Autoblog

Ask Autoblog: Why doesn't my guzzler qualify as a clunker?

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

We've been hearing plenty of horror stories this past week about people trying and failing to trade in their vehicles under the Cash for Clunkers program. We recently received an e-mail from a reader named Rex asking about his particular case. Unfortunately, a big part of the problem is either lack of information or inaccurate information on the part of both dealers and the government. In Rex's case, he was trying to buy a 2009 GMC Sierra half-ton pickup with a 5.3-liter V8. His initial rejected trade was a 1985 GMC Suburban. After that, he was given two different government numbers to call and no one at those numbers or at the dealer could explain why he was rejected.

The answer is actually quite simple. The 1985 Suburban is rated at 13 mpg combined and the base 5.3-liter 2009 Sierra is rated at 16 mpg combined. To qualify for the clunker rebate, the new vehicle must get at least 4 mpg more than the old one. In this case, if Rex had opted for the Sierra XFE, he should've be able to get the rebate because it is rated at 17 mpg, thus clearing the lower limit.

After the 1985 truck was rejected, Rex offered up a 1990 3/4 ton pickup (example above), which was also turned down. The explanation here was also mpg-related, but for a different reason. The larger, newer truck is a heavy duty unit with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 8,500 pounds. These larger trucks are not subject to CAFE standards and aren't assigned EPA sticker ratings. Without an EPA sticker value, even though this truck is considerably thirstier than the Suburban, it was also turned away.

The moral of the story is to make sure you carefully check the mpg rating of your trade-in and the new vehicle you want to buy before you go shopping. For trucks, the improvement must be at least 2 mpg for the $3,500 rebate and 5 mpg for the $4,500 (for cars: 5 mpg and 10 mpg). You can do the research by visiting fueleconomy.gov.

[Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty]

Ask Autoblog: Why doesn't my guzzler qualify as a clunker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan pokes fun at Volt, claims 367 mpg equivalent for Leaf EV

Alex Nunez — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Electric

Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not content to let General Motors grab all the shiny happy tree-huggy headlines today with its 230 mpg claim for the Chevy Volt in city operation, the gang manning the NissanEVs Twitter account needled GM's range-extended EV messiah, tweeting:

Nissan Leaf = 367 mpg, no tailpipe, and no gas required. Oh yeah, and it'll be affordable too!

Given that the methodology of how the feds will ultimately arrive at the official mileage numbers (or mileage equivalents) for many of these next-gen greenmobiles is not yet finalized, we'll take all the hype and scoreboard pointing with a grain of salt until we see actual, final numbers posted at FuelEconomy.gov. (Nissan says its 367 mpg figure was derived by using the Department of Energy formula.)

In any case, a Twitter spitball fight between GMBlogs and NissanEVs over this stuff would be kind of entertaining to watch. Sorta like the nerdy opposite of the ZR1 vs. GT-R debate.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Nissan EVs onTwitter]

Nissan pokes fun at Volt, claims 367 mpg equivalent for Leaf EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 BMW X6 gets some preliminary EPA numbers

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

When we had our First Drive in BMW's new X6 Sport Activity Coupe, we didn't get the opportunity to really measure fuel consumption, since the vehicles were gassed-up when we got behind the wheel and were then refuelled during our lunch break. A glance at the on-board computer of the '35i we drove on the long route through the mountains indicated about 13.5 mpg which is nothing to write home about. The other day, BMW sent us the preliminary EPA numbers for the X6 which came in at 15/20/17mpg city/highway/combined for the turbo six cylinder model. The 404hp turbo V-8 completed the test cycles with ratings of 13/18/15mpg. When the two-mode hybrid version of the version of the X6 debuts in 2009, it will be combined only with the V-8 engine. With an expected 25 percent improvement overall, the X6 hybrid should hit about 18-19mpg combined.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW X6

[Source: BMW]

2009 BMW X6 gets some preliminary EPA numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More cars than ever require premium fuel

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

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, First Drive

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

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

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

[Source: USA Today]

More cars than ever require premium fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler says it will meet new CAFE standards

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

Filed under: Green, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

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

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

[Source: TCC]

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

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VW finds highest mileage diesel in Ohio

John Neff — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Volkswagen

click either image to enlarge

Earlier this month, Volkswagen of America showed off the oldest VW diesel in the U.S., a 1977 diesel Rabbit residing in California. Today it revealed the second half of its search, the highest mileage VW diesel in the U.S. This one is a 1986 Jetta Turbo Diesel owned by Syl Schmid of Blue Rock, Ohio. It's racked up over 562,000 miles in its lifestyle and has the weary odometer to prove it. Not only that, but Schmid has records to prove that the car has consistently achieved over 50 mpg throughout its lifetime. Take that, Prius! Just don't ask about its particulate emissions, though. For its longevity, the car has won its owner a six-month lease for VW Touareg V10 TDI.

Having owned two 1986 VW Jettas in my lifetime, both gas-powered, I can attest to VW's amazing find from central Ohio. Schmid's Jetta even has its original drivetrain and muffler! Both of my Jettas needed new exhaust systems thanks to the corrosive effects of Cleveland's salting strategy in the winter, so to hear a fellow Ohioan has made it through over twenty winters with the same exhaust is just incredible.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: Highest Mileage VW Diesel in U.S.

Continue reading VW finds highest mileage diesel in Ohio

VW finds highest mileage diesel in Ohio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Voters want better gas mileage, and sooner

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green

In a survey of 30 congressional districts in the Midwest and Southeast, it was "found that nearly nine out of ten voters want mandatory increases in fuel efficiency." In fact, to be specific, they want the House of Representatives to pass the same CAFE standards as the Senate passed two months ago: 35 mpg for cars and trucks by 2020, and chose that over a slightly less strict competing bill. Even more startling: 85% of the respondents wanted compliance brought up to 2018.

Having said that, we can't help but think the results are slightly skewed. If the survey question wasn't entirely loaded, there were at least a couple of rounds in the cylinder. Essentially, respondents were asked to agree with one of two statements: carmakers should not have to make cars with better gas mileage because if they do it will make everything worse for America and you won't be able to buy an SUV, or, carmakers should have to make cars with better gas mileage because it will make everything better for America and you'll save money and we won't rely so much on foreign oil. Let me see...

According to the survey, voters apparently saw no negative consequences from mandating higher CAFE standards, with up to 81% believing that vehicles would remain just as powerful, just as safe, workers wouldn't lose their jobs, and the need to innovate would invigorate the economy. There is undoubtedly a desire for more fuel efficient vehicles, with a lot of room on all sides for the various parties to come up with workable solutions that benefit the most and harm the least. There could also, however, be surveys that do a better job of highlighting that fact.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Voters want better gas mileage, and sooner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Senators reach agreement on CAFE standards

John Neff — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

As our colleagues over at AutoblogGreen note, with all the lobbying going on this week for and against tougher fuel economy standards, it's been tough following who's for what and what's good for whom. Regardless, the debate came to end late yesterday when the Senate agreed to a portion of the new energy bill that calls for raising the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard to 35 mpg by 2020 for both cars and trucks. The current CAFE standard is 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.5 mpg for trucks.

The new bill is a compromise of sorts, as a proposed annual 4% increase in the CAFE standards after they reach 35 mpg in 2020 was scrapped along with a $29 billion tax package that would have paid for tax breaks for producers of alternative fuels and owners of plug-in hybrids.

All is not over, as the larger energy bill will continued to be debated today, and then the bill will move over to the House of Representatives. If it passes through the House, there's no guarantee the president won't strike it down with his veto pen, as he's already stated he does not approve of specific mileage numbers. Nevertheless, yesterday's 65-27 vote was somewhat historic considering how effective the auto industry has lobbied against raising CAFE standards for decades.

[Source: Automotive News, AutoblogGreen]

BREAKING: Senators reach agreement on CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Odo Uh-Oh: Honda extending warranties on 6 million cars

John Neff — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Honda

Honda has decided to settle a class-action lawsuit that alleges its odometers were racking up miles too fast. The automaker says odometers on some 6 million Hondas affected by the suit were accurate to within 3.75% on the high side. The NHTSA doesn't regulate odometer accuracy, and the only industry standard is a voluntary one set by the Society of Automotive Engineers that says odos should be within +/-4%. While the car's affected by the suit fall within that range, Honda recognized that its customers expected their odometers "would be based on zero," and they weren't.

The settlement will lengthen the warranty mileage of affected vehicles by 5% and Honda will pay lease-mileage penalties incurred by owners, which is expected to cost the automaker around $6 million. If you own a 2002 to 2006 Honda or Acura bought between April 12, 2002 and November 7, 2006, then you're eligible for the benefits of the settlement.

The lawsuit also prompted lawyers to test the odometer accuracy of other vehicles. It was found that on average domestic vehicles were nearly perfect in their odo accuracy, while Toyotas actually racked up fewer miles on the clock than they did in reality. Nissans, however, didn't fare as well, and a new class-action suit has been filed on behalf of Altima owners who say their odometers are counting the miles 2.5% to 3% faster than they should.

[Source: USA Today]

Thanks for the tip, John!

Odo Uh-Oh: Honda extending warranties on 6 million cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA: Al� contending for Automotive X-Prize

John Neff — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Hybrid, Green

The Alé from Fuel Vapor Technologies is the first actual entry for the Automotive X-Prize that we've come across. For those that need a refresher course, the X-Prize Foundation is the organization that got a private plane into orbit by dangling some big bucks at the end of a stick. The Automotive X-Prize will similarly offer a large amount of cash money for the car that can run the cleanest and longest on a tank of gas. While the rules haven't been finalized nor the amount of prize money announced, you can follow the Foundation's progress at its blog. The Alé has been designed with the Automotive X-Prize in mind, and as such the three-wheeler can achieve 92 mpg. But it's not one of those completely impractical MPG whores that sacrifices all performance and practicality for that kind of mileage. It does 0-60 in under 5 seconds, runs a 12.9 second quarter mile, and corners at 1.7g! The Alé is powered by a four cyinder gasoline engine that uses a patent-pending fuel vapor system that literally allows it to run on fumes. According to its inventor, George Parker, most gas engines run on an 14.7:1 to air to gasoline ratio. The Alé uses a ratio of over 20:1, allowing it to stretch the amount of miles it can extract from a good old gallon of go juice. It's also extremely slippery and weighs only 1,300 lbs. The Ale is a front-wheel drive car, meaning the two front wheels are very busy both powering and steering this mega mileage trike. Who knows how it handles or if its relatively outrageous claims are true, as it's trapped inside a crowded SEMA hall at the moment. Hopefully we'll hear more about the Alé in the coming days as the Automotive X-Prize challenge progresses.

Check out a full gallery of pics after the jump.

Continue reading SEMA: Al� contending for Automotive X-Prize

SEMA: Al� contending for Automotive X-Prize originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Outlook to start at $27,990

John Neff — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:22:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, GM, Saturn

Saturn has announced that its new 8-passenger crossover called the Outlook will have an MSRP of $27,990 for a two-wheel drive model and $29,990 for an all-wheel drive XE model. Uplevel XR models will start at $30,290 for two-wheel drive and $32,290 for all-wheel drive. All models will get General Motors' 3.6-liter VVT V6 that produces 270 hp and 248 ft-lbs. of torque in the base XE and 275 hp and 251 ft-lbs. of torque in the XR thanks to a dual exhaust system. Both engines are paired up with GM's new six-speed automatic transmission, which from what we've heard is a slick shifter. We also now know you can order up your Outlook with options like ultrasonic rear parking assist, a power lift gate, remote start, heated windshield washer fluid, a DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation.

For those concerned that a 8-passenger crossover might be a fuel hog, you'll be surprised to learn that the EPA estimates for the Outlook aren't that bad. Saturn tells us that two-wheel drive models should get 18 mpg city/26mpg highway and four-wheel drive models 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. We do expect the Outlook to eventually offer a V8 underhood, at which time those numbers will drop considerably. However, GM has a lot of technology available of which the Outlook could potentially avail itself, including a two-mode hybrid system that will be introduced in the Tahoe soon. Such a system would presumably work in the Outlook and its platform mates, the GMC Arcadia and Buick Enclave, returning better fuel mileage than the Tahoe hybrid thanks to its lower weight. Seems like this type of large vehicle would also be a prime candidate for a light-duty diesel engine.

GM and Saturn are certainly being very aggressive with the Outlook's price, which we expect will be the least expensive of the three Lambda-based models. The Saturn Outlook's $28,000 base price is low enough even that people considering a Ford Edge, which starts at just below $26,000 for a two-wheel drive model, will likely be attracted by the Outlook's extra row of seats.

You can check out GM's full press release on the Outlook's pricing after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Saturn Outlook to start at $27,990

Saturn Outlook to start at $27,990 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota, Honda dominate U.S. fuel economy ratings

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy released Tuesday the 2007 edition of the government's Fuel Economy Guide, and Toyota and Honda models dominate the top of the rankings, with seven of the top ten fuel economy ratings, led by Toyota's Prius. Ford Motor was the only American automaker to crack the top ten, with three of its Ford and Mercury hybrids.

Here are the ten best, in order:
1. Toyota Prius
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid
4. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD
5. Toyota Yaris (manual)
6. Toyota Yaris (automatic)
7. Honda Fit (manual)
8. Toyota Corolla (manual)
9. Hyundai Accent (manual) tied with the Kia Rio (manual)
10. Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD tied with the Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD

While the gas-sipping Prius topped the list with EPA economy numbers of 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway, the much less expensive gas-only Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit turned in very impressive numbers (34/40 and 33/38, respectively for the manual transmission versions).

Perhaps the most entertaining aspect of the report is the seeing the EPA categorize the Aston Martin DB9 as a "minicompact," the Bentley Azure as a "subcompact," and the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti as a "midsize" car. (All three posted worst-in-class numbers, by the way.)

Lots more info at the government's fuel economy website, here.

[Source: EPA]

Toyota, Honda dominate U.S. fuel economy ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadians crack down on illegal idling

Erin Mays — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Anyone who feared that Canada's anti-idling law would go unenforced need not worry -- the city of Toronto and Toronto Police Services will ticket drivers (or idlers, as it were) of vehicles left idling for more than three minutes in a 60-minute time window. The infraction goes for $100 with a $25 provincial surcharge and was created to reduce the amount of smog polluting Canada's air.

Authorities are encouraging drivers to spend even less time idling than that, however -- they suggest that drivers don't warm up their vehicles before departing, and spending more than 10 seconds in the same spot should be accompanied by a driver turning his or her vehicle off except while in traffic.

While most would deem such efforts excessive (doesn't turning your vehicle off and on waste more gas?), for the most part the effort is a good one to reduce pollution and improve mileage.

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Canadians crack down on illegal idling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mod eliminates Hummer mileage problem...or does it?

Joel Arellano — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, GM, Hummer

High gas prices combined with the Hummer's bottom-of-the-barrell gas mileage should spell doom for sales for the boxy SUV, right? Well, two Hummer dealerships may have found a technological workaround. Sib blog engadget reports that Detroit Hummer and Hummer of Novi are selling a modification, called the "Mileage Maximizer," that supposedly increases the SUV's miles per gallon up to as much as the mid-twenties. The modification comes from the aftermarket parts company Air Synergy Labs Inc. with the the dealerships charging $185.95 for the device.

The modifiers have not yet been tested by Hummer or the brand's parent company, General Motors. Both strongly discourage such modifications and hint they may not honor any warranties to modified vehicles. Also, no governmental body has certified the device's claims. The dealerships, though, are pleased with the brisk sales of the modified SUVs. States Russ Reimer, service director for both dealerships, "....We've had some customers already call us back and say they have seen an improvement."

Do we have to ask? Comments are now open.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via engadget; picture by Getty Images]

Mod eliminates Hummer mileage problem...or does it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jun 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi to offer CVT for first time in U.S.

John Neff — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Mitsubishi

The next Mitsubishi Lancer will be the first vehicle from the company to be offered with a continuously variable transmission when it goes on sale next March. The CVT will be paired with a 2.4L version of the World Engine that Mitsubishi helped develop in conjunction with Hyundai and Daimler Chrysler.

AutoWeek reports that Mitsubishi is using the CVT as a relatively inexpensive way to increase fuel economy. The new tranny could improve the Lancer's fuel economy by up to 20 percent. The move will give the struggling Japanese automaker an attractive product in its portfolio for those seeking efficiency over performance.

Other notable items that AutoWeek mentioned include the fact that Mitsubishi isn't developing a hybrid because it would be just too expensive to develop. The company is, however, planning to offer a diesel in the U.S. by 2010 and is also working on creating flex-fuel engines capable of running E85.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Mitsubishi to offer CVT for first time in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jun 2006 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gas prices a threat to GM turnaround?

Erin Mays — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 11:52:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Crossover, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

To all General Motors executives and news reporters proclaiming the company's new SUVs a rousing success, hold your horses-- at least through the summer. The new GMT900 siblings may be fine vehicles, but gas prices are back up and consumers are starting to feel the pinch again. While full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon (pictured) appeal to buyers who would buy an SUV regardless of the state of gas prices, vehicles such like the Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy are arguably more price sensitive purchases. These buyers may in fact choose a more fuel-efficient crossover vehicle instead -- a vehicle doesn't make GM nearly as much money, not to mention the fact that the company is currently experiencing a gaping hole in the mid-size crossover segment, sending potential GM buyers elsewhere.

[Source: Reuters via Stuff.co.za]

Gas prices a threat to GM turnaround? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan revises down Versa fuel economy

John Neff — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

In a short-but-sweet press release Nissan announced that it is revising downward the estimated EPA combined city/highway gas mileage for its Xtronic CVT-equipped Versa sub-compact. The original estimate was 38 mpg, which has now fallen to 33 mpg. Nissan offered no explanation for the adjustment. All Versa models are powered by a 122-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder engine.

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan revises down Versa fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Apr 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go on a diet, and ten other roads toward better fuel economy

Joel Arellano — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Etc., Green

With gasoline prices on their way back up again, automotive resource AAOW magazine has thoughtfully compiled eleven ways to maximize fuel efficiency. The list includes:

Read your owner's manual. Learn how to properly use those heated and cooled seats without burning a hole in your gas funds.
Maintain your vehicle. Well-known among enthusiasts, a properly serviced and maintained vehicle gives optimum gas mileage.
Calculate your mpg regularly. Consider servicing if your miles per gallon is off more than 10-percent.
Lose weight. Remove those beach chairs and any sand from the trunk of your car.
Turn it off. Turn on your car when you're about to leave, not when you expect your loved one to get out of the bathroom.
Calm down. Sorry, but treating every stoplight like the start of a drag race will not save fuel.
Premium versus regular. Use the latter if okay'd by your owner's manual.
Don't top the tank. You might trigger a 'check engine' lamp or spill fuel.
Plan your day. The more 'cold' starts you do, the worse the gas mileage.
Pump up the volume. That is, tire pressure. Check your manual.
Get a gas card. One word: rebates.

Full explanation can be found at the link. What would you add to the list?

[Source: AAOW via OnWheels.com]

Go on a diet, and ten other roads toward better fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five Diesels from Europe that will out-eco a Prius

John Neff — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Audi, Kia, Smart

Your Prius may be rated at 60 mpg in the city and 51 mpg while cruising the countryside, but chances are you're not realizing those numbers the EPA obtained by strapping Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to a dynamometer. In Europe, where fuel economy is calculated by actually operating an engine on the road while it's under the hood of a vehicle, the Prius returns a more realistic 47 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway, or 5.0L/100km city and 4.2L/100km highway in the continent's native metric.

This more realistic fuel economy rating lowers the bar enough for a handful of European small cars to beat the Prius in a game at which many Americans believe it's indomitable. And guess what, these cars from the old world all use highly fuel-efficient diesel engines.

(All mileage numbers represent official European rating converted into miles/gallon via this conversion site)

Audi A2 1.2 TDI
city: 65.33
highway: 87.11
average: 78.4

Smart fortwo CDI
city: 60.31
highway: 75.87
average: 69.18

Peugeot 107 Urban 1.4 HDi 54 / Citroën C1 HDi 55 SX
city: 44.38
highway: 69.18
average: 57.37)

Citroën C2 HDi 70 SensoDrive VTR
city: 48
highway: 61.9
average: 56

KIA Picanto 1.1 CRDi EX
city: 48
highway: 31.9
average: 56

If many in this country are so concerned about eking the most amount of miles from a gallon of fuel, why hasn't the modern diesel enjoyed the same success here as the hybrid? The easy answer would be the ghost of diesel's past, particularly a bad batch of oil burners designed by Oldsmobile in the 1980's.

The more complicated response is that Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel hasn't been readily available in the U.S. like it is in Europe. This special blend of diesel contains less sulfur, which reduces emissions, but also allows for better emissions control systems to be used on a diesel engine. Fortunately ULSD will be the new standard in the U.S. come this fall. Some companies, like DaimlerChrysler, are waiting in the wings with 50-state approved diesels that are powerful, clean and get grand gas mileage. Will diesels finally become the eco-peer of hybrids? Who will be the first to marry the two in an ultra-efficient diesel hybrid production car? Time will tell, but we can all breathe easier knowing more green options are sprouting up every year.

Five Diesels from Europe that will out-eco a Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Mar 2006 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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