Autoblog Green

Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Cadillac, Chevrolet

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

Electric vehicles are for people who would rather drive slow, boring commuter cars that don't consume fossil fuels and therefore don't spew pollutants from their tailpipes. Gas-powered cars - and especially those wearing time-honored badges like SS, R/T or GT - are for those that prefer fire-breathing, tire-screeching performance and care much more about nitrous oxide than nitrogen oxide. We all agree on these points, right? Not so fast, says Bob Lutz.

When asked whether or not Chevy could shock the performance crowd with an SS version of the upcoming Volt, Lutz said, "I would not discount that possibility." That's as close as you're going to get to an admission of intent this early in the game. Lutz goes on to suggest that the Voltec powertrain will allow for plenty of on-demand power. "[I]f we want to sacrifice a little bit of fuel efficiency in the interest of performance and still get over 200 miles per gallon, we can do that any time."

Following the same logical train of thought, we could certainly see a V-Series of the Cadillac Converj. If you're interested in hearing the news straight from ~~the horse's~~ Lutz's mouth, click past the break for a video.

[Source: Fox Car Report via GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"

Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford, USA

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.

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EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Europe/EU

Italwin Ducati City Pearl - Click above for high-res image gallery

Question: When is a Ducati not really a Ducati? Answer: When it's an electrically-assisted pedal bike made by the Italwing Group. The machine is known as the City Pearl, and it will be available in both men's and women's (with a dropped top tube) styles when it goes on sale in January at selected Ducati dealerships in Europe.

There is a precedent set for a pedal-powered Ducati. The famed Italian marque's first two-wheeler was known as the Cucciolo, which was really just a small four-stroke engine that attached to a bicycle frame. Still, we do wish that there was a bit more of a direct connection between Ducati and the City Pearl - as it stands, it seems Italwin is merely trying to capitalize on the Ducati name.

In any case, the specifications for the City Pearl are right in line with other comparable electric bicycles. Power comes from a six-volt 9Ah Panasonic lithium ion battery pack and motivation comes from a front-mounted 250W brushless electric motor that's capable of propelling the bike to 24 kilometers per hour (about 15 mph). A seven-speed Nexus hub from Shimano sends human power to the rear wheel. See both versions in our image gallery below.

Gallery: Italwin Ducati City Pearl

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor?

EICMA 2009: First electric Ducati to hit the show floor? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Hybrids more likely to be involved in crashes with pedestrians, bicycles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green Daily

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finds that hybrid vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists under certain scenarios. According to state-level accident data, 77 of 8,387 hybrid vehicles (that's .9 percent) were involved in crashes with pedestrians and 48 (.6 percent) were found to have been in accidents with bicyclists.

By way of comparison, 3,578 of 559,703 non-hybrid vehicles (.6 percent) were involved in pedestrian accidents and 1,862 (.3 percent) were involved with bicyclists. Tellingly, the NHTSA's data shows that hybrid vehicles are twice as likely than non-hybirds to be involved in pedestrian or bicyclist accidents at low speeds when the internal combustion engine is not running.

These statistics are not a complete representation of all accidents nationwide, and the NHTSA is quick to point out that additional research is necessary before any final conclusions can be made. Still, this is valuable data that "should serve as a guide when designing future HEV pedestrian and bicyclist crash prevention programs."

[Source: NHTSA - PDF via Consumer Reports]

STUDY: Hybrids more likely to be involved in crashes with pedestrians, bicycles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius inspired the Karma

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST

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

Ever wonder what it is that sparks the mind of an entrepreneur? After all, lots of people have big imaginations and great ideas, but only a relatively small number of them actually follow through, create a company and design a product. Of course, we can add Henrik Fisker to that list of entrepreneurs, and we're definitely looking forward to seeing what else springs from his fertile mind.

So, back to the original question. In the case of Henrik Fisker, the inspiration for the Karma extended-range electric car came from none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. Actually, the actor's Prius hybrid, to be specific. Says Fisker:

A couple of years ago it started, by people who were maybe a little ahead of their time. You saw some movie starts like Leonardo DiCaprio buying a Prius... He could have bought any car in the world, and I remember seeing that on television and thinking to myself, you know, when you've got a guy who could buy any Ferrari or Rolls Royce and he's buying a Prius, you know something is changing dramatically.

Interesting little tidbit, no?

[Source: Reuters | Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius inspired the Karma originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler disbands ENVI group, EV development will continue

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Green Daily

Dodge Circuit - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Reuters, Chrysler has disbanded its ENVI program and integrated the group back into its normal product development organization. Former ENVI head Lou Rhodes will now take the title of group line executive in charge of electric vehicle development and will manage that group for both Chrysler and Fiat. Though we weren't exactly expecting this change, the move isn't entirely unexpected.

At this point, we don't yet know what this reorganization means for the electric vehicles that Chrysler had previously promised to put into production, the first of which was to be the Lotus-based Dodge Circuit that was hopefully supposed to be on the market by late 2010.

Fiat CEO and newly-appointed head of Chrysler Sergio Marchionne said earlier this week during Chrysler's painfully long new product plan presentation that electric vehicles are still a very tough proposition with current battery technology. In fact, the automaker expects that less than two percent of its lineup will be electric by 2014, which would amount to less than 60,000 vehicles per year.

Gallery: Dodge Circuit EV

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Chrysler disbands ENVI group, EV development will continue originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM: Volt won't become a brand name

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

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

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

The Chevrolet Volt isn't scheduled to hit the market for another whole year, but there's so much anticipation for the vehicle that some are already asking if The General will try to make a brand out of the Volt name. The answer, according to Brent Dewar, Chevy's chief of global operations, is no:

Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products... The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn't see that as a brand marketing direction for us.

While other models in GM's lineup are likely to get their own versions of the Voltec powertrain, those vehicles won't fall under the Volt brand name. Toyota, on the other hand, says it is considering extending the instantly recognizable Prius moniker to a whole family of hybrid vehicles that may include a smaller coupe and a larger MPV.

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

GM: Volt won't become a brand name originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA, Racing

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Earlier this year at the annual time trials at the famed Isle of Man, the inaugural TTXGP electric motorcycle race proved that battery-powered bikes can be just as entertaining and exciting as their gasoline-swilling and emissions-spewing siblings. Not quite as fast, of course, but still a thrill over the 38-mile winding race course through the mountains.

Now, the event organizers are looking to bring the excitement of electric motorcycle racing to the United States. The first real competition has been scheduled from May 14th through 16th of 2010 and will take place at Infineon Raceway in California. That location strikes us as a good idea as a number of TTXGP participants hail from the West Coast, including Mission Motors, MotoCzysz, Brammo and Electric Motorsport.

In addition to the aforementioned teams, we also hope to see participation from new entrants using the newly-available Mavizen TTX02 platform, which was just officially unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Mavizen TTX02 Electric Racebike

[Source: Infineon Raceway]

Continue reading To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America

To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Chevy Volt durability testing - Click above to watch the video after the break

These days, we hardly give any thought at all to driving our precious cars and trucks over rough, potholed pavement. Sure, it's uncomfortable and we avoid the nastiest stretches when possible, but the worst thing that we expect might happen is a blown tire or bent wheel. In the grand scheme of things, not that big a deal.

Electric cars, though, are different animals entirely. Back when the automobile was in its infancy and the internal combustion engine first staked its claim as the powerplant of choice, it was sometimes possible to practically ruin a car when traveling over harsh terrain. That just won't do in today's modern society. For proof that electric vehicles need just as much care as other cars, look no further than Lyle Dennis from GM-Volt.com, who's own Mini E broke down after hitting a nasty pothole.

So, what is General Motors doing to ensure that the Volt doesn't rattle its delicate electrical bits to pieces over the course of its life? Glad you asked. Click past the break for a video showing the rigorous durability testing that GM is currently inflicting on its fleet of pre-production Volts.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not Done Yet: Hummer H3, H3T get biofuel capability, new colors for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, HUMMER

2010 Hummer H3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Can a Hummer be green? The brand that most obviously represents American excess in the minds of environmentalists - though Hummer's vehicles aren't actually any worse than any other large SUV - has seemingly been fighting off its negative stigma since shortly after the introduction of the larger-than-life H2. Part of the brand's hopeful transformation includes giving each model a flex-fuel variant, and the latest application of that principle is seen on the 2010 H3 and H3T.

Interestingly, the engine that gets the E85 capability is the largest and most powerful option: the 5.3-liter V8 as fitted to the top-level Alpha series and not the slightly more fuel efficient inline-five. In any case, anyone who ticks the V8 box on the options list will be blessed with 300 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque and the ability to pump ethanol into the tank if he or she should so desire.

Not green enough for you? Baby steps, people... Hummer CEO James Taylor (no, not that James Taylor) promises bigger eco steps in the near future, saying, "This is just the first step in Hummer's evolution to offer responsible, yet highly capable all-terrain vehicles. Future models will be lighter, more efficient and will continue to offer the best blend of off-road capability and on-road performance."

In related news, the 2010 Hummer H3 and H3T will be offered with three new premium exterior colors for 2010: Red Rock Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, and Canyon Metallic. Huh, no green? Each of the three new hues can be seen in our photo gallery below. Enjoy!

[Source: Hummer]

Continue reading Not Done Yet: Hummer H3, H3T get biofuel capability, new colors for 2010

Not Done Yet: Hummer H3, H3T get biofuel capability, new colors for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan

Nissan Light Commercial Electric Vehicle sketch - Click above to enlarge

Nissan has electricity on the brain. The Japanese automaker is readying its opening salvo in the alternative propulsion wars in the form of the Leaf compact hatchback. Carlos Ghosn, though, announced at the Tokyo Motor Show that there would be plenty more to come, including an unknown Infiniti model, something like the unique leaning Land Glider concept and an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.

Naturally, there needs to be some sort of differentiation between the standard-fare NV200 and its battery-powered sibling, and Nissan has just released the first official sketch of that new electric commercial vehicle. As you can see from the above image, the vehicle will take plenty of inspiration from the Leaf, including the steeply-raked windshield, flowing headlamps, front-located plug receptacle and general bottom-feeder shape.

No real details besides the sketch have so far been provided, but you're more than welcome to click past the break to read the sparsely-worded press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle

Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., EV/Plug-in, Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, LA Auto Show, Green Daily

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, SEMA Show, On Two Wheels, Racing

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a "laptop on wheels." How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As rumored, it definitely appears that the TTX02 is based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as it's reportedly capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.

Gallery: Mavizen TTX02 Electric Racebike

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA testing green pavement to clean rainwater runoff

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Green pavement? What's so exciting about that? If I wanted to test out some green pavement, all I'd need to do is make a run to the local Home Depot, pick up a can of green paint and dump it outside my driveway, right? Well, that's not exactly what we're talking about here, of course. But just what is "green pavement" anyway?

In this case, the pavement in question has been designed to suck up the nasty pollutants from vehicles and fertilizers from rainwater runoff. Here's what EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou has to say on the subject:

Runoff from parking lots and driveways is a significant source of water pollution in the United States and puts undo stress on our water infrastructure, especially in densely-populated urban areas.

There are literally millions of parking lots all over the United States and the rest of the world, and many of those are concentrated in densely-populated urban areas. What can we do about all that potential water pollution? That's exactly what the EPA is working to figure out. Over the next ten years, the EPA will be testing various porous pavement materials in its parking lots along with plants that are good at filtering and absorbing parking lot pollutants.

[Source: Wired | Photo: China Photos/Getty Images]

EPA testing green pavement to clean rainwater runoff originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to outfit Fiat 500-approved dealers with specific showroom "salons"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chrysler, Fiat

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.

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BusinessWeek: Prius one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hybrid, Toyota

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. While some cars seem to be almost universally loved for their gorgeous lines and undeniable sense of style - the Lamborghini Miura and Shelby Daytona Coupe certainly come to mind - others, such as the new Honda Crosstour and even the latest Nissan GT-R - not to mention nearly everything currently wearing the Acura badge - sport more debatable duds.

And what of the car that's most commonly associated with the green movement? Of course, that would be the Toyota Prius, and we know that some happen to find the car rather attractive... whether that's for its slip-through-the-wind styling or the high fuel mileage - made possible in part by that styling - that its owners happily enjoy. According to BusinessWeek, though, the second-gen Prius is one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years. Not a distinction any owner wants their car to carry.

Take heart, Prius owners. There are a number of questionable vehicles on the list. For instance, the classically boxy Volvo 240 isn't ugly at all... it's purposeful and practical. Neither are the Lamborghini LM002, 2002 BMW 7 Series, Tata Nano or Toyota iQ deserving of inclusion on this unflattering list. Lastly, does anyone really think the DeLorean is that unattractive? Unabashedly '80s? Sure. Ugly? Nah.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Prius

[Source: BusinessWeek]

BusinessWeek: Prius one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart Fortwo: World's Most Fuel Efficient Drift Car?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., MPG, SMART

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.

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

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Suzuki

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.

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Motorcycle Industry Council: Two-wheelers are green

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 - Click above to enlarge

We often hear debates about the merits of riding motorcycles and scooters for environmental reasons. For sure, older bikes manufactured before emissions equipment were prevalent are significantly more polluting than most modern automobiles. On the other hand, motorcycles are nearly always more fuel efficient than their four-wheeled counterparts and new motorcycles are pretty clean when it comes to emissions.

Ty van Hooydonk from the Motorcycle Industry Council has some input on the topic, and he highlights points such as the drastic reduction in raw material usage - including metals, plastics and engine fluids - and a major reduction in overall vehicle traffic.

These facts, coupled with the aforementioned low fuel consumption and greatly improved emissions controls make motorcycles, as Hooydonk calls them, "green machines." Somehow, we doubt this will be the last time we hear about this long-running debate, especially since Hooydonk says that motorcycling's green angle "is a message we're working harder to deliver out there."

[Source: Dealer News]

Motorcycle Industry Council: Two-wheelers are green originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda designers talk about EV concepts from Tokyo

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Honda, Tokyo Motor Show

Honda EV-N Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda made a pretty big splash at the Tokyo Motor Show a few weeks back by showing off a number of eco-friendly concepts, though many of them were decidedly short on actual details. The automaker finally seems ready to talk a bit about the EV-N, EV-Cub, EV-MONPAL and U3-X and how they fit into its vision for the future. According to the automaker:

The EV-Cub is a nimble, approachable motorcycle that invites people to enjoy riding on a daily basis. EV-N is a cute but very promising car that suggests the possibility of true friendship between person and automobile. EV-Monpal is a helpful and friendly vehicle that assists people with special needs. The U3-X operates in harmony with people and suggests a future full of wonder. Designed to be enjoyable to ride, pleasant just to have around and easy to imagine in the scenes of one's life, these products create a picture of a future that's bright, and are kind both to people and to the environment.

Sounds all warm and fuzzy, no? We happen to be particularly fond of the cute-as-a-button EV-N and the EV-Cub, which takes Honda's original nonthreatening two-wheeler and readies it for duty in today's environmentally-conscious society. Click here for the full story from Honda.

[Source: Honda]

Honda designers talk about EV concepts from Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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