Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://green.autoblog.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[All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

As Audi begins to roll out the A3 TDI to its U.S. dealers in the coming weeks and the diesel version of the Q7 takes an ever larger share of sales, it's time to celebrate. This fall marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the first ever TDI engine. TDI, for the uninitiated, stands for turbocharged-direct-injection, and refers to modern diesel engines from the Volkswagen group. Today's TDI technology has evolved from that 20 year-old 2.5-liter five cylinder in the Audi 100.

Back then, the first TDI engines retained distributor type injector pumps, although the fuel was sprayed directly into the combustion chambers rather than a pre-chamber. Later, the company used something called Pumpe Düse - pump-injectors - for fuel delivery. This design integrated the high pressure pump and injector for each cylinder. These days, TDI uses common rail injection where a single pump pressurizes a single fuel rail that feeds all of the injectors. Regardless of the injector type, TDI has gone a long way towards improving the power output and reducing emissions of diesel engines. Audi and Volkswagen have built over five million TDI powerplants and remain committed to the technology. Congratulations on the double-decade milestone, guys.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI


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

Continue reading All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi dieselaudi dieselsaudi tdiAudiDieselAudiDieselsAudiTdidieseltditdi 20th anniversaryTdi20thAnniversaryturbo direct injectionTurboDirectInjectionvolkswagenvolkswagen tdivolkswagen tdi engineVolkswagenTdiVolkswagenTdiEngineFri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: New Lexus small car headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-perhaps-so/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-perhaps-so/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-perhaps-so/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lexus LF-Ch concept - click above for high res image gallery

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoo-in for production for the European market. However, The Detroit Bureau is reporting that Lexus is considering bringing the compact hybrid to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it will be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. The Lexus concept will be shown at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may hold some appeal in the U.S., especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the U.S. A car with the Lexus badge does, after all, need to provide the amenities and luxury feel expected of the brand. While the LF is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1-series hybrid or diesel.



[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: New Lexus small car headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus lf chLexus LF-Chlexus lf-ch conceptlexus lf-ch hybridLexusLf-chLexusLf-chConceptLexusLf-chHybridLexusLfChFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/toyota-starts-discussions-on-who-will-get-phev-priuses/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/toyota-starts-discussions-on-who-will-get-phev-priuses/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/toyota-starts-discussions-on-who-will-get-phev-priuses/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota is getting ready to start deploying a fleet of 200 plug-in Prius hybrids in the coming months and the company needs to figure out what to do with them. The cars will all be leased for purposes of field testing. Toyota is now in discussions with federal and local governments and energy companies about who will get how many of the lithium ion battery Priuses. The company is looking for towns and cities that are, "actively promoting environmentally considerate vehicles."

The PHEV Prius will be able to go up to 62 mph on electricity alone for about 5 miles. Another 150 examples of the PHEV will be leased here in the U.S., with a similar number going to Europe. The first cars will be delivered in mid-December and Toyota has previously announced plans to start retail sales in about 2012.


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses

Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>plug-inplug-in hybridplug-in hybridsplug-in priusplug-in-hybridplug-in-hybridsPlug-inHybridPlug-inHybridsPlug-inPriusplug-instoyotatoyota priustoyota prius plug inToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Liquid propane injection for GM V8s now available from CleanFuel USA]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/liquid-propane-injection-for-gm-v8s-now-available-from-cleanfuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/liquid-propane-injection-for-gm-v8s-now-available-from-cleanfuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/liquid-propane-injection-for-gm-v8s-now-available-from-cleanfuel/#commentsFiled under:

CleanFuel USA has introduced a new propane injection system for General Motor's 6.0-liter V8s. The GM small-block V8s are widely used in a vast array of both light and medium duty trucks, vans and buses.

The new injection system is designed to be retro-fitted to existing engines for fleet customers. CleanFuel USA expects to benefit from stimulus funding for cleaner commercial fleets. The Department of Energy will start awarding $33.5 million in grants in December of this year.

Like natural gas, propane is a popular option for commercial fleets, thanks to its low cost, clean emissions and efficiency. Because of the relative lack of propane filling stations, it is a viable option for fleets that operate out of a central depot where a propane tank can be located.

[Source: CleanFuel USA]

Continue reading Liquid propane injection for GM V8s now available from CleanFuel USA

Liquid propane injection for GM V8s now available from CleanFuel USA originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleanfuelCleanFUEL USACleanfuelUsapropane injectionPropaneInjectionThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz to get €9M from German government for electric vans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/mercedes-benz-to-get-9m-from-german-government-for-electric-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/mercedes-benz-to-get-9m-from-german-government-for-electric-van/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/mercedes-benz-to-get-9m-from-german-government-for-electric-van/#commentsFiled under: ,



The German environment ministry has awarded Mercedes-Benz a grant of up to €9 million a field test of battery electric Sprinter vans. The money will be used to fund the research and development of the vans as well as the construction and deployment. Mercedes will produce up to 50 plug-in Sprinters that have no internal combustion powertrain at all. The vans will use lithium ion batteries and, among other things, Mercedes will be studying the performance of the batteries under varying temperature conditions.

The vans will be going into service with fleet customers starting in 2010. Vans are proving to be a particularly popular application for electric drive since absolute range is less of an issue and the frequent stops allow the vehicles to make use of regenerative braking. Mercedes hopes to move this technology to affordable commercial production in the near future.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz to get €9M from German government for electric vans

Mercedes-Benz to get €9M from German government for electric vans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vanElectricVanLithium Ionlithium ion batteriesLithium-IonLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesMercedes Benzmercedes benz sprintermercedes benz sprinter evmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzSprinterMercedesBenzSprinterEvThu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/electric-rolls-royce-phantom-could-arrive-within-a-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/electric-rolls-royce-phantom-could-arrive-within-a-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/electric-rolls-royce-phantom-could-arrive-within-a-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB - click above for high-res image gallery

Out of the UK, Autocar is reporting that an electric drive version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom could hit the streets within 12 months. We've been hearing about battery-powered Rollers for some time now, but the rumors seem to be heating up. BMW, Rolls' parent company, has been getting more heavily involved in electrification recently and the Phantom would be an obvious choice for the change. Rolls has always been known for making remarkably quiet automobiles, which is why they have names likes like Phantom, Ghost and Spirit.

Phantom owners also tend to be driven around and the cars are not often used for long road trips (that's what the jet is for). With that in mind, the more limited range of an electric drive system would be less of an issue. Given the size and mass of the Phantom, the bulk of the batteries would also be of less concern - as would the cost. In spite of that, Rolls-Royce may end up only leasing the initial batch of electric Phantoms in small numbers, just as BMW has done with the MINI E.

Gallery: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom


[Source: Autocar]

Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom could arrive within a year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric rollselectric rolls royceelectric rolls-royceElectricRollsElectricRolls-royceElectricRollsRoycerollsrolls royceRolls Royce PhantomRolls Royce Phantom Electricrolls-royceRolls-Royce PhantomRolls-roycePhantomRollsRoyceRollsRoycePhantomRollsRoycePhantomElectricThu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: BMW 1-series hybrid spotted in Munich]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/#commentsFiled under: ,

BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series -- due to launch in 2010 -- will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.


Spy shots: BMW 1-series hybrid spotted in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series hybrid1Series1SeriesHybridbmwBMW 1BMW 1 Seriesbmw 1 series hybridbmw 1-seriesBmw1Bmw1-seriesBmw1SeriesBmw1SeriesHybridspy picspy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 is available for lease starting this week here in the U.S., but it will be making its auto show debut in production form in Los Angeles the week after next. The two-mode hybrid provides similar performance to the V8 powered ML550 but with a 46 percent boost in fuel efficiency.

Also on tap for LA will be the new generation F-Cell. This is the latest iteration of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered B-Class that Mercedes will be putting into low volume series production. It is equipped with the latest generation of the fuel cell stack that has increased efficiency and improved cold weather performance. Mercedes claims the new F-Cell can run up to 240 miles on a fill-up, the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on gasoline. Mercedes will be leasing 200 F-Cells to customers in Europe and the U.S. starting in 2010.

Finally, the new SLS AMG will be shown for the first time at a U.S. show. While the car on display will be the ridiculously fast gasoline-powered version, Mercedes has promised a battery electric version of the SLS in the next few years.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell

LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz f-cellMercedes Benz MLmercedes benz ml450mercedes benz ml450 hybridmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedesBenzMercedesBenzF-cellMercedesBenzMlMercedesBenzMl450MercedesBenzMl450HybridThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Smart ED production kicks off at Hambach plant]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/smart-ed-production-kicks-off-at-hambach-plant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/smart-ed-production-kicks-off-at-hambach-plant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/smart-ed-production-kicks-off-at-hambach-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,

Smart ED production - click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this week, Daimler launched production of the new generation Smart electric drive at the Hambach, France plant where all Smarts are built. The first stage of production will see the plant build a run of 1,000 of the battery-powered two seaters. The cars will be used in a variety of field test programs around the world beginning in the next few months.

Unlike the previous-generation electric Smart of which about 100 examples were built, the new model uses a lithium ion battery pack. The pack and charging system were developed and supplied by Tesla Motors. The Smart development program led Daimler to buy a nine percent stake in the California startup.

From 2012 onward, Smart is planning to produce an electric model as a part of the standard powertrain offerings for the ForTwo. The electric drive should finally resolve the biggest driveability issue of the Smart - the rough shifts of the automated manual transmission - and may make the ForTwo a far more viable option for drivers.

Gallery: Smart ED production


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Smart ED production kicks off at Hambach plant

Smart ED production kicks off at Hambach plant originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>smart edsmart electric carsmart electric drivesmart electric vehiclesmart evsmart for twosmart fortwosmart fortwo edsmart fortwo evSmart FourTwoSmartEdSmartElectricCarSmartElectricDriveSmartElectricVehicleSmartEvSmartFortwoSmartFortwoEdSmartFortwoEvSmartFourtwoThu, 19 Nov 2009 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a mere $89,725 you can have your pick of questionable V8 powered BMW X6s. For that price tag you can get the monster 555 hp X6 M or the new the new ActiveHybrid X6. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, which has opted to only make the ML450 hybrid available for lease, BMW will sell the ActiveHybrid X6 to all comers, whoever they might be. Unlike most BMWs, the option list for the hybrid is relatively limited, although the folks at BMW Individual will undoubtedly be happy to help you customize it to your heart's content.

During our recent first drive of the hybrid sport activity coupe, as BMW labels the X6, we only saw 16 mpg, well short of the official17/19 mpg EPA figures. Aside from the hood bulge and the wheels, there isn't much to visually distinguish the hybrid from non-M X6s, so it's not really clear who will step up to the near $90K sticker. We'll find out after December 5 when the X6 hybrid goes on sale.



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

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 bmw2010 bmw activehybrid x62010Bmw2010BmwActivehybridX6activehybrid x6ActivehybridX6bmw activehybrid x6BmwActivehybridX6breakinghybrid x6HybridX6two-modetwo-mode hybridtwo-mode-hybridTwo-modeHybridX6Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Are They Nuts? Honda to show off Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-are-they-nuts-honda-to-show-off-personal-neo-urban/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-are-they-nuts-honda-to-show-off-personal-neo-urban/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-are-they-nuts-honda-to-show-off-personal-neo-urban/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jim Kenzie of the Toronto Star tries out the U3-X - click above for high res-image gallery

When we visited Honda's headquarters last month after the Tokyo Motor Show, we asked company officials what they would be showing at upcoming auto shows. As you might have guessed, they were reticent to provide specific answers. What we were told, however, is that they would be following last year's pattern of showing an advanced concept in Los Angeles and then a new production model in Detroit. The Detroit is broadly expected to be the final production version of the CR-Z hybrid sport coupe.

Today, Honda did provide a hint of what the LA concept will be, although they provided no images. The Personal-Neo Urban Transport or P-NUT is some kind of very small coupe. Based on the very brief description Honda has provided, it sounds like Honda's take on what General Motors tried to do with the Segway-based Puma concept shown in New York earlier this year. The idea is to provide increased personal mobility in crowded urban environments without resorting to actual cars.

Presumably, the P-NUT will be somewhat larger than the U3-X unicycle we saw in Tokyo, although we wouldn't be surprised to see Honda incorporate the novel Omni-traction drive wheel that can go in any direction.

Gallery: Honda mobility devices


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

Continue reading LA Preview: Are They Nuts? Honda to show off Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept

LA Preview: Are They Nuts? Honda to show off Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda p-nuthonda Personal-Neo Urban TransportHondaP-nutHondaPersonal-neoUrbanTransportla 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShowp-nutPersonal-Neo Urban TransportPersonal-neoUrbanTransportWed, 18 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-mazda2-to-make-its-north-american-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-mazda2-to-make-its-north-american-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-mazda2-to-make-its-north-american-debut/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Mazda2 - click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda made it official this morning that it will be bringing the B-segment 2 to the North American market late next year. The current generation Mazda2 has been sale in Europe and elsewhere for two years but we'll be seeing it here for the first at the LA Auto Show in a couple of weeks. The 2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta that will also make its U.S. production spec debut in Los Angeles. Mazda hasn't revealed any other details yet about powertrains or where the car would be sourced from. We expect a 1.6-liter four will likely be the primary engine. Judging by the teaser shot they released, we can certainly expect to see the car at least in five door hatchback form, but given that this is the U.S., we would also expect the four-door sedan to be at Mazda stores.


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut

LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeleslos angeles auto showLosAngelesLosAngelesAutoShowmazdaMazda 2mazda2mazda2 north americamazda2 usMazda2NorthAmericaMazda2UsWed, 18 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Forget biodiesel, algae could produce hydrogen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/forget-biodiesel-algae-could-produce-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/forget-biodiesel-algae-could-produce-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/forget-biodiesel-algae-could-produce-hydrogen/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gephyrocapsa oceanica - Wikimedia Commons

In recent years, algae has gotten a fair bit of attention for its potential use as a feedstock for producing biodiesel. While the net carbon output of algae sourced liquid fuels could be a huge boon to the environment, there is a possible path that could yield zero carbon emissions.

Researchers at the University of Tennessee are working on a process to produce hydrogen from algae via photosynthesis. The process would separate a particle produced by the algae during photosynthesis. The particle would then produce hydrogen in the presence of light and a platinum catalyst.

What makes this process different from previous efforts of this type is the strain of algae being used. The photosynthesis occurs at relatively high temperatures which often kill off the efficiency of the hydrogen generation process. The strain being tried by the Tennessee researchers is able to produce H2 at temperatures up to 131 degrees F. According the research team, the hydrogen-photosynthesis process they have is 25 times more efficient than biofuel production. However, the process still requires a lot of development and the researchers want to replace the platinum catalyst with something more affordable and abundant.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Forget biodiesel, algae could produce hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algaealgae hydrogenAlgaeHydrogenhydrogen from algaeHydrogenFromAlgaephotosynthesisUniversity of TennesseeUniversityOfTennesseeWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New Fiat Doblo may be first Chrysler BEV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/new-fiat-doblo-may-be-first-chrysler-bev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/new-fiat-doblo-may-be-first-chrysler-bev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/new-fiat-doblo-may-be-first-chrysler-bev/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this week, Fiat unveiled a new version of its Doblo light commercial van and there has been speculation that it could come to North America as a new member of the Ram brand to challenge the Ford Transit Connect. The parallels to the Ford actually run deeper however. The Transit Connect will be Ford's first new plug-in vehicle next year and the Doblo could well hold the same position for Chrysler.

During Chrysler's recent marathon business plan meeting, SVP Paolo Ferraro showed a slide that made one of the few mentions of Chrysler's electrification strategy. The first pure battery electric vehicle in the severely scaled back program was shown as a light commercial vehicle and the image was of the current generation Doblo. While Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said at the time that no final decision had been made on which product would get the BEV system, this new Doblo seems a likely candidate, especially if the TC proves popular with fleets.


[Source: GreenFuelsForecast]

New Fiat Doblo may be first Chrysler BEV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler bevchrysler doblo bevChryslerBevChryslerDobloBevelectricElectric carelectric vehicleelectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehiclefiatfiat doblofiat doblo bevFiatDobloFiatDobloBevWed, 18 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gm-provides-update-on-volt-vehicle-and-battery-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gm-provides-update-on-volt-vehicle-and-battery-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gm-provides-update-on-volt-vehicle-and-battery-development/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevy Volt going through a shake test as part of its durability evaluation - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors offered an update this afternoon on the current status of the testing and development of the lithium ion batteries for the Chevy Volt. Chief Engineer Andrew Farah and battery engineering group manager Bill Wallace provided a run down on the work done so far. Since work started in earnest on the production program in early 2007, GM has gone from two initial battery development partners (LG Chem/CPI and A123 Systems/Continental) to selecting LG Chem to supply cells. GM also decided to design and build the battery pack in-house rather than having CPI provide the finished pack.

Through the course of development, the team has learned that the battery management system is the key to extracting the best life and performance out of the battery. However, while the battery is the heart of the Volt, Farah emphasized that the goal was to create a great a great vehicle for customers, not just a battery on wheels. That means a lot of integration work has been necessary to incorporate the pack in the car, and develop the charge and battery management software. Read on after the jump.


Gallery: Chevrolet Volt development update Nov 17 2009


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltfeaturedvoltvoltecvoltec drivetrainvoltec powertrainVoltecDrivetrainVoltecPowertrainTue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai launches first direct injected engine, coming to new Sonata]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/hyundai-launches-first-direct-injected-engine-coming-to-new-son/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/hyundai-launches-first-direct-injected-engine-coming-to-new-son/http://green.autoblog.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[Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

Daimler this week unveiled the first of its new generation Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid transit buses. Thirty of these new buses will be going into service in 2010 with the first 10 going to Hamburg Germany where previous-generation fuel cell buses have already been in service for several years. The new buses use the latest iteration of Daimler's fuel cell drive system which consists of a modular stack design. By building the fuel cell stack in modules, it can be scaled for different applications with the same hardware used in the bus and the new series of B-class F-Cell cars. Twenty of the fuel cell B-Classes will also be going to Hamburg for use by the transit company.

The combination of the new stack design and a hybrid configuration using lithium ion batteries allows the fuel cells to operate at a more constant output with the batteries taking care of the transient acceleration needs. The result is that fuel consumption is cut in half compared to the older buses and the new buses have a range of 155 miles. The bus deployment is part of the Clean Energy Partnership which will see four new public hydrogen filling stations constructed in Hamburg.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid bus


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half

Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fuel Cellfuel cell busfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellBusFuelCellshydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellMercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-HybridMercedes-benzCitaroFuelcell-hybridTue, 17 Nov 2009 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-nissan-may-offer-optional-higher-capacity-batteries-at-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-nissan-may-offer-optional-higher-capacity-batteries-at-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-nissan-may-offer-optional-higher-capacity-batteries-at-p/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Tesla probably won't be alone in offering different-sized battery packs in its future electric vehicles. At a U.S. launch event for the Leaf electric car on Friday, a Nissan product planner Mark Perry told Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau that the Japanese automaker is investigating a similar idea.

Lithium ion batteries are likely to remain expensive for the foreseeable future, so in a bid to make EVs more affordable, they could be offered with different battery capacities. Tesla is planning to offer three sizes for the Model S with ranges from 160 to 300 miles. The Leaf doesn't have room for a pack larger than the initial 100-mile range, but future models may be designed to accommodate larger packs while the base versions could come with a smaller unit.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery sizeBatterySizeElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehiclenissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf americanissan leaf carlos ghosnnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafAmericaNissanLeafCarlosGhosnNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvTue, 17 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan and Reliant Energy team up to promote EV infrastructure]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/nissan-and-reliant-energy-team-up-to-promote-ev-infrastructure/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/nissan-and-reliant-energy-team-up-to-promote-ev-infrastructure/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/nissan-and-reliant-energy-team-up-to-promote-ev-infrastructure/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the U.S. launch of the Nissan LEAF EV tour on Friday, the automaker announced a partnership with Reliant Energy to promote the build out of a suitable infrastructure for the vehicles. The two companies will create plans to promote electric vehicle charging anywhere and everywhere, including home, work and in public places. Given that most electric vehicles that are remotely affordable for the foreseeable future will likely have limited range, the ability to do opportunistic charging wherever the car stops will be critical to consumer adoption. The partners will coordinate with local agencies to ensure that charging networks use common elements and are appropriately located. Nissan will also provide supplies of the LEAF to areas serviced by Reliant starting in late 2010. From Los Angeles, the LEAF will continue to 21 other cities in the U.S. and Canada for the remainder of the tour.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan and Reliant Energy team up to promote EV infrastructure

Nissan and Reliant Energy team up to promote EV infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf americanissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafAmericaNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvreliant energyReliantEnergyMon, 16 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST