Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has kicked off its latest efficiency marathon in northern Norway this week with a fleet of A3, A4, A5, Q7 and TT models to demonstrate what they can do in the real world. Leading the pack in terms of minimal fuel consumption is the new A3 1.6 TDI. On the road in Norway in the opening stage, the drivers managed to squeeze out an astounding 78.4 mpg average from the 1.6-liter diesel engine. Next up was the A4 2.0 TDI e sedan, which went an average of 60.3 miles on every gallon (U.S.) of diesel.

In addition to the high efficiency models, Audi also opted to include several high performance models this time around to show that even they can get very good fuel efficiency when driven sedately. The 340-horsepower TT-RS averaged 32.22 mpg, while the utterly absurd Q7 V12 TDI with its 500 horsepower diesel V12 managed a startling 27.03 mpg. That's nearly as good as what we achieved with the V6-powered Q7 TDI on last year's U.S. Mileage Marathon, so it's not too shabby for a big SUV that would probably pull a house off of its foundation


Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi a3audi a3 tdiaudi a4audi a5audi a5 sportbackaudi efficiciency challengeaudi efficiencyaudi efficiency marathonaudi q7audi q7 dieselaudi q7 tdiaudi q7 v12 tdiAudi TDiaudi ttaudi tt rsaudi tt tdiaudi tt-rsAudiA3AudiA3TdiAudiA4AudiA5AudiA5SportbackAudiEfficiciencyChallengeAudiEfficiencyAudiEfficiencyMarathonAudiQ7AudiQ7DieselAudiQ7TdiAudiQ7V12TdiAudiTdiAudiTtAudiTt-rsAudiTtRsAudiTtTdidieselMPGTDIFri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[EPA and DOT announce new fuel economy, greenhouse gas plan: CO2 emissions take center stage over MPG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/epa-and-dot-announce-new-fuel-economy-greenhouse-gas-plan-co2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/epa-and-dot-announce-new-fuel-economy-greenhouse-gas-plan-co2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/epa-and-dot-announce-new-fuel-economy-greenhouse-gas-plan-co2/#commentsFiled under:



Back in May, the Obama Administration raised the national CAFE standard to 35.5 mpg (for cars and trucks) by 2016. The higher standard would build from the 27.3 mpg 2011 standard and go up five percent each year until 2016. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation issued a joint statement proposing just how the two agencies will work together to reach the higher standard required for model year 2012-2016 vehicles.

The 35.5 mpg number from the CAFE regulations can be reached, the DOT and EPA say, if all MY 2016 vehicles have "an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile" (to compare, that would be 155 g/km using the European g/km measurement) and that target is met by improving fuel economy. We can't help but think that a focus on CO2 instead of mpg is needed in light of new claims that cars can get 230 mpg.

The two agencies say that the new standard will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil, reduce greenhouse gases by 950 metric tons and save "the average car buyer" over $3,000 in fuel costs. The main point, though, is that everyone involved has agreed to combine the CAFE standards and EPA's greenhouse gas emissions standards into one, making it clear what automakers have to do to sell cars in any state in the Union.

Considering the long fight that the Auto Alliance had with California and other states that wanted to adopt more stringent rules than the Bush-era EPA was willing to declare, the EPA and DOT's proposal appeals to Alliance president Dave McCurdy. "Final rules are essential to providing manufacturers with the certainty and lead time necessary to plan for the future and cost effectively add new technology," he said. "We look forward to working constructively with the Obama administration to provide comments and begin meeting our shared goals of increasing fuel economy, enhancing energy security, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through this single national program." Press releases are after the jump, as is information on how to comment on the EPA and DOT's proposed rule over the next 60 days.

[Source: EPA/DOT, Auto Alliance]

Continue reading EPA and DOT announce new fuel economy, greenhouse gas plan: CO2 emissions take center stage over MPG

EPA and DOT announce new fuel economy, greenhouse gas plan: CO2 emissions take center stage over MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafedave mccurdyDaveMccurdydotepafalsegrams per mileGramsPerMilempgnhtsanhtsa cafe rulesNhtsaCafeRulesTue, 15 Sep 2009 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf name used in the rest of the world's markets. The European hatchbacks will begin arriving in the U.S. in the coming weeks, beginning with the GTI. The standard Golf will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that arrived last year in the Jetta TDI. Although they aren't linked to from the main VW site, new GTI and Golf websites are now live and include TDI information, specs and pricing.

The base two-door, 2.5-liter gas-powered Golf starts at $17,490 and the four-door will command $19,190. Like the Jetta, TDI models come with a higher level of equipment and therefore start at $21,990 and $22,590 with a six-speed manual gearbox. The new GTI, meanwhile, starts at $23,290.

What's interesting are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen website lists both the manual and DSG versions of the new Golf TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However, a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows that the Golf TDI rates even better at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level of improvement over the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. Thanks to Jay for the tip!


Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf


[Source: Volkswagen]

2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf pricingGolfPricingGTImpgrabbittdivolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf tdivolkswagen golf vivolkswagen jetta tdivolkswagen rabbitvolkswagengolfVolkswagenGolfTdiVolkswagenGolfViVolkswagenJettaTdiVolkswagenRabbitVW GTIVW RabbitVwGtiVwRabbitwolfsburgMon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated at 29/40 mpg city/hwy or maybe 30/42?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-at-29-40-mpg-city-hwy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-at-29-40-mpg-city-hwy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-at-29-40-mpg-city-hwy/#commentsFiled under:


2010 Volkswagen Golf - click above for a high-res image gallery

For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf nameplate used globally. The new cars will begin arriving in the coming weeks, starting with the GTI. The standard Golf models will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter TDI that arrived last year in the Jetta. Although it isn't linked from the main VW site, the new GTI and Golf pages are now live and include the TDI information with pricing.

The base 2-door, 2.5-liter gas engine Golf starts at $17,490 while the 4-door starts at $19,190. Like the Jetta, the TDIs come with a higher level of equipment than the base Golf and start at $21,990 (2-door) and $22,590 (4-door) with a 6-speed manual. The new GTI starts $23,290.

Of greater interest are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen site lists both the manual and DSG versions of the Golf TDI as getting 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows the Golf TDI rated even higher, at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level an improvement from the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. Thanks to Jay for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf


[Source: Volkswagen]

2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated at 29/40 mpg city/hwy or maybe 30/42? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golf pricingGolfPricingmpgvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf tdivolkswagen golf vivolkswagen jetta tdivolkswagengolfVolkswagenGolfTdiVolkswagenGolfViVolkswagenJettaTdiSun, 23 Aug 2009 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Ford, AdAge chide GM over 230 MPG Chevrolet Volt MPG projection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/chevy-volts-230-mpg-rating-ad-campaign-comes-under-fire-from-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/chevy-volts-230-mpg-rating-ad-campaign-comes-under-fire-from-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/chevy-volts-230-mpg-rating-ad-campaign-comes-under-fire-from-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Chevrolet Volt's 230 mpg number continues to be questioned. The latest to criticize is Bill Ford, who takes issue not only with the General Motors-approved 230 figure, but also Nissan's claim that its Leaf EV will get 367 mpg. The real culprit here, Ford said, is the EPA's methodology, which he argues is meaningless. "This question devolves into madness," Ford reportedly told Green Car Advisor:
"The government will have to come up with a meaningful number for customers - a user-friendly label. And I think they will. I can't dispute that number, but I'm not sure it's relevant to the customer either."
Ford also said that since his company doesn't "have any particular expertise in batteries," they'll probably buy the batteries from established manufacturers for their own electrified cars.

Speaking of relevance, Advertising Age, the publication that was first to guess that the whole 230 teaser campaign was a GM plot, has determined that the stunt was a bad idea. The big problems it sees with the campaign are that it often gave people the wrong idea (that 230 would be the U.S.'s new a standard voltage for outlets) and didn't give people enough breadcrumbs to follow to the Volt. It created more questions than answers, until the big reveal last week. In any case, the whole thing was targeted at a younger, hipper audience, but are these the people who have $40,000+ to buy a Volt?


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Sources: Green Car Advisor, Advertising Age]

Bill Ford, AdAge chide GM over 230 MPG Chevrolet Volt MPG projection originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>230230 miles per gallon230 mpg230 mpg volt230MilesPerGallon230Mpg230MpgVoltbill fordbill ford gmbill ford jr.BillFordBillFordGmBillFordJr.epaepa mpgEpaMpgfalsegmleaf mpgLeafMpgmpgnissan leafnissan leaf electricnissan leaf evNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvThu, 20 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts: There's no guarantee that Cash-for-Clunkers will really drive car sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/analysts-theres-no-guarantee-that-cash-for-clunkers-will-reall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/analysts-theres-no-guarantee-that-cash-for-clunkers-will-reall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/analysts-theres-no-guarantee-that-cash-for-clunkers-will-reall/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now that the so-called Cash-for-Clunkers bill is ready for President Obama's signature, attention is turning to how much of an impact the negotiated bill will actually have on U.S. car sales. There are a lot of positive stories about the bill floating around - headlines hopefully implore that the bill might "jumpstart U.S. auto sales" and claim "Has Uncle Sam got a deal for you." But will the law, with its fairly tight requirements, really stimulate sales? Some auto analysts don't think so.

Four analysts interviewed by Automotive News estimate that only 70,000 to 200,000 more vehicles will be sold because of the clunkers bill. According to the detractors, there are three main factors that will likely blunt the bill's impact:
  • It's just four months long - the law will only offer cash for your clunkers from July 1 until November 1.
  • While the bill requires the new vehicle to be more fuel efficient than the one you're trading in, the 18 mpg limit on the old ride (details here) doesn't encompass nearly enough vehicles.
  • The economics of the law don't make a lot of sense in the real world. If you're driving an eligible car, then chances are that you can't afford to purchase a new vehicle right now - even if you can get a $4,500 federal credit on the price. More often than not, it makes greater sense to just buy a used car.
[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd) | Image: KB35 under CC 2.0]
Photo by KB35. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Analysts: There's no guarantee that Cash-for-Clunkers will really drive car sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesAutoSalescar buyingcar salesCarBuyingCarSalescash for clunkerscash-for-clunkersCashForClunkersclunkersmpgnew carNewCarObamaMon, 22 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: New CAFE standard has 'loopholes big enough to drive an SUV through']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/edmunds-finds-new-cafe-standards-has-loopholes-big-enough-to-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/edmunds-finds-new-cafe-standards-has-loopholes-big-enough-to-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/edmunds-finds-new-cafe-standards-has-loopholes-big-enough-to-dr/#commentsFiled under: ,



There are miles per gallon... and then there are miles per gallon. How do you tell the difference? One is labeled "CAFE mpg" and the other is labeled "EPA mpg." What's the difference? Well, Edmunds is taking pains to illuminate the large discrepancy that exists between the two figures: the issue, as initially laid out by Edmunds' John O'Dell in 2007, is that CAFE and EPA mileage numbers were initially based on the same formula in 1975. When consumers complained that the number didn't correspond to real-world gas mileage, the EPA determination formula was changed - twice - yet the CAFE formula wasn't.

The change meant that when a customer bought a car that listed 26 combined mpg (EPA) on the window sticker, the CAFE mpg rating for that car remained at around 35 mpg. And if you've been paying attention to the myriad CAFE stories over the past year, you'll know that the government is tweaking CAFE numbers, not EPA numbers. The NHTSA oversees CAFE numbers, the EPA keeps track of "vehicle fuel efficiency."

But the gap between the two sets of computations means, according to Edmunds:
"a vehicle that scores an EPA combined rating of 29 miles per gallon actually contributes 39 MPG to its manufacturer's CAFE average. There are 29 car models and 36 truck models that already achieve the new standard, and about a third of the cars and half of the trucks are produced by a domestic automaker."
Ultimately, it means that the formerly punitive mpg numbers that the government mandated can now be considered for what they really are: Meh. You can read Edmunds' full press release after the jump.

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading REPORT: New CAFE standard has 'loopholes big enough to drive an SUV through'

REPORT: New CAFE standard has 'loopholes big enough to drive an SUV through' originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecorporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFuelEconomyedmundsepagovernmentgreenmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgnhtsaobamaFri, 22 May 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-california-already-looking-ahead-to-post-2016-mpg-standa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-california-already-looking-ahead-to-post-2016-mpg-standa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-california-already-looking-ahead-to-post-2016-mpg-standa/#commentsFiled under: , ,



California's lead in setting stricter mileage standards for automobiles helped President Obama's administration formulate the new 35.5 mpg requirement for 2016. Since California's voice is so strong in the debate, we can see what might possibly be coming to the whole country in the later half of the next decade by looking at what California thinks will happen after 2016. Reuters did just that, and found that the California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols thinks that "a much more stringent standard" will be announced for 2017 and beyond.

That everyone appears to be happy with the 2016 requirement doesn't mean the struggles between CARB and the automakers have ended. Nichols told the news service that the compromise "doesn't signal any kind of flagging interest on the part of California in being part of a transformation of the auto fleet to something much more efficient than what it is today." A new EPA waiver request will need to be applied for, Reuters believes, but at least there appears to be a new feeling of working together. For now.

[Source: Reuters; Image: Pink Sherbet Photography | CC 2.0]

California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2016cafecaliforniaCARBmpgThu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama: CAFE increase to unified national standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/obama-cafe-increase-an-historic-agreement-to-help-america-brea/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/obama-cafe-increase-an-historic-agreement-to-help-america-brea/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/obama-cafe-increase-an-historic-agreement-to-help-america-brea/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aside from the Daimler-Tesla announcement earlier today, the big green car news for May 19 is the increase in CAFE standards that President Obama made just a short while ago, joined by Governors Jennifer Granholm (MI), Deval Patrick (MA) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (CA), members of Congress and Ron Gettelfinger (of the UAW), among others. Obama said the agreement was "an historic agreement to help America break its addiction to oil." Here are the details:
  • Currently, the DOT manages fuel economy, the EPA deals with emissions, and CA can use the Clean Air Act to come up with even more stringent rules. This could create a situation where car makers have to deal with rules from three agencies. The new rule is a national standard that CA will support and the DOT and EPA will both adopt.
  • The CAFE standard will increase by five percent each year, building on the 2011 standard, until we get to 2016. This means an Industry standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016, an average increase of eight mpg per vehicle.
  • Drivers will recoup the additional cost to buy one of these more-efficient vehicles in three years. Drivers will, over the life of the vehicle, save $2,800, on average, he said.
  • Obama said the new rule will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the next five years, and is the projected equivalent of taking 58 million vehicles off the road.
  • Despite previous disagreements between environmental and industry groups, the national policy has been agreed on and a series of "major lawsuits" will be dropped.
Yesterday, we heard that, much to the automakers' delight, the new CAFE standards create a national standard and incorporate California's strict emissions rules to raise the national fleet mpg average to 42 mpg for cars and 26 mpg for light trucks for an overall average of 35.5 mpg by 2016. Current CAFE standards require an automaker's fleet of cars to average 27.5 mpg and trucks must get 24 mpg.

[Source: Whitehouse.gov]

Obama: CAFE increase to unified national standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenbreakingcafecafe standardsCafeStandardsmpgobamaobama cafeObamaCafeTue, 19 May 2009 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/group-sues-obama-administration-over-weak-mpg-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/group-sues-obama-administration-over-weak-mpg-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/group-sues-obama-administration-over-weak-mpg-standards/#commentsFiled under: ,



When the next step in the road to 35 mpg by 2020 CAFE standards was announced recently, those in the know made it clear that the Obama administration's upcoming goal of 27.3 mpg by 2011 would not be hard for automakers to meet. In fact, the 2007 average was already 31.3, so the 2011 goal would not require any change in product lineup (more difficult changes are scheduled to come into effect down the line). The 2011 standards were so light, in fact, that the Center for Biological Diversity took the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Department of Transportation to court last week, saying that the Obama administration's standards "ignore greenhouse gas emissions and the climate crisis, are illogical, illegal, and very disappointing from a president who has promised to make the United States a leader in the fight against global warming."

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Center filed suit in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to push the 2011 standards to "the maximum feasible level, in light of current technology, economic impact, and the nation's need to conserve energy." Read the Center's press release after the jump.

[Source: Center for Biological Diversity, San Francisco Chronicle]

Continue reading Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards

Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bushcafe standardsCafeStandardscaliforniacenter for biological diversityCenterForBiologicalDiversitylawsuitmpgmpg standardsMpgStandardsobamaWed, 08 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Could compressed air lead to markedly smaller engines?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/could-compressed-air-lead-to-markedly-smaller-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/could-compressed-air-lead-to-markedly-smaller-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/could-compressed-air-lead-to-markedly-smaller-engines/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A 1.0-liter two-cylinder that performs like a 3.0 liter V6? On what planet? Researchers at Switzerland's ETH Zurich school of engineering are developing pneumatic hybrid engines that use compressed air to deliver big performance and efficiency from a small package. During deceleration, the engine's pistons are used to compress air, which is diverted through a special valve and into a holding tank. Rather than try to propel the vehicle directly with compressed air, like Guy Negre's hybrid system, ETH Zurich's setup uses the compressed air as an instant supercharger to gap where a turbocharger would be spinning up.

The goal is to offer much more efficient engines for less money than electric hybrids. Buyers in China or India can't afford the expensive premium that current hybrids command, so something less expensive has to be found. The compressed air systems would achieve 80% of the benefit while only costing 20% more. Dropping the cylinder count reduces frictional and pumping losses, and technologies like direct fuel injection and HCCI can offer diesel-like efficiency out of a gasoline engine. A small, turbocharged two-cylinder with a compressed air system for oomph when needed could return more than 100MPG in a small, light vehicle. Doesn't sound so crazy now, does it?

[Source: Wards Auto | Photo: Wards]


Could compressed air lead to markedly smaller engines? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compressed air enginecompressed air hybridCompressedAirEngineCompressedAirHybridengine researchEngineResearchmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgThu, 26 Feb 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Electricity + gasoline = more mpg?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/electricity-gasoline-more-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/electricity-gasoline-more-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/electricity-gasoline-more-mpg/#commentsFiled under: ,



Kids, do not try this at home. Researchers at Temple University have been experimenting with what happens when an electric current is run through fuel. Big boom, right? Well, apparently not.

According to a paper the Temple team has published in "Energy & Fuels", done right, a small electric current applied to fuel just before it enters the combustion chamber, makes for much smaller droplets of fuel which burn cleaner and more efficiently. The team installed and tested their device on a diesel Mercedes where it showed a 20% decrease in fuel consumption in the lab.

The technology is currently being tested on a fleet of diesel trucks in Pennsylvania. How soon might you see it on a car lot? Actually you may see it on a late-night informercial first.

The company will most likely bring the tech to market is the same one running the Pennsylvania test: Save The World Air, Inc. That's the same company that sells the MagChargR which is basically a magnet that supposedly does the same thing this new technology does. It's also the same company that at one time was selling the Zero Emission Fuel Saver (ZEFS) device which was basically a magnet that, um, did the same thing. The RAND Corporation looked into ZEFS and found "at best mixed results." STWA is also the company that was sued by the SEC for stock fraud.

So, maybe they've got something that works this time around, maybe not. The science sounds solid, but only time will tell if it translates into a working product.

[Source: Gizmag]

Electricity + gasoline = more mpg? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselfuel economyfuel saving deviceFuelEconomyFuelSavingDevicempgsave gasSaveGasWed, 15 Oct 2008 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Automotive X-Prize recommends EPA adopt MGEe rating]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/automotive-x-prize-recommends-epa-adopt-mgee-rating/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/automotive-x-prize-recommends-epa-adopt-mgee-rating/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/automotive-x-prize-recommends-epa-adopt-mgee-rating/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

Now that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has an agreement with General Motors regarding how to measure the fuel mileage of the 2011 Chevy Volt, our attention turns to the EPA, which now has to decide what official mileage rating will appear on the new car's window sticker and how to determine what that number will be. The first recommendation comes from the Automotive X-Prize, the foundation of which will award $10 million from Progressive Insurance to the winner of its competition to design a production-viable car that people would want to drive that gets 100 MPGe or more.

What's with that little 'e' after the familiar miles per gallon? Basically, the X-Prize crew wants to convert all units of energy to a figure that's equivalent to the power from a gallon of gas. That way, a car's powerplant - regardless of where it gets that energy from - earns a rating that can be easily compared with everything else. So, EPA, the ball's in your court... still.

Psst - GM, maybe you should enter the Volt in the X-Prize competition. Just a thought.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - Live Reveal


[Source: Automotive X-Prize via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Automotive X-Prize recommends EPA adopt MGEe rating

Automotive X-Prize recommends EPA adopt MGEe rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltauto x-prizeautomotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoX-prizecarbchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltepampgmpgeprogressive automoti...progressive automotive x prizeprogressive-auto-x-p...ProgressiveAutomoti...ProgressiveAutomotiveXPrizeTue, 30 Sep 2008 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Prius schmius -- try an Austin-Healey Sprite and 36 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/10/prius-schmius-try-an-austin-healy-sprite-and-36-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/10/prius-schmius-try-an-austin-healy-sprite-and-36-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/10/prius-schmius-try-an-austin-healy-sprite-and-36-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Of course your wallet hurts every time you have to fill the car up. Nevertheless, in these trying times we must always remember the words of Fernando Lamas: it is better to look good than to feel good. Cars That Matter has put together a list of classic automobiles that get anywhere from 21 to 48 mpg, which means you can look good while you save money.

The heaviest drinker is the Datsun 240Z, just cracking into the twenties. But plenty of cars hover around the 30 mpg mark, like the Lotus Europa, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, and Fiat X1/9. If you want to crack the big four-oh, you've still got choices: BMW Isetta and Honda S800. And the Crosley Hotshot will get you a miserly 48 mpg.

All right, so there are some niggling issues of practicality -- almost all the cars have only two chairs -- unsuitability for winter, plus many of them are mechanical horrors. As such, we must always remember the words of dear old dad: there are no free lunches. But there are choices, and that has to count for something...

[Source: Cars That Matter, Photo by Liftarn | Creative Commons 2.0]

Prius schmius -- try an Austin-Healey Sprite and 36 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antique carAntiqueCargasgas mileagegas pricesGasMileageGasPricesmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgvintage carsVintageCarsSun, 10 Aug 2008 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[One MPG is not enough: Automakers desperate to make a gallon go further]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/one-mpg-is-not-enough-automakers-desperate-to-make-a-gallon-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/one-mpg-is-not-enough-automakers-desperate-to-make-a-gallon-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/one-mpg-is-not-enough-automakers-desperate-to-make-a-gallon-go/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If anyone were to come along and do an updated version of Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing," the could change the background vocal from "I want my MTV" to "I want my MPG" or "I want my low Cd." Coefficient of drag, that is. Carmakers are taking every step they can, starting with aerodynamics, to give cars better gas mileage right now while they wait for more substantial technologies to come online in the near future.

But the tweaks don't stop with aero finessing. The 2009 Dodge Ram spent 200 hours in the wind tunnel, and it also received tweaks to its ECU, which means it spends more time in its cylinder cutoff mode. That, plus eighty pounds of weight savings, adds up to one more MPG on the EPA sheet. Said Ford's Derek Kuzak, "We need to treat every joule of energy in a vehicle like a precious commodity."

In fact, that song hook could also be "I want my XFE." The Cobalt XFE, developed over 18 months to offer the best gas mileage in the Cobalt line, is selling six percent better than expected. Fuel economy, instead of design, is the number one reason people buy a Cobalt now. And the XFE has the lowest on-the-lot time of any Cobalt model. That's how important the price of gas has become.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

One MPG is not enough: Automakers desperate to make a gallon go further originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerodynamicscdcoefficient of dragCoefficientOfDragengineeringfuel economyFuelEconomygas mileageGasMileagemiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgTue, 22 Jul 2008 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



How much do marketing angles play into consumer choices? The European Union apparently thinks a lot. For instance, we've recently seen all tobacco sponsorships pulled from motorsports, such as the world's most popular, Formula 1. Now it seems that automobile advertisements will be the next form of media ordered to clean up its act. Potential new rules that are currently in draft form and up for review by the College of Commissioners call for the inclusion of fuel consumption and carbon emission warnings on all vehicle advertisements, just like health warnings are included on packs of cigarettes. It is suspected that the legislation follows a previously published report that suggests 20 percent of every automobile ad should address environmental concerns. Arguments against the proposition claim that it will lead to lost revenue from decreased advertising by automakers who don't want to publicize how dirty their cars are. Would the Bugatti Veyron buyer really be swayed from his or her decision by seeing a single digit city fuel economy rating staring back from within the pages of Robb Report? We think not.

[Source: Autocar UK]

EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CO2EmissonsEUeuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUnionMPGukTue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[More cars than ever require premium fuel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/more-cars-than-ever-require-premium-fuel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/more-cars-than-ever-require-premium-fuel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/more-cars-than-ever-require-premium-fuel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

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

[Source: USA Today]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EconomyFuelHigh OctaneHigh TestHighOctaneHighTestMileageMPGPremiumThu, 17 Apr 2008 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[How to keep your land barge and still drive green(ish)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/how-to-keep-your-land-barge-and-still-drive-green-ish/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/how-to-keep-your-land-barge-and-still-drive-green-ish/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/how-to-keep-your-land-barge-and-still-drive-green-ish/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving greenDrivingGreenfuel eff...fuel efficiencyfuel efficientfuel efficient carfuel efficient carsfuel efficient vehic...FuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientFuelEfficientCarFuelEfficientCarsFuelEfficientVehic...gas pricegas pricesGasPriceGasPriceshybridhybrid carsHybridCarsmpgMon, 31 Mar 2008 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[California regulators shooting for 40 mpg by 2020]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/california-regulators-shooting-for-40-mpg-by-2020-needs-image/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/california-regulators-shooting-for-40-mpg-by-2020-needs-image/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/california-regulators-shooting-for-40-mpg-by-2020-needs-image/#commentsFiled under: ,

The recently passed federal regulations adjust the average vehicle fuel economy standards to 35 mpg by 2020. Long before the Federal Government passed the new standards, the State of California had their mind set on enforcing their own rules. In order to individualize the regulations, California and the 15 other states following on its heels, needed a waiver from the EPA. The Golden State had never been previously denied a request, but the EPA lagged in issuing an approval. After all that waiting the waiver never came. Shortly after President Bush signed the new federal standards into law, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson shot down the request.

Now as politicians battle over the right to gain state control on vehicle carbon dioxide emissions, California legislators arelooking to expand upon their intended greenhouse gas controls. The original plan outlined adjustments from 2009 through 2016, but the revised outlook will shift focus up to the year 2020, which lines with the target date of the federal regulations. The major difference is that the California Air Resources Board believes cars and trucks should average close to 44 mpg by 2020. That breaks down to a 50.8 mpg car and small truck average and a 33.5 mpg average for vehicles tipping the scales. Considering variations across the country it's estimated to be an average of about 40 mpg for the whole of the United States. It also makes for an enormous 62-percent improvement upon today's vehicles.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

California regulators shooting for 40 mpg by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaEmissions RegulationsEmissionsRegulationsEPAmpgWed, 27 Feb 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Consumers want cup holders, not fuel economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/report-consumers-want-cup-holders-not-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/report-consumers-want-cup-holders-not-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/report-consumers-want-cup-holders-not-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Consumers prefer cup holders and heated seats over fuel efficiency, according to CNW Marketing Research. That's right, we all talk about how we want our vehicles to be environmentally friendly and easy on gas, but when it comes down to it, what we really want are things to hold our coffee and keep our derrières warm. On the plus side, General Motors is saying fuel economy is becoming more of a priority to shoppers - it points out that four years ago it wasn't even in the top ten (studies by GM list fuel economy behind styling and value). So, what is it going to take to wake up consumers and make fuel efficiency a priority? Most experts feel that a significant hike in the cost of gas will be the kick that sets us straight. Just don't take away the cup holders.

[Source: Forbes via AutoblogGreen]

Report: Consumers want cup holders, not fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CNW Marketing ResearchCnwMarketingResearchEconomyFuelgasolineMPGWed, 20 Feb 2008 19:32:00 EST