Hybrid News

Filed under: Ford

A prototype of the four-door sedan variant of the new Ford Fiesta has been spotted wearing some rear camoflage while in public in China. Production of the three and five door hatchback variants of the Fiesta started this fall in Europe. Chinese production is expected to start sometime in the first of 2009 with the addition of the sedan. Production for the North American market should start around the end of 2009 or early 2010 at a plant in Mexico. Originally the U.S. was only supposed to get the sedan, but increasing interest in hatchbacks prompted Ford to offer those body styles as well. Like the hatchbacks, the sedan looks like it will be pretty much unchanged from the Verve sedan concept.

[Source: China Car Times]

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta sedan spotted in China originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Solar, Transportation Alternatives, On Two Wheels, India

The pedal-powered rickshaw is a time-honored method of getting around in many countries where not every citizen has the means to drive a car. Of course, time marches on, and the classic rickshaws are definitely a step or two behind the times. Still, there is a market for zero emission people carriers, especially in developing countries that don’t already have other mass-transit solutions in place. Plus, while it may not seem like everybody′s cup of tea, there are a large number of people that make their living pedaling rickshaws. Enter the soleckshaw, a hybrid human- and solar-powered rickshaw that was recently shown off in Delhi. The project also includes solar charging stations where used-up batteries can be swapped for fresh ones.

The soleckshaw is powered by a 350-Watt, 36-volt brushless DC motor driving the rear wheels through a differential. There’s room for two passengers out back and the vehicle can reach 12 miles per hour or so. The battery is good for about 45 miles of range, which equates to about six hours of service. Each soleckshaw is expected to cost around $450.

[Source: India Press Inormation Bureau via Wired]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Hybrid, Volvo, European Union

Although European cities have a lot of the latest trends in urban mobility, there aren’t many hybrid buses on their streets. Volvo thinks that this could be a good moment to introduce hybrid buses, and has recently introduced the 7700 model. Claimed to reduce fuel consumption by 30 percent, Volvo says the bus will pays for itself in 5 to 7 years. It produces 30 percent less CO₂ and 40 to 50 percent fewer particles and nitrogen oxides. Called I-SAM, the hybrid transmission is based on current I-Shift gearboxes mated to a lithium-ion battery that gets recharged by the engine or regenerative braking energy. Such is the power of the electric motor that the 7700 can use a 5-liter diesel engine instead of the standard 9-liters. The engine shuts down when the bus stops and the electric motor can move the bus until it reaches 15 to 20 km/h (10-13 mph), when the diesel engine kicks in. First deliveries are scheduled for 2010. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo shows off new hybrid bus series

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, GM

Continue reading Tech analysis of GM’s new 1.4L four cylinder engine

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Original post by mlettini54

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Toyota, Green Daily, UK

Now, this is tasty. Toyota and EDF Energy today kicked off a series of road trials of the much-desired plug-in Prius. And it’s not just because of those fancy stickers that we want this car, either. EDF (also a participant in the ongoing smart ED tests) and Toyota will be testing the PHEV Prius for the next year or so and expect the data collected during the trial to “play a pivotal role in the development of Toyota’s PHV technology.” There’s a big no kidding.

For these tests, Toyota built a smart meter into the Prius that can regulate charging and invoicing, something that - if standardized - will make plug-in vehicles a much easier sell to utilities. Toyota says that if you’re driving no more than 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), then your gasoline use is cut by 60 percent. Not quite as sexy as the Chevy Volt’s promises, but still worth it. Toyota and EDF started testing the PHEV Prius in France late last year. Read more after the jump.

[Source: EDF, Toyota]

Continue reading EDF, Toyota start UK plug-in Prius tests today

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, GM, Saturn

During the recent Plug-in conference in San Jose CA, Matt Kelly of GMNext talked with Larry Nitz about the new PHEV version of the Saturn Vue. The PHEV Vue is still at least a year away and is based on the Two-Mode Vue that comes out late this year. The nickel metal hydride battery is replaced with a lithium ion unit and a plug-in charger is added. According to Nitz, who is the executive director of hybrid powertrain engineering at GM, the PHEV Vue will average about the twice the fuel efficiency of the regular two-mode Vue for the first 20 miles. GM isn’t talking about the electric only range, because the ability to actually operate on electricity alone is limited by the motor power. As what’s called a conversion PHEV, the motor is not sized for a significant electric only operational window. The Vue will go up to about 35 mph at light acceleration on electricity. Beyond that the engine starts. Even in around town driving the engine will start with anything other a very light throttle foot. Nonetheless, the plug-in Vue will likely achieve somewhere between 50-60 mpg for the first 20 miles. If you can drive lightly enough to keep the engine off, you should be able to get around 10 miles on the battery. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: GMNext]

Continue reading VIDEO: Larry Nitz talks about the plug-in Saturn Vue hybrid

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, GM, Saturn

A row of Saturn Vue PHEVs in Milford’s building 16 garage

GM may have been late to the party when it came to hybrids, but they are now throwing resources at a bunch of different parallel paths that including electric drive. There are already cars and CUVs with mild hybrid systems and full-size SUVs with Two-Mode hybrid systems. Later this fall pickup trucks and Saturn Vues will also get the Two-Mode system. Then there is of course the E-Flex Chevy Volt. Sometime around the end of 2009 GM’s first plug-hybrid should debut also in the shape of the Vue. At the Plug-In 2008 conference Larry Nitz, the Executive Director of the hybrid powertrain engineering at GM provided an updated on the Vue PHEV program. After initiating development with nickel metal hydride batteries, the team based in Building 16 at the Milford proving ground now has 11 plug-in Vues running with lithium ion batteries. If the PHEV Vue makes it by the end of next year it will likely be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid from a major carmaker. The Vue is expected to have about 10 miles of electric driving range on a full charge.

[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: MPG, Mercedes Benz, Geneva Motor Show

Mercedes’ C-Class luxury compact class just got a little greener. Well, since this is Daimler we’re talking about, the correct term is bluer. Mercedes announced today the introduction of BlueEFFICIENCY, a combination of better engines, improved aerodynamics (.25 Cd!), lighter weights and smoother tires that reduce fuel consumption by up to 12 percent, to the C-Class.

Three saloons (sedans) in the C-Class will be getting the BlueEFFICIENCY treatment at the Geneva Motor Show: the C 180 KOMPESSOR, the C 200 CDI and the C 350 CGI with direct petrol injection. The C 180 gets 36 mpg (U.S.) while the most frugal of the bunch, the C 200 CDI, uses just 5.1 liters of fuel to go 100 kilometers. This is equivalent to 46 mpg (U.S.), a rating that is just brilliant in a car of this size and luxury (in most cases, luxury adds weight). Mercedes’ recent announcement about fuel economy gains in its über-luxurious models highlights numbers that aren’t nearly this good. The lengthy press release after the jump should give you plenty to chew on until we get a chance to see the BlueEFFICIENCY C 350 CGI on the stand in Geneva. If you like what you see, check your bank accounts; BlueEFFICIENCY models will be headed to European sales floors this spring.

Press Release:

Improved aerodynamics, lightweight construction, tyres and drive technology - BlueEFFICIENCY in the C-Class: Fuel consumption reduced by 12 per cent

Stuttgart, Feb 28, 2008

From spring 2008, Mercedes-Benz will be adding three extra-economical BlueEFFICIENCY saloons to the C-Class range. A raft of intelligent measures and technologies has enabled the fuel consumption of the high-volume C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI models to be reduced by up to twelve per cent, while retaining the high levels of comfort and safety typical of a Mercedes. The BlueEFFICIENCY version of the 100 kW/136 hp C 200 CDI consumes only 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres, while the C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY with 115 kW/156 hp covers 100 kilometres with 6.5 litres of premium petrol. This corresponds to 135 and 156 grams of carbon dioxide, respectively, per kilometre. The third BlueEFFICIENCY C-Class model on show in Geneva is the C 350 CGI with direct petrol injection. The six-cylinder unit burns around ten per cent less fuel than the saloon with the current V6 engine.

For the new BlueEFFICIENCY models, Mercedes engineers have harnessed potentials from all fields of development to reduce weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance yet further, and to organise the onboard energy management of these saloons even more efficiently. Together, these measures add up to a fuel saving on the NEDC driving cycle of 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the C 180 KOMPRESSOR, and 0.6 litres for the C 200 CDI.

The specialists in Sindelfingen have made very detailed improvements to the comprehensive lightweight construction concept of the C-Class, and have managed to shave off between 19 and 32 kilograms of weight depending on the model. This achievement is in part due to a newly developed windscreen made of laminated glass, which weighs around 1.2 kilograms less than before. This is made possible by a technology transfer from the Maybach luxury saloon: between the panes of glass lies a new, acoustically effective plastic membrane which efficiently absorbs wind noise. This has enabled Mercedes engineers to reduce the thickness of the windscreen, achieving a further weight reduction without compromising noise comfort in any way.

The noise-insulating lining of the firewall has also been weight-optimised with the help of special materials and the latest calculation methods. Using computer simulations, Mercedes-Benz recalculated the required firewall insulation and precisely redefined the material thickness of the sound-absorbing resinous foam in line with the noise input. This needs-driven redesign reduces the weight of the lining by around 20 per cent.

Forged lightweight wheels also have a positive effect on the weight. These tip the scales at around 1.8 kilograms less than conventional light-alloy wheels, saving a total of more than seven kilograms per vehicle. These new lightweight wheels (6 J x 16 ET 39), which have aerodynamic benefits too, are standard equipment for the new BlueEFFICIENCY variants of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI.

Newly developed tyres: 17 per cent less rolling resistance
In addition to lightweight construction measures, Mercedes-Benz also devoted particular attention to reducing rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. In collaboration with Michelin, Mercedes engineers developed lightweight tyres with a particularly low rolling resistance. These are now receiving their series production premiere in the C-Class, and help to reduce fuel consumption.

Rolling resistance is primarily caused by tyre deformation as the tyre contacts the road surface. This has a braking effect on the car, since additional energy is required to overcome this deformation resistance - therefore, the higher the rolling resistance, the higher the fuel consumption. Up to around 100 km/h, rolling resistance has a greater effect on fuel consumption than aerodynamic drag.

The belt of this newly developed tyre for the C-Class contains a multi-layered mesh of high-strength steel for less deformation. It is also lighter in weight than conventional designs, enabling a further 1.7 kilograms or so to be saved per set of tyres. The secret, however, mainly lies in the chemical composition: the rubber compound for the treads and side walls is designed to ensure that rolling resistance is reduced by 17 per cent, while retaining the same good handling and braking characteristics.

Aerodynamic fine-tuning: Cd figure an outstanding 0.25
At 120 km/h, the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle body already accounts for around 50 per cent of all the dynamic resistance a passenger car must overcome. Accordingly Mercedes-Benz has been very active in the field of aerodynamics for many years, and has achieved remarkable advances that have had a positive impact on the fuel consumption figures of cars bearing the Mercedes star.

With a drag coefficient (Cd figure) of 0.27, the C-Class is among the most aerodynamically efficient notchback saloons in its market segment. This is the result of a whole series of intelligent details, such as the tail lights with ventilation slits: these reduce drag by influencing the airflow along the side walls, causing it to break off at the tail lights without causing turbulences behind the vehicle’s rear end. In this way the patented tail lights of the C-Class replace the usual spoiler lips.

In the new BlueEFFICIENCY versions of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI, Mercedes engineers have succeeded in bettering even the highly impressive Cd figure of the C-Class with a number of other detailed measures:

*Smooth underbody cladding ensures that the air can flow beneath the vehicle body without turbulences. The full engine compartment and underbody panelling of the diesel models is also standard equipment in the BlueEFFICIENCY version of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR.
*Partially blanking off the radiator grille reduces the airflow into the engine compartment, thereby lowering wind resistance. Adequate cooling of the four-cylinder engines is of course uncompromised by this measure.
*Sealing the joins between the bonnet and headlamps, as well as between the bumper and headlamps, improves the airflow around the front end.
*The housings of the exterior mirrors were developed in the wind tunnel, and are particularly streamlined in form.
*Lowering the suspension by 15 millimetres reduces aerodynamic drag, and has a particularly noticeable effect at higher speeds.
*The design of the new lightweight wheels also meets aerodynamic requirements, and improves the airflow around the vehicle flanks.

Thanks to this package of aerodynamic measures the Cd figure for the new BlueEFFICIENCY models has been reduced by seven per cent to 0.25, representing another major contribution to fuel economy.

Efficient energy management: needs-driven power steering control
It is not only intelligent lightweight construction, tyres with a low rolling resistance and good aerodynamics that help to further improve the economy and environmental compatibility of today’s passenger cars. Intelligent control of ancillary units and the reduction of friction losses can also make an important contribution in this respect.
Energy management is the key: in the BlueEFFICIENCY models of the C-Class, the power steering system is controlled on a needs-driven and therefore energy-saving basis. The standard power steering in the C-Class has an additional valve which switches off the servo pump when it is not required. While this pump operates continuously in all driving situations in conventional steering systems, the new valve interrupts the flow of hydraulic fluid when the car has followed a straight course for a while, switching off the servo pump. This has the advantage that the engine no longer needs to provide energy to drive the servo pump, meaning that it operates more economically. Thanks to this technology, the NEDC fuel consumption is cut by 0.14 litres per 100 kilometres - which equates to a reduction of 2.5 per cent in the case of the C 200 CDI.

As a further contribution to reduced weight and friction, the BlueEFFICIENCY C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI saloons are equipped with a newly developed final drive featuring further-improved antifriction bearings, forged differential gears and a sophisticated lightweight construction. These measures reduce the friction forces within the transmission, hence the engine expends less energy in overcoming them.

The longer final-drive ratios of the BlueEFFICIENCY versions also help to reduce fuel consumption. These are as follows:

*C 180 KOMPRESSOR: 2.87 : 1 (rather than 3.07 : 1)
*C 200 CDI: 2.47 : 1 (rather than 2.65 : 1)

The C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI models are both equipped with the six-speed manual transmission with overdrive characteristics as standard. With a ratio of 0.838 : 1 and 0.828 : 1, respectively, sixth gear considerably lowers the engine speed and fulfils a major precondition for fuel-efficient driving.

Useful information: new gearshift and fuel consumption display in the cockpit
A newly developed gearshift display in the cockpit informs the driver when he should change gear to save fuel. Experience gained during the Mercedes-Benz “ECO Training” courses has shown that drivers are able to make average fuel savings of up to 15 per cent with an economical and energy-conscious style of driving - without any loss of driving enjoyment.

In fact “ECO Training” will practically come as standard in the future BlueEFFICIENCY versions of the C-Class: in addition to gearshift recommendations, the instrument cluster features a newly developed display showing the present fuel consumption. This will appear in the centre of the speedometer as an easily legible bar chart. A brief glance at the display is sufficient to tell the driver the current fuel consumption in litres per 100 kilometres. The bar chart responds immediately when the driver changes to a higher gear or takes his foot off the accelerator to use the deceleration fuel cut-off function.

Up-to-date engines: downsized C 180 with the same output
Under the bonnets of the new model variants can be found well-proven four-cylinder engines, which are amongst the bestselling power units in the model range: around one quarter of all C-Class buyers opt for these four-cylinder engines.

For the C 180 KOMPRESSOR Mercedes-Benz has reduced the overall displacement from 1796 to 1597 cubic centimetres, while retaining the same output (115 kW/156 hp) and torque (230 Newton metres). This downsizing of the engine’s displacement, combined with measures for optimising the combustion chamber, mixture formation and engine friction, adds up to a total potential fuel saving of 0.35 litres per 100 kilometres.

All in all, the NEDC fuel consumption of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR in BlueEFFICIENCY guise is just 6.5 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres. This is 0.9 litres or twelve per cent less than for the standard production model.

The displacement, output and torque of the CDI engine remain unchanged. The package of efficiency measures has enabled the NEDC fuel consumption of the BlueEFFICIENCY version of the C 200 CDI to be cut by 0.6 litres (10.5 per cent) to just 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres. This corresponds to C̘ emissions of 135 grams per kilometre.

Key engine, performance and fuel consumption figures at a glance:

*combined consumption

C 350 CGI: ten per cent more economical thanks to direct petrol injection
As of late 2008, the BlueEFFICIENCY C-Class line-up will be rounded off by the world’s first petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection. Cue the new C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, which is being presented by Mercedes-Benz at the Geneva Motor Show. Despite generating a higher power output and even greater torque, the new model consumes around ten per cent less fuel than the C 350 saloon with the current ͢ engine. The C 350 CGI is therefore set to offer a hitherto unrivalled combination of power delivery, agility, safety, economy and environmental compatibility in this vehicle class.

The CGI engine summons up an output of 215 kW/292 hp and 365 Newtonmetres of peak torque at 3000 rpm. 15 kW/20 hp and 15 Newtonmetres more respectively than the current V6 unit with port injection. Thanks to state-of-the-art engine technology, fuel consumption of the C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY has been cut to approx. 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC figure), approx. one litre below the figure for the current C 350. As such, the new six-cylinder engine makes a major contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. These significantly improved output and fuel consumption figures are achieved whilst still using cost-efficient premium grade petrol (RON 95).

The CGI unit also offers an impressive driving experience combined with superb economy and environmental compatibility: the C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY takes just 6.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and is capable of an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (provisional figures).Mercedes-Benz became the first car maker to put spray-guided direct petrol injection into series production in 2006. This technology is markedly superior to the direct injection system with wall-guided combustion used by other car makers, as the Mercedes technology achieves far better fuel utilisation due to its higher thermodynamic efficiency, meaning both reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions.

The six-cylinder engine demonstrates its particular strengths during stratified-charge operation when the powerplant operates with a high excess of air and is thus very fuel-efficient. In the Mercedes direct injection engine, this favourable lean-burn operation with a stratified charge in the combustion chamber is also possible for the first time at higher engine speeds and load ranges because the engine’s combustion chambers are injected with several successive jets of fuel in fractions of a second during each power stroke, thereby substantially improving mixture formation, combustion and consumption. Whereas stratified-charge operation was previously only feasible over a limited partial load range, the CGI six-cylinder engine can now be operated in stratified charging mode over a wider range.

Piezoelectric injectors: enabling lightning fast multiple injection
High-speed, ultra-precise piezoelectric injectors are among the key components of the second-generation direct petrol injection system. The invention of these injectors has spawned virtually all the advances in the spray-guided combustion system. The piezoelectric valves open their injectors outwards to create an annular gap just a few microns wide, allowing the fuel jet to form with a uniform, hollow cone-shaped pattern. Thanks to millisecond switching times, the piezoelectric injectors also permit the multiple injection that promotes lean-burn operation and helps create the ideal conditions for the engine’s exemplary consumption figures. A high-pressure pump with downstream distributor and pressure valve supplies the fuel and regulates the amount delivered in accordance with requirements. With a pressure of up to 200 bar, the system develops around 50 times the fuel pressure of a conventional port-injection system.

The combustion system developed by the Mercedes engineers, with multiple, closely spaced injections during each power stroke, also serves to enhance the V6 engine’s smooth running and emissions characteristics. Measurements show that untreated emissions (hydrocarbons) are reduced by more than half in the warm-up phase. Active control of injection and combustion also produces higher temperatures in the exhaust manifold, thereby warming up the catalytic converters faster.

The data for the new C 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY at a glance:

*provisional figures; **electronically limited

Four-valve technology, variable camshaft adjustment for the intake and exhaust sides, two-stage intake manifold, balancer shaft and an intelligent heat management system with map-controlled thermostat are some of the other technical highlights that the direct injection engine has adopted from the port-injected C 350 engine. The crankcase and cylinder head are made out of aluminium; the cylinders are fitted with low-friction, dimensionally stable liners made out of a lightweight aluminium-silicon alloy.

BlueEFFICIENCY: additional fuel-saving measures
The package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures for the direct-injection petrol unit incorporates further fuel-saving technologies besides. These include the newly developed windscreen made of laminated glass, which weighs around 1.2 kilograms less than before, forged lightweight wheels and low rolling resistance tyres.
The needs-driven and therefore energy-saving control of the power steering also forms part of the standard specification on the C 350 CGI. Finally, Mercedes-Benz has further improved the saloon’s very low aerodynamic drag by fitting new, streamlined exterior mirror housings. A variable radiator shutter improves the airflow around the front end and, depending on the driving situation, also allows control of the air supply to the six-cylinder engine in line with requirements.

[Source: Daimler]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, New York Auto Show

For those of you who were so disappointed when Toyota super-sized the second-generation Scion xB, Nissan may soon offer an alternative. Next week at the New York Auto Show, Nissan will be showing an electrified version of the Cube equipped with lithium ion batteries. Nissan is planning to introduce an electric Cube in the U.S. and Japan in 2010 with fleets getting them for field testing for the first two years. After that, Nissan plans to expand availability to retail customers starting in California and, eventually, worldwide. The production edition is expected to have a range of 100 miles per charge.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req’d]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, Mitsubishi, New York Auto Show

Since Mitsubishi first introduced the i concept back in 2003 it has been the subject of much speculation. Would it come to America? Would it be sold in the U.K.? Is it even any good? And that’s just the gas version. The electric version, the i MiEV, has caused even more confabulation. Soon we will have our own opportunity to get up close and personal with these little machines when they make their North American debut at the New York International Auto show this coming week.

Hopefully, we’ll even get news from Mitsubishi about their plans for selling these cars in the U.S. I mean, they can’t just wave them under our noses and then whisk them away back to Japan. I think they′ve noticed that 42,000 people have put deposits down on a Smart ForTwo that gets the same mileage as the i but holds two fewer passengers for about the same price. I also think we’ll be paying close attention to what side of the car the steering wheel is on.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: Ethanol, New York Auto Show, Lightweight

America’s super car company Saleen is showing a little green. Autoblog reports Saleen’s S5S Raptor, which debuts at the New York Auto Show this week, will run on ethanol and have a lightweight aluminum body. We only have an air brushed picture (above) to show you for now but will post pictures and more info on this 200 MPH beauty when we get to New York. The Raptor is a good example that petrolheads like Saleen (see video below the fold) can be green too.

Ethanol and aluminum technologies are green and, importantly, accepted by the super car community. Ethanol has lower energy and gets lower mileage than gasoline but a car can be tweaked to take advantage of the higher octane in ethanol to get more horse power. Use of lightweight aluminum saves fuel and it allows for higher speeds which is why sport car companies like Lotus, Ferrari and Tesla are using aluminum today.

We are still looking for a good, green reason why a car would need to go 200 MPH, though.

[Source: Autoblog]

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Original post by Lascelles Linton

Filed under: Hybrid, New York Auto Show

Green concepts car and announcements have dominated every single major car show - except for Chicago - for the last year or more. Autoweek thinks that’s about to change in New York. “The New York auto show will have an old-fashioned flavor. Instead of a long list of world debuts for hybrids and other gasoline-saving technologies, the show will concentrate on redesigns,” writes Autoweek. While green pickings do look a little slim for the New York show and the last few major cars shows have show some cracks in the green, I have to disagree with Autoweek because there should be lots of green news at the New York Auto Show.

First, the New York show has the official start of the Auto X-Prize which will include news of the exact purse and the sponsors. A few of the teams will be there and the press is sure to eat that up. We certainly will. Second, Toyota might have more details about their hybrid plans. Rumors are floating around that the iQ, a mini to be released this year, might be a plug-in hybrid. Third and finally, a new focus on power and the economy should not exclude green technology. In fact, green tech is the perfect solution for more power and saving money.

I guess we will know in a week when the New York Auto Show begins Wednesday. Check out several videos below the fold about green cars at recent car shows.

[Source: Autoweek]

 

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Original post by Lascelles Linton

Filed under: Diesel, Nissan, New York Auto Show

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan Maxima

var digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/autos/LEAK_2009_Nissan_Maxima_back_to_sports_car_form’; It’s embargo-breaking time again. With previews beginning tomorrow for the New York Auto show, the star of the Nissan stand has hit the web already. The all new 2009 Maxima has popped up on Supernissans.net, which published the first half-dozen pics of the Nissan’s new “four door sports car.” The sedan wears design elements that first appeared on the Nissan Forum concept from the Detroit Show in January, and is slated to be the first home for Nissan’s new fifty-state clean diesel in 2010. We’ll have more details when Nissan does the official unveiling in New York tomorrow.

[Source: Supernissans.net, World Car Fans, Motor Authority]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Subaru, New York Auto Show

click to enlarge and see our high-resolution gallery.

The all-electric Subaru R1e will be seen on the streets of New York City more and more in the coming months, thanks to the expansion of a testing program that now includes the New York Power Authority (NYPA). The NYPA will be getting two of these very nice-looking vehicles to test, similar to what’s being done in Japan. How do we know they’re nice looking? Well, the galleries from Geneva were one way, but now we’ve seen it in the metal, and we are impressed. Very. This car should be made available, and soon.

 

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco