habit, especially if you're driving something like an Escalade. But in smaller, lighter cars, even small steps like this can make a big difference in your fuel bill.

[Source: Forbes.com]

How to keep your land barge and still drive green(ish) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Columnist discovers used Civic more frugal than new Prius

Chris Tutor — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Maintenance, Green

A columnist for The Economist confirms what many of us thought was obvious. New is not necessarily better and it's good to keep your nose clean.

Moving from London to Texas (what a shock that must have been), the writer needed a car, and wanted one of the (what was then) shiny new Priuses. But not even a bright green nature could persuade the frugal side to part with $30k.

A little research turned up a previously-titled Honda Civic LX 5-speed for just under $11k. At first, the little Honda got 34 MPG, impressive, but not the 60 MPG claimed by the Prius. But after some basic maintenance (new air filter and an oil change) the Civic's highway numbers jumped to 40 MPG. Sweet. The writer's aunt boosted her hybrid Civic's numbers from 46 mpg to 50 mpg just by properly inflating her tires and setting the cruise control.

So by forgoing the latest and greatest, the author saved almost $20k. By spending $25 on an oil change and $10 on an air filter, the Honda burns fewer gallons of gas. No, the columnist hasn't discovered some ancient automotive secret, but the writer does show how small, inexpensive choices can positively affect the wallets and environments of Prius and H2 drivers alike.

[Source: The Economist]

Columnist discovers used Civic more frugal than new Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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