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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green
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Yikes, isn't $465,000 a little much to pay for an EV1? But that's the amount that it seems someone paid for a 1998 model in British Columbia recently. That's just nuts. It's $465,000 Canadian, but still. We'll save our pennies for the B0 (B Zero) or the Nuvu, thank you.
Did a used EV1 really just sell for $465,000? Ferraris greener than Priuses? Statistics to the rescue again! Spoiler Alert: 10th Petit Le Mans is over, the first Green Challenge winner is... Inaugural VW Jetta TDI cup goes to Josh Hurley Auto industry responses to the bailout bill; what do you think? Third-gen Prius to be sportier? Jetta TDI proving more popular than VW planned MOPAR fan converts Plymouth Duster to electric Senate passes plug-in tax credits in Wall Street bailout bill VIDEO: Danny's Contentment talks Nuvu with Mia Paris 2008: Pininfarina and Bolloré debut the B0 (B Zero) production electric car Paris 2008: Video of Saab 9-X Air and designer Mark Adams Paris 2008: smart shows off its second-gen ED Paris 2008: Venturi Eclectic, the production version Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Paris 2008: Wallyscar to make electric Jeep-like vehicle Paris 2008: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid Paris 2008: Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e
More headlines after the jump.
Continue reading AutoblogGreen for 10.06.08
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks
At 9AM Eastern on Monday morning, a fleet of 23 diesel-powered Audis will roll out from Manhattan's Tavern on the Green on a trans-continental trek to demonstrate diesel efficiency. I'm in Manhattan this afternoon preparing to spend the next week in an Audi Q7 TDI on the way to Denver and will be checking in regularly from the road as we pass through Washington, Cleveland, Chicago, Memphis, Dallas and Amarillo along the way. Audi plans to launch its fifty-state-legal Q7 TDI in the US market next spring and it seems likely that some of the other vehicles on this trip may not be far behind.
I'll be on the first two legs and Sebastian, Damon, Drew and Jonathan will take over for the second week of the trip to Los Angeles. You can also follow along at the Audi Mileage Marathon site where there's a Twitter feed following the participants as they cross the continent. There is also a live map showing our location on the road along with two blogs, including one from Audi of America boss Johan de Nysschen. Twitter users can follow audimarathon to see what some of the 200 participating journalists are saying.
Gallery: Audi Mileage Marathon
[Source: Audi Mileage Marathon]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, Green, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Peugeot
Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4
Peugeot has been showing diesel hybrid concepts at auto shows for the past several years, and the latest is the new Prologue HYmotion4. Unlike the previous versions that were based on the 307 and 308 C-segment hatchbacks, the Prologue is an all-new vehicle. Also unlike the previous concepts that used a hybrid system where the engine and electric motor ran in parallel on the same axle, this one uses the company's new HYmotion4 system like the RC concept we showed you earlier today. And unlike the four-door coupe RC, the crossover-bodied Prologue flips the powertrain arrangement front to back. The CUV has a 163-hp 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel twisting the front wheels while a 27 kW motor sends torque to the rear axle. The combined output when both the diesel and motor are running is 200 hp with 221 lb-ft going to the front wheels and 148 lb-ft to the back. Like the RC concept, front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive modes are available. Since rear-drive is electric only and the motor output only 27 kW, that mode is only available up to 30 mph. The diesel engine up front sends power through an automated 6-speed manual gearbox that allows for manual shifting. Peugeot also claims the electric motor is activated during shifts to provide uninterrupted power flow and smoother operation. Whereas the RC concept uses lithium-ion batteries, the Prologue uses a cheaper nickel-metal hydride battery pack sitting under the rear seat. Altogether, the Prologue is claimed to achieve 57.4 mpg (U.S.) with carbon dioxide output of 109 g/km.
Gallery: 2008 Paris: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid concept
[Source: Peugeot]Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Peugeot, Paris Motorcycle Show
Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept
The RC HYmotion4 concept is one of several hybrid concepts using a new through-the-road hybrid system being shown in Paris by Peugeot and Citroen. Unlike the hybrid systems used by current production vehicles, this one has no direct mechanical connection between the electric and internal combustion drive systems. The Peugeot RC has a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder in the back driving the rear wheels with 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, while additional propulsion comes from a 70 kW electric motor situated between the front wheels. This way, the RC can operate in either rear-, front- or all-wheel-drive modes. That means it can also operate using internal combustion, electric only or blended modes, respectively. The 3,141-lb four-door coupe accelerates from 0-62 mph in just four seconds when both gasoline and electricity are flowing. The electrons are stored in a lithium-ion battery pack of indeterminate size, but having the electric motor at the front instead of the rear axle means that more kinetic energy can be recaptured through regenerative braking. According to Peugeot, the RC can get 52.3 mpg and output CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. It's a trick system for sure, but there's no word on whether it's ever going to be produced.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept
[Source: Peugeot]Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks
Click above for high-res gallery of the Pininfarina B0
Pininfarina is the Italian design studio perhaps best known for penning almost every production Ferrari over the last half century. The firm, however, does much more than just design exotic sports cars. It has created bodies for more mainstream cars like Peugeots, Alfa Romeos and even Daewoos. The company's latest creation is a compact four-seat hatchback propelled by electrons. Pininfarina has formed a joint venture with French battery maker Bolloré to build this electric car.
The B0 uses a hybrid energy storage solution consisting of a 30 kWh lithium-polymer battery and a bank of super-capacitors. While the capacitors have very limited storage capacity, they can absorb and release energy much faster than a battery. That way more regenerative braking can be used and a bigger performance boost is available. Pininfarina hopes to start limited production late in 2009, ramping up volumes as batteries become more available and presumably affordable. The battery pack itself is claimed to have a lifespan of 125,000 miles. A single charge is expected to deliver 153 miles of driving with a maximum speed of 80 mph. Helping to extend the range a bit are solar cells in the roof and on the nose in the area that looks like a grille.
Gallery: Pininfarina B0
[Source: Pininfarina]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green
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Paris, Paris and more Paris. The new Honda Insight, the Opel Insignia EcoFlex, the Renault Z.E., the Venturi Volage and more. Plus the Lexus Prius.
Confirmed: Lexus to build Prius-based hybrid Paris 2008: Live shots of the new Honda Insight... at last! Paris 2008: Venturi Volage revealed! Paris 2008: Citroen C4 WRC HYmotion4 hybrid rally car Paris 2008: Debut of the Opel Insignia EcoFlex Paris 2008: Citroën's Hypnos brings the rainbow into your car Paris 2008: Mazda Kiyora city car concept Paris 2008: Nissan Nuvu in the flesh Paris 2008: Ford's custom Ford Ka lineup - Digital, Tattoo and Grand Prix Paris 2008: Renault Z.E. concept Paris 2008: Chevrolet Orlando MPV debuts Paris 2008: GTbyCITROEN fuel cell concept brings video game to life Paris 2008: Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion II, 57.4 mpg mid-size wagon! Audi unveils A4 TDI concept e Renault opens up about the new Kangoo Be Bop Go-Ped goes farther with lithium ion battery option Mexico considers hybrid tax exemption How many basketball players can you fit in the iQ? GM moves nearly 2,000 hybrids in September Tesla scouts Seattle for new store, 80 people get a test drive Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Lexus
Toyota has finally confirmed what's been rumored for months, that a new hybrid is coming for its upmarket Lexus brand based on the underpinnings of the Toyota Prius. The Prius itself is about to undergo a major reworking, as the third-generation of the iconic hybrid will debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show. According to Lexus officials, the Prius-based Lexus will go on sale in Europe for 2010, and we're guessing the U.S. will get that model too. A second dedicated hybrid model will reportedly also join the Lexus ranks and be larger than the Prius-based car. We don't have too many details yet on either of these new Lexuses, except that they will be more performance-oriented than their Prius sibling. A high-luxe Prius, as long as it doesn't get too pricey, may be just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Lexus brand.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Euro, Green, Autoline on Autoblog
I'M LOSING MY BET ON DIESELS
A few years back I made a bet with a former Director of Engineering at General Motors. I bet him five bucks that Americans would fall in love with modern diesel engines and would want them in their cars. Specifically, I predicted that diesel sales in passenger cars would reach 1 million units by 2012. He bet it wouldn't happen.Last year I ran into him and he ruefully conceded he was probably going to lose the bet. But that was last year. Now I'm pretty sure I'm the one who's going to lose. What a difference a year makes!
John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to continue reading this week's editorial.
Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Paris Motor Show, Audi
Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi A4 TDI Concept e
Audi's parent company Volkswagen already produces some of the cleanest-burning, most fuel-miserly diesel engines in the world. The Jetta TDI was recently released in the U.S. and has been making waves for its hybrid-like efficiency. So it's natural that Audi would want to show off its green credentials with a new diesel sedan of its own, and it has done so with the A4 TDI concept e, introduced at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the brand-new A4 platform, the new concept gets a 2.0L four-cylinder common-rail direct-inject turbodiesel derived from the unit powering the Jetta TDI. That mill sees tweaks to its valvetrain and cooling systems, lowering its power output a bit to 120-horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, but increasing its fuel efficiency a great deal.
Added to the powertrain is a start/stop system that keeps the engine from idling when not needed and regenerative braking, which charges a secondary battery that keeps all your goodies running while the engine's off. The engine has also had its efficiency-robbing power steering pump removed and the rear brakes are now electrically actuated as well. All of this, plus many other small details, adds up to a remarkable 59 miles per U.S. gallon in EU combined testing! Its 10.5 second run to 60 won't win any drag races, but considering the cost of fuel and pending eco-legislation in the world's largest markets, we'd imagine that the technologies on this car will go from concept to production in short order.
Gallery: Audi A4 TDI concept e
[Source: Audi]
Continue reading Paris 2008: Audi unveils 59-mpg A4 TDI concept e
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Economy, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mazda
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Kiyora
Like so many shows in recent memory, part of the theme in Paris is "green." So in addition to the Nissan Nuvu micro EV, Mazda took the wraps off yet another Nagare-themed concept, the Kiyora.
Taking inspiration from past design studies and its Japanese name, which translates to "clean and pure," the Kiyora will influence Mazda's next city car, due to replace the Mazda2 in the middle of the next decade. Measuring in at 3,770mm, the four-seat city car features a 1.3-liter gasoline-powered engine with direct injection and more efficient combustion chambers mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Weight and aerodynamics are two key elements of the Kiyora, and with a body made almost entirely of carbon fiber and a drag reduced by 10 percent over the current Mazda2, the diminutive city car would put out less than 90g/km of CO2... if it goes into production.
Check the press release below the fold.
Gallery: Mazda Kiyora LIVE
Continue reading Paris 2008: Mazda Kiyora concept
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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Nuvu concept
Nissan wants to reshape the way we make our way around Gotham, and the Nuvu concept is a means to that greener end. Built atop a new platform measuring around three meters long and featuring an electric drivetrain, Nissan claims that the 2+1 concept is the perfect city car for a better tomorrow.
While the bulbous roofline, squat overhangs and oh-so-cheeky leaf-shaped solar panels (leading into a "trunk" to supply power to the batteries) may be a bit over the top, expect to see some of the styling cues make their way to the revised Note in the next decade, along with Nissan's production EV that's supposedly hitting Japan and the U.S. in 2010.
Make the jump for the press release.
Gallery: Nisan Nuvu LIVE
Gallery: Nissan NUVU concept
Continue reading Paris 2008: Nissan Nuvu EV
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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Honda Insight
The Honda Insight concept took a hushed bow under the lights of Paris today. It's Prius-esque, but in person the car is less evocative of its Toyota challenger. The Insight's width and rather low height give it a substantial presence, and there's a bit of attitude out back with the hatch sliding into a flick of a tail. We imagine some of the more complex elements, such as the headlights reminiscent of shards from Superman's home planet of Krypton, will not make it to production. We hope the interior, however, is left untouched -- it is just the right blend of tech and common currency. The production version will be introduced to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in January and pricing is rumored to be just under $19,000 when it goes on sale. In the mean time, enjoy the gallery of high-res photos below, and check out the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Honda Insight LIVE
Gallery: Paris 08: Honda Insight Concept
Continue reading Paris 2008: Honda Insight LIVE REVEAL
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green
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All right, get your Back to the Future jokes ready. An all-electric 1981 DeLorean is currently on eBay and, if you bid high enough, comes with a flux capacitor. For slightly less money, you can also get a Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. But, if you really want to help America, says Terry Tamminen, be a patriot and ride a bike.
Paris 2008: Officially, official Audi A1 Sportback concept Paris Preview: Audi A1 Sportback hybrid concept leaks out Paris Preview: South African Joule electric MPV to debut Paris Preview: Porsche promises "More Power on Less Fuel" AltCar 2008: Some thoughts on year three AltCar 2008: Terry Tamminen says green is the new red, white and blue America's latest fuel sipper: Dodge Challenger? Americans continue to drive less for 9th straight month VIDEO: Animation showing the power flow in the Chevy Volt Mazda plans to chop 400lbs from next-generation vehicles Wal-Mart gives $369,000 for ethanol research in Arkansas Do not drive over 88 mph: all-electric DeLorean for sale on eBay Stay under the stars in Hawaii in a recycled VW Bus Ouch. Ford truck sales drop 39.5 percent in September Hyundai going down the DI and weight reduction path for more MPG MB introduces S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY France wants to phase in CO2 limits between 2012 and 2015 Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Mercedes-Benz
Click above for high-res gallery of the S-Class BlueEFFICIENCY
Mercedes-Benz really wants you to know how green its new line of diesel vehicles can be. To that end, the German automaker calls them Blue and capitalizes EFFICIENCY. Subtle, no? In an effort to earn the badge, MB has tweaked its largest and most luxurious model with a 3.0-liter diesel engine, a seven-speed automatic tranny that decouples itself at stops, a power steering pump that only operates when necessary and low rolling resistance tires. Those are pretty simple changes, no complex electric motors here. Fuel mileage, though, is rather good for such a large vehicle, coming in at nearly 31 U.S. miles per gallon. In contrast, the marque's upcoming S400 BlueHYBRID only manages about 29 miles per gallon. If this sounds to you like it makes a resounding case for diesel vehicles, you're right. It does. Unfortunately, MB only mentions German pricing for the S 320 in the press release after the jump, not indicating whether the big blue sedan will be sold on our shores anytime soon or not.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
Continue reading Mercedes-Benz introduces S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 31 MPG
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Government/Legal, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials
While the U.S. banking industry is still waiting for Congress to give it a $700 billion hand, President Bush signed into law last night the spending bill that gives U.S. automakers $25 billion in loans to get their collective act together. But unlike when a bank deems you worthy of their money, the Big Three won't be getting any cash for some time. Despite the companys' CEOs saying repeatedly how they were desperate for help and how automotive life as they know it would end if they didn't get financial help, there's at least a 60-day delay until they can cash this check.
Written into the bill is a clause requiring the Energy Department to come up with regulations that will determine who gets what and when. The agency has 60 days to do this, but could take much longer, as much as 18 months according to a department spokesperson.
Desperate or not, looks like GM, Ford and Chrysler are now at the mercy of the Energy Department.
[Source: Wall Street Journal]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments