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[Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/21/long-term-thinking-cost-to-own-mindset-grabs-hold-and-green/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/21/long-term-thinking-cost-to-own-mindset-grabs-hold-and-green/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/21/long-term-thinking-cost-to-own-mindset-grabs-hold-and-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

So many things are changing in the new automotive reality, it's hard to know where to start. Everything from the kind of hose we connect to our cars (liquid filled? electric?) to the sounds the vehicles make is different now than it used to be. What else needs to change? How about how we think about how much it costs to own and operate a car.

Naturally, it's always been possible to estimate this cost, but NADAguides.com has just released a "Cost To Own" calculator for new cars, so you can factor in fuel prices in your region into the cost of the car. It's entirely useful. For example, to own a 2010 Prius in Michigan for five years will cost an estimated $33,232. On top of the cost of the car, NADA tells us that the car will depreciation will make up 39 percent of the ownership costs, while fuel equals just 12 percent. A pie chart of the cost breakdown is pictured at right.

On a similar thread, Edmunds is recommending a shift away from MPG and towards a cost-of-energy window sticker on a new car. With all of those electric plugs being added to cars, MPG is becoming less and less valuable to understand how much it costs to get around. Two quick examples: per month, Edmunds estimates it'll cost $53.55 to drive the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt, but $66.78 to operate a Prius. Check out their chart here, and remember that according to a recent study, more efficient vehicles can (and often do) cost less.

[Source: NADAguides.com, Edmunds]

Continue reading Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold

Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost of ownershipcost to ownCostOfOwnershipCostToOwnedmundshybridsnadaownershipownership costsOwnershipCostsSat, 21 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Opel Corsa ecoFlex - click above for high-res image gallery

Opel is about to launch a heavily revamped version of the B-segment Corsa, although observers probably won't notice much difference on the outside. That actually isn't such a bad thing, since the Corsa is a pretty handsome little car. Under the skin, the car gets new powertrains and revised suspension setups for improved handling and ride.

Under the hood, the Corsa offers diesels in 1.3-liter and 1.7-liter sizes with the latter rated at 130 hp. The smaller engine is available in three power levels with the most powerful 95 hp version powering the new ecoFlex model. The ecoFlex gets an EU combined rating of 63.6 mpg (U.S.) with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. That's a 10 percent improvement over the previous Corsa ecoFlex with significantly better performance thanks to 27 percent more power. Even the 1.7-liter still hits the sub 120 g level with a 119 g/km and 52.3 mpg (U.S.).

Gallery: 2010.5 Opel Corsa


[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO2

Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>opelopel corsaopel corsa ecoflexOpelCorsaOpelCorsaEcoflexFri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven - well, six, no, five - ways to boost your Prius' MPG for just $4,047]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/seven-well-six-no-five-ways-to-turn-your-prius-even-more/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/seven-well-six-no-five-ways-to-turn-your-prius-even-more/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/seven-well-six-no-five-ways-to-turn-your-prius-even-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Got $4,047? That's what it'll take you to make your Prius even more efficient and snazzy if you were to buy one of everything on the list of seven MPG-saving items put together by HybridCars (and which just happen to be available for sale from the site). The items include a $69 aftermarket EV button for the second-gen models that don't have this feature (installation takes just minutes, they say), a $3,095-Aero Tourer kit, and a Chassis Stiffener Kit, among other things. The EV mode button and the stiffener won't do wonders for your mpg, but they can provide modest boosts, and every little bit helps.

We're less impressed with the $37 NavCap, a visor of sorts for the info screen, and the iPod connector cable as a way to save fuel, but that bike rack makes sense. Evey mile you're on two wheels instead of in the car saves a lot of CO2.

[Source: HybridCars]

Seven - well, six, no, five - ways to boost your Prius' MPG for just $4,047 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mpgpriusprius hybridprius mpgPriusHybridPriusMpgTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai launches first direct injected engine, coming to new Sonata]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/hyundai-launches-first-direct-injected-engine-coming-to-new-son/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/hyundai-launches-first-direct-injected-engine-coming-to-new-son/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/hyundai-launches-first-direct-injected-engine-coming-to-new-son/#commentsFiled under: ,

testing Hyundai's Theta II DGI engine - click above for high-res image gallery

When the swoopy new 2011 Hyundai Sonata goes into production at Hyundai's plant in Alabama early in 2010, it won't offer a V6 engine anymore, but it will get the company's first ever direct injected engine. This week in South Korea, Hyundai took the wraps off the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI four cylinder. Like similar engines from other automakers, Hyundai's engineers have taken advantage of the charge cooling effect of direct injection by boosting the compression ratio to 11.3:1. As a result, the engine produces 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm in Korean spec.

The direct injection system is set up to use a two-pulse strategy similar to modern common rail diesels. The initial smaller pulse is ignited by the spark plug and then followed by a second larger pulse as the piston begins its downward stroke. GM uses a similar strategy for the 2.4-liter DI Ecotec because it helps warm the engine faster, heating the catalytic converter and reducing emissions. The GDI Theta II produces from 7-12 percent more torque across the rev range than the port injected version of the engine. Efficiency should improve by about 10 percent, although the final certification figures aren't complete yet. The Theta II also gets continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts. The GDI engine will likely also be used for the new Sonata hybrid when it debuts late in 2010.

Gallery: Hyundai 2.4L direct injected Theta II


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai launches first direct injected engine, coming to new Sonata

Hyundai launches first direct injected engine, coming to new Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct injecteddirect injectionDirectInjectedDirectInjectiongasoline direct injectionGasolineDirectInjectionHyundaihyundai direct injectionhyundai sonatahyundai theta ii gdiHyundaiDirectInjectionHyundaiSonataHyundaiThetaIiGdiTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo's DRIVe vehicles go from UK to Italy on one tank, win award, drive virtual Facebook miles]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/volvos-drive-vehicles-go-from-uk-to-italy-on-one-tank-win-awar/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/volvos-drive-vehicles-go-from-uk-to-italy-on-one-tank-win-awar/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/volvos-drive-vehicles-go-from-uk-to-italy-on-one-tank-win-awar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo C30 DRIVe - click above for a high-res image gallery

Volvo's DRIVe range, which have lower CO2 emissions compared to standard models, have managed to win the person responsible for the range, Ulf Nordström, Talentia's "Intrapreneur of the Year" award. What's so good about these vehicles? Well, Volvo recently showed off how frugal they are by having European journalists drive the two new diesel DRVEe models, the V70 and S80, from Volvo UK's HQ in Marlow to Milan, Italy on one 70-liter (18.5 U.S. gallon) tank of fuel. The distance between these two points? 814 miles, which would mean real-world fuel economy of at least 44 mpg. With a few smart choices regarding cruise control and when to apply the brakes, this mission was accomplished.

Interested in navigating a Volvo DRIVe C30 around the world using absolutely no fuel? It can't be done in real life, but you can try on Facebook, where Volvo is sponsoring a charity contest to use your connections to drive virtual miles and then pass it off to your friend, who does the same. The winning team will get money donated in their name to offset one person's lifetime CO2 emissions. Let's see if this turns out to be more popular than Ford's Fusion Hybrid app.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Volvo DRIVe models


[Source: Volvo, Global Post]

Continue reading Volvo's DRIVe vehicles go from UK to Italy on one tank, win award, drive virtual Facebook miles

Volvo's DRIVe vehicles go from UK to Italy on one tank, win award, drive virtual Facebook miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ulf nordstromUlfNordstromVolvovolvo c30volvo drivevolvo efficiencyvolvo facebookvolvo mpgVolvo S80volvo v70VolvoC30VolvoDriveVolvoEfficiencyVolvoFacebookVolvoMpgVolvoS80VolvoV70Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford says EcoBoost popular with the "young"]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/15/ford-says-ecoboost-popular-with-the-young/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/15/ford-says-ecoboost-popular-with-the-young/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/15/ford-says-ecoboost-popular-with-the-young/#commentsFiled under: ,



Kids these days. According to Ford, what gets the young (well, younger) car shopper's attention is a nice EcoBoost engine. For proof, Ford offers the following statistic: buyers of the Taurus SHO with EcoBoost are, on average, over ten years younger than people who buy base Taurus vehicles. Don't think that this means Taurus SHO buyers are someone who's just gotten his or her driver's license, though. The average SHO buyer is 54 years old.

Looking to the future, Ford reminds us that the EcoBoost, which offers a fuel economy boost of 20 percent compared to comparative normally-aspirated engines, is coming to the F-150 next year in both V6 and four-cylinder 2.0 and 1.6 liter versions. Currently, EcoBoost is available on four Ford models: the Taurus SHO, the Lincoln MKS and MKT, and the Flex. As we like to call it, it's the perfect line-up for tweens.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford says EcoBoost popular with the "young"

Ford says EcoBoost popular with the "young" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoboostFord EcoBoostFordEcoboostTaurustaurus shoTaurusShoSun, 15 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh, come on: columnist compares driving efficiency with teaching religion]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/oh-come-on-columnist-compares-driving-efficiency-with-teaching/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/oh-come-on-columnist-compares-driving-efficiency-with-teaching/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/oh-come-on-columnist-compares-driving-efficiency-with-teaching/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've disagreed with Detroit News columnist Manny Lopez in the past, but his most recent column is absurd. At issue is a bill in the Michigan State legislature that would require adding an environmental component to driver education programs. Lopez is against this. OK, fine. But his reasons are illogical. How many wrong points does Lopez make? Let's count, shall we?.

Lopez says that making young student drivers learn about fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling and public transpiration is "environmental activism." He also believes teaching students these facts won't help them to make better decisions. Uhhh, say what? Is he really arguing that people can make smarter, more informed decisions with less information? We can only assume he employs the same logic when he pens a new opinion column.

Lopez also writes, "Since these courses aren't in the schools and parents have to pay for them out of their own pockets, they shouldn't have to pay for someone else's religion -- and trust me, environmental activism is a religion." BS. Avoiding jackrabbit starts and stops saves fuel. It's also safer to accelerate and decelerate in a responsible manner. Science, not faith, can prove this. Does anyone at the News even read what Lopez writes before it's published?

And then, finally, this: "Most young people don't have the resources to choose what they get to drive, never mind shop around for one that has the 'attributes of a fuel-efficient vehicle.' They're just happy to get behind the wheel of a car, any car. And they're certainly not going to pay much, if any attention, to someone telling them to take the bus when their only goal in life at that moment is driving." No one is forcing young people to go buy a hybrid, no matter what bogeyman Lopez tries to conjure here. Driver training is exactly when we should be teaching young people about the ways that driving style affects fuel economy -- of any vehicle. Do it right and everyone benefits: the new driver saves money over his or her entire driving life, the U.S. imports less fuel. As we move to gasoline alternatives, having a smart right foot is going to be even more important to maximize the electric-only range of plug-in vehicles.

We can only assume that, sometime soon, Lopez will say he believes that green-minded politicians "hate the American auto industry." Oh, wait.


[Source: Detroit News via Green Car Reports]
Photo by Robert Couse-Baker. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Oh, come on: columnist compares driving efficiency with teaching religion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver trainingDriverTrainingmanny lopezMannyLopezstudent driverStudentDriverFri, 13 Nov 2009 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Coming to a highway near you? Tapered semi-trailers]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/coming-to-a-highway-near-you-tapered-semi-trailers/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/coming-to-a-highway-near-you-tapered-semi-trailers/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/coming-to-a-highway-near-you-tapered-semi-trailers/#commentsFiled under: ,


Semi-trucks are constantly cruising the highways of America, delivering everything from organic basil to La-Z-Boy recliners. All the miles that truckers put on these modern beasts of burden use a lot of gasoline, but the European public-private consortium behind Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport could be here with a fairly simple and elegant solution: tapered rear ends.

PART claims that the six-foot device that hangs off the rear end of the trailer can improve fuel efficiency up to 7.5 percent. That's not a terrible increase for the Prius. On ultra-low MPG vehicles like these, it's a huge deal. PART has been testing these tails for two years, and also has a lot of other aerodynamic ideas for large trucks: side panels, aero mirrors, and even aerodynamic mud flaps. Put everything together on one truck, PART says, and you'll see fuel economy improvements of more than 20 percent. Almost makes us want to become truckers.

[Source: PART via Gas 2.0]

Coming to a highway near you? Tapered semi-trailers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dutch semiDutchSeminetherlandstapered semitapered trailerTaperedSemiTaperedTrailerFri, 13 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Thrifty Dutch Hyundai owners have been given a chance to enter a contest where the prize is the equivalent of five years' worth of gas, estimated at €10,000. The package goes to whoever is the most frugal at the wheel. Anyone registering for the contest at Dutch Hyundai dealers is also entered to win a €500 fuel card. The fuel challenge will be conducted in December and there's more information at the official site. A local Dutch auto publication is also offering another €500 card. Because nothing says conserve your fuel like giving drivers three independent chances to win free gas.

[Source: AutoNL]

Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesthypermilinghyundai blueHyundaiBluenetherlandsthrifty driverThriftyDriverFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/greenlings-why-does-mileage-drop-in-winter/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/greenlings-why-does-mileage-drop-in-winter/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/greenlings-why-does-mileage-drop-in-winter/#commentsFiled under: ,



This week's Greenlings topic came to us from another reader tip. Don asked why his fuel economy suffers so much in winter weather. In his own experience, mileage drops about 10 percent when the temperatures go from the 60-70 F range to near freezing. This is consistent with our own experience and in fact we've seen even bigger drops than that when testing hybrid vehicles in winter conditions.

There are a number of reasons why winter driving reduces efficiency ranging from fuels to driver safety and comfort. If you happen to live somewhere like California or Florida where winter means night-time lows dipping into the sixties, you may not have experienced this phenomenon, but those of who live places with actual seasons have grown accustomed to this. Read to learn more about why your car uses more fuel when its cold.

Continue reading Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter?

Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefuel economyfuel efficiencyfuel efficientFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientgreenlingswinter drivingWinterDrivingThu, 12 Nov 2009 19:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford launches eco-driving campaign in Portugal]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Lusitánia, the Portuguese importer of The Blue Oval's vehicles, is currently promoting the Projecto Eco-Condução Portugal. The project includes a contest and a campaign to promote a small set of eco-driving tips.

The contest takes 20 motorists, selected from 150 finalists, who are being tested as they drive their cars to see who uses the least amount of fuel. The eco-driving campaing focus on 6 common green driving tips: anticipate traffic, drive using low rpm, don't rev up and then quickly slowing down, keep the car properly tuned and analsye your driving to try and identify ways to burn less fuel. Ford partners for this campaing are the ACAP, BP, IMTT-Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres, Instituto Superior Técnico and CarChip.

[Source: Ford of Portugal]

Ford launches eco-driving campaign in Portugal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford lusitaniaford of portugalFordLusitaniaFordOfPortugalportugalprojecto eco-conducaoProjectoEco-conducaoThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Not</i> Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/not-coming-to-america-redesigned-ford-ka-ranger/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/not-coming-to-america-redesigned-ford-ka-ranger/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/not-coming-to-america-redesigned-ford-ka-ranger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2009 Ford Ka - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said a couple of times that he'd like to see the diminutive and highly efficient Ford Ka sold here in the States, though we always questioned whether it would actually happen. Wonder no more, as Mulally has just come right out and said that the little car won't make the trek to America. Speaking to Automotive News, Mulally said, "Our view is that Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States." So, there you go.

Also not coming to America will be the next-generation Ford Ranger, which has been spotted testing over in Australia a couple of times already. At this point, it's not clear what (if anything) will replace the rapidly aging compact pickup when the current Ranger ends production in 2011.


Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 ford ka2009FordKa2011 ford ranger2011FordRanger2012 ford ranger2012FordRangerfordford kaford rangerFordKaFordRangerkarangerTue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/garmin-eco-route-cable-will-sell-for-149-could-appear-soon/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/garmin-eco-route-cable-will-sell-for-149-could-appear-soon/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/garmin-eco-route-cable-will-sell-for-149-could-appear-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,


Garmin EcoRoute screen shots - click above for image gallery

At last January's Consumer Electronics Show, Garmin announced a new optional extra for its Nuvi GPS system. The Eco-Route adds the ability for 1xxx series Nuvis to display a variety of vehicle information about what is going on in the engine. The cable plugs into the cars OBD-II diagnostic communications port to read out an array of data including fuel and air information, throttle position, combustion mixture and more. The system also includes a driving challenge that users can use to help train themselves to drive more efficiently. In addition, the Nuvi now allows drivers to select a more economical route that may or may not be the fastest or shortest route. The connection cable is priced at $149 but no on-sale date has been announced. It could be shipping before the end of the year or early 2010.

Gallery: Garmin EcoRoute screen shots


[Source: GPSCity via Engadget]

Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Garmingarmin ecoroutegarmin nuviGarminEcorouteGarminNuviMon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion - click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has started taking orders in Europe for the new BlueMotion edition of its mid-size Passat. Like other models bearing the BlueMotion badge, the Passat has been optimized to drive down the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. As seen in the photos, the BlueMotion gets optimized aerodynamics through rocker panel extensions, a deeper front air-dam and special alloy wheels. Mechanically, it uses the same new 1.6-liter common rail TDI four cylinder found in the smaller Golf BlueMotion along with the 7-speed DSG transmission. Automatic start-stop and brake energy recuperation are also included in the mix.

The starting price of the Passat in Germany is €27,850, which gets buyers a rating of 53.4 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle along with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

VW is also spreading the BlueMotion love to other models by incorporating some of the various components. The Golf and Golf Plus are available with the 1.6-liter while the Scirocco, EOS and Tiguan get the 1.4-liter TSI gas engine.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volkswagen passat bluemotion2010VolkswagenPassatBluemotionvolkswagenVolkswagen Passatvolkswagen passat bluemotionVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatBluemotionMon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/perennial-wishes-auto-industry-execs-calling-for-higher-gas-tax/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/perennial-wishes-auto-industry-execs-calling-for-higher-gas-tax/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/perennial-wishes-auto-industry-execs-calling-for-higher-gas-tax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



How often do the Wall Street Journal, Bill Ford, Jr. and Thomas Friedman agree on something? When it's the gas tax, it's 100 percent of the time, and now a number of auto executives have added their voices in favor of a gas tax in order to reach the end goal of getting more fuel efficient vehicles into use.

Speaking at the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit, people like Jerry York, a former GM board member, and Mike Jackson, chief executive of AutoNation Inc., said that setting the price of gas at at least $4 a gallon would be a better way to get Americans to use less gasoline than giving out billions in loans and grants to develop new, more efficient technologies. Only with some pain at the pump, Jackson said, will car buyers care about fuel efficiency, adding that the best way to set the price floor would be with gradual gas tax increases until the $4 or $5 price limit is reached. Tim Leuliette, chief executive of supplier Dura Automotive, suggested that $8/gallon should be the target by 2020, stressing that the increases need to be telegraphed far in advance so that automakers and buyers can prepare for them. Rebates or other assistance for low income families should also be considered, the executives said.

Of course, any politician who pushes hard for these increase will likely face tremendous opposition and criticism, but these guys are making sense. How is it that the auto industry is so far ahead on this issue?

[Source: Forbes]
Photo by functoruser. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas taxgasoline taxgasoline taxesGasolineTaxGasolineTaxesGasTaxWed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Next BMW M5 to cut CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 20%, no hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/next-bmw-m5-to-cut-co2-emissions-by-20-no-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/next-bmw-m5-to-cut-co2-emissions-by-20-no-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/next-bmw-m5-to-cut-co2-emissions-by-20-no-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The next generation of BMW's 5-series sedan is expected to debut early in 2010, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show. The new M5, however, likely won't be launched until the 2011 Frankfurt show. According to Albert Biermann, development boss of the M division, when it does arrive, it will cut CO2 emissions by 20 percent compared to the current model.

To do that, BMW will follow an increasingly common path with direct injection, turbocharging and revised gearing. The M5 will apparently use a version of the 555 hp turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from the X5M/X6M. The increase in torque from the 383 lb-ft at 6100rpm of the current 5.0-liter V10 to around 500 lb-ft at 1500rpm will allow BMW to use much taller gearing for lower engine rpms.

Contrary to some earlier reports, the M5 will not use any kind of hybrid or KERS system. Biermann told AutoCar that the hybrid system from the new ActiveHybrid 7 would add over 200 pounds to the car. Instead, the cars weight will be reduced further through the use of carbon fiber body panels for the roof and trunk-lid.

[Source: AutoCar]

Next BMW M5 to cut CO2 emissions by 20%, no hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 bmw m52012BmwM5bmw m5BmwM5gtdigtdi engineGtdiEnginem5turbochargedturbocharged-direct-...turbocharged-direct-injectionturbochargingWed, 04 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/chrysler-to-outfit-fiat-500-approved-dealers-with-specific-showr/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/chrysler-to-outfit-fiat-500-approved-dealers-with-specific-showr/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/chrysler-to-outfit-fiat-500-approved-dealers-with-specific-showr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Listening to Chrysler's long and rambling 2010-2014 Business Plan, it was clear that the company and its dealerships are very much looking forward to finally getting the fuel efficient Fiat 500 in North America. Much like what happened when BMW launched the Mini brand eight-odd years ago, it's hoped that the cute little 500 will attract a whole new customer to the Chrysler fold.

In order to properly court those new wallets buyers, Chrysler plans to open "specific interior showroom branded salons" in select dealerships, mostly in metropolitan areas. A dedicated set of salespeople will be assigned to sell the Fiat 500 in the States... ya know, since they otherwise wouldn't know how to sell the important car to American consumers.

There will also be a full line of accessories made available to customize the new car, which we would expect will include unique color and stripe packages both inside and out along with a slew of optional wheel designs. Whatever, make ours an Abarth and we're good. Expect all of this to take place before the end of 2010 as the Fiat 500 finally starts to show up in those selected dealerships.


Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500chryslerchrysler 500chrysler fiatchrysler fiat 500Chrysler500ChryslerFiatChryslerFiat500fiatfiat 500fiat 500 dealerfiat 500 dealershipfiat 500 dealershipsfiat americafiat usFiat500Fiat500DealerFiat500DealershipFiat500DealershipsFiatAmericaFiatUsWed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Citroen has just introduced a revised version of the C3 Picasso compact MPV in the UK with a re-calibrated engine to reduce the CO2 emissions. The VTR+ and exclusive models equipped with the 90 hp diesel engine are now rated at 119 g/km CO2 compared to the 125 g/km of the previous edition. Getting below that 120 g/km threshold is important in the UK because road taxes are in part based on fuel/consumption CO2 emissions. Getting into the lower tax band means a reduction from £120 to just £35. Mileage goes from 50 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle to 52.3 mpg (U.S.). The new, high-mileage models also get standard Bluetooth connections for cell phones and USB connections for MP3 players.

[Source: Citroen]



Continue reading Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected

Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroencitroen c3citroen c3 picassoCitroen C3 Picasso MPVCitroenC3CitroenC3PicassoCitroenC3PicassoMpvWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Smart Fortwo: World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/smart-fortwo-worlds-most-fuel-efficient-drift-car/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/smart-fortwo-worlds-most-fuel-efficient-drift-car/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/smart-fortwo-worlds-most-fuel-efficient-drift-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

Rear-wheel drive, two seats, short wheelbase, sequential manual gearbox, available in either closed-roof or convertible body styles... sounds suspiciously like a sportscar, no? Yet nobody in their right mind would conclude after driving the Smart Fortwo that it is in the least bit sporty. Fuel efficient? Sure. Exciting? Not in the least.

No matter, a well-trained driver can make just about anything on four wheels respond the way in which he pleases. And that includes drifting extraordinaire Sam Hubinette, who tells his fans in a recent blog posting that he's traveling to Spain to film a "pretty intense" car/motorcycle chase scene for an upcoming flick called Night and Day, starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Must be nice.

As you've likely surmised by now, Hubinette's chariot for the stunt will be a Smart Fortwo. Hubinette says he's never tried drifting a Smart... maybe the producers will be willing to shell out some of their $130 million budget to put something with a bit more power under the Fortwo's rear bonnet. Nah, probably not. And so we have what may be the World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car. Quick - someone better call Guinness.



[Source: Toxic Drift]

Smart Fortwo: World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameron diazCameronDiazfortwofortwo driftFortwoDrifthubinettenight and dayNightAndDaysam hubinetteSamHubinettesmartsmart driftsmart fortwoSmartDriftSmartFortwotom cruiseTomCruiseWed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/driving-for-economy-suzuki-alto-gets-117-mpg-in-global-green-ch/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/driving-for-economy-suzuki-alto-gets-117-mpg-in-global-green-ch/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/driving-for-economy-suzuki-alto-gets-117-mpg-in-global-green-ch/#commentsFiled under: ,

Suzuki Alto - Click above to enlarge

Proving once again that the way you drive is equally as important (and perhaps more so) than what you are driving is the Suzuki Alto. While the little Japanese runabout is certainly a fuel miser in its own right, we wouldn't have guessed that it could achieve over 100 miles per gallon no matter how light its accelerator were pressed, but that's exactly what happened at this year's Global Green Challenge.

In fact, the Suzuki Alto managed to churn out 117 miles from each and every U.S. gallon of gasoline (this equals 141 mpg in the UK with carbon emissions of 89.9 g/km). The route took the little car a total of 1,900 miles in seven days from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia. That performance was good enough that the Alto took home top awards in the Light and Small categories as well as the scoring the Best Urban Cycle trophy.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge

Driving for Economy: Suzuki Alto gets 117 mpg in Global Green Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global green challengeGlobalGreenChallengesuzukisuzuki altoSuzukiAltoTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST