Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[U.S. feds spends $300 million on green vehicles, will save $40 million in fuel costs]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/12/u-s-feds-spends-300-million-to-save-40-million-in-fuel-costs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/12/u-s-feds-spends-300-million-to-save-40-million-in-fuel-costs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/12/u-s-feds-spends-300-million-to-save-40-million-in-fuel-costs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Every few months, the federal government puts out a little note announcing which and how many green vehicles they we bought recently. Back in June, for example, we learned over 17,000 new and more efficient vehicles, mostly Fords, were added to the national fleet. Most recently, the General Services Administration says it has bought another collection of clean rides, including 35 hybrid-electric buses. All told, the GSA has spent $300 million on 17,246 vehicles from six manufacturers. The most recent phase of the purchase included the hybrid buses, five CNG buses and "one hybrid-electric car." Capitol Coach Works, Inc of Capitol Heights, Maryland. and Navistar International are the company behind the hybrid buses.

The money to buy these vehicles comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the GSA says that the cleaner fleet will "save an estimated 16.7 million gallons of fuel over the next seven years, prevent 334 million pounds of greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere, and save taxpayers at least $40 million in fuel costs." That seems worth it.

[Source: GSA]

Continue reading U.S. feds spends $300 million on green vehicles, will save $40 million in fuel costs

U.S. feds spends $300 million on green vehicles, will save $40 million in fuel costs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>federal fleetFederalFleetgsaMon, 12 Oct 2009 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Recently, we had our third opportunity to drive the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Actually, the last go around was with a Mercury Milan Hybrid, but aside from a different nose and fanny, it is the same car. Even though we did a full review of the Milan, we asked Ford for another go around because of the difference in fuel efficiency compared to the first drive we did last December in California. We managed to achieve 43.1 mpg driving around Hollywood, beating the EPA city rating of 41. But back home in Michigan, a week of driving around Ann Arbor yielded only 29.4 mpg with the first several days actually barely managing to crack 27 mpg.

Why the big drop? It wasn't that we drove the Milan like a race car, although the Fusion and Milan do have some very nice dynamic properties. No, this was all about climate. While the temperatures in Hollywood were a very temperate mid-70s in December, six weeks later in Michigan, we were barely breaking out of the teens with overnight and early morning temps in the single-digit range. What we're about to say is heresy to the hybrid true believers, but hybrids are not the best solution for every driving condition. Find out why after the jump.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010FordFusionHybridfeaturedFordFord FusionFord Fusion HybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridFusionFusion HybridFusionHybridreviewreviewsWed, 19 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo - Undone by a Dud of a Tranny]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/review-2009-smart-fortwo-undone-by-a-dud-of-a-tranny/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/review-2009-smart-fortwo-undone-by-a-dud-of-a-tranny/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/review-2009-smart-fortwo-undone-by-a-dud-of-a-tranny/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Smart ForTwo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Smart ForTwo isn't for shy people. Even though Smart USA has sold about 30,000 of these tiny two-seaters in the U.S., the little rollerskate attracts a lot of attention. On the road or in a parking lot, the ForTwo is a conversation piece, and people will come up and talk to you. Some will tell you about the Smart they saw in Europe. Others will ask if it has the guts to make it onto the highway. Most will assume it gets great gas mileage (it doesn't). But one thing's for certain, during our week with the ForTwo, there was a 100-percent conversation rate wherever we went. Anthropophobes, be warned.

Follow the jump to see what it's like to spend wheel time with a Smart ForTwo Cabriolet.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo - Undone by a Dud of a Tranny

Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo - Undone by a Dud of a Tranny originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 smart fortwo2009SmartFortwofeaturedfortworeviewsmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwoFri, 03 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/27/review-2010-toyota-prius-a-miser-with-new-moves/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/27/review-2010-toyota-prius-a-miser-with-new-moves/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/27/review-2010-toyota-prius-a-miser-with-new-moves/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

When car buyers think of hybrids, the name that most often springs to mind is the Toyota Prius since it was the first really practical hybrid to come to market and has sold more than any other examples. Yes, of course, the original Honda Insight beat the Prius to market in the U.S. by about six months, but the tiny two-seater sold in equally tiny numbers and had limited appeal beyond hard core hyper milers.

In the coming weeks, Toyota dealers will start getting their first allotments of the all-new third-generation Prius, and while we got to spend a few hours with one on the west coast in March, we just spent a whole week with the new version of this iconic Toyota. While the efficiency of the Prius has never been in dispute, like many other cars from Brand T, it's appeal as a driver's car has been, to say the least, limited. For the generation three model, Toyota has not given up on minimizing fuel consumption, but it has sought to make the Prius a bit more appealing on other levels. Read on to find out if the company has succeeded.


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves

Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 27 May 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 toyota prius2010ToyotaPriusfeaturedpriusreviewtoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusWed, 27 May 2009 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/21/review-2010-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-with-a-healthy-dash-of-sport/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/21/review-2010-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-with-a-healthy-dash-of-sport/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/21/review-2010-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-with-a-healthy-dash-of-sport/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale. While the Q7 TDI is one of the most fuel efficient seven-passenger SUVs available anywhere, it's only the beginning for Audi. Assuming that Americans start taking a shine to diesel, Audi is likely to introduce a whole series of Rudi D's disciples here. So far, however, only one has been announced in addition to the Q7, the compact A3 hatchback.

The A3 is the entry-level model for the four-ringed brand here in the U.S. Until now, it has only been sold with a choice of a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.2-liter V6 engines running on gasoline. At the Detroit Auto Show, Audi announced that the A3 TDI would go on sale late this year. While the A3 TDI isn't yet available, one was made available to us for five days during a recent trip to Southern California. Find out what it was like after the jump.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport

Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 21 May 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3a3 tdiA3Tdiaudiaudi a3 tdiAudiA3Tdidieseldiesel audiDieselAudifeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeaturesreviewThu, 21 May 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First Ride: 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/31/first-ride-2009-zero-x-electric-motorcycle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/31/first-ride-2009-zero-x-electric-motorcycle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/31/first-ride-2009-zero-x-electric-motorcycle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle

Is the world ready to swap its gas-burning cars and trucks for electric vehicles? It's an interesting question, to be sure, and the answer may not be as straightforward as we'd like. As much as many of us would love to ditch petroleum all together, there are a number of things to consider before making the switch (range, price...) and there aren't actually all that many vehicles from which to choose.

There are a few areas where battery-powered vehicles are making inroads against their petrol-fueled siblings, and one of them is dirtbikes. While it will probably be at least a full year before a major established player has an electric motorcycle for sale, small companies are already stepping up to the plate and building extremely capable zero emission motorcycles. One of those manufacturers is Zero Motorcycles.

We recently got the chance to spend a few hours with a 2009 Zero X electric dirtbike, and we were keenly interested to see how the machine stacks up against its gas-burning competition. Read on to see what we thought.

Gallery: First Ride: 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Ride: 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle

First Ride: 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 zero x2009 zero x electric motorcycle2009ZeroX2009ZeroXElectricMotorcycleelectric dirt bikeelectric dirt bikeselectric dirtbikeelectric dirtbikeselectric motorbikeelectric motorcycleelectric motorcyclesElectricDirtbikeElectricDirtbikesElectricMotorbikeElectricMotorcycleElectricMotorcyclesfeaturedzero motorcycleszero xzero x electric dirtbikezero x electric motorcyclezero x reviewzero x ridezero x testZeroMotorcyclesZeroXZeroXElectricDirtbikeZeroXElectricMotorcycleZeroXReviewZeroXRideZeroXTestTue, 31 Mar 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/10/review-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/10/review-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/10/review-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

At the LA Auto Show in November, Ford unveiled the updated 2010 Fusion and its hybrid stablemate to considerable fanfare. When we got the chance to drive the Fusion a month later we came away impressed, although some of you found the new, larger three-bar grille even more obnoxious than the original. Since visual appeal is highly subjective, it's fortunate that Ford hasn't killed off the Mercury brand just yet. For a relatively minimal investment, Ford can offer the same mechanical package in a more understated wrapper and the result is this: the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid.

Under the skin and between the axles, it's indistinguishable from its Fusion counterpart. But up front, it's an entirely different story. The Milan is equipped with the standard vertical bar grille shared by the rest of the Mercury line-up, but there's more to making a Mercury than a bit of rhinoplasty and a new set of badges. Make the jump to find out what they are.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mercury milan2010 mercury milan hybrid2010MercuryMilan2010MercuryMilanHybridautobloggreen garageautobloggreen-garageautobloggreengaragefeaturedTue, 10 Mar 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/16/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-toyota-camry-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/16/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-toyota-camry-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/16/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-toyota-camry-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Camry hybrid for a high res gallery

Automotive desirability is a strange thing. If you ask any statistically significant number of people to choose any car they desired, surely a large number of them would name Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins or some other exotic breed. And yet these cars sell in only the low tens of thousands annually world wide. Surely a car that sells over 400,000 units every single year must also have some degree of desirability. No doubt it does, but there is a difference. The exotic appeals to the most basic animal instincts in the reptilian brain. The Toyota Camry appeals to the rational, logical brain that looks for durable, reliable, affordable personal transportation. Its about desiring the things you want vs. the things you need.

The Camry has been the best-selling car in the United States for the past decade. Even with an eight percent drop in a miserable 2008, Toyota still found buyers for 436,617 examples. Globally, Toyota sold 52,479 hybrid Camrys last year most of which went to North American buyers. One way to sell nearly half a million units of any car is by creating something that doesn't turn people off. Read on after the jump to find out if the Camry hybrid has anything to turn buyers on.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredtoyota camrytoyota camry hybridToyotaCamryToyotaCamryHybridMon, 16 Feb 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Lexus GS450h]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/10/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-lexus-gs450h/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/10/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-lexus-gs450h/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/10/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-lexus-gs450h/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click the Lexus GS450h for a high res gallery

Since debuting the Prius just over a decade ago, Toyota has been gradually spreading its hybrid drive technology through its product lineup including the Lexus brand. Later this year, Lexus will be getting its first hybrid-only model in the form of the HS250h but it's first hybrid sedan was actually the GS450h which went on sale as a 2007 model. As with the LS600h that we tried out a year ago, the GS450h is promoted by Toyota as option that gives performance of a larger engine with the efficiency of a lower displacement. So, unlike the Prius which goes for the big mpg numbers, the Lexus hybrids post more typical results for their segments.

As a mid-sized luxury sport sedan, the GS falls into a segment with competitors such as the BMW 5-series, the Mercedes Benz E-Class and the Acura TL. All four of these are very close in overall size, although the Lexus is the only one with a hybrid powertrain option. Based on the nomenclature, Lexus expects the GS450h to have performance similar to the vehicle with a 4.5L V8 with the efficiency of a 3.5L V6. Follow the jump to see if they succeeded.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Lexus GS450h


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Lexus GS450h

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Lexus GS450h originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenautobloggreen-garageautobloggreengaragefeaturedlexus gs 450hlexus gs450hLexusGs450hTue, 10 Feb 2009 20:12:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/09/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-volkswagen-jetta-tdi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/09/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-volkswagen-jetta-tdi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/09/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-volkswagen-jetta-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

The car as we know it is being redefined. Hybrids have reintroduced electrons to the driving experience, and the rumble, shake and shimmy of internal combustion engines is being muffled and, in some cases, even silenced by cars like the Toyota Prius, 2011 Chevy Volt and Tesla Roadster.

For us to continue harnessing the energy of combustion under our hoods, we need to go much farther on a gallon of fuel. Enter Volkswagen and the diesel-powered passenger cars it's been selling in the U.S. since the late '70s, the latest of which is the 2009 Jetta TDI. Follow the jump to find out how VW's newest diesel fares against the electrified future of the automobile.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI


Photos copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 volkswagen jetta tdi2009VolkswagenJettaTdiautobloggreen garageAutobloggreenGaragein the autobloggreen garageInTheAutobloggreenGaragejettajetta tdijetta tdi reviewJettaTdiJettaTdiReviewnew car reviewNewCarReviewtdivolkswagenvolkswagen jetta tdiVolkswagenJettaTdiMon, 09 Feb 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-chevy-aveo-5/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-chevy-aveo-5/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/20/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-chevy-aveo-5/#commentsFiled under: ,

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Chevy Aveo 5

Until the new Chevy Spark here in 2011, the entry point for getting into the General Motors product line-up remains the Chevy Aveo. The Korean-built Aveo is available in two forms, a four-door sedan and five-door hatch. The hatchback is dubbed the Aveo 5, an example of which spent some time in the AutoblogGreen Garage during the week following the Detroit Auto Show. This is the first opportunity we've had to sample the Aveo and it turned out to be something of a mixed bag.

The Aveo 5 is the smallest model in the current North American GM lineup and fits into the sub-compact B-Segment. Dimensionally the Aveo slots in between the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit and almost matches the Scion xD. Until the Ford Fiesta arrives late this year, the Fit is generally considered the overachiever in this class. Find out how the Aveo 5 stacks up against the Fit after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreen garageAutobloggreenGarageChevrolet aveo 5ChevroletAveo5chevy aveochevy aveo 5chevy aveo five-doorchevy aveo5ChevyAveoChevyAveo5ChevyAveoFive-doorTue, 20 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Mercedes Benz E320 BlueTec]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/29/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-mercedes-benz-e320-bluetec/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/29/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-mercedes-benz-e320-bluetec/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/29/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-mercedes-benz-e320-bluetec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the E320 BlueTec for a high res gallery

Mercedes-Benz is quite literally the first name in diesel. The 1936 Mercedes 260D was the first production passenger car powered by a diesel engine. Daimler has been building diesel cars and trucks pretty much continuously ever since. Along with Volkswagen, Daimler has also been the primary purveyor of diesel vehicles in the US market over the past three decades. The current E320 BlueTec traces its roots back directly to the 300D of 1976 and is on the verge of being replaced with an all-new model for 2010.

The E-Class is Mercedes' mainstream mid-sized luxury sedan and is second only to the smaller C-class in US sales volume for the brand. Several new diesel technologies have debuted on the E and its predecessors over the years including common rail and injection and turbocharging. Since the car we tested is near the end of its life cycle this one wasn't the most up-to-date example, but it's still a good sampling of a modern diesel car. See what we thought of the E320 after the jump.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Mercedes Benz E320 BlueTec

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Mercedes Benz E320 BlueTec originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abg garageabggarageautobloggreen garageautobloggreengaragedieselfeaturedmercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz e320 bluetecmercedes-benzmercedesbenzMercedesBenzE320BluetecMon, 29 Dec 2008 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/08/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-mercedes-benz-gl320-bluetec/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/08/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-mercedes-benz-gl320-bluetec/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/08/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-mercedes-benz-gl320-bluetec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the GL320 BlueTec

Like the big Two-Mode hybrid SUVs from General Motors, the Mercedes GL320 BlueTec is designed to be a more efficient kind of brute. It's designed for those who still feel that they need to tow a boat or trailer and have room inside for seven passengers and get significantly better fuel efficiency than a straight gasoline engine counterpart. Like the GM hybrid SUVs, this one provides a 36 percent boost in EPA combined fuel economy ratings. Also like the GM hybrids, the GL is quite pricey: base price is over $58,000. This is where things start to get interesting.

While the GM hybrids command a substantial price premium over their conventional siblings, the GL320 is actually the least expensive of the three current models in the Benz lineup. The GL320 is powered by a 3.0L V6 diesel engine while the GL450 and GL550 both have gasoline V8s. Some of the features that the top dog GL550 gets as standard, such as the navigation system and an upgraded audio system, are extra cost options on the 320. In terms of equipment and appointments, the closest comparison for the GL would actually be the new Cadillac Escalade hybrid rather than the lower-rent Chevy/GMC equivalents. Find out what the GL320 is like to live with after the jump.

Related:

Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abg garageAbgGarageautobloggreen garageAutobloggreenGaragefeaturedgl320gl320 bluetecgl320bluetecmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedesbenzMon, 08 Dec 2008 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTi]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-i-cdti/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-i-cdti/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/01/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-i-cdti/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for a high-res gallery of the Honda Civic i-CDTi

It's time for another in our ongoing series of reviews of high mileage cars that Americans can't buy at any price. This time around we have Honda Civic i-CDTi from our friends at Honeywell. You may recall from some previous reviews that Honeywell is a major manufacturer of turbochargers and they have a fleet of European diesel vehicles that they are using to promote their technology. You might look at the car pictured above and think to yourself, "That's not like any Civic I've ever seen." Unless you're one of our European readers, you'd probably be right. As hatchbacks comprised an ever smaller share of US Civic sales through the '90s and into the early part of this decade Honda, decided to stop offering that body style in the US.

Meanwhile, over in Europe, the latest three- and five-door hatchback Civics have evolved into something that almost looks more like a space capsule than a car. Under the hood, this Civic has a powerplant that's also unavailable to Americans, a 2.2L turbodiesel four. This is Honda's previous-generation diesel engine, not the newer i-DTEC engine that was shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Follow the jump to find out what it's like to live with a Civic with low end torque.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTi


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTi

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic i-CDTi originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>honda civichonda civic dieselhonda civic i-cdtiHondaCivicHondaCivicDieselHondaCivicI-cdtiMon, 01 Dec 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Honda Fit Sport 5AT]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/10/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-honda-fit-sport-5at/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/10/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-honda-fit-sport-5at/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/10/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-honda-fit-sport-5at/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Honda Fit Sport automatic w/Nav

One of the big success stories in Honda's lineup recently has been its smallest car (in the U.S. market at least) the Fit. Since its U.S. debut two years ago, Honda has been moving Fits out the door as fast they can build them. That pace really accelerated in 2008 as gas prices topped $4 per gallon during the spring and summer and most of the popular hybrid models were sold out. With October being the most dismal sales month in memory for virtually every automaker, even Honda saw its sales tank. The lone exception was the Fit.

As summer ended and the kids went back to school, the all-new second generation Fit began to arrive in U.S. showrooms just in time for the implosion on Wall Street. Nonetheless, so far the new Fit has done well in the market despite the increasing difficulty for customers to get car loans. In an absolutely miserable October, the Fit was the only Honda brand vehicle to show a year-over-year sales gain with a 28 percent jump compared to 2007. When we first drove the new Fit back in August, we came away very impressed with its fun to drive qualities. Now it's time to find out what it's like to live with on a day-to-day basis. The answer lies after the jump.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Honda Fit Sport


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Honda Fit Sport 5AT

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Honda Fit Sport 5AT originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog greenAutoblogGreenautobloggreen garageautobloggreen-garageAutobloggreenGaragehondahonda fithonda fit sportHondaFitHondaFitSportMon, 10 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: Audi A5 3.0 TDI 6MT]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/27/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-audi-a5-3-0-tdi-6mt/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/27/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-audi-a5-3-0-tdi-6mt/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/27/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-audi-a5-3-0-tdi-6mt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click for a high res gallery of the Audi A5 TDI

In spite of some recent hiccups with plans by other manufacturers to introduce new diesel models in the U.S. market (see here), Audi is one company that at least publicly remains fully committed to oil burners. During the recently completed Audi Mileage Marathon, the company brought over examples of most of its lineup powered by diesel engines including the TT TDI. One of the few diesel models that was not included was the A5 TDI. The A5 debuted in 2007 as a coupe built on the company's new B8 platform which also forms the basis of the 2009 A4 sedan.

The A5 TDI is unfortunately not yet available in the U.S. market so we got our example courtesy of Honeywell. Honeywell's Garret division is one of the largest manufacturers of turbochargers which of course are a critical part of any modern diesel engine. Earlier this year we also tested a BMW X5 diesel and an Audi Q7 4.2 TDI from Honeywell's fleet. Like the A4s, Q5s and Q7s that participated in the marathon, this A5 came to us powered by a 3.0L V6 diesel. Read on after the jump to find out how voluptuous body work, high performance and fuel economy get along.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Audi A5 3.0 TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: Audi A5 3.0 TDI 6MT

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: Audi A5 3.0 TDI 6MT originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a5audi a5 tdiAudiA5AudiA5TdifeaturedMon, 27 Oct 2008 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ and Hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/07/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-chevrolet-malibu-ltz-and-hybri/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/07/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-chevrolet-malibu-ltz-and-hybri/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/07/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-chevrolet-malibu-ltz-and-hybri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the Malibu for a high res gallery

There was a time not so many years ago when the best-selling cars in the U.S. market were mid-sized models from General Motors. Cars like the Oldsmobile Cutlass and Chevrolet Malibu outsold everything else by very healthy margin. In the middle of the 1980s, that changed as the successive generations of Honda's Accord grew larger, Toyota introduced the Camry and Ford brought out the then-radical Taurus and Sable. Sales of mid-sized GM passengers went into a steady decline with the once top-selling Oldsmobile brand being euthanized completely and Malibu being dropped as a model name.

While 2008 has been an absolutely dismal year for automakers in the U.S. market, there have been a few bright spots. For those like me who have never been fans of SUVs and could never quite grasp why so many people had gravitated towards them, the resurgence of sales for smaller and mid-sized cars has been a pleasure to watch. The Chevy Malibu is back for a third iteration since its revival at the beginning of this decade. The first was so bland as to be invisible, while the second was not easy on the eyes. The latest version debuted in 2007 to almost universal acclaim for its bold styling. We recently tried out two different Malibus that are set up specifically for improved fuel economy. Check out our thoughts after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 4-cylinder


Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ and Hybrid

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ and Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6-speed6-speedautomaticchevy malibuchevy malibu hybridChevyMalibuChevyMalibuHybridmild hybridmild hybridsMildHybridMildHybridsSun, 07 Sep 2008 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited FWD]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/24/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-ford-escape-hybrid-limited-fwd/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/24/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-ford-escape-hybrid-limited-fwd/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/24/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2009-ford-escape-hybrid-limited-fwd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high-res gallery

The very first production hybrid from a Detroit automaker has been with us since 2004 and going into the 2009 model year it has finally completed its second generation transformation. In 2007, Ford redesigned the all the visible elements of the Escape but largely carried over mechanical components. We drove the updated 2009 model a couple of months ago over a brief route and now we've had a chance to spend a full week with the revamped hybrid.

In June of last year we drove the then new 2008 Escape hybrid and came away reasonably impressed. The styling of the newest Escape had less of the soft-roader look of the original in favor of a "tougher, chunkier appearance" more in keeping with its truck siblings. The only visual distinction between the '08 and '09 models is a deeper, wider front air-dam and small spats in front of the rear wheels. These improve the air flow around the bottom of the vehicle, cutting highway fuel consumption by about 0.67 mpg at 70 mph. The really key differences in the '09 model aren't apparent to visual inspection and you can read how those panned out after the jump.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited FWD

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited FWD originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 ford escape2009 ford escape hyb...2009 ford escape hybrid2009FordEscape2009FordEscapeHyb...2009FordEscapeHybridautobloggreen garageautobloggreen-garageautobloggreengaragesiriussirius travel linkSiriusTravelLinkSun, 24 Aug 2008 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/11/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/11/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/11/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-honda-civic-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Civic hybrid for a high-res gallery

Toyota may have been the first automaker to bring a mass produced gas-electric hybrid to market overall, but Honda was the first to hit the road in the US with the Insight in late 1999. The insight wasn't a huge commercial success for many of the same reasons that the GM EV1 likely wouldn't have been even if GM had opened it up to everyone. The two-seat Insight was small, had limited cargo capacity, was expensive to build and had limited appeal for American tastes at the dawn of the 21st century. While the Insight's package wasn't a retail success, Honda took the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system and dropped it into the Civic sedan beginning in 2002. A new generation Civic with a corresponding hybrid model debuted for the 2006 model year carrying over the IMA system. While the Civic hybrid hasn't had anywhere near the sales of the Prius, it does remain the third best selling hybrid behind the hybrid icon and the Camry hybrid. AutoblogGreen spent a week driving the Civic hybrid recently and you can read all about it after the jump.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhonda civichonda civic hybridHondaCivicHondaCivicHybridMon, 11 Aug 2008 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 BMW 123d 3-door hatchback]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/05/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-bmw-123d-3-door-hatchback/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/05/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-bmw-123d-3-door-hatchback/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/05/in-the-autobloggreen-garage-2008-bmw-123d-3-door-hatchback/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW 123d

We've reviewed a number of high-mileage and alternative fuel cars that can't be purchased here in the USA. Why bother wasting time on such unobtainable machines you might ask? It's because the number of high mileage cars available in this market is relatively small compared to elsewhere in the world. Even more scarce are high mileage cars that are fun and interesting to drive. Until we get to buy more hybrid, electric and diesel-fueled cars here, we will keep bringing you samples of what the rest of the world has to offer. With that in mind we bring you the BMW 123d. BMW introduced the 1-series to the U.S. market for the 2008 model year, but only with six-cylinder gasoline engines. Across the pond buyers have the choice of three variants of a 2.0L four-cylinder diesel engine with various power levels. Automotive supplier Bosch tossed us the fob (no premium cars use actual keys anymore) to a 123d for a week. Read on to find out what it was like.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 BMW 123d Hatchback


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 BMW 123d 3-door hatchback

In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 BMW 123d 3-door hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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