Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

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

Gallery: 2010.5 Opel Corsa


[Source: Opel]

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>opelopel corsaopel corsa ecoflexOpelCorsaOpelCorsaEcoflexFri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://www.autobloggreen.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[Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/#commentsFiled under: , ,


1936 Mercedes 260D - Click on image for full high-resolution gallery

Rudolf Diesel filed the patent for his signature engine in 1893. However, its installation in a passenger car didn't occur until 1933, when Citroën installed a diesel engine into a Rosalie bay, although this car was never authorized to run on roads. Not until 1936, when Mercedes showed off the 260D, can we talk about the first successful diesel car on the road. Based on the 200 model, the 260 used a 2.4-liter I-4 engine named OM 138 mated to a Bosch mechanical injection pump. The ensemble allowed the car to produce 45hp of power at 3,200 rpm. Almost 2,000 units were built through 1940. The car initially has a 3-speed gearbox; and was upgraded with electric coil ignitors in 1938.

One of the diesel powerplant's main benefits - then as now - was reduced fuel consumption. The 260D burned 9 l/100 km (26 mpg U.S.) compared to 13 l/ 100 km (18 mpg U.S.) in the gasoline counterpart. Another bonus: at the time, diesel was half the price of gasoline, so the motorists saved a lot of cash at the pump.


Gallery: 1936 Mercedes 260 D


[Source: Mercedes-Benz via Diariomotor]

Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first diesel carfirst diesel passenger carFirstDieselCarFirstDieselPassengerCarhistorysecond diesel carSecondDieselCarFri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Will Timmy Megenbier be able to reproduce his diesel-powered success in the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup in the natural-gas-powered Scirocco Cup in Europe next year? The answer lies only in the young driver's hands, now that he has announced that he wants to "continue his climb of the motorsports ladder," (as VW put it) in Europe. The Scirocco Cup uses Bio-Clean natural gas to power Scirocco "R" models and is now "the world's most eco-friendly one-make racing series." Compared to the vehicles in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, which the Scirocco Cup replaces, CO2 emissions are reduced up to 80 percent.

Think this all sounds like a fun life to lead? VW is looking for new racers to compete in the 2010 season and is accepting applications here. Drivers have to be young (between 16 and 26) and rich or able to get some sponsors. There is a $45,000 season entry fee (refunded if you're not selected).


Gallery: First Jetta TDI Cup race


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

[Source: VW]

Continue reading From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup

From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jetta tdijetta tdi cupjetta tdi raceJettaTdiJettaTdiCupJettaTdiRaceSciroccoscirocco cupscirocco rscirocco raceSciroccoCupSciroccoRSciroccoRacevw jettaVwJettaThu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's Baloga confirms four-cylinder diesels for U.S. market]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/bmws-baloga-confirms-four-cylinder-diesels-for-u-s-market/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/bmws-baloga-confirms-four-cylinder-diesels-for-u-s-market/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/bmws-baloga-confirms-four-cylinder-diesels-for-u-s-market/#commentsFiled under: ,



While some of us here at ABG HQ are major fans of BMW's diesel engines, we were disappointed when BMW opted to enter the U.S. market only with the twin turbo 3.0-liter six cylinder diesel. As fantastic an engine as that is, the 2.0-liter four cylinder is also plenty strong and yields even better fuel efficiency. At an event at BMW's North American headquarters this week, VP engineering Tom Baloga told the audience that BMW would introduce the four-cylinder diesel to the U.S. lineup now that tougher fuel economy standards have been imposed. In keeping with BMW's performance image, we will get the more powerful variants, likely the dual turbo, 204 hp version used in the 123d rather than the super-high-efficiency versions. Even with that engine, we averaged 37 mpg in the 123d last year. BMW plans to clean up the four cylinder diesel with a lean NOx trap like VW uses for the Jetta and Golf TDI rather than a more expensive and complex urea injection system. The four cylinder will most likely go into the 3 and maybe 1 series cars with the six being reserved for larger cars like the 5, 7 and X5.


Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 BMW 123d Hatchback


[Source: Green Car Advisor]

BMW's Baloga confirms four-cylinder diesels for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw dieselbmw diesel four cylinderbmw dieselsBmwDieselBmwDieselFourCylinderBmwDieselsdiesel hybridDieselHybridfour cylinderfour cylinder dieselFourCylinderFourCylinderDieselWed, 11 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/#commentsFiled under: ,



For 10 years, diesels lovers have had a reason to celebrate their engines a little bit more than before: filters that reduce pollution. Called Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), the devices were first introduced by Peugeot at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1999. The lucky vehicle was a Peugeot 607. As you might know, DPFs come in two versions. Some of them, like the ones used by PSA, need a special additive, called Eolys. Others, like the ones used at Toyota, store the pollutants in a chamber and burns them when necessary. Peugeot has sold 2.1 million cars with PDFs, 233,000 of them in Germany.

[Source: Auto News]

Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydiesel particulate filtersDieselParticulateFiltersdpffapfiltre anti particulesFiltreAntiParticulesWed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/a-fisker-in-camouflage-quantum-delivers-diesel-hybrid-vehicle-t/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/a-fisker-in-camouflage-quantum-delivers-diesel-hybrid-vehicle-t/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/a-fisker-in-camouflage-quantum-delivers-diesel-hybrid-vehicle-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On the outside, the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV) and the Fisker Karma don't have a lot in common (the CERV is so clandestine we can't even find a picture of it). Underneath, though, both use a powertrain from Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies. This week, Quantum delivered the CERV to the U.S. Army. The CERV uses the Q-Force drivertrain, which is a diesel hybrid set-up, while the Fisker car uses the Q-Drive, a plug-in gasoline system. Quantum has been developing the Q-Force powertrain for six years.

The CERV is meant to be used for "quick-paced special operations-type missions involving reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting," but only six have been built so far. The CERV can produce an insane 5,000 foot-pounds of torque and go up to 80 mph, all while using 25 percent less fuel than a similar, non-hybrid vehicle.

Alongside the military contracts that Quantum receives, Fisker is one of the company's financial backers. Fisker awarded Quantum a $10.2 million contract in August that will be used to evolve the Q-Drive and get it ready for production.

[Source: Quantum]

Continue reading A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army

A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cervClandestine Extended Range VehicleClandestineExtendedRangeVehicleq-driveq-forceqtwwquantumTue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volkswagen passat bluemotion2010VolkswagenPassatBluemotionvolkswagenVolkswagen Passatvolkswagen passat bluemotionVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatBluemotionMon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-badass-chevelle-isnt-as-fuelish-as-it-seems/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-badass-chevelle-isnt-as-fuelish-as-it-seems/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-badass-chevelle-isnt-as-fuelish-as-it-seems/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


1970 Duramax Chevrolet Chevelle custom - Click above for high-res image gallery

The clean exterior of this 1970 Chevelle hides a wicked little secret. If you take a look at the photo above, you'll see what we mean. The bundle of plumbing you see spilling out of the engine bay tells only part of the story. That's no overworked Chevy small block in there, it's a Duramax diesel that has been pushed to new heights via an outrageous custom twin-turbo setup. The stripped-out interior and racing slicks out back show the true purpose of this ride. It was built by Mike Racke and made Popular Hot Rodding's Top Ten Builds this year. We couldn't agree more.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 Chevelle1970 Chevrolet1970 Chevrolet Chevelle1970 Chevy Chevelle1970Chevelle1970Chevrolet1970ChevroletChevelle1970ChevyChevellechevellechevroletChevrolet ChevelleChevroletChevelleDuramaxduramax Chevelleduramax drag racerduramax dragsterDuramaxChevelleDuramaxDragRacerDuramaxDragsterMike RackeMikeRackePopular Hot RoddingPopularHotRoddingSEMAsema 2009Sema2009Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Citroën's entry in the medium-large car segment is the C5. This sedan, which competes against offerings such as the VW Passat, gets updated with a couple of Euro V-compliant powertrains that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. First, the C5 gets the 1.6-liter THP turbo gasoline engine, which was co-developed with BMW and can be found in other PSA offerings as well as the Mini. This 163 hp unit replaces the 2-liter 143 hp unit and burns 7.1 l/100 km (33 mpg U.S.). The new diesel features a particulate filter and is a 2-liter 163 hp unit that manages to burn just 5.6 l/100 km (42 mpg U.S.) when mated to a manual gearbox and 6.9 l/100 km (34 mpg U.S.) when mated to an automatic.

[Source: Motor Pasión]

Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c5citroen c5CitroenC5clean dieselCleanDieseldpfeuro vEuroVfappsaThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter touches down in Vegas]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-local-motors-rally-fighter-touches-down-in-vegas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-local-motors-rally-fighter-touches-down-in-vegas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-local-motors-rally-fighter-touches-down-in-vegas/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Local motors Rally Fighter - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like the open source model can work for building new cars after all. We finally managed to track down the Local Motors Rally Fighter here at SEMA, and it is even more awesome in person than in pics. The interior on this pre-production car obviously still needs some work, but the rest is really impressive. Looking like some crazy mashup of a fighter plane and a SCORE rally truck, we hope this is the vehicle Mel Gibson picks to replace the last of the V8 Interceptors in Mad Max 4.

We spent some time around the vehicle, soaking in all of the details, listening to the reactions of passers-by, and talking to the folks from Local. The passion of the principles is obvious and it's clear that the vehicle has been well thought-out. While much of the Rally Fighter is unique, they weren't bashful about borrowing off-the-rack parts where they knew good ones already existed - Ford F-150 uprights that have been proven at Baja, a Mercedes bumper support system, Fox off-road shocks, a healthy but frugal BMW diesel from the 335d, and the list goes on and on.

Local Motors CEO, Jay Rogers, also pointed out some of the fighter plane styling cues that made it into the final Sangho Kim design. We especially like the cockpit-like greenhouse and the P-51 Mustang-inspired underbody flaring. Jay says the company has already taken 34 orders and that customers will be able to help build their cars by June of next year.

That's right, you get to spend some time with the Local Motors gang, either at their current home in Massachusetts, or at a future facility in Phoenix. They'll spend two weeks with you teaching you how to build your own Rally Fighter, never assuming too much of the owners. We like to think of it as a type of Habitat for Humanity for car people where you put some sweat equity into your new property. We look forward to getting behind the wheel of this beast soon, heck, we'd love to build one ourselves, but until then you can read the press release and view the gallery below.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter touches down in Vegas

SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter touches down in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>local motorslocal motors rally fighterLocalMotorsLocalMotorsRallyFighteropen sourceopen source carOpenSourceOpenSourceCarRally FighterRallyFighterSEMAsema 2009Sema2009Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup 'Street" edition arrives in January]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/2010-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-arrives-in-januar/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/2010-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-arrives-in-januar/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/2010-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-arrives-in-januar/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition - Click above to enlarge

When we were in Germany last month for the launch of the 2010 Golf, VW product planner Andres Valbuena told us that a special street replica of the Jetta TDI Cup race car would be launching in January 2010. We just got the first photo of the new limited edition model along with further details. The TDI Cup "Street" edition gets the same deeper front fascia, rocker panel and rear bumper extensions used on the race cars. Unfortunately, the replica keeps the standard 140-horsepower engine rather the uprated 170 hp diesel used in the track cars... but it does get some functional upgrades.

The replica won't be any quicker off the line, but it will stop and turn better than standard TDI models. The brake calipers are larger than standard and painted red to let observers know they are special. The suspension gets thicker sway bars and the retuned springs and dampers from the Jetta GLI along with 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cup car gets a paddle shift steering wheel to go with the 6-speed DSG gearbox. The Cup Jetta starts at $25,000 and will be available in January.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup 'Street" edition arrives in January

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup 'Street" edition arrives in January originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>vw jettavw jetta tdivw jetta tdi cupvw jetta tdi cup streetVwJettaVwJettaTdiVwJettaTdiCupVwJettaTdiCupStreetWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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

[Source: Citroen]



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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroencitroen c3citroen c3 picassoCitroen C3 Picasso MPVCitroenC3CitroenC3PicassoCitroenC3PicassoMpvWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Diesel back in the picture at Chrysler, start-stop in Q4 2010]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/diesel-back-in-the-picture-at-chrysler-start-stop-in-q4-2010/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/diesel-back-in-the-picture-at-chrysler-start-stop-in-q4-2010/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/diesel-back-in-the-picture-at-chrysler-start-stop-in-q4-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Based on the presentation by Paolo Ferrero at the Chrysler business plan meeting in Auburn Hills today, it sure sounds like diesel is back in the picture at Chrysler. Prior to the Daimler-Chrysler divorce, there were lots of plans for diesel installations in U.S.-market Chryslers. That all fell by the wayside during the Cerberus era. Ferraro, the new SVP of powertrain engineering at Chrysler, repeatedly mentioned diesel as one of the paths to reduced fuel consumption, although he didn't give any specific dates on when they might be introduced in the U.S.

Ferraro did say that Chrysler would "Reinforce the Clean Diesel Image" and adapt Fiat engines to Chrysler vehicles. He also said they would apply aftertreatment technologies to meet 2015 European and U.S. emissions standards.

Ferraro went on to say that Chrysler would add automatic start-stop beginning in the 2011 model year and showed a diagram of a 2010 Jeep Wrangler diesel in Q4 2010. A Wrangler diesel is offered overseas but will switch to Fiat engines next year. Hopefully, Fiat will start bringing these diesels to the U.S., too.


[Source: Chrysler]

Diesel back in the picture at Chrysler, start-stop in Q4 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto start stopAutoStartStopJeepjeep wranglerjeep wrangler dieselJeepWranglerJeepWranglerDieselstart stopstart stop systemStartStopStartStopSystemWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volvo FE Hybrid Truck - Click for gallery

In many cities, garbage trucks can wake up entire neighborhoods with the sound of diesel engines. When the new Volvo FE truck goes on sale (expected to take place in 2012), waste management companies will be able to opt for a truck that produces no noise, at low least some of the time. The FE truck is a parallel hybrid, like the Toyota Prius, and can operate using just the electric motor and lithium-ion batteries at low speeds; the diesel engine starts up when more power is needed or the battery is flat. The spec sheet is impressive: there's a 7-liter 300 hp engine mated to a 3-phase 120 kW motor, fed by 600V lithium ion batteries. Volvo states that this set-up manages to reduce fuel consumption by 30 percent and, in start-stop driving, drops noise levels a few dB for sleeping neighbors.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo FE Hybrid truck


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery

Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MINI Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you'll please forgive us our one tired cliché of the day... BMW has big plans in store for its smallest brand. In this case, quite literally as the next model that comes from Mini will reportedly be the long-expected Countryman crossover, which we can expect to hit the market in the first quarter of 2010. All-wheel drive will make an appearance on the soft-road 'ute, and - drumroll please - we hear that a diesel engine is under consideration for the U.S. market... but don't hold your breath just yet.

On the concept car front, BimmerFile reports that Mini is working up a Moke revival that will be shown at an undetermined auto show sometime next year that's described as a small Jeep Wrangler and known internally as the SpaceBox. We're also told to expect a more mainstream concept built off the four-door R60 Countryman platform that would theoretically go up against such respected players as the Volkswagen GTI hatchback. The last concept that is rumored to be in development would share its inspiration with the BMW Vision Concept and feature technology from the automaker's eco-friendly Project i initiative.

Finally, the crystal ball tells us that the well-liked Coupe Concept and Roadster Concept seen earlier this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show have been green-lighted for a hopeful 2012 debut. One year later, the stalwart Cooper hatchback is scheduled for its second major redesign since the Mini brand was first launched back in 2001, very possibly getting a new range of powerplants that will include three-cylinders for the very first time.



[Source: BimmerFile]

REPORT: Mini's future models roadmapped; big, small, efficient and diesel (maybe) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperminimini coopermini countrymanmini countryman conceptMINI CrossoverMINI Crossover Conceptmini mokemini spaceboxmini visionMiniCooperMiniCountrymanMiniCountrymanConceptMiniCrossoverMiniCrossoverConceptMiniMokeMiniSpaceboxMiniVisionMon, 02 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot to use Sanyo NiMH batteries in upcoming diesel hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/02/peugeot-to-use-sanyo-nimh-batteries-in-upcoming-diesel-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/02/peugeot-to-use-sanyo-nimh-batteries-in-upcoming-diesel-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/02/peugeot-to-use-sanyo-nimh-batteries-in-upcoming-diesel-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Peugeot 3008 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, Peugeot announced that it would introduce its first production vehicle based on the new 3008 crossover in 2011. Peugeot will likely be the first automaker to introduce a light duty diesel hybrid using PSA's Hybrid4 through-the-road architecture. For this first application, Peugeot will stick with nickel metal hydride batteries and, if a report out of Japan is accurate, PSA will be sourcing its batteries from Sanyo, the same company that supplies batteries to Ford and Honda for their hybrid models. In addition to the 3008, PSA will also incorporate the Hybrid4 system into the upcoming Citroen DS5. The DS5 will likely make its debut next spring at the Geneva Motor Show and the hybrid will use the same diesel through-the-road setup.

Gallery: 2010 Peugeot 3008


Gallery: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4


[Source: Nikkei via GreenCarCongress]

Peugeot to use Sanyo NiMH batteries in upcoming diesel hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Already getting ready for next spring's Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi has release a sketch of the all-new Compact Crossover that will be introduced soon in time to go on sale in Japan in February. While details are scarce, Mitsubishi says that the all-new on-road Compact Crossover will follow the i-MiEV and be "the Corporation's next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature." From previous reports, this should mean a 1.8 liter clean turbodiesel engine with diesel particulate filter will power the production version.

We await further details, but it sounds like this evolution of the Concept-cX from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show makes good on the company's promise to move Mitsubishi's line-up in the eco direction. Mitsubishi says it wants to get away from the SUV-centered focus that its had in the recent past and into being knows as "a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers." Guess they can get in line.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover

Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compacy crossoverCompacyCrossoverconcept carconcept-cXConceptCargeneva 2010Geneva Motor Showgeneva motor show 2010Geneva2010GenevaMotorShowGenevaMotorShow2010mitsubishiproject globalProjectGlobalThu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Vroom for everyone: Local Motors unveiling crowdsourced Rally Fighter at SEMA]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/29/vroom-for-everyone-local-motors-unveiling-crowdsourced-rally-fi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/29/vroom-for-everyone-local-motors-unveiling-crowdsourced-rally-fi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/29/vroom-for-everyone-local-motors-unveiling-crowdsourced-rally-fi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Local Motors Rally Fighter - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wild things have left the movie theaters and are headed to SEMA. Case in point, the Rally Fighter. Coming from Local Motors, which dipped into the collective wisdom of the Internet (not sure if wisdom is the right word there, but whatever) to crowdsource the design and specifications of their first vehicle. Intended to be an eco-minded Baja-like daily driver, the Rally Fighter uses a BMW 335d engine to achieve 36 mpg on the highway, or 30 mpg when off-road. Why is decent fuel economy important? Local Motors' CEO Jay Rogers fought in the Iraq war as a Marine and "saw the oil problem with his own eyes," according to Local Motors PR.

The Rally Fighter is scheduled to leave Wareham, Massachusetts today in order to make it to SEMA for its unveiling on November 3. For more on Local Motors' microfactory and crowdsourcing processes, check out a video of Rogers after the jump. You don't often hear an automotive CEO compare his company to Build-A-Bear, but you can in this case.

Gallery: Local Motors Rally Fighter


[Source: Local Motors]

Continue reading Vroom for everyone: Local Motors unveiling crowdsourced Rally Fighter at SEMA

Vroom for everyone: Local Motors unveiling crowdsourced Rally Fighter at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>local motorslocal motors rally fighterLocalMotorsLocalMotorsRallyFighterRally FighterRallyFightersemasema 09sema 2009Sema09Sema2009Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW may add four-cylinder diesel to 5-series GT, not for U.S.]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/28/bmw-may-add-four-cylinder-diesel-to-5-series-gt-not-for-u-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/28/bmw-may-add-four-cylinder-diesel-to-5-series-gt-not-for-u-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/28/bmw-may-add-four-cylinder-diesel-to-5-series-gt-not-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



BMW's new 5-series Gran Turismo is just now going on sale in Europe and will be coming to U.S. dealers in the next few weeks. However, the Munich brand is already looking at expanding the powertrain lineup. Here in the U.S., we will get the 535 and 550 GT with turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder gas engines. The current EU lineup adds BMW's marvelous 3.0-liter diesel six.

However, BMW is looking at adding four cylinder engines just as it does in the regular 5-series. First out of the gate could be the 2.0-liter twin turbo four cylinder diesel and the single turbo 175 hp could appear as well. In the manual transmission 320d with the 175 hp engine, the EU test cycle is completed at 49 mpg (U.S.). The bigger and heavier 5GT would likely get closer to 40 mpg, still an admirable number for such a large car. Even the current 530d GT is rated at 36.2 mpg (U.S.). Unfortunately, we likely won't get any of these engines anytime soon.

[Source: Autocar]

BMW may add four-cylinder diesel to 5-series GT, not for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw 5 series gran turismobmw 5 series gtBMW 5-seriesBMW 5-Series GTBmw5-seriesBmw5-seriesGtBmw5SeriesGranTurismoBmw5SeriesGtWed, 28 Oct 2009 10:02:00 EST