Tooling around a parking lot doesn't really give you a full test drive experience of the pure electric Nissan-EV, but it did confirm that Nissan is serious about electric cars. They have a goal (set pretty high) of having 10% of their global portfolio pure electric by 2016.
Nissan is partnering with utilities in environmentally motivated hot spots like the State of Oregon, Sonoma and San Diego, CA. They're enlisting local corporations to put in charging stations. The State of Tennessee and regional development authorities in Tucson, AZ, Raleigh, NC and the Washington, DC area are also on board.
Nissan officials assured drivers that they vehicle could go fast enough to get a ticket in every state--figure it hits 90 mph. It charges overnight using a 220-volt outlet. Nissan has 51% ownership in the battery company that will supply and that gives them greater control over supply.
It will be priced like a traditional 4-door sedan--figure that at $30,000 and it will qualify for a federal $7,500 tax credit. Some states are looking at adding another $5,000 incentive. Twelve thousand off? That's pretty appealing. The EV will be sold to fleets in 2011 and as a mass-market vehicle by 2012.
Nissan says even with emissions from electric generating plants, pure electric achieves 57% less emissions than we have with today's gasoline engine.
One of the big sticking points among U.S. motorists is not a lack of filling stations or general unfamiliarity with clean diesel--it is the high cost of the fuel itself.
Recent forecasts indicate that the price of diesel at the pump may be stabilizing, after several years of volatility that had diesel upwards of $5.00 per gallon last summer. This year, diesel hold tight at an average of $2.26 and inch up to $2.48 a gallon next year, while gasoline is expected to average $2.12 this year and $2.30 in 2010, according to government reports.
Though world demand has placed clean diesel higher on the price list than gasoline in recent years, the average price for a gallon of diesel has been on the slip. For the week of May 11, diesel was selling for 2¢ less than gasoline. The following week, higher gas prices increased that difference to 7¢. Diesel's a bargain while these prices last.
Fisker Automotive, creator of the Karma plug-in hybrid luxury sedan has received $85 million in venture capital from two venture capital firms, Eco-Drive Capital Partners LLC, a European-American investment group, and Kleiner Perkins Caulfield and Byers, one of Fisker's early investors.
The Karma, which is due out this fall, will have a base price of $87,900. Electric range for the batteries is expected to be 50 miles. Fisker has lined up its first 27 retailers and ahs more than 1,000 order for the Karma.
Crunched budgets have more car owners sending their vehicles to the repair shop. Even more frugally, some enterprising owners are dusting off their wrenches and getting their hands dirty to save some cash.
Online repair forum FixYa.com, which offers free advice on a broad range of consumer products, says it has recently seen a significant uptick in car-related questions. Top brands most commonly asked about on the site include Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Nissan and BMW. Over 7,000 models are parked inside the website's article database.
Dennis Weidenbach, one of the site's auto experts who uses the moniker "emissionwiz," offers four simple but critical tips to keep your car running smooth:
Use the right weight of motor oil and change it according to the manufacturer's schedule
Keep your tires properly inflated
Tune up your engine at the recommended mileage points
Check coolant, oil and brake fluid levels regularly and maintain proper fills
Want more ethanol in your gas tank? Right now most gasoline has up to 10% ethanol, which is grain alcohol. But the government's EPA has received an application from Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers to push this to up to 15% from 10%. Read notices posted in the Federal Register here.
Public commentary on this proposal must be submitted to the EPA on or before May 21. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No.EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0211, by one of the following methods: Go to: http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov.
Cars run fine on 10%, but there's a debate about 15%. Some say it may hurt engines but farmers want it so they can sell more corn (which is made into ethanol.). Some say it will cut our use of foreign oil; other say it will push up the price of food.
Ethanol does not have the same BTUs as gasoline so more ethanol means less range per tank. If you want to be heard, deadline is May 21.
NISSAN MAKES COAST-TO-COAST TOUR WITH EV PROTOTYPE;
ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY
Nissan has announced it will introduce zero-emission vehicles in the U.S. next year, and will mass market them globally two years later. On Earth Day, Nissan let Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen drive its EV Prototype model, as part of a coast-to-coast tour of the model that is powered by Nissan's lithium-ion battery pack and zero-emission electric motor.
Nissan has also kicked-off a new partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the nation's largest energy-research center, working together to promote the development of zero-emission vehicles and a complementary charging infrastructure. Nissan's U.S. headquarters are in Tennessee, where Nissan is also working with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Dana Christensen, ORNL's Associate Lab Director for Energy, said the partnership "will combine the unique assets of Nissan, TVA and the Laboratory to pursue breakthrough technologies needed for an electric vehicle charging network."
Minutes after Minnesota mandated diesel fuel be blended with 5% biofuel earlier this month, people were already singing the blues.
This sounds awfully familiar. The Land of 10,000 Lakes introduced the nation's first biodiesel standard in 2005, requiring a 2% blend of the soybean-derived stuff. Soon after, tofu-haters complained of plugged filters, worn-out fuel hoses and poor performance, not to mention higher costs. But the tears eventually dried up.
After extensive investigation, it turned out that the fuel itself was not the problem but how well fuel suppliers were blending their beans, or vehicle owners maintaining their engines. As rising food prices--and dropping oil prices--have hurt the economics for biofuels, the cost issue is still a big question.
Supporters note that the B2 fuel standard, on average, cost users less than half a penny more per gallon over traditional diesel. The state says it wants to help break the nation's "unhealthy dependence" on fossil fuels by boosting its biodiesel standard to 10% by 2012 and 20% by 2015. Expect more tears down the road.
The GMC Terrain, previewed last week at the New York Auto Show will get GM's new direct injected 2.4L four-cylinder and a 3.0L V-6. The 2.4L-equipped models are estimated at 30 mpg on the highway (EPA certification pending). If the mileage holds it will put the Terrain at the top of its segment in highway fuel economy.
Direct injection is a precise delivery of fuel to the engine that uses less fuel, creates more power and produces fewer emissions.
With the Terrain, GM will have 18 models in 2010 that feature direct injection including the 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan, the sporty 2010 Chevy Camaro, the redesigned 2010 Cadillac SRX and the 2010 Chevy Equinox crossover. Eight distinct direct injection engines will be offered in 38 GM vehicle models around the world next year.
Timed to coincide with Earth Day, Mitsubishi gave Oregonians an electrifying thrill--a sneak peek at Mitsubishi's stylish four-passenger auto - the i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle)! Mitsubishi, now partnering with the state of Oregon and Portland General Electric (PGE), brought the new all-electric vehicle to this environmentally-conscious city, where Mitsubishi's North American operations president and CEO, John Koenig, was welcomed by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who took his first test drive of the all-electric vehicle from PGE's headquarters at the World Trade Center. Mitsubishi is in a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) partnership with the state of Oregon and Portland General Electric (PGE).
The all-new electric car is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery. A new model will be delivered to Oregon for fleet testing in late 2009. PGE continues to partner with Oregon businesses and governments to roll out its network of charging stations to support these next-generation electric vehicles and plug-in electric vehicles.
Don't count on the diesel bar closing anytime soon, economists say. A new study by market-research firm Freedonia Group forecasts diesels to tap into 3.5% annual growth through 2012, driven in part by an increased popularity of small cars and trucks. (Did ya' hear that, Detroit?)
In the near future, diesels won't rule the assembly line, but Cleveland-based Freedonia says they will gain a larger share--especially in North America--as more people clamor for alternative-fuel brews. Today's $130-billion-a-year diesel business frothed over by nearly 6% annually between 2002 and 2007.
Granted, the demand for diesel is slowing down. Western Europe's diesel party--projected to hop only 2%--may be coming close to last call. But here in the States, we're just starting to drink up diesel. Freedonia pegs North America to outpace global demand at a 4.5% rate over the next five years.
Toyota's highly-anticipated third generation Prius hybrid electric vehicle will come to market in May in one grade, starting at an MSRP of $21,000. It will be offered with five levels of standard equipment combinations. A new base model, designed to appeal to cost-conscious businesses and consumers, is scheduled to be available later this year, with a lower level of standard equipment. Prius is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), emitting over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.
The newest rendition takes what was great about the previous model and makes it even better. Combined fuel economy is up to 50 miles per gallon, despite the fact that the Prius has grown larger and more powerful. Toyota also says the car is quieter, referring to the ride and drive at speed. It makes little to no noise operating on battery alone.
BMW's recent launch of a new world tour of their art cars at Grand Central Station in New York reminds us of Olafur Eliasson's magnificent Art Car commission, Your Mobile Expectations" BMW H2R project. Eliasson transformed the BMW H2R race car, a hydrogen-powered vehicle by removing the car's outer shell and replacing it with a complex, translucent skin made of steel mesh, reflective steel panels, and many layers of ice. The work was shown in it's own chilled room at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) from September 8, 2007 through January 13, 2008. Henry Urbach, a SFMOMA curator calls Eliasson's work " a powerful provocation to design and a reminder of the profound effect design can have on our lives. He has given us a work that challenges the way we understand cars now and helps point us toward a different future. It's an experiment, really, as much a social and political intervention as an aesthetic one . . ."
The BMW Art Car Collection was established in 1975. It now includes 16 works by prominent artists--David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.
Despite America's on-again, off-again love affair with passenger diesels, Mercedes-Benz sticks to its guns with a new concept executive-class sedan unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.
Powered by a 2.2L, four-cylinder turbodiesel, the E250 BlueTEC Concept promises 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway--those are conservative estimates--and would regularly hit well over 40 mpg, says the company. The secret to this efficiency is found in the car's 7-speed automatic transmission and its next-generation emission controls, including dual nitrogen-oxide scrubbers, that use less energy to clean the nasties coming out of the tailpipe.
The pint-sized engine, similar to what Mercedes offers in Europe, would pack a respectable 204 hp and a tremendous 369 lb-ft of torque. Some early reviews indicate that this clean-diesel sedan has a good chance of seeing the inside of a dealer's showroom in the near future.
The AFVi gave awards to a variety of individuals and organizations for top leadership in the alternative fuels and vehicles industry, as part of the 15th national Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo 2009. Those receiving the awards have shown excellence in advancing the use of alternative fuels, vehicles or new technologies that provide an alternative to petroleum.
The 2009 AFVi winners include: 20/20 Vision Award: to the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), the world's 5th- largest seaport complex working with drayage truck owners to replace old trucks that can cut truck related air pollution by 80% by 2012; Golden Bullet Award: to Joe Jobe, the true unifier for the national effort to unite the biodiesel industry to promote the use of biodiesel in our nation's fleets; Green Fleet Award: to Victor La Rosa, President of Total Transportation Services, Inc. (TTSI), the first to operate a full-time drayage service at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles with AFVs. TTSI has invested $15 million in LNG trucks and is working to replace 1/2 of its 300-truck fleet with AFVs, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, and NOX by 70% compared to the diesel vehicles being replaced. Green Giant Award: T. Boone Pickens, who launched "Pickens Plan", using a social networking campaign that has attracted 1.4 million supporters to focus attention on wind, solar and natural gas transportation. Invention and Innovation Award (Heavy-Duty): President and COO Michael Gallagher, of Westport Innovations, a leading developer of advanced engines that run on natural gas and other gaseous fuels and the commitment to the development of alternative energy and environmental cleanup technologies.Invention and Innovation Awa rd (Light-Duty): Toyota Prius came to the U.S. marketplace in 2001 and changed the makeup of the world's fleet of vehicles. It's now sold in more than 40 countries and regions and, since it was first introduced in the United States, more than 1.2 million Prius have been sold worldwide. The 2010 Prius gets 50 MPG. Toyota plans to introduce ten new hybrid models globally by 2012 and has set the bar for eco-supremacy. Oxygen Award: The Blue Bird VISION, the first full-size, dedicated propane-powered school bus to be offered by a major manufacturer in the United States since 2002. It reduces NOx, CO, particulate matter and VOC emissions by as much as 83%-99%. Prescient Pioneer Award: Mike Scarpino, who U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program that facilitates the work of 90 coalitions located in cities throughout the country to assist public and private fleets as they transition to alternative fuels.
If you thought the air-powered AirPod was a little strange, then General Motors' alliance with Segway isn't much of a stretch. Called the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility transporter, Project PUMA aims to change the way people zip around town.
Running on two wheels instead of four, and powered by lithium-ion batteries as are today's one-person Segway vehicles, the two-seat, all-electric PUMA can deliver up to 35 miles of electric travel at a top speed of 35 mph on a single charge.
The 300-lb prototype includes "smart" technologies other than Segway's trademark two-wheel balancing, such as autonomous driving and parking, the companies said this month at the New York auto show.
It appears the skill of parallel parking will be disappearing maybe even within the next ten years. For one who doesn't text, there's a certain indignation that future generations will have a vehicle parallel and steer itself into a parking spot. A three turn perfect landing is, after all, a hard earned skill. Ford has announced that it will have Active Park Assist, an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) on certain 2010 Ford and Lincoln models that will park themselves. In April, General Motors introduced a two-wheel, two seat urban concept vehicle in partnership with Segway called PUMA that also parks itself. (This one is so small, you could probably just pick it up carry it into a parking space.) In 2006, Lexus introduced an early version of park assist, which was overly complicated and didn't park the vehicle without a lot of help from the driver. What this does for fuel efficiency depends on the driver; I have watched half hour parking shows with no commercial interruption on the streets of New York City that must have used a half a tank of gasoline. Rearview cameras are very helpful and don't endanger the skill of driving; but I fear taking away the eye/hand coordination required to parallel park will just make us worse drivers than we already are.
Forget the 'running of the bulls' in Spain, one of the world's most exciting thrills. How about an all-expense-paid trip to Paris, as a VIP guest of the American Le Mans Series, to watch the 24 Hours of le Mans, the world's oldest endurance race. It's also one of the most exciting racing events, that now pits four classes of sports cars all run on one of four alternative fuels: clean sulfur-free diesel, cellulosic E85, E10 or gas-electric hybrid. Audi's all-new R15 diesels are considered the shoe-in winners, but this German automaker faces strong competition in this June event, especially from the diesel-pow ered Peugeot 908.
Your trip to Le Mans, France, will find you sleeping in a French chateau; meeting the drivers and visiting the teams in their garages; watching Le Grand Parade des Pilotes; as well as getting a chance to win a $2500 Lowe's Gift Card, $1500 in Shell Giftcards, receiving a set of 4 new Michelin car or light truck tires. (No purchase is necessary--and no worries about being run over by a bull!)
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers offered behind-the-wheel EcoDriving demonstrations to the press at the New York Auto Show to promote their ecodriving website, www.EcodrivingUSA.com.
EcoDriving instructors demonstrated techniques to help consumers learn simple ways to save money by reducing fuel consumption while cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions regardless of what vehicle they drive. Unless you are deeply involved in car antics like drifting, any conscious human being can adopt these fuel saving/CO2-reducing measures with just a little discipline.
The interactive website includes a video guide introduced by none other than California's Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger to ecoDriving along with an ecoCalculator that calculates how many gallons of gasoline and how much CO2 state initiatives save or reduce and how much individuals can save/reduce. Warning: If you don't have video game dexterity, the Virtual Road Test will be humiliating.
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf was named World Car of the Year at this month's New York auto show. It was in the running along with the Ford Fiesta and Toyota iQ.
The company has also announced some basic technical details on its revamped compact.
Available in the U.S. this fall in diesel and gas versions, the 2010 Golf will be offered with a 2.5L, five-cylinder gas engine, which cranks out 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. It is expected to start at about $16,500.
The new Golf TDI will employ a 2.0L, four-cylinder tubodiesel with an output of 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The diesel version will be offered standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, but a six-speed automatic transmission will also be available.
Nissan is amping up its electric vehicle image by forming a partnership with utility company San Diego Gas & Electric Nissan will assist SDG&E in EV acquisition (this most likely means providing them electric vehicles) as well as work with SDG&E to develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for EVs. Together, Nissan and SDG&E will form a working team with area agencies, institutions and companies to work towards the implementation and maintenance of a battery charging network and establish and support education activities designed to promote the use of EVs.
This pretty much sounds like an exercise on paper with no actual battery charging stations built. One can imagine Romulus and Rebus developing plans and forming working teams before a single stone was laid to build Rome, too.
The San Diego partnership expands on a broader effort by Renault-Nissan Alliance, which has begun ZEV initiatives in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, the Principality of Monaco, Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama city (Japan), and has formed partnerships with the French electric utility company EDF, the Swiss electric utility company Energie Ouest Suisse, the private-car hire service "greentomatocars" (UK) and with zero-emission transport system company "elektromotive" (UK). In the United States, the Alliance has agreed to ZEV partnerships in Tennessee, Oregon, Sonoma County, CA and Tucson, AZ.
Nissan says they will introduce an electric car to the U.S. market in 2010. Plug in hybrids are coming, although no one can answer how I'm going to plug my vehicle in from my 10th floor apartment.
We have to start somewhere. But forming partnerships to study the situation is still a long way from putting a shovel in the ground.
Want to get Green Tips on your green cell phone? Send text message to 44663 (4INFO) with GREENTIPS, or go to ECO.LOGICAL,moto w233 online.
Motorola's Moto w233 is the world's first carbonfree cell phone, with a shell made up of recycled water bottles--and is 100 per cent recyclable. " The phone is also PVC free and comes recycled packaging that is printed with vegetable based inks," says Motorola. " Most importantly, Motorola has offset the emissions for the life cycle (manufacture, distribution and operation) of the phone through certified offsets provided Carbonfund.org. There's even a postage paid envelope to return your phone at the end of its life.
Audi's first domestic clean diesel, the 2009 Q7 TDI sport-utility vehicle, will be eligible for a $1,150 tax credit, the manufacturer has announced. The vehicle, which will begin shipping this month to dealerships, starts at $50,900, priced smack dab in between the 3.6L V-6 and 4.2L V-8 gas engines already offered on the Q7.
The Audi Q7 TDI is up to 30% more fuel-efficient than a comparable gas model (also cutting greenhouse-gas emissions), the manufacturer claims. On highway, it will carry an efficiency rating of 25 mpg, 20 mpg combined, and will travel 600 miles on a single tank of diesel.
Powered by a 3.0L V-6 diesel, the Q7 TDI offers 221 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, more than double the torque of a gasoline version of the same size, and will tow up to 6,600 lb. Of course, it also carries luxury interiors, such as heated front leather seats and dual-zone climate control.
Want to try your hand at driving the some new models that are the latest buzz? Some of the automotive industry's newest and most innovative hybrid and alternative-fueled vehicles will be on display at the 2009 Green Vehicle Showcase, to be held Monday, April 20, 2009, from 10:00 to 3 pm, at 900 9th Street, the City Lot Center, (across from the Hyatt Hotel), in Washington, D.C. There will be a host of fuel efficient cars, plug-in hybrids, as well as natural gas and battery-electric vehicles, which will also be accessible for ride and drive opportunities. On hand will be industry engineers and experts, who will be available for interviews and personal chats. Light refreshments will be served and shuttle service is available from Capital Hill.
For tickets and further information, contact Barbara Pomerance, at bp@pomeranceassociates.com, or try Jon Enton at jon@enton.com.The event is sponsored by the Maryland Automobile Dealers; the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association,; the American Automobile Dealers Assoc.; the American International Dealers; the NADA, ALAM, and the Auto Alliance/Driving Information.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally recently said that in 10-12 years Ford would move a major portion of its portfolio to electric vehicles. Advocates of electric-vehicles-any-day- now point to quick battery charging and battery swapping stations.
However, Herbert Kohler, Daimler vice president for group research and advance engineering, was quoted in Automotive News as saying "Don't believe those kinds of fantasies to say it could be in a few minutes." Kohler says battery recharging will take one and a half to two hours in order to protect the life of the battery.
A senior vice president of Nissan Motor Company said that early arrival electric vehicles would be predominantly urban. So, how long a cord will I need to reach my 10th floor apartment?
There's a lot of exciting talk about EV's. There are still many, many problems.
Here's a novel solution to America's energy and infrastructure crisis: A group of students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology has invented a shock absorber that produces electricity from a car's wheels as they bounce down the road. In the future, vehicles could run on pothole power.
Called the GenShock, the device aims to dampen bumpy pavement and the cost of fuel at the same time. It would help consumers, trucking fleet owners and the military save on fuel--up to 10% overall--in a one to two-year payback time. It also could generate electricity as tires travel down a smooth road, says Levant Power, the students' Boston-based start-up company.
For passenger-car applications, GenShock works best in tandem with hybrid vehicles to make them even more efficient, the company notes. Hydraulic fluid in the suspension system replaces the springs in traditional shocks, powering a small turbine that runs accessories, such as air conditioning.
Mazda is the first Japanese carmaker to add a urea system to its diesel. The technology will be used on to the CX-7 that will be introduced later in the year. The system was designed for the European market and meets the Euro 5 emission regulations. It will be combined with Mazda's 2.2-liter turbo diesel. Mazda's system is smaller than most, which will allow them to equip it in a passenger car in the future. There are no plans right now to bring the CX-7 with diesel to the U.S.
Green Earth Technologies has signed a two-year commitment to name their Ultimate Biodegradable "green" motor oil (G-OIL™) as the official motor oil of The American Le Mans Series (AMLS) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). G-oil is the world's lowest petroleum, "eco-friendly," and ultimate biodegradable motor oil and is made with American-grown renewable animal fats. This oil has no harsh effects on the environment, and drastically reduces America's dependence foreign oil.
G-OIL will be used in the Series' official G-OIL-logo safety trucks, and will be given prominent advertising display at all Series races, while Green Earth Technologies will also use the AMLS and IMSA logos on all product and publicity materials, as well as on their Web site.
"It is a pleasure to partner with the American Le Mans Series as it embarks on its overall green initiative and redefines racing as a socially conscious sport," said Jeffrey Loch, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer. He added, "The Series is synonymous with high performance and aligning G-OIL with those same quality standards, will give consumers the confidence to go green with their own engines."
"Green Earth Technologies' G-OIL and their eco-friendly business model is a perfect match for our series," said American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. "This partnership is perfectly suited for our position as the global leader in green racing which has become a big differentiator for our racing series. We anticipate additional environmentally-focused companies to follow Green Earth Technologies' lead."
Teachers are always looking for teaching materials. GM's education website, which has educational aids for K-12 teachers, and has just launched a new blog so that teachers can exchange ideas on how to promote green lessons in their classrooms. The blog was launched with a couple of teachers who received "Live Green" teacher grants in 2008. Grants were sponsored by General Motors and Discovery Education. These teachers share thoughts and ideas about teaching the environment, energy and advanced technologies. Readers can submit their own ideas to Educationeditor@gmblogs.com. The new teacher blog can be found at http://www.gm.com/experience/education/blog/.
The site has other classroom resources, including free lesson plans. These resources were developed for GM through partnerships with Weekly Reader, Junior Achievement and Keystone Center and cover a variety of topics around energy, advanced technologies and alternative fuels. The lesson plans are designed for specific grade levels and meet national education standards for a variety of school subjects. Games, articles, technology animations and career information designed specifically for students can also be found on the site.
While Toyota and Honda are duking it out over who will sell a cheaper gas-electric hybrid, a new company in Colorado promises to start selling a diesel-hydraulic sports car as early as next year.
Loveland, Colo.-based Lightning Hybrids is working on two new models that will run on a 3-cylinder, 90-hp Volkswagen turbodiesel engine mated to a 150-hp hydraulic pump. Designed to run on biodiesel, the combined 240-hp, oil-burner will zoom from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and weigh just 1,750 lb. Average fuel economy is 100 mpg.
The patented, rear-wheel drivetrain takes advantage of hydraulic tanks to store energy. It may sound far-out, but vehicle engineers are increasingly looking at hydraulics as a power aid. Such automakers as Peugeot and China-based SsangYong, among others, are working on diesel-hydraulic cars to boost fuel economy and performance in the hybrid arena.
Lightning's styling is futuristic with retro, classic-car roots. Dan Johnson, CEO and chief designer, modeled the car from his 1963 split-window Corvette. Model LH3, available next year, is a three-wheeled commuter car. Model LH4, a four-wheeled coupe, will follow in 2011, says Johnson, who unveiled a prototype at the Denver Auto Show on April 1. Pricing for the new car is expected to start at $39,000.
The company also plans to build retrofit kits for existing cars and is competing in the Progressive Automotive X-PRIZE competition, which features alternative-fueled cars, including several diesels.
It's not new news that U.S. automaker's sales have fallen by 50 percent during the past year, and continue to decline. President Obama is pushing to give consumers "generous credit" for replacing an older car with an all-new more fuel efficient model.
A bipartisan proposal that is currently before Congress would give vouchers for $4,000-$5,000 to consumers who have vehicles that are 9 years old-and beyond-as the down payment on a vehicle that sells for $20,000 or more and gets more than 27 mpg. If this proposal is passed, new car buyers would benefit from other vehicle incentives from dealers and manufacturers and it is projected that auto sales could be boosted by 2.5 million units, even if only 2 percent of eligible models were traded in.
Bill Ford, Chairman of the Board of Ford Motor Company, said that "in addition to its consumer benefits, this proposal would help reduce our carbon footprint. Automakers are accelerating efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, but the latest fuel economy rules apply only to new cars. This proposal would help America get greener faster by retiring a portion of the 240 million vehicles on the road. It could reduce our CO2 emissions by millions of metric tons per year." The program would also fuel savings of approximately $780 per year to families moving from a vehicle that gets 18 miles per gallon to an auto that gets 30 miles per gallon.
Out of the 33 finalists for the 2009 Buckminster Fuller Challenge prize of $100,000, three are automotive related.
They are:
-Carnot-Equivalent Stirling Engine and Heat Pump, submitted by Berkana Technology Group (Berkana LLC)
-SubEx: Moving Small Package Freight through City Subways, not City Streets, submitted by Bruce Cahan, Urban Logic, Inc.
-Sustainable Personal Mobility: The CityCar, the RoboScooter, and Mobility-on-Demand Systems, submitted by Ryan Chin, Ph.D Candidate, MIT Media Lab
The prize, awarded each year by a distinguished jury, is given by the Buckminster Fuller Institute to support the development and implementation of a strategy that has significant potential to solve humanity's most pressing problems. To view full details of the 2009 Challenge go to: http://challenge.bfi.org/press/2009_finalists The winner will be announced in May.
The Golf is coming back--and good news for diesel fans--this time it will be available in both gasoline and turbodiesel as Volkswagen continues its push into clean-diesel cars. The compact is Volkswagen's most-popular model of all time, selling 26 million units in 120 countries.
This fall, the 2010 Golf will arrive in dealer showrooms in the U.S. Its official domestic debut is slated for the New York auto show, held April 10-19, where it is a contender for the World Car of the Year award. It was unveiled internationally at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
Diesels helped to keep Volkswagen of America Inc.'s overall, 20% monthly sales decline in March from falling further off a cliff. The clean-diesel Jetta and Jetta SportWagen "continue to sell well," says Mark Barnes, chief operating officer. In May, the company plans to roll out to dealers its clean-diesel Touareg TDI luxury SUV.
The U.S. Transportation Dept. has levied new fuel economy standards for all 2011 new cars and light trucks. Just announced in Washington, D.C., auto manufacturers will now have to average 27.3 mpg for their 2011 fleets, an 8 percent gain, which is the implementation of a 2007 law that was originally intended to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy standards by 2020. While the new standards have been pushed to an earlier deadline, the 27.3 mpg isn't as tough as the 27.8 mpg that President Bush proposed in 2006.
Cars must average 30.2 mpg, while light trucks will average 24.1. "This isn't going to be a stretch for them to meet this, " said David Kelly, former acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, under President Bush, as new car fuel economy had achieved 31.3 mpg by 2007, reports NHTSA.
While automakers have been preparing for new standards, the new standard "is still a pretty significant jump from the 2010" standards, said Kelly, who added " You can't say Obama is going soft." It's expected that the new ruling will cost manufacturers $1.5 billion, but save an estimated 867 million gallons of gasoline over the life of 2011 models and reduce carbon emissions by 8.3 million tons.
Mitsubishi Motors' zero-emission pure-electric i-MiEV, was named is a finalist in the World Green Car of the Year competition. The i-MiEV was selected by an international panel of 59 automotive journalists looking for vehicles that increase environmental responsibility by lowering emissions and fuel consumption or employ advanced power plant technology (beyond engine components).
The i-MiEV uses lithium-ion battery packs consisting of 22 modules with four cells each that install in either a vertical or transverse position under vehicle's floor. Mitsubishi claims that flexible charging scenarios allow fast re-charging, requiring just 30 minutes to reach 80 percent of battery capacity. Its onboard charger also conveniently handles 110 or 220V for at-home charging.
To be eligible for the 2009 World Green Car of the Year award, a vehicle had to be available in at least one major market during 2008. The vehicle can be in production or a prototype with potential near-future application, released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of 10 or more during 2008.
The i-MiEV is scheduled to go on sale in the Japanese market this summer and is currently undergoing U.S. testing with Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison. The i-MiEV is up against the Honda FCX Clarity and Toyota iQ. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 9, 2009.
Audi's R15 TDI won its debut race, at the 12 Hours of Sebring, on March 21st. Taking turns at the wheel were drivers Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland). The triumvirate achieved an historic victory in Audi AG's new diesel-powered sports car. Audi's drivers completed 383 laps, besting the previous distance record at Florida's Sebring raceway by an impressive 13 laps.
Audi Sport Team Joest's pair of Audi R15s completed the full race without technical problems, even though this innovative Le Mans prototype had only made its first run in December, as a result of20cold weather conditions in Europe. At Sebring, Audi's crew faced ambient temperatures nearly double to their test conditions and were forced to work through the night to gain competence with this new diesel, as well as to set it up for the extremely bumpy raceway, in the center of Florida.
Audi's McNish outpaced the Acura/Honda pole-sitter at the start, finishing the first lap with a lead of more than five seconds. Later, the cars to beat were the two diesel-powered Peugeot 908s, who traded the lead twelve times over the course of the race with the R15s. In the end, McNish used the new prototype's optimized weight distribution and the sophisticated aerodynamics to his gain. The R15 TDI replaces the R10 version. McNish crossed the finish line 22.279 seconds in front of second-placed Peugeot. Audi's R15 TDI was also the most efficient vehicle at the race and took home a clear 1-2 victory in the "Michelin Green X Challenge", which rewards fuel consumption in relation to performance.
"It's an absolutely fantastic feeling," said driver Tom Kristensen. "Wow, what a race - the fastest ever race at Sebring covering a record distance. Winning with such a young car which had completed low testing miles in dry weather before we got here is amazing. I won here on the debut of the R8, then the R10 TDI and now the R15 TDI - thanks to the know-how and experience of the crew. Everyone at Audi Sport, and all six drivers here at Sebring, have worked very hard to be in a position to beat Peugeot here at this very difficult track and after an extremely hard fight. I'm proud to be a part of this team - it's a cool feeling."
Three new R15 TDI prototypes will compete in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. An intensive test program is scheduled for Audi Sport Team Joest leading up to the race, which will be held on June 13/14.
Part of President Obama's $792-billion stimulus package is a deal that shovels no less than $2.4 billion into the private sector to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles and batteries for tomorrow's clean cars and trucks.
Though America can't take credit for inventing the automobile, as Obama recently goofed, the plan could help ailing U.S. automakers get back in the game. Tax credits for the future plug-in hybrids are set at $7,500 apiece.
"The investment will not only reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it will put Americans back to work," says Obama. "It positions American manufacturers on the cutting edge of innovation and solving our energy challenges." The President's goal is to put one million plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015.
The plan includes the following:
• $1.5 billion in Dept. of Energy grants to U.S. manufacturers to develop new batteries
• $500 million in DOE grants so companies can develop other electrical components, such as motors
• $400 million in DOE grants to build demonstration cars and "infrastructure" concepts, like charging stations
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that it will use B5 biodiesel to power its race cars, transport vehicles and generators during the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup season, which kicks off April 24 - 26 at the VIRginia International Raceway - Alton, VA (with Grand-Am) and runs through September Sept. 25 - 27 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA (with ALMS). Houston-based HYPERFUELS will supply B5 biodiesel for the series, which is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing.
VW says SynDiesel® B5 biodiesel is approved for use in all Volkswagen TDI powered vehicles that are available at local Volkswagen dealerships today. Powering Jetta TDI Cup racecars with biodiesel supports the clean and green racing of the Jetta TDI Cup series and it also gives consumers the confidence to use B5.
During the 2009 season, the Jetta TDI Cup cars will consume approximately two tanks of B5 biodiesel during race conditions. As a result of the new fuel, overall carbon emissions produced by the series will be reduced by 2,583 pounds. These environmentally friendly characteristics classify all Volkswagen TDI models as Advanced Lean Technology Vehicles, qualifying consumers for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit.
VW first introduced its clean diesel technology on the racetrack in 2008.
Money does grow on trees, it turns out- and now is being harvested in the form of diesel dollars. As a result, the seeds in the fruit pods of the jatropha tree were some of the big news at this year's National Biodiesel Conference, held recently in San Francisco.
The seeds of the jatropha, which is native to India and Africa, p roduce clean-burning diesel fuel, and in a manner that, unlike corn and other sources of biofuel, doesn't compete with food crops for good land. Brothers Paul and Mike Dalton have found the tree grows like a weed, even in poor soil and have named their Florida-based company My Dream Fuel. University of Florida researcher, Roy Beckford, along with the Daltons, presented at the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. Beckford has been studying this diesel variant and says "this is a superior biodiesel."
The new fuel is quickly gaining notoriety and was successfully tested on an Air New Zealand flight, in December, using a 50-50 blend of the jatropha and an aviation fuel blend. India hopes the oil from the tree's seeds will actually help to produce 20 percent of its diesel fuel by 2011, and other countries, including Brazil, Kenya, Australia and China have jumped on board, as well.
The Daltons have planted 900,000 trees near Fort Meyers and note that the trees have thrived in the Florida climate and could likely yield eight times as much oil as have been produced in India and Africa. The brothers believe they can get up to 1,600 gallons of the fuel per acre each year, which compares to 200 gallons for stock that grows in the wild.
Hypermilers may be expert at squeezing hybrid-like efficiency out of regular cars, but for about $160, anyone can learn how to drive around town on a just few drops of fuel.
The Fuel Efficiency Adviser is a low-tech monitor that plugs into your car's diagnostic port (located near the steering wheel) and tells you how well you are doing in the MPG department. As you drive, it reads out current miles per gallon, average MPG for the trip and the dent you just put in your pocketbook.
By alerting them to gas-guzzling habits, the fuel "nanny" helps drivers cruise more efficiently (and safely) and potentially saves up to 300 gallons per year, or 30% of annual fuel costs, the manufacturer claims. The drawback is that lead-foots may struggle to ease off the throttle and simply choose to ignore the device.
Even without a fuel monitor, though, the habits of efficient drivers are universal. They include:
BMW is the first manufacturer to equip new diesels with the make-no-mistake fueling system that prevents you from putting gasoline in your expensive diesel automobile. Putting gasoline in a diesel engine can cost you. The entire fuel and filter system has to be cleaned; otherwise the gasoline could cause very expensive engine damage.
Called The Incorrect Fueling Protection System, it is fitted to the 335d and X5 xDrive35d here in the U.S. Diesel fuel nozzles don't fit into the tank filler neck of a vehicle that burns gasoline so there's no problem going the other way. There has been an increase in owners grabbing the wrong hose--especially owners who drive both gasoline-powered and diesel powered vehicles.
BMW's tank filler neck has a safety flap that swings clear when the diesel fuel nozzle makes contact with a pair of electronically activated pins. The system also protects against the use of a spare emergency can.
Most think of Palm Springs as an upscale California desert enclave or winter golf haven. Few would think of this trendy town as the "Hydrogen Capital" of the United States and, yet, the mayor of Palm Springs has gone on record to try to become a leader in helping to develop America0s hydrogen highway network. The first fueling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles would be developed along the busy Interstate 10 which passes through Palm Springs, which already boasts huge acres of wind turbines.
Many of the wind turbines are operated by Wintec Energy of Palm Springs. A spokesperson for Wintec has announced it will donate land for the hydrogen filling station, as well as produce the energy for free to produce the hydrogen.
Because the power will come from wind, instead of coal- or natural gas-fired generators, the hydrogen would be a truly "green" fuel source, officials said.
"We have everything we need, the wind and the sun, here in Palm Springs to be the leader in producing hydrogen ... we just need the infrastructure," said Mayor Steve Pougnet at a news conference under Wintec's wind turbines.
Wintec President Fred Noble said his company will donate the land and electricity, but someone else will have to provide the electolyzer -- a device that can create hydrogen fuel out of water. Noble said the device and fueling station would cost approximately $1 million, and that Wintec currently has the technology in place to make hydrogen, from a time when the wind energy company made the fuel, before the U.S. Department of Energy took back its electrolyzer.
"The technology is here," said Pougnet, who also said he wants to help make Palm Springs the "hydrogen capital" of the United States. "If we become the hydrogen producing capital ... that creates a whole new industry that will generate jobs," he said.
French car maker MDI is not fooling around, though its claims may sound like a bunch of hot air. The fledgling company plans to sell a car that runs on nothing but air for a few-thousand dollars. Compressed air, that is.
MDI has developed an engine that uses compressed air to turn a piston that delivers power to the wheels. When the car runs out of compressed air, you can plug it into your home's electrical supply to recharge it, or buy more of the "fuel" at your local filling station.
Though the novel idea may not sound all that strange to some people in this time of energy exploration, drivers may have a tough time getting used to the confined space of such cars as the AIRPod and its joystick steering.
Ford reopened its Cleveland Engine Plant #1, which was closed in 2007 for updating. The plant has now started building the first EcoBoost engines. These 3.5-liter V6s are for the 2010 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and to power the new Ford Taurus SHO.
Ford's Cleveland facility has been updated to a flexible manufacturing system for production of the EcoBoost high efficiency/low emission engines. Each engine comes off the line with a birth history microchip database that contains hundreds of critical metrics. The documentation allows engineers to monitor and control quality as well as make to make any adjustments or revisions in a timely manner.
Steve Wesoloski, GM's Road Racing Group Manager boasts his liking for the transformation of the Chevy Corvette from a gas-guzzling power ride to a more energy efficient, environmentally friendly sportscar.
A corvette, by definition, is a naval warship that is small, fast and maneuverable. These traits are also the defining characteristics of the Chevrolet Corvette, perhaps America's best sports car for the money.
Project Opel, an endeavor held in secrecy, was largely influenced by Harley Earl, who took his inspirations from European sports cars and thought GM needed one too. The automotive stylist and engineer convinced Chevrolet's general manager, Ed Cole, to take on the project and, in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette was born. Credited for naming the American sportscar was The General's own Myron Scott.
Researching further into the corvette naval ship, you will see that there was a steam-wind hybrid ship that sailed the seas in the 19th century, so corvette and hybrid have been synonymous for over a century with the alternate use of energy.
Corvette will continue the symbolic co-existence with its namesake, and will race its new, cellulosic E85-powered car in the GT2 class of the 2009 American Le Mans Series. Perhaps Team Corvette is on to something good; they are the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series.
Wesoloski admits there are no real answers but lots of ideas to create environmentally embracing racecars, and believes in the E85 fuel as one of those ideas, "...you don't have to be afraid of ethanol. It's good enough to race and good enough to drive to soccer practice. And we're not touching the food chain. We're trying to send that message, and using a cellulosic process is a big deal."
As with the Corvette naval warship, the Corvette car has tucked itself nicely into its appropriate place to play its part of the evolution of alternatively-fueled autos. The Corvette utilizes an aluminum frame which also makes for a lighter racecar, combining environmentally friendly and fuel efficiency with a racecar -Corvette's answer for the 2009 American Le Mans Series at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, on March 21st.
When it comes to modern engines, bigger is not always better. You would think that the company that was the first to take Le Mans with a diesel would kick it up a notch in building a next-generation racer.
Not so. Audi says it will leave out two cylinders in its R15 TDI for this summer's 24-hour endurance race in France. It replaces the 12-cylinder R10 TDI, which took the title the last three years in a row.
The move, you could say, fits well into the spirit of Le Mans, which, time and time again, has pushed motorsports to new extremes. In its new contender, Audi is squeezing in a smaller, lighter engine that burns less fuel and emits less pollution yet returns 600 hp and 774 lb-ft of torque to the ground, upping the performance of the older model.
At press days at the Geneva Auto Show, March 3-4, Mitsubishi displays two concepts: the i MiEV (Mitsubishi in-wheel motor Electric Vehicle) which debuts in Japan this summer and the iMiEv Sport Air concept which is a coupe version of the prototype. The Sport Air's has a pumped up engine and a lower center of gravity for better driving dynamics. A "clear cutaway" top gives the iMiEV its "airiness."
The concepts are based on the gasoline-powered Mitsubishi i microcar and the Prototype i MiEV advances the idea of a fully electric vehicle for both Japan and Western Europe.
The i MiEV gets a 47-kW (63-hp) electric motor powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is said to be 84 mph. Range is 80 to 100 miles on a single charge. Battery charging takes about 12 hours through a 110-volt outlet and six hours using 220-volt power source. Mitsubishi hasn't confirmed that i MiEV is coming to the U.S., but they announced an agreement on March 3, 2009 with Peugot to partner on the development of an electric vehicle for Europe based on the i MiEV. The car will be manufactured by Mitsubishi and sold under Peugeot brand, in parallel to Mitsubishi's own European i MiEV.
Most of us think of ExxonMobil as a company that produces oil and natural gas. However, beyond that, this worldwide corporation has scientists and engineers who are busy at work in many different areas, such as ways to help cars run more efficiently and cleanly, with hydrogen, for example. One break-through technology is called on-board reforming. It would facilitate the conversion of today's fuels- like gasoline, diesel and ethanol--into hydrogen on board your vehicle. Currently, ExxonMobil estimates this technology could result in 80 percent better fuel economy while, at the same time, improving emissions by 45 percent over today's vehicle measures.
"Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are much more efficient than today's cars. And, with on-board reforming technology, we don't need to create a huge new infrastructure for hydrogen production, distribution and storage," said engineer Baudouin Kelecom, a spokesperson for ExxonMobil.
For further information on this new technology and other ExxonMobil news, go to www.exxonmobil.com
Sad news for diesel fans, General Motors has joined other automakers who are shelving small-displacement diesels for their half-ton pickups. It says it is putting its 4.5L Duramax V-8 on "indefinite hold" due to economic constraints.
Affectionately called by some the "Baby Duramax," the 4.5L diesel was due to appear on the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size, light-duty pickups in 2010. GM currently offers a 6.6L V-8 Duramax on the heavy-duty versions.
The General says it is "optimistic" that the little Duramax "may be a viable option in its future portfolio," pointing buyers to its current line of gasoline and two-mode hybrid powertrains in its half-ton trucks.
Even if GM never releases the 4.5L motor on one of its models, the innovative powerplant, which some have called the most advanced diesel ever made, may still be licensed out to another automaker, reports PickupTrucks.com. Stay tuned.
The new Mazda 3 has lost 24 lbs. and that helps fuel economy, which is predicted to be in the mid-20s.
But there's a new interesting unique feature on the Mazda 3 that has a bigger impact on fuel savings. The i-stop system, which is a version of the stop-start technology, is offered with the 2-liter direct injection engine.
Instead of using the electric starter, the i-stop system restarts the engine by injecting fuel directly into a cylinder near top dead center, and igniting it by firing off the spark plug. The technology helps cut fuel consumption by approximately 12 percent compared to the current European Mazda3. The system will initially appear in Japan and Europe; however, it will be expanded to the entire world market.
Ford says it developed the technology in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford will combine the system with some of the eco-boost engines beginning next year.
Continuing its long-standing reign, the 2009 Toyota Prius has once again been named the Top Green Car by consumerreports.org for the sixth consecutive year. Consumer Reports has a staff of experts, who provide ratings and reviews.
Known as the leader of the hybrid car movement, the Prius sedan boasts great fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions. The base model is rated at 44 mpg with a fuel efficiency of 35 city / 50 highway mpg, the best of all 5-passenger cars in the U.S. The 2009 Prius Touring model averages 42 mpg. Other considerations and benefits of the Prius are its roominess, versatility and overall reliability. It has also been rated the highest in Consumer Reports.org's Driver Satisfaction Survey.
The sleekly-styled hybrid is equipped with a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 68-hp engine paired with a 67-hp permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor that shuts off when brought to a stop.. Pricing begins at $22,000.
The Prius' fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions were the two top decision-making factors that made this model Consumer Reports.org's Top Green Car choice for 2009. Toyota promises that the 2010 Prius, due to market soon, will offer even greater fuel efficiency and power, with a number of significant upgrades.
Oh, those where the days, when you could send your gullible buddy off to the auto-parts store to get some exhaust fluid, and he would come back with a scowl because Gomer Pyle laughed in his face.
Well, the old trick won't work anymore, because you now need what's called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to keep some diesels running. As Dodge points out, its 8-gallon tank on the new 4500/5500 Ram is big enough to get your rig through an oil change. If you have a 2500/3500 diesel, don't worry, it just uses a solid-state, catalytic converter.
But if you miss a fill-up of the ammonia-based urea (yuck...smells like floor cleaner), your larger ruck will warn you a ridiculous number of times that it needs more tailpipe juice. If you go on ignoring it, Dodge says, you will get a final warning. That's your last chance, because the next time you try to start 'er up, you'll be stuck without wheels.
Porsche must have been absent the day they said you couldn't have everything. The Cayenne S Hybrid debuts next year with a parallel full hybrid design that puts an electric motor between the combustion engine and the transmission. Get this: Porsche engineers have been able to drive at speeds up to 86 mph without using the combustion engine at all. The Cayenne S Hybrid can roll freely-- or coast-- at highway speeds without the combustion engine on which lowers fuel consumption and CO2 output. Current hybrid systems deliver benefits mainly in city traffic.
The parallel full hybrid design also significantly improves acceleration, performance and efficiency. In other words, those Porsche fans aren't giving anything up. The Cayenne S Hybrid uses an eight-speed automatic unit. Top speed comes in sixth gear, and the two higher gears serve to further reduce engine speed to enhance fuel economy. Eighth gear, for example, enables the driver to coast along without the combustion engine at speeds up to 86 mph.
Next time you feed the vending machine, you can enjoy your soda knowing that Coca-Cola Enterprises delivered it using 30% less fuel and carbon emissions than usual.
The company just placed a huge order for 150 diesel-electric tractors and delivery trucks from Kenworth, which builds the biggest hybrid trucks on the road, the T370, rated at 55,000-lb GVW. Coca-Cola already has 142 diesel-hybrid trucks on the road, the largest fleet of its kind.
Kenworth's hybrid trucks are powered by a 6.7L Cummins diesel rated at 280 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. Eaton builds the 340V, electric-hybrid transmission, juiced up with a lithium-ion battery pack. It automatically switches between diesel and electric power to save up to 30% on fuel.
So drink up, rest easy...and don't forget to recycle that soda can.
One Diesel and Four Hybrids Make Kelly Blue Book's 2009 Top 10 Family Vehicles List
The editors of the online segment of Kelly Blue Book, kbb.com., have announced their choices for the 2009 Best New Family Vehicles. Considerations taken into account were resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and child-friendliness. In making their choices, kbb.com's team of experts embraced the idea that our nation's sluggish economy has resulted in less spending, in general, and in the automobile segment of the market, in particular. Therefore, the KBB's staff selected models that support a more frugal spending/good value pattern.
The 2009 Top 10 Family Vehicle's list has five alternatively-fueled vehicles, including one diesel-powered sedan and four hybrid models. Hybrids are capable of increasing fuel economy by, in some cases, 10-25 mpg more than conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles and new clean diesel technology can achieve up to 30 percent greater fuel economy; the new clean diesel is also now approved for all 50 states.
The five alternatively-fueled winners for the 2009 Best New Family Vehicles are as follows:
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hy brid
Cited for its greener side while maintaining its cargo-carrying capacity, seating and towing capacity of 6200 pounds, this full-sized SUV's hybrid powerplant brings 21 city / 22 highway mpg.
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
This updated gas-electric powertrain jumps this compact SUV's fuel efficiency rates above the Toyota Camry Hybrid, with its 34 city / 31 highway mpg. Benefits include the open, rear cargo area.
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The fuel efficiency of this updated, mid-sized sedan is upwards of 135 miles more than that of its gasoline-fueled cousin with a full tank of fuel. This hybrid brings 33 city / 34 highway mpg.
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
This mid-sized SUV's hybrid is the most fuel-efficient crossover vehicle with three rows of seating in the U.S. It achieves 27 city / 25 highway mpg.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI
Volkswagen's new clean diesel technology now makes this award-winning vehicle accessible in all 50 states. It offers 30 city / 41 highway mpg.
Ford wants to get those Millennials, born between 1979 and 1995, into their little car the Fiesta due here early next year. So they sent out a call for applications to be one of the first 100 to drive the Fiesta and report their findings through social media sites like Facebook, FlickR and YouTube and received over 1,500 responses. Deemed Fiesta Agents the chosen Millennials must complete missions in their Fiesta, make digital recordings of the capers and share them with Ford and others through their social networks. The first of the 100 Fiestas came off the line on February 20th at Ford of Europe's Cologne assembly plant in Germany.
The Fiesta, which will be built in Mexico for the U.S. market, should have great appeal to young car buyers. Ford expects it to get around 40 mph, but it has not yet gone through EPA ratings process. Too bad Dearborn isn't bringing in the diesel. Those green conscious youngsters could get 65 mph. Earth to Ford!
Colorful, fast and sexy, concept cars are usually the eye candy of auto shows. In this sagging economy, however, Nissan's idea of a head-turner is a vehicle that will help people get back to work.
The NV2500 Concept, unveiled at the Work Truck Show in Chicago, builds off the Titan pickup platform but with more goodies for architects and contractors like 110/220V electric outlets and compressed-air ports, a door-mounted tool chest, computer workstation, large-format printer for blueprints and more storage bins and cubby holes than bento box.
Nissan is building a smaller version of the NV in Europe to compete with Ford's Transit Connect and plans to release a larger van next year in North America. It is ramping down production of low-selling SUVs while upgrading its Canton, Miss., plant to the tune of $118 million to roll out more work trucks.
Though it plans to introduce the NV standard in the U.S. with a V8 engine, it is considering other power options. "We've got to look at gas and diesel," says Joe Castelli, in charge of Nissan North America's commercial vehicle business. The company may go with Cummins, which will be featured in future Chrysler-built Titans, or Nissan's own line of diesel engines supplied in foreign markets.
For its new work trucks, Castelli says, hybrid power is also an option. "At this point in time, we are still so new, I don't want to say no to anything."
"Revolutionary" New Green Technology to Grace the Sebring Track at the 57th Mobil 1 is Actually a Decade Old
'What's old is new again' is a quip that is sometimes used to describe cycles of popularity. In this case, the adage can be applied to the technology behind the 07S hybrid prototype racer that will take its inaugural run at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 21st, at the Sebring International Raceway, in Sebring, Florida.
Corsa Motorsports has paired up with Zytek in the development of this "revolutionary" 07S hybrid sports car. And, yet, it was a decade ago that the Panoz Q9 sports car--that the 07S is based on-- turned its wheels for the first time. This hybrid racer was a Panoz GTR-1 coupe that paired a Zytek electric motor with a Roush-Ford V8 engine. While finishing just short of qualifying for the Petit Le Mans in 1998, 'Sparky' as the prototype was named, did finish second that year in GT1 and was able to finish the entire 1000 mile run.
Racing legend James Weaver, who drove the qualifying race for Panoz in 1998, recalled, "It literally may have been 10 years ahead of its time. It was the hardest I had ever driven something in qualifying." 'Sparky' the battery was so large that it took up most of the cockpit area.
"The technology in the batteries was cutting-edge at the time. The big problem we had was the drive. It had so much torque and keeping the battery cool was a problem. We ran it on the airfield at Le Mans for the first time, just before qualifying. Engaging the electric motor did make a useful gain. We just ran out of time to develop the car," said Weaver.
Preparing for the 2009 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, driver Johnny Mowlem spoke out about the technology behind the 07S hybrid. "Developing the technology in an environment where everything has to be smaller and lighter and more energy efficient can only have a hugely positive influence on how future hybrid cars are built and manufactured in the future and, therefore, they will be significantly more 'green'."
Ethanol: Yesterday we couldn't get enough. Today there's too much. The collapse of last summer's $145-a-barrel oil price plus less driving--recession you know--are the reasons.
Last summer, oil industry refiners bought as much corn ethanol as they could; today they buy only as much as they need to meet federal mandates, which is far below industry capacity.
The goal has been to double corn ethanol refining capacity to 15 billion gallons by 2015 so tax payer subsidies flowed freely. Congress also mandated the use of an additional 21 billion gallons of ethanol and other biofuels produced from biomass--materials like wood chips, straw and corn stubble. The idea is to get away from using corn because using corn may push up the price of food.
But nothing is easy. Those other materials are costly to convert to fuel and there are still technological hurdles. And investors have disappeared. Now many plants are idle and some refiners are plan to sell out.
A 10% ethanol/90% gasoline mix works in car engines without an problem. But now the ethanol lobby wants more than 10% mixed in. Unless that can be done it will be tough to create a viable industry out of cellulosic (all the other stuff but corn) ethanol.
Lesson: The best laid plans of mice and Congress . . ..
Talk about driving in the fast lane: Comedian, late-night talk show host and auto mega-enthusiast Jay Leno recently fired up his turbine-powered supercar, called the EcoJet, for the first time on his weekly Web show, "Jay Leno's Garage," and says it is almost ready to hit the streets.
Debuted in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show in 2006, the EcoJet is powered by a Honeywell LT-101 jet engine that runs on biodiesel fuel. Leno and his shop crew at the Big Dog Garage in Burbank, Calif., have spent the past two-and-a-half years tweaking the car's performance to make it roadworthy.
Why all the fuss? "The devil is in the details, as they say," Leno explains. Naturally, the car is loud, with a mid-mounted turbine generating a whopping 750 horsepower and a whiplash-inducing 700 lb-ft of torque. Using a four-speed automatic Corvette transmission, the powertrain still cranks out too much power at low speeds, but that should be fixed soon, says Big Dog chief mechanic Bernard Juchli.
Sitting on a Corvette Z06 hydroformed aluminum frame, the body is made of carbon fiber over Kevlar. Leno and Juchli originally sketched the chiseled-looking design on a napkin, then worked with GM to firm it up.
A political, economic and cultural revolution is taking place around the world, John Krafcik, CEO and President, Hyundai Motor America told Chicago Auto Show media, and it offers a tremendous opportunity for the world, the country and the auto industry.
Krafcik's view is that greed in all its permutations is so "the last 28 years."
For the auto industry he sees in this change an opportunity to turn around a horrible reputation and a big perception problem first by owning up to issues like being unresponsive to consumer and environmental needs. He calls for more focus on customer satisfaction at retail, responding to environmental legislation that has the force of science and good sense behind it and abandoning costly discounts, rebates, and desperate sales tactics to keep plants running and to cover fixed costs.
How to do that?
- Build gorgeous high quality vehicles that rewarding to drive even if it means missing the cost target by $100. It will pay off.
- Embrace fuel efficiency
- Take a more disciplined approach to business by cutting executive compensation to a reasonable multiple of average employee salary and adopting a uniform code of conduct regarding gifts, meals, and business entertainment. (I think it's called ethics vs. the free market, but auto execs really aren't in the hedge fund/big banker guys compensation arena.)
- Continue industry reputation for making safety a priority.
Why it Matters: The cleaner diesel burns, the more people like it and that means fewer gas engines and more help for the environment.
You knew it had to happen. Just as soon as the screen door slammed shut on eight years of loop holes and deregulation at the hands of the Bush Administration, Obama's first goal seemed to be to clean things up - especially in the air. According to the LA Times, "the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., overturned a Bush-era decision to water down rules controlling the fine soot particles that cause lung cancer, heart disease and asthma."
The lawsuit was brought by California and 12 other states, and overturns 2006 standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) - the stuff that comes from diesel engines, as well as power plants. The new ruling particularily helps children and the elderly, who suffer most from sooty air - though I've never actually met a person who likes it much. From the Tank of Diesel perspective, anything that removes the soot stigma from diesel is a good thing, and doubly so if it helps the environment. Our dependence on gasoline is part of the reason why we face the energy crisis we do; more adoption of diesel - make that clean diesel - from a civilian and commercial enterprises opens the door to more energy choices, flexibility and protection.
A Few Money-Saving Tips That Could Make a Dollars and Sense Difference Start at the Pump
Fluff up the fuel? Who ever thought there was more to pumping fuel into your vehicle's tank than selecting the type and grade of fuel, putting the hose and fuel nozzle into the fuel-filler door, and releasing the handle to start the flow? An employee of the Kinder Morgan Pipeline, who has worked in the petroleum industry for more than three decades, has become proactive in good consumer sense at the pump and has offered a few pointers to maximize fuel efficiency while fueling your tank. The tips are geared toward optimizing every gallon of fuel to its fullest. While some tips might bring a modest return, modest for most of us is still great... and worth taking the extra steps.
Fill fuel tanks in the early morning hours. Those in the know say 'the colder the ground, the denser the fuel'. Afternoon fill-ups in warmer temperatures can cause gasoline to expand which means less overall fuel for each gallon.
Ease your trigger grip. Letting fuel flow into your vehicle's tank at high pressure causes agitation. This amounts to more vapors and less actual fuel. It is suggested to fill your tank with a low flow speed from the nozzle.
Don't drop below the half mark. The less fuel in the tank, the more air in the tank, says the petroleum expert; less fuel leads to a higher rate of evaporation. Therefore, keeping your tank above the halfway mark on the fuel gauge will amount to less air filling the empty tank space and less evaporation.
Don't pump your fuel tank at the same time a fuel delivery truck is pumping. The re-fueling of a station's holding tanks causes air to mix into the tanks. There is the potential for this process to a gitate dirt that can settle into the bottom of fuel tanks. Be patient. Fueling while a re-fueling truck is pumping could lead to dirt stirring up enough to enter your vehicle's gas tank.
For other tips, quips and helpful hints, check out the following sites:
Whether you are a daily commuter, weekend warrior or a professional trucker, a routine oil change may do wonders for your diesel and your bank account.
Swapping out your regular motor oil with synthetic can help you achieve a 1% increase in fuel economy while providing significant wear improvement over conventional oils, according to Houston-based Shell Lubricants.
Compared with conventional motor oil, synthetics reduce friction and viscosity breakdown at high operating temperatures. They also conserve energy needed to pump oil through the engine. All this can keep your investment running tip-top while saving you money at the pump.
Shell has introduced its Rotella-T Synthetic 5W-40, designed to work in light and heavy-duty diesel trucks equipped with exhaust after-treatment, such as particulate filters. It cuts down oil thickening and soot, keeping the engine clean and well-lubed during cold starts, says the company.
The new oil carries a CJ-4 designation, which applies to all diesel pickups and larger trucks built after January 2007. Other companies, like AMSOIL, offer synthetic 5W-40 motor oil for diesel cars and lighter-duty vehicles.
John Davis, host of MotorWeek, awarded Volkswagen's Jetta TDI Best of the Year in its 2009 Drivers' Choice Award in ceremonies at the Chicago Auto Show on February 10.
MotorWeek recognized the Jetta TDI clean diesel as the best overall winner among their 13 categories. The car is the first diesel ever to win a "Best of the Year" Drivers' Choice Award. Jetta TDI also took top honors as "Best Eco-Friendly" vehicle.
"The Jetta TDI has no peer this year," said Davis. "It is the best of all worlds rolled into one vehicle. It's clean, powerful, fun to drive, roomy and comfortable, and it also happens to be very affordable. If history is any judge on past Volkswagen diesels, you can also add extremely reliable and durable to the list."
MotorWeek, an automotive news magazine seen nationwide on PBS, SPEED and V-me, sees its list of winners as a practical buyers guide for consumers.
TDI starts at $22,270 and is eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit as an Advance Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle.
Environmental Protection Agency puts Jetta TDI fuel economy at 29 City/40 Highway but a leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta's fuel economy in real world conditions at a 24% increase, achieving 38 City/44 Highway.
French Automaker to Run Its Innovative Diesels at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
French automaker Peugeot has announced will enter the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with its two exotic diesel-powered 908 HDi factory prototypes. This classic event takes place Saturday, March 21, 2009, on a 3.7 mile paved course at the Sebring International Raceway, in Sebring, Florida. Called 'America's greatest sport's car race', the 12-hour-long endurance race is presented by Fresh from Florida. This year marks the second trip for Peugeot's team of diesel coupes, after their debut in last year's Sebring race; one of the 908s finished in the 11th overall position and the second finished 4th in class. The dual Peugeot coupes will face off against new P1 entries, with two Acura ARX-02a and two of Audi's R15 TDI diesel prototypes on the roster, as well. One of the Peugeot coupes also finished second overall behind Audi at Road Atlanta's Petit Le Mans in another classic endurance duel.
"The Confirmation of Peugeot's entries only adds to what already will be an outstanding event to start the second decade of the American Le Mans Series," said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American LeMans Series, speaking about the upcoming event, which is the 100th-all-time race. He reminded those who bore witness to last year's Sebring and Le Mans races that the Peugeot entries were energized with an 'electricity'.
For the upcoming race, each 908 HDi will have a 3-member team of drivers; Nic Minassian, Pedro Lamy and Christian Klien in one, and Franck Montagny, Stephane Sarrazin and Sebastien Bourdais in the second. Bourdais holds a class victory at Sebring in 2006 in GT2 with Panoz.
The 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring will be televised live from 10am to noon and 2pm to 11pm on the Speed Channel. Live timing and scoring will also be available at www.americanlemans.com. For further information, go to www.sebringraceway.com
Don't think for a second that Volvo would introduce its new line of of super-green "DRIVe" cars in the U.S., where up is down, down is up and clean diesel is down and out.
In Europe, how Swede it is, with a new start-stop function that Volvo is sticking in its new C30, S40 and V50 for the 2010 model year. At stoplights, standstills, or whenever the car is idling, the 1.6L diesel cuts out automatically.
Think of it as hybrid-light: There's no animation to watch, no gobbledygook, it just happens, and does so with a slightly larger battery to handle the power demand. The only drawback is that it only works with a manual transmission.
But who cares? When you slip the gearbox into neutral and release the clutch, the engine cuts out. Simple as that. Press the clutch again, and the engine fires up. Off you go, saving up to 8% on fuel in the city, 4-5% overall and a corresponding drop in carbon-dioxide pollution. Now that's motivation to learn how to drive a stick.
Volvo says the fairly simple technology allows the C30 compact to hit 60.3 miles per gallon while putting out only 104 grams of CO2 per kilometer, easily competing with the most efficient hybrids on the road without all the extra equipment under the hood. Can we have one, pretty please?
On February 13 the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid were named Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000 by IntelliChoice.com, a source for automotive ownership, cost and value analysis. The announcement was made at the Chicago International Auto Show.
IntelliChoice's BOVY awards (the Bovies?), recognize vehicles whose costs of ownership are significantly lower than expected compared to competitive models in the same class. James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com says the awards provide consumers with a quick reference to finding vehicles that promise the best return on investment.
The selection of winners is based on the most important factors that determine the long-term costs of a vehicle, including depreciation/retained value, maintenance and repair costs, fuel costs, insurance and state fees.
It's that time of the year when people are gathering up their W-2s and looking for ways to shave down their tax liability. In addition to a small-yet-growing list of federal tax credits that new diesels offer, you can convert your old thumper into a green-fuel-burning machine and save some more green before April 15.
Though the Fed doesn't endorse running your car on vegetable oil (it is illegal, in fact, to drive on the road without paying fuel taxes), there are plenty of converts out there who remain unchecked. Others, who have been caught dipping into restaurant fryer vats, or advertising it openly on their car, pay the fine and keep on driving.
An excellent article published by web magazine inhabitat explains the ins and outs of turning your diesel into a grease-burner for about $3,000. It costs even less if you do it yourself.
Why it Matters: Gasoline mix-up ends with customers wondering why diesel doesn't work in gasoline-powered engines
Imagine your surprise: You head out to work in the morning and, as you pull out of the driveway and drive up the street, you see that little orange light blinking on the instrument panel: no gas. You forgot to fill up the tank last night, so, instead of hitting your fave coffee place for an extra shot of espresso and sugar - you're headed to the Giant Eagle's GetGo station for a tank of gas and a cup of old joe. Once there, you pull up to the pump, climb out of the vehicle, swipe the card, activate the nozzle and head over for your wakey-wakey juice. When you get back you put the nozzle in its place, plop yourself into the driver's seat and turn the keys.
But nothing happens.
Or, worse yet - something happens, as in the total and utter performance disruption of your precious Camry's gasoline engine. Turns out, you don't really Get to Go at GetGo, unless it's to your local mechanic.
Hah! We told you to buy diesel. Indeed, if this has happened to you, run out now and buy yourself a clean-diesel car - it's either an omen, you're blond or you live in Cleveland and go to the GetGo. According the Associated Press, Cleveland residents were startled to find that the Giant Eagle's GetGo gas station had accidentally switched gas for diesel. Aye carumba! That's a mess. Diesel fuel is more explosive than gasoline, and is actually oil, so, damage could be as extensive as non-operation, or at best - a foul, rough-riding experience. Should this ever happen to you, try to get the tank drained and filled with the proper fuel immediately. Chances are you'll also need to replace your spark plugs.
And don't forget, if this happens to you: either move, dye your hair or buy a diesel.
There's a lot more to cleaning up the environment than going from the internal combustion engine to electricity. Metals like lead, that occur in lead acid batteries and lead wheels weights are also culprits.
On Wednesday, February 18th, the Firestone Racing Program will be accepted as a national partner in the Environmental Protection Agency's National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP).
The EPA's National Partnership for Environmental Priorities is an initiative that rewards public and private organizations that reduce the use of or release into the atmosphere of certain chemicals as well as metals like mercury and lead.
"Starting with the Indy Car Series Race in May of 2008, Firestone Racing permanently replaced the use of all lead wheel weights with non-toxic composite wheel weights and became a charter member of the National Lead Free Wheel Weight Initiative," says Firestone Racing spokesperson Darla Elkins. "We're following in the footsteps of the Bridgestone retail operations, but racing is such a high profile activity that it brought a lot of attention to the program."
We American consumers probably are partly to blame for our boredom. Here in the States, we get the automotive industry's leftovers, designed by committee, double and triple-checked by bean-counters, subsidized by federal money.
It's no wonder why Mercedes doesn't sell Unimogs here anymore. Die-hard fans of the cultish 'Mog know it as the unique diesel truck with the funny name that can go anywhere, climb just about anything and last for years without showing its age.
There's no easy way around it: Unimogs put Hummers, Jeeps, Land Rovers and other beasts of burden to shame. They have mechanical gear reduction at all four wheels, clear higher ground than the original military-grade Hummer (no, not the little Hummers that soccer moms drive). And the 4x4 units are capable of climbing 42% grades and higher with ease. That's highly impractical, you may say, but not if your office is in the middle of the jungle.
So for the fifth year in a row, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog has taken the title of the best off-road vehicle by OFF-ROAD magazine. Voted in the 2009 special-purpose category, the 'Mog comes in all shapes and sizes, including the cute U20, launched last year.
Mercedes tried to start up a mainstream 'Mog craze in North America back in 2003, selling several dozen U500s through Daimler's heavy-duty Freightliner division before calling it quits a few years later. When they were offered new, they retailed for about $90,000. But don't worry, if you are itching to drive one, you can still find plenty of good used 'Mogs out there at the Unimog Exchange. Happy Mogging!
Chrysler Confirms 2010 Turbodiesel Dodge Ram and Fuel-efficient HEMI® Hybrid Ram Pickups at Chicago Auto Show-New Powertrains for Chrysler's Best-Selling Trucks
They're coming soon! More fuel-efficient versions of Dodge's mid-sized pickup trucks will have greater power and utility, as well. Chrysler LLC's Executive Vice President for Product Development, Frank Klegon, boasted about the newest additions to the Dodge Ram lineup coming later this year and next year, both as 2010 models. Klegon spoke at the Chicago Auto Show, and said that a Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI® Hybrid will come to market later this year and it will be joined by a Cummins Turbodiesel in the Ram Powertrain Lineup next year. The new Ram powertrains improve fuel efficiency, and also bring better capability, utility and performance.
Chrysler's two-mode hybrid system, used now in the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen will bring added light-duty pickup fuel economy by nearly 40 percent in the city and up to 20 percent overall. Dodge will also add a Cummins turbodiesel engine for the Ram 1500 that will meet 50-state emissions standards, and bring a 30-percent fuel economy improvement.
"Dodge Ram is known for capability, utility and performance," said Frank
Klegon, "The addition of hybrid and diesel powertrains to our all-new Dodge Ram 1500 lineup is sure to attract an array of new customers looking for the ultimate combination of full- size pickup fuel efficiency, performance and capability."
In 2008, Chrysler added a 4.7-liter flex-fuel V-8, that also resulted in an increased fuel economy while producing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. The HEMI hybrid powerplant will feature Chrysler's Multi-displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. The two-mode hybrid system provides assistance from electric motors allowing the HEMI V-8 to remain in four-cylinder mode more often than without a hybrid powertrain, improving overall fuel economy.
The Advanced Two-mode Hybrid System
Chrysler's advanced, state-of-the-art two-mode full hybrid system
marries automatic-transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system for the world's first two-mode full hybrid. Low- and high-speed electrically variable transmission (EVT) modes make it a "two-mode hybrid." There are also four fixed-gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. The two EVT modes allow the use of electric motors to improve fuel economy, acceleration, and for regenerative braking to capture and use energy that is normally lost during braking or deceleration; energy is stored in batteries for later use. The truck's two modes are optimized for city and highway driving; the first mode is for low speeds and light loads. The Ram 1500 Hybrid can operate in three ways: electric power only; engine power only; and any combination of engine and electric power.
This two-mode hybrid achieves all of the fuel-saving benefits of a full-hybrid system, with an electric-only operation. In this mode, the engine is "shut off," when the truck moves under electric-only power at low speed, which can bring a significant reduction in fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic. The second mode is mostly for highway speeds, and uses electric assist, along with full power from the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 when needed, for passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade.
Hybrid Development Center
Located in Troy, Mich., the Hybrid Development Center ( developed in20partnership with General Motors, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz and The BMW Group) jointly developed the overall modular two-mode hybrid system and the individual components: electric motors, transmission, high-voltage battery, high-performance electronics, wiring, safety systems, energy management and hybrid-system control units. In addition, the Hybrid Development Center is responsible for system integration and project management.
Chrysler Advanced Propulsion Technology
Hybrid technology is one part of Chrysler's advanced propulsion technology
umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced cleandiesel technology, biofuel capable powertrain and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.
For further information on the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Hybrid Electric or 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Cummins Turbo-Diesel, go to www.dodge.com,
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 27, 2009 1:47 PM
Remember the old saying, "Two's company; three's a crowd?"
On paper, engine downsizing is pretty straightforward: By removing one cylinder, you get better fuel economy. But in reality, what Volvo is doing with its new five-cylinder diesels is more difficult than it sounds.
For one, engines with an even number of cylinders are inherently balanced. An odd piston is like the crying baby on the plane, always making more noise than the quieter pistons around it. Engineers have to find clever ways to counteract this.
Volvo says it has, with new single and twin-turbo diesels coming this spring. The twin-turbo D5 generates 205 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the single-turbo 2.4D generates 175 hp and the same torque. Both are inline motors sized at 2.4 liters and achieve up to a combined 37.9 mpg. A step ahead for diesels, Volvo also offers gas engines with five cylinders.
The end result? The power of six cylinders without the guzzle. "This is yet another step in our determination to reduce the combustion engine's environmental impact, at the same time as we give customers truly quiet and sophisticated engines with excellent performance," says Derek Crabb, vice president of powertrain engineering.
There is one catch, though: It appears that Volvo has no plans to introduce these motors in North America. The D5 is currently available on the Volvo S80 sedan in Europe and will in the spring be available across the pond on the V70 sportswagon and XC60 and XC70 crossovers. Bummer.
Dodge Brings its Enhanced Line of Commercial Trucks to Chicago Show: Big-Rig Diesel Offerings Have Increased Safety, and Bring Big Fuel Savings, Too
Like big trucks? Many do and need them for business. Dodge knows this and just unveiled its "new crew" of bold, updated commercial-grade work trucks at the Chicago Auto Show. Visitors to the Dodge stand will be able to get up-close-and-personal with the new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. The newest trucks have a number of class-leading attributes, including best-in-class fuel economy (Ram 4500/5500), largest standard fuel tank=2 0(52 gallons), largest front brake rotors (390 mm) and calipers (66 mm) on the 4500/5500, and a standard diesel exhaust brake. All-new is a crew cab version that adds six inches more legroom and improved entry and exit, with full-access rear doors that open 85 degrees.
There are more than 1.5 million Dodge Rams powered by Cummins diesels on the road today. The exterior of the new offerings is even more bold and benefits from new larger external mirrors that flip up and out into a vertical configuration for trailer tow use. These upgraded models compete in the Class 3-5 Vehicle segments with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 to 19,500 lbs. and have been designed for small-business tradesmen, fleet customers and traditional chassis cab users. All now have more room, comfort and storage capability, and come in regular cab, crew cab, single-rear-wheel (3500 only) and dual-rear-wheel models; four cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) are available for 4500/5500 models and two cab-axle lengths (60 and 84 inches) are offered for the 3500 model. Three trim levels are ST, SLT and Laramie.
Improved standard features are a six-speed manual transmission; increased GVWR (from 12,500 up to 13,000 lbs. on 3500 diesel model); Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC); four upfitter switches, increased alternator size on diesel (180 amps), automatic headlamps, a Cummins Turbo-diesel, and an upgraded HEMI engine. There is a long list of options that includes electronic gear select for improved towing performance, best-in-class GCWR of 26,000 lbs on Ram 3500, and a power inverter.
Dodge says its Cummins diesel engine delivers best-in-class fuel economy (4500 and 5500 models) and comes with an optional 3.42 axle ratio available on the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab for improved fuel economy. Customers with serious trailer tow needs will enjoy the Ram 3500's new optional 26,000 lb GCWR - on the 6.7L diesel m anual trucks with a 4.10 axle ratio. This engine gets a factory-installed segment-exclusive exhaust brake and works with the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) to bring reduced brake wear and longer brake life for fewer service intervals, and the safety benefits of increased braking effectiveness and greater control of the vehicle.
The 6.7-liter diesel engine is also cleaner with a reduction in particulates and nitrogen oxide (NOx) that comply with both the 50-state heavy-duty emission standards and 2010 diesel emissions compliant, due to an all-new diesel exhaust fluid injection system with urea injection Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) technology as a no-cost option.
Modern interior appointments include heated and ventilation seats and heated steering wheel; automatic temperature control; two-tone upholstery; memory seats, radio and mirrors, adjustable pedals; and numerous infotainment options including uconnect tunes with a 30-gi gabyte hard drive and a navigation system with real-time traffic reports. Storage is upgraded with a new available center console designed to hold a laptop computer (with an accessible power outlet), and a lower bin for hanging files, along with several other storage compartments.
There is an impressive list of safety and security features available on new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab: Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Variable Brake Proportioning; Auto-reverse Window; BeltAlert; Brake Assist; Child-protection Rear-door Locks; Crumple Zones; Digressive Load-limiting Retractors; Energy-absorbing Steering Column; Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS); Four-wheel Anti-lock-brake System (ABS); Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts; Integrated Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter and Ignition Key; Interior Head-impact Protection; Knee Bolsters; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH); Multi-stage Air Bag System; Power-adjustable pedals; Remote Keyless Entry; Remote Start; Safety Cage Body Structure; Seat-Belt Pretensioners; Security Alarm; Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer Theft Deterrent System; Side-guard Door Beams; Three-point Seat Belts; and uconnect® Hands Free Communication.
Comprehensive Commercial-Grade Services
Dodge says its 'upfit-friendly' work trucks "deliver maximum uptime, class-leading fuel performance and low costs of ownership". Of note are a number of new, creative programs that are set-up for business owners, with Dodge's network of more than 500 dealers. Dodge BusinessLink program has dedicated commercial account managers and sales teams, priority next-bay service and maintenance, extended hours, free loaner vehicles and inventories with a higher mix of work trucks and commercial vehicles. Dodge's "On The Job" program offers discounts on upfits, cash incentives and other customer savings. Dodge's Fleet Elite is a program to provide a "world-class dealer experience", with enhanced services to Fleet and Fleet Management Company (FMC) accounts and customers. Technical issues and "real-time" support are addressed by the Dodge Body Builders Guide for upfitter partners. There is also a toll-free commercial hotline manned by the Commercial Vehicle Team located in Engineer ing.
Dodge Commercial Vehicles
Dodge has developed six all-new commercial vehicles, since its return to this market in 2003. Included in the lineup along with the newest Dodge Ram 2500 Box-Off truck are the Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Dodge says these trucks are the "Class 3-5 segments' most powerful, capable and upfit-friendly work trucks". Additionally, there is the Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van and the Dodge Sprinter, which comes in diesel, as well. Dodge is a collaborative partner with Daimler AG, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles.
For further information on the new commercial trucks and the Ram Chassis Cab, go to: www.dodge.com, for Dodge enthusiasts and owners. You can even build your own truck!
Bridgestone Americas announced the launch of their third annual safety scholars' video contest at the Chicago auto Show today. The theme of the 2009 contest is automotive environmentalism. Bridgestone is reaching out to teens in the U.S. to compete for best video around the idea of behind-the-wheel safety and environmentally conscious use of vehicles. This year there were 600 entries between 25 and 55 seconds in length. The videos received 2.4 million hits on the contest site, safetyscholars.com as well as 103,220 viewingns on YouTube. Entries for the third annual constest will be accepted May 27-June 17. Criteria and rules can be found at safetyscholars.com.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 25, 2009 12:53 PM
If you didn't bother to read President Obama's $787-billion, economic stimulus package, we don't blame you. The ridiculously-long piece of legislation stacked up at about 1,100 pages and somehow managed--officially--to keep out the usual earmarks of pork.
But diesel fans may like to know that the bill includes an item that will either clean up old diesel dinosaurs or send them to the scrapyard. Pork politics, you may say? Some are calling it a public service.
By granting $300 million to clean up old, industrial diesel fleets--retrofitting or replacing heavy-duty trucks, construction machinery and such--the bill equates into a sixfold increase in the usual amount of money administered by the Environmental Protection Agency every year to clean up old, smoky, smelly diesels that still walk the Earth.
Your lungs will also be happy to know that some states are working to mandate such action, putting extra pressure on government and businesses to clean up their act without taxpayer support, though the economic recession has put some of those plans on hold.
For now, the federal stimulus grants will go a long way to improve diesel's dirty image, and help everyone breathe easier at the same time.
Why it Matters: More good news for diesel...get 'em while their young, stylish, hip and pretentious
Chances are you've heard the news: Mini has confirmed that it is "considering" making their diesel powertrain available stateside. And while that sounds like the most amazingly convoluted way to say "maybe," it's all good because Mini is exactly what diesel needs. According to the article, Mini is "mulling" a U.S, market diesel in 2010 or 2011. Assuming there are still cars being built in 2011, that's great news because it combines Mini's handling prowess with a zippy, efficient engine - one that's sure to be as clean as a whistle, too. If that's not enough, what Mini can do for diesel heads is show that it's hip in a young and trendy person's kind of car, and not just some rich old crank with more money than sense.
Or even a flower-power peanut oil girl with a wide open calendar on Friday nights.
It also helps because Mini is not a German brand - though of course Mini is as German as long words and good beer. That's good because, well, EVERYONE knows how Germans love diesels and how Germans make great diesel cars, too, ya? Now, with Mini, shoppers at least have more of a choice. That will come in handy just as soon as people start buying cars again. Why, buy then we'll see a diesel-powered Honda Odyssey, and this crazy new/old powerplant will even start popping up in cars made by American companies. Mmmmm. Nah. Nevermind.
The Most Up-to-Date Information on Funding, Policies, Vehicles and Technologies
The 15th annual Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) is set for Orlando, Florida, April 19-22, 2009. AFVi has just announced its panel of illustrious and expert speakers for this year: General Wesley Clark; T. Boone Pickens; and Jeff Schuster. U.S. Army 4-Star General Clark once served as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, and retired to work as an investment banker, author, commentator, businessman and presidential candidate; while Pickens is the Founder and Chairman of BP Management and well known for the " Pickens Plan"; and Schuster is the Executive Director of Global Forecasting for J.D. Power and Assocaites.
Clark is one of the latest leaders for America's energy future and is now the Co-Chairman of Growth Energy. He will speak on this advocacy group's commitment to expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, creating jobs, reducing greenhouse gases, and developing domestic energy resources. Pickens has become a national voice in conversations about energy and is now engaged at a high level Washington energy policy forum. He will be is addressing the twin threats of economic vulnerability and national security. Schuster, who oversees automotive forecasting for his elite company will be talking about vehicle sales, production and powertrain applications; some of the recent unprecedented events, and also projecting upcoming automotive trends.
In addition to the keynote speakers, there will also be 200 experts making presentations on 35 topics that will encompass evolving transportation policy and recent funding changes that have created an unprecedented opportunity for alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicle markets. On had will be many of the leading decision-makers in alternative fuels and technologies, representing truck manufacturers, fuel suppliers, government agencies and parts manufacturers. Session topics include legislation, air quality, plug-in hybrids, fuel cells, heavy-duty hybrids, biofuels updates, electric drive advances, and in-depth workshops on federal funding, biofuels, vehicle conversions, and natural gas trucking. The national Conference is a fuel and technology neutral meeting place for policy and/or purchasing decision-makers. It is estimated that 2,000 people will attend.
Michelin announced on February 2, 2009 that it has become a title sponsor of the "MICHELIN® Green X® Challenge" environmental competition. Beginning at the 2009 American LeMans Series season opener in Sebring, each race, two teams - one prototype and one GT - that demonstrate the best overall performance, fuel efficiency and least environmental impact throughout the length of the race will win the MICHELIN® Green X® Challenge award.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, together with Society of Automotive Engineers International, recognized the American Le Mans Series in January 2008 as the only motorsports entity to meet all their criteria for green racing. Every racecar in the American Le Mans Series competes using one of four "street legal" fuel alternatives: clean sulfur-free diesel, E10, cellulosic E85 or gas-electric hybrid. "Street legal" refers to alternative fuels that can be purchased by the consumer at the local fuel station.
The MICHELIN® Green X® Challenge, created jointly by the EPA, DOE, SAE International and the ALMS, uses a system by which all cars are ranked according to the amount of energy used, greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted and the amount of petroleum displaced.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 23, 2009 8:07 AM
John Krafcik thinks our world is in the middle of a revolution, when an era of greed is stepping aside for simpler times. And today's auto manufacturers won't have a place at the table unless they clean up their image.
"If the President of the United States can admit he screwed up on some of his cabinet nominations, then we shouldn't be bashful in acknowledging that we have been far from perfect in our actions," said the the president and CEO of Hyundai on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show, held Feb. 13-22.
Hyundai will try to boost its image by meeting an average fleet-wide fuel economy rating of 35 mpg by 2015, five years ahead of the federal cutoff. It will do it "with 1,000 individual actions," he said, including downsizing gas engines, turbocharging, introducing a gas-electric hybrid Sonata next year, adding more gears to automatic transmissions and electrifying power steering.
Did anyone hear diesels in the plan? Nope, you didn't, because Krafcik later admitted that diesels don't fit into Hyundai's super-value business model. "We've looked at diesel every which way for this market, and we cannot for the life of us figure out any way to make it economically viable."
Diesel engines in small cars, he noted, cost about twice as much as gasoline engines. Then, you add in the tailpipe aftertreatment, such as particulate filters and urea injection, and they cut into the manufacturer's margin pretty quickly.
"You add all those costs together...you're talking about a $5 to $6,000 premium, unless you are doing a diesel as a kind of promotional stunt," said Krafcik.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 20, 2009 3:34 PM
How is this for a good sign in a bad economy? Apparently, Volkswagen's diesel-sipping Jetta is selling so well that even company employees can't seem to get their hands on one.
At the Chicago Auto Show, held Feb. 13-22, a Volkswagen employee standing near a Jetta SportWagon in the company's booth told us he placed an order for one last year and doesn't expect to see it until late April or early May.
One of the problems, he said, is that car buyers in some parts of the country are ordering them faster than others, creating local bottlenecks. And because Volkswagen has dealers on allocation, there are only so many cars to go around each shipment.
So on the West Coast, where green, sporty, fuel-efficient cars are in demand, good luck getting one for awhile. But in places where folks (ahem, like U.S. senators) have more money to blow on a luxury model, you might find a Jetta sitting on a dealer's lot.
"In Washington, D.C., there's no wait list," the employee said. "I could probably go there to buy one, but what am I going to do, drive it all the way back to California?"
Why it Matters: One day, Ford will realize that you can sell a heckuva lotta 65 mpg Fiestas in America. Too bad that day isn't now.
Not so long ago, Ford cars really had only one purpose: make the trucks look good. That was in case a fool wandered too far from the Toyota lot and stumbled into the Blue Oval lobby, where he was sure to find himself suddenly itching for a hay ride.
Hmmm.
Same holds true today, mostly, though Ford is getting ready to launch the Fiesta small car in the USA. That's welcome news, but it also seems that the clean diesel variant, named ECOnetic Fiesta and selling in Europe, isn't getting on the boat. That, yes sir, the folks who decide these things in Dearborn actually don't want a small, turbocharged diesel that gets 65 mpg to stain the pristine highways of America.
In case you didn't hear me, that's 65 mpg, as in better than a Prius and miles better than the current clean diesel competition. Granted, the vehicle generates just 88 horsepower, but hey - tune the engine, boost the power to 100 and get, say - 55-60 mpg. But all this is crazy talk. Come on now. Who in the USA would consider a stylish, functional car that gets 60 mpg, doesn't look like a spaceship and handles like a champ?
At the Washington, D.C. Auto Show last week, GM revealed a plan to help America prepare for upcoming electric vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt. Two cities, Washington D.C. and San Francisco, will become "early adopters" of this all-new technology that will come to market next year. GM is also working with public utility companies, as part of a comprehensive plan, to help make these vehicles as successful as possible, when they arrive on the market.
"Collaborating with communities such as San Francisco and metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C. - where there's already an interest in plug-in vehicles - is another important step toward raising customer awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of vehicles such as the Volt," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.
GM is working with "key stakeholders" in these cities and across the country, such as state, city and county governments; electric utilities: clean cities coalitions; local employees, universities; and consumers that will purchase the Volt, and other vehicles of this kind, to help in the transition to plug-in electric vehicles.
"Cities have an indispensable role in making plug-in vehicles successful," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "Here in San Francisco, we are acting now to make sure the charging infrastructure will be available to support these vehicles as soon as they are ready for sale, and we are working with other cities in the region to make the Bay Area a thriving market for electric transportation."
Numerous challenges exist. Making the technology more affordable; setting up the public and workplace infrastructure; assuring afford electricity rates; renewable options; electric vehicle purchase by government and corporate entities; and high-occupancy vehicle lane (HOV) access are on the list of needs and issues to be addressed.
"The Chevy Volt is truly coming to life, but preparing the market for electric vehicles also requires capable partners from outside the auto industry," said Peper. "Momentum is building as governments, technology companies, communities and universities are increasingly working together to prepare the market for electric vehicles."
Many positive developments have occurred: the federal government approved a $7,500 tax incentive for consumers of plug-in electric vehicles such as the Chevy Volt; the California cities of San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland announced a plan for plug-in vehicle infrastructure, incentives and enablers last November; and a new Michigan law speeds the development of advanced battery manufacturing and research capabilities in the state.
"We know plenty of work still remains, both within and outside of GM," said Peper. "But today's and other recent announcements underscore the comprehensive work being done to bring the Chevrolet Volt and other electrically driven vehicles to market - and they also highlight why we are so optimistic about the ultimate success of the Volt."
EPA attaches the SmartWay and SmartWay Elite labels to vehicles that meet their green guidelines. If you are planning to purchase a vehicle in say 2011 and you live in California or one of the thirteen other states that want to adopt stricter fuel economy standards, it pays to look at their website to see if the car of your dreams meets their standards. The Hyundai Genesis, for example, which won North American Car of the Year, doesn't qualify for the SmartWay label. Obvious models like the Honda Fit and the Toyota Prius do.
Each vehicle listed in the Green Vehicle Guide receives an Air Pollution Score and a Greenhouse Gas Score, on a scale of 1-10.
To receive the SmartWay designation, a vehicle must receive a 6 or better on both scores, and have a total score of at least 13.
Vehicles that receive the SmartWay designation are very good environmental performers relative to other vehicles.A vehicle needs a score of at least 6 on one and 7 on the other to get the required score of 13 to qualify for SmartWay.
SmartWay Elite goes to cars that score 9 or higher in both categories. The program doesn't care which technologies are used as long as the scores are right.
You can check one model, compare models or download the whole guide. Go to www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
Bentley Motors Reveals Most Powerful Production Care Ever--a Biofuel Model.
You might think high-end luxury vehicles are already the color of money, but many are steeping up to the plate with "environmentally green" cars, as well. Luxury automaker Bentley Motors has announced it will unveil its new and "extreme" supercar, on March 3rd at the 2009 International Geneva Motor Show. Bentley says it's the fastest, most powerful production car ever. Delivering on Bentley's Stage One commitment to the environment, the new model will run on biofuel, which Bentley claims is a "pioneering use of this fuel in the luxury sector".
Ethanol has less energy than gasoline and requires fossil fuel in its production, leaving CO2 savings pretty much at net zero. Last week Ricardo, a global independent technology provider and strategic consultant to ] transportation industries including major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, suppliers and leading motorsport teams, announced that it has developed Ethanol Boosted Direct Injection (EBDI) a technology that makes ethanol-fueled engines as efficient as diesel engines.
The prototype EBDI is a 3.2-liter V6 engine that ultimately could serve as a replacement for a large gasoline or turbo-diesel engine in a large SUV. Development is currently taking place and will be demonstrated later this year in a dual-wheel pick-up truck.
According to Ricardo, there are no major technical hurdles to putting this technology package into a production vehicle. One major OEM is working on certain portions of the project.
Flex-fuel engines powered by ethanol blends such as E85 are about 30 percent less efficient that gasoline engines. The EBDI engine has the performance of a diesel at the cost of a gasoline engine, and runs on ethanol, gasoline, or a blend of both.
DETROIT- The all-new Earth, Wind & Power Awards (EWP) were presented at the 13th Annual International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY). Considered the largest automotive awards, it was held at Detroit's MGM Grand Detroit at the start of press week of the North American International Auto Show, the largest auto show in the world. More than 600 industry leaders and media attended the black-tie.
The ICOTY jury, made up of 16 nationally-renowned automotive journalists, selected the 2009 eco-friendly vehicles with final ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates to ensure accuracy and credibility.
Selected by a jury of 16 top automotive journalists, the EARTH, WIND & POWER - CAR of the YEAR award was given to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and the EARTH, WIND & POWER - TRUCK of the YEAR award was given to the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid.
The event was produced and hosted by Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Earth, Wind & Power Magazine, along with co-host Kevin Smith, editorial director of Edmunds.com, Accepting the award on behalf of Volkswagen of America was Chief Operating Officer Mark Barnes. Nancy Gioia, Director Sustainability and Hybrid Vehicle Programs accepted the award on behalf of Ford Motor Company.
The mission of the EWP Awards is to recognize vehicles driven by a power source that help reduce global warming, as a way to promote a cleaner environment and support the mission to achieve energy independence through alternative sources.
"With global warming and foreign oil dependence a mainstream concern today, more people are turning to fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles," says Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY creator and producer. "It's become of vital interest to consumers, automakers, and the future of our planet to produce vehicles that are compatible with our environment."
Media Contact:
Phone: (248) 546-4646 Producer@icotyawards.com
The EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy have invited The American Le Mans Series to participate as an exhibitor at the popular Washington, DC Auto Show, to be held Feb. 3-8, 2009.
This Series, which has now established itself as the global leader in green racing, will make available its Fan Headquarters on the showroom floor. Audi's R10 TDI race car will be on display at the show. This high-performance=2 0model races on clean sulfur-free diesel and has won the last three races of the 24 Hours of Le Mans series.
American Le Mans Series President and CEO, Scott Atherton will participate in a press conference ( 2/3/09; 1:15 p.m. ET) along with officials from the EPA and DOE, speaking about the critical role that motorsports plays in helping develop the platform for automobile manufacturers to develop alternative fuel technologies. Atherton will also participate SAE International's Government Industry Meetings, Feb. 3-5.
Think of all those coffee grounds you have thrown out in your life. What if you could convert them to diesel fuel and it actually smelled like coffee? Sign me up.
Research done by three scientists at the University of Nevada, Mano Misra, Susanta Mohapatra and Narasimharao Kondamundi determined that coffee grounds contain about as much oil by weight--11-20%--as more traditional biodiesel feedstocks like rapeseed, soybeans, or palm oil. The scientists collected coffee grounds from a coffeehouse chain and produced biodiesel from the separated oil.
More than 16 billion pounds of coffee produced each could be converted to diesel fuel.
Because coffee derived biodiesel is high in anti-oxidents, it is more stable than traditional biodiesel. But the big advantage is that it smells like coffee. Here comes the fragrant highway. Profit projections by the scientists are put at $8 million a year.
Why it Matters: Who steals 606 gallons of diesel fuel, when it's never been lower.
Dear Diesel Thief,
It's not easy to read the news. All those gray chicken scratches, and only little pictures to help a fella out...it's hard, man. Really hard. So I understand how you missed the news about diesel fuel prices falling, say, to a national average of 2.24 a gallon. Shoot, it's even down to 2.28 a gallon in California, according to the Energy Information Administration. Amazing!
Last summer, you may remember, was different. Diesel was over four bucks a gallon and nefarious characters - you were probably one of them - were pulling up to construction sites and big rigs, sucking out the fuel and leaving drivers stranded. Now that the "good times" are back and people are paying fair prices for their own diesel, why don't you do the same? Let's see...what you stole would have cost just $1357, opposed to the $2,514 hit you would have taken last August.
Ah, well. Bygones. That video they took of you will clear up any legal issues you may have, and, when you're out of the clink - do us all a favor and start stealing regular gasoline. Anything that boosts the price of gas expands the opportunity for diesel, eh? And with clean diesel technology on the rise, this is a good way to drive clean - and fun. Consider it doing your part of the "war on warming.
Earthbound Express, Inc. has just launched the all-new Earth, Wind & Power (EWP) Blogazine to update consumers about environmental news, with topics and tips ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Topics will include Automotive as well as Travel; Home & Garden; Environmental Reviews; fashion; Celebrity Sound-Off; Political Opinion an Science Matters.
"Global warming has become top of mind with a steady and growing trend towards fu el-efficient vehicles, green travel alternatives, and consumers turning to eco-friendly housing, products and clothing," said EWP Founder and Editor-in-Chief Courtney Caldwell. "People have come to realize they do indeed have the power to heal the planet, which is why millions are seeking new information on solar, wind and other renewable resources for all aspects of their lives."
Caldwell notes that t he auto industry is making excellent progress with electric, hybrid and other alternative power sources, as well as clean diesel. Eco-ingenuity was also recognized recently with the inaugural Earth, Wind & Power Awards, " designed to honor vehicles that consume less energy by using greener power supplies, promote a cleaner environment and support the mission to achieve energy independence". VW's 2009 Jetta TDI was recently tapped for this award.
Caldwell is the founder, president and CEO of Earthbound Express, Inc., a multi-media company specializing in environmental issues and topics aimed at educating consumers, industries and media alike. The goal of EE, Inc. is to create environmental awareness and share solutions through its media outlets.
Caldwell is also the founder and editor-in-chief of ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine and is a national media spokesperson on auto and travel topics for numerous companies and media outlets, as well as an advocate of personal sa fety for women. In 2009, Caldwell will expand her speaking role into the environmental arena to help further educate the public.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 10, 2009 8:47 AM
Remember the Dodge/Plymouth Neon, that cute little compact that stole the hearts of so many young Americans in the 1990s? Well, that is what Fiat has in mind in trying to take a 35% stake in Chrysler.
Before you start spouting off those "Fix It Again, Tony" jokes about the Italian automaker, consider this: Fiat is the world's specialist in small cars and has been since the Great Depression, when the original Fiat 500, affectionately dubbed the "topolino," or little mouse, gave the Volkswagen Beetle a run for its money. The new 500 is a remake of an old line in the same fashion as the new Beetle and Mini Cooper.
Access to Chrysler would give Fiat an easier way to build and market the super-cute subcompact, offered in Europe with 1.2L and 1.4L gas engines and a 1.3L diesel. A special, souped-up version can also be had with a 135-hp, 1.4L turbodiesel. Fiat knows how to work hard and play hard: Let's not forget, it also owns Ferrari.
Likewise, Chrysler could use a small car, that is, if Americans will want to buy it. And that's a big "if," not to mention other questions swirling over the merger. Is this a match made in heaven, or a deal with the devil? Perhaps both: Fiat's petite Neon, especially the sporty model, sure would be naughty and nice.
President Obama announced this week that he will charge the EPA and the Department of Transportation to set new standards for global warming pollution and demand higher national fuel efficiency standards for new cars.
Approval of the "California" program will mean that new cars sold in California and 13 other states will be forced to reduce their global warming pollution by 30 percent by 2016. In addition, the Department of Transportation will be charged to demand that more efficient new cars are on the road starting in 2010; the call is for the average new car to achieve "maximum feasible" fuel efficienc y by 2020. Cleaner cars will also will help decrease America's perilous dependence on oil.
National resources Defense Council's (NRDC) climate attorneys joined in the historic White House announcement. NRDC was the leader in 2002 for California's Clean Cars Law -which was the first law to reduce global warming pollution from automobiles--a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court.
Audi's new R15 TDI, successor to the R10 TDI, will make its race debut at Sebring in March.
Audi will race its new R15 TDI prototype for the first time at The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, which has served as a coming out party for many successful sports cars in endurance racing.
Audi 's R8R, which debuted in 1999, was the first diesel-powered sports car to win at Sebring, and it won the first of its three straight 24 Hours of Le Mans victories only months later. The R8R led to the highly successful R8 the next season and the Audi R10 TDI in 2006. The latter Audi has won Le Mans nine times overall.
"It was clear to us that we must develop a new car if we wanted to continue to be successful in Le Mans," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "The Audi R15 TDI is the result. The step from R10 to R15 is significantly larger than it was from the R8 to the R10."
The Audi R15 TDI features many technically innovative details with which Audi aims to maintain its supremacy in Le Mans. The new prototype is equipped with a smaller, lighter and even more efficient TDI engine. In developing the chassis and aerodynamics, Audi Sport engineers followed similar routes to those exhibited on the current Audi A4 DTM.
Why it Matters: This could be the ultimate alternative mobility play - diesel performance and dependability with hybrid emissions? A dream team, to be sure.
According to MotorAuthority, Mercedes-Benz will sell a diesel-electric hybrid by the end of the year - assuming, of course, that they like all other automakers can keep the lights on in North America. The vehicle will be an S400 BlueHYBRID, mated to a clean-burning 3.2-liter Bluetec turbodiesel. Hey, Mercedes - did I get all the marketing labels on that one? In plain english, it's a 3.2-liter turboddiesel with a urea canister and filter in the back, connected to an electric motor. And about that motor: it's a doozy, a full hybrid (it can run on juice only in start/stops application). I can't image how much this beast is going to weigh when you tack on all-wheel-drive, but here's hoping it won't dent the asphalt. But then, I'm a skeptic. All this talk about technology development is brave to the point of foolishness when you consider that most car labels are stopping the development of anything and everything more expensive than skateboards and scooters. Then again, it IS a hybrid, and we all know how hybrids are treated like the favored little sister - always gets her way, that hybrid. Geez! Here's hoping we see the debut of the world's first 350,000 mile hybrid. Or would that be the world's first truly clean burning diesel?
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 6, 2009 8:40 AM
General Motors has told PickupTrucks.com that it still plans to release a 4.5L turbodiesel V-8 in 2010 even though it may have a hard time convincing buyers (and GM's own internal bean-counters) that it will be a power play.
GM's small-block Duramax engine, which some have called the biggest engineering advancement since Rudolf Diesel first fired up the compression-ignition motor that bears his name, is scheduled to run in Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra half-ton pickups next year.
But Mike Levine, the truck website's editor, cautions that this is a touchy time for diesels, especially when other automakers, like Chrysler, are stalling.
"Everyone in this segment is looking at this, saying, it doesn't make sense to offer light-duty truck buyers a diesel because there is a 25% premium on the fuel, which erases the fuel-economy benefits," Levine recently told TankofDiesel.com.
Since the invention of diesel more than 100 years ago, diesels have been floated as an economical and eco-friendly alternative to gasoline. But various factors--low gas prices, diesel's dirty image and other things--have kept the oil-burners from powering the mainstream motoring public.
"It's never been good timing for light-duty diesels," Levine explains. For that reason, he adds, GM's plans may not be set in stone: "I would not be surprised if something changes in the next six months."
Cadillac CTS one of many General Motors vehicles being gushed over at the Detroit Auto Show in January gets the first production application of GM's 2.9-liter V-6 turbo-diesel engine with direct injection and combustion technology designed to produce low emissions and high performance--right on target for the Cadillac performance oriented positioning.
GM says this new engine (184 kW/250 hp), which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18 2008), will be sold mainly in Europe. Its first production application is scheduled for 2009 in the new Cadillac CTS. "In the luxury market in Europe over 70% are diesel so if you don't have a diesel you are out of way more than half the market," says John McElroy of Autoline Detroit. Percentage of diesel-powered vehicles is expected to go up even more in Europe and despite government foot dragging in the U.S.--the higher taxes on diesel, acceptance of diesel is growing in the U.S. So why wouldn't Cadillac offer that CTS diesel in America? The engine doesn't meet US standards right now, but it could meet standards with "reasonable effort" according to GM spokesperson Travis Parman.
The compact dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine belongs to a new GM family of diesel engines, featuring an innovative closed-loop combustion control system designed to meet future emissions standards. The engine can be installed in a longitudinal or transverse layout and can be adapted to a wide range of two- or four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 4, 2009 8:16 AM
Four years ago, USA Today's David Kiley performed a memorable and eye-opening showdown between the already-then-venerable Toyota Prius and the largely-unavailable Volkswagen Jetta diesel, by trekking from Detroit to D.C. and back to see how they stacked up.
The verdict was clear in the gas-pump bills, and the diesel beat the hybrid and was more comfy to boot. It gave a boost to diesels and exposed the hybrid's Achilles' heel: On long road trips, the batteries can't shut the engine down to save fuel.
But that was then, and this is now. Diesels are cleaner, but the fuel costs quite a bit more than gasoline. Hybrids are cheaper, but the technology hasn't changed all that much. So the time is ripe for another shootout. A Canadian newspaper has just run the numbers on the updated Jetta and Honda Insight hybrid to see which has the edge.
Again, the Jetta won in the coziness department. But cost of ownership was essentially a wash (though we should point out that the diesel rang up slightly less overall). That's good news, because in a time of grave economic and energy turmoil, it's no good to see precious research and development dollars go to waste.
The report notes that the Honda is the "greener" car, spewing out fewer tons of CO2 per year. That's true, however, the writer ignores the growing use of biofuels, which significantly cut the carbon footprint of diesels.
In the minds of car buyers, cost is king, so if future prices for diesel fuel meander too far up from gasoline, cars like the Jetta could be in trouble. Until that happens, it would seem that gas-electric hybrids and diesels remain competitive.
General Motors has announced that it will display several new vehicles at the 2009 Washington, D.C. auto show, which opens to the public on February 4th. All-new or significantly restyled models include the 2010 Buick LaCrosse; Cadillac Converj concept; the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, Beat concept (that will be produced as "Spark"), 2011 Cruze, Voltec-powered Chevrolet Volt and Orlando; and the Saab 9-5 Griffin. The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle and the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro will also be on the show floor.
News releases and photography for these vehicles can be found on GM's Washington, D.C. auto show web site at: http://media.gm.com/us/gm/e n/news/events/autoshows/09dc/
Despite a miserable sales year for autos, German manufacturers realized an increase in market share of the light vehicle market - from 5.1 per cent to 6.7 per cent over the last four years according to Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).
"From this year onwards there will be a German 'clean diesel quartet' on the US market for the first time - comprised of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. All four brands are now launching models that meet the strictest exhaust standards (Bin 5) in all 50 federal states of the US. This is sure to stimulate demand," remarked Wissman at a press conference in Detroit.
J. D. Power predicts the current market share of diesel light vehicles will quadruple by 2015, rising to 9 per cent.
"We are sure that the German brands will lead this growth process. This is also suggested by a clean diesel being selected for the first time as 'Green Car of the Year 2009' - the VW Jetta TDI, which fulfills the strictest US exhaust standards. Our German manufacturers will also be demonstrating their expertise in hybrid technology. There is a lot in the pipeline."
The 91st Annual Washington Auto Show Opens with Two Days of Media and Policy Events-Then the Public Show Begins
The 2009 Washington Auto Show makes it focus clear! "Driven by the Environment," the theme of this year's show, opens Feb. 2, with two days of media and public policy events. On Feb. 2nd, Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car Summit will take place place on Capitol Hill. Tuesday, Feb. 3, is Public Policy Day at the Sho w, with top-level automotive manufacturer officials and auto show representatives will be available for interviews.
Concept Cars include the Cadillac Converj, Ford Explorer America, Ford Verve, Lincoln C; Saturn Flextreme and Volkswagen BlueSport. Other innovative models at the show will be from Fisker Automotive (on display will be a 100-mpg luxury Fisker Karma, which Fiskers says will be the first available factory plug-in hybrid car, and will go on saleout later this year);
Tesla Motors (the Tesla Roadster is a 100% electric, high-performance sportsca r with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a 14,000 rpm redline. Tesla Motors is the only production automaker with a highway-capable electric vehicle for sale today); as well as the Green Car Pavilion and autos such as the Audi A3 TDI; BMW AdvancedDiesel 335d; BMW X5 xDrive35d - from Bosch; Chevrolet E85 HHR; Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid; Chrysler Town & Country Electric Car Concept;
EcoCAR Challenge Saturn Vue; Exertrike; Exertrike TriHybrid Stealth;
Ford E85 Hybrid; Ford Fusion Hybrid NASCAR Pace Car; HiPa Drive F-150 - electric; Honda Civic GX; Hymotion Prius Plug-In Hybrid; Kewet Electric City Car; Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency - CNG B-Class; MIT Aztec Solar Race Car; Mitsubishi I-MiEV; Ohio State Challenge X Equinox;
Pontiac Fiero EV; Roush Propane Pickup; Smart fortwo; Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (Electric Vehicle Assoc.); Toyot a 2010 Prius (Feb.3);; Toyota RAV4 EV; VW Jetta TDI - from Bosch; VW Jetta TDI with graphics; and VW Toureg TDI.
The 2009 Washington Auto Show: Driven by the Environment dates and hours: Wednesday & Thursday, Feb 4 - 5, 10 AM - 9 PM; Friday & Saturday, Feb. 6 -7, 10 AM - 10 PM; Sunday, Feb. 8, 10 AM - 7 PM.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
February 2, 2009 9:33 AM
The big news of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, besides its featherweight rear suspension that rides like a dream, was supposed to be that it would soon come with a light-duty diesel supplied by Cummins. Well, you can forget about that for the time-being.
Chrysler executives (counting pennies with the bailout money, no doubt) are following the likes of Ford and Toyota by telling Automotive News that its diesel plans are on hold. According to the report, buyers will now have to wait as far back as 2011 to get a small diesel in the Ram because of high fuel prices and the cost of emissions equipment. Boo-hoo.
Instead, next year the Ram will only get the ho-hum HEMI hybrid, developed in part with General Motors. So let's be honest, the Ram has sub par payload and towing capability, but its looks and handling are gorgeous. Slapping a hybrid in this half-ton machine without offering a higher-performance alternative could quickly turn this bulldog into a poodle.
One also could argue that this is precisely the kind of fuzzy logic that has gotten automakers into trouble in the first place. Diesels cost far less to develop than hybrids, in many cases get better overall fuel economy and still come with the same federal tax incentives that attract buyers.
While VW's new diesel took three of the Top Ten spots in the Dakar Rally (1st, 2nd and 6th), automakers BMW and Mitsubishi also brought their new clean diesels to the world's longest and most rigorous rally, and walked away with another three of the Top Ten Wins, in the event held in South America for the first time in its 30 year history. Driving BMW's new clean diesel were 8th place finishers Leonid Novitsky and Oleg Tyupenkin, both of Russia, and 9th place winners Guerlain Chichert, and Matthieu Baumel, both of France. Mitsubishi's Joan (Nani) Roma and Cruz Senra, both of Spain, placed 10th. This is the first time diesel-powered race cars have been contenders in this legendary event. For more information on the event, go to www.dakar.com; www.volkswagenmotorsports.com; www.bmw.com; and www.mitsubishi.com.
Mercedes gave a sneak preview of the New Mercedes E-Class at a hotel, near Cobo Hall during the Detroit Auto Show. The new E-Class makes its official world debut in March at the Geneva auto show and will be on sale in the U.S. around July.
Mercedes-Benz says major fuel-economy improvements come with the next-generation E class. The diesel variants will consume 23 percent less fuel than current models and gas-powered version consumes 20 percent less fuel than the current model.
Mercedes unveils four-door sedan and two-door coupe versions of the car in Switzerland. Convertible and station wagon variants debut at the IAA in Frankfurt in September.
Mercedes needs all the fuel economy they can get since they got a $30 million fine for failing to meet federal fuel economy standards. The new SLR Stirling Moss McLaren special edition won't help Mercedes fuel economy numbers. This beefy beauty has a 650 horsepower V8 supercharged engine with a top speed is 217 miles an hour. But they're only going to build 75 of the estimated $1 million Mossmobile.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 29, 2009 9:24 AM
Like others in Detroit, General Motors has been slow to bring diesels to the U.S. market because of high fuel prices. But it has officially taken the wraps off its Orlando crossover, a compact diesel that it plans to roll into dealer showrooms in 2011.
First displayed in Paris last fall, the General unveiled the Orlando on domestic soil early this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The compact vehicle is part sport-utility vehicle, wagon and minivan and promises just as much in the mpg department.
But unlike many sluggish multipurpose vehicles, this five-door crossover should have some get up and go, as it will be pulled by a four-cylinder, 2.0L turbodiesel that cranks out 150 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. Electric power steering will be standard.
Inside, theater-style seating will accommodate seven people. Prices haven't been announced yet, but this car's performance and utility will most likely turn some heads. Let's hope GM will still be around to sell it.
Volkswagen's Diesel Engine Makes racing History and Wins the 31st Dakar Rally, with Giniel De Villiers, of South Africa; Mark Miller, of the U,S. Places Second
South-African rally driver Giniel de Villiers has won the 31st Dakar, along with his co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz, of Germany. It is their first success in this 9.500-mile-long, grueling rally but - more importantly - it is also the first victory for Volkswagen and for a diesel engine in this famed event. Placing second for German manufacturer VW was US driver Mark Miller and his co-driver Ralph Pitchford, of South Africa. Also on the podium is US driver Robby Gordon (Hummer), who finished third, along with co-driver Andy Grider. De Villiers' victory is full of panache: indeed, the South-African won the last stage - the 10th stage victory for VW out of the 13 stages in total in the raid (!) - 2" ahead of Russia's Leonid Novitskiy (BMW).
VW's Dieter Deping of Germany and Timo Gottschalk placed 6th overall in the rally, also in a Volkswagen diesel, while Carlos Sainz, of Spain and Michel Perin, of France, retired from the competition on the 12th stage after a rollover, when Perin suffered a broken shoulder.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 27, 2009 10:14 AM
Get ready for some more razzle-dazzle: Mercedes-Benz has plans to update its E-Class midsize luxury sedan, with a new diesel model to join the line sometime in 2010.
Introduced initially as a V6 or V8 gasoline sedan toward the end of the year, the chiseled E350 will be offered shortly afterward with an optional 3.0L V6 turbodiesel. It's the same engine found in the 2009 E320 BlueTEC, which can be had right now along with a federal tax credit of $900.
Standard equipment on the E350 will include a rear-view camera, Sirius satellite radio and a voice-activated navigation system. There also are all kinds of fancy options available like collision sensors, lane-departure warnings and even a "drowsiness detection system."
Clearly, Mercedes has not fallen asleep at the wheel when it comes to recognizing the benefits of diesel (the 3.0L V6 is touted as the cleanest diesel in the world). And to boot, the 2009 E320 BlueTEC posts only a $1,000 markup over the $53,200 currently priced for the base E350.
However, we'd like to see more oil-burners appearing on lower-cost commuter cars like the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which carries a price tag that is almost 60% less than the Benz.
BMW is one of those automakers that has its sights set on a diesel revolution, and are in fact doing everything in their power to make it happen...including a massive ad campaign in support of the two clean diesel vehicles they offer stateside. Here's a taste of the diesel love: In one commercial, Mr. Unger uses a scale to weigh beakers of fuel. "If this is the amount of gas it takes to go 10 miles, then this is the amount of diesel that it takes to go the same distance," he says, showing off less liquid in the diesel beaker. In another spot, he holds up a tiny metal ball. "Imagine this is a gallon of fuel," he says. "If we all switched to diesel, we could save 90 million of these every single day." Millions of little metal balls begin to rain down on Mr. Unger.
That's cool. But what about building a car for the rest of us? One that doesn't cost a gazillion dollars? Even VW's Jetta TDI has a price premium, by golly. That's the big hurt diesel feels today - that and the fact many stations don't carry it - and the ones that do are more accommodating to truckers than Mommy and Me errands. But at least BMW is trying to pitch a really cool and valuable technology.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 23, 2009 9:22 AM
The battle lines are forming, and while European car makers rolled out their turbodiesels at this year's Detroit auto show, U.S. and Japanese manufacturers buzzed with talk of electric cars.
Ford Motor Co. has joined General Motors in the quest for a plug-in hybrid that can take average commuters to work and back without using a drop of fuel. Problem is, it won't be available until 2012.
Choosing to steer away from diesels in favor of its EcoBoost twin-turbo gas engine and gas-electric hybrids, Ford is working under a $10-million grant from the Dept. of Energy to get a plug-in hybrid to market as yet another solution to increasing fuel efficiency and cutting carbon emissions. It will soon begin with a demonstration fleet of 20 units. Ford also is working with a Canadian company called Magna to produce a "pure" electric car, powered entirely by a large battery pack in the trunk, by 2011.
More electric cars are on the way. At this month's auto show in Detroit, Honda unveiled its 2010 Insight hybrid, which will go head to head against the gas-electric Toyota Prius hybrid when it starts hitting dealerships this coming April and will be priced less than the Honda Civic hybrid.
Chrysler also announced plans to produce "pure" electric cars with a driving range of 150-200 miles alongside gas-electric, plug-in hybrids. It says it will begin rolling out these cars under a new "ENVI" marketing banner, starting with one vehicle model in 2010, three more by 2013.
California
Air Resources Board (CARB) is working on regulations that will be more
stringent than the Tier 2 Bin 5 with LEV 2 emissions required for 50-state
compliance in 2010.This is not good
news for diesel.
"It's going to make it very difficult to get
diesel vehicles certified," says Dave Barphmuss, GM Group Manager, Western
Region Environment and Energy Communications. "You basically have to put a
small chemical plant in every vehicle in order to meet future stringent
emissions standards.
"Those
new standards, targeted for 2013, would basically take GM out of the market for
light duty clean diesel. The treatment technologies raise the price of a
vehicle several thousand dollars which would make our vehicles too expensive."
"It's very hard to see how manufacturers will
meet increasing fuel economy standards if they aren't able to employ diesel,"
says Charlie Territo, spokesperson for the Alliance for Automobile
Manufacturers. "If the standards become too stringent then the future of diesel
in California and states that have adopted those standards are at a very
minimum questionable."
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 22, 2009 8:16 AM
It's no surprise that a European automaker has finally decided to unveil a diesel-powered sports car that isn't racing in LeMans or competing in exotic rallies. But what is shocking is how much fuel economy Volkswagen squeezed out of its BlueSport concept car, unveiled Jan. 11 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Concept BlueSport, as it is formally dubbed, is a curvy, mid-engine roadster that goes 0-60 in 6.2 seconds. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbodiesel (shared with Audi) that generates 180 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is about the same amount of twist that you would expect to see from a 300-hp gas engine. VW also packs in a 6-speed, double-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Top speed is 140 mph.
Here's the kicker: VW designed all this with an average fuel economy of 42 mpg and as much as 50 mpg on highway. If that's a glimpse of the future, sports-car enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.
In an editorial written on January 12, the Detroit News supports the use of diesel - despite the fact that the Little Three are woefully unprepared to launch diesel campaigns, and the last time they did, well - it didn't go so well. If you doubt it, think back to the last domestic diesel car you saw. Yep - it was that bad. Toyota is also looking the other way, which leaves only German automakers and Honda as the most likely to take advantage of renewed interest in diesel, and Honda has already announced delays. What's interesting here is this little nugget: The EPA has estimated that if one-third of the light vehicles on the American road were diesels, the United States would need about 1.4 billion fewer barrels of oil a day.
Psst, Bunkie: That means you can save money on diesel even if the price per gallon is slightly higher. Of all things, however - the Detroit News, long the hometown paper of the Little Three, coming out in support of diesel when their sugar daddies are so woefully unprepared. Consider, for example, the Detroit Auto Show: all GM, Ford and Chrysler could talk about was their newfound love of electrification - an amazing and ironic turn of events, especially if you're Bob Lutz. Frankly, Bomber Bob would much rather save the environment by driving a diesel BMW than a Chevy Volt.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 20, 2009 1:20 PM
Before Audi has had a chance to roll out out first clean diesel in the States, it is already planning another that it says will compete directly with the popular Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid.
Audi announced the gutsy decision at the Detroit auto show on Jan. 11. This April, Audi will start shipping its Q7 TDI to dealers' showrooms. The full-size sport-utility vehicle is powered by a 3.0L turbodiesel, cranking out 221 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Next will come the automaker's nimble A3 2.0 TDI, with a launch planned in early 2010 and is expected to get up to 40 mpg. The five-door luxury wagon gets Prius-like fuel economy on highway using a 2.0L diesel that turns out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.
But inside, this car won't feel like an everyday commuter car: Standard equipment will include leather interior, hill-hold assist, Sirius satellite radio and dual-zone climate control.
Green Car
Journal handed the 2009 Green Car of the Year prize to Volkswagen's Jetta TDI
clean diesel today, November 20, 2008, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.Five vehicles were nominated including a
number of new diesel offerings in the U.S. The five finalists were: BMW 335d,
Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, smart for two and the Volkswagen
Jetta TDI. And the winner is:Check out
GreenCar.com for information on all the finalists.
Green Car
Journal's award gains more prestige with the increased pressure to find
solutions to CO2 emissions and oil dependence.Automakers are challenged to reinvent themselves in warp
speed.The upside is that technological
developments will come to market faster as we move toward more efficient,
environmentally sustainable transportation.
For more information about the Green Car
Journal, go to www.greencar.com
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 16, 2009 9:57 AM
Delivery giant UPS is testing a new type of hybrid that Business Week calls an "automotive breakthrough," using a hydraulic pump mated to a heavy-duty turbodiesel that will soon go in two trucks rolling around Minneapolis. If the project works, Brown will go green by using these hybrids to cut its fuel and carbon footprint by up to 50%.
Uncle Sam--or more specifically the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency--holds the patent on this stuff. EPA estimates that its hydraulic hybrids would cost about $7,000 more than a conventional diesel truck, but the device could save users upwards of $50,000 over the vehicle's life. Not too shabby.
Still, though there are plenty of skeptics as to whether or not hydraulic-diesel hybrids would fly on passenger cars (Will they screech and howl? Will they leak?) there are some scientists busy working on scaled-down versions. One is Tom Kasmer, who has patented an award-winning hydraulic pump that he says could be cheaply retrofitted on existing cars, trucks and SUVs. He calls it the "holy grail" of transmissions.
Here's how they work: Rather than using batteries and an electric motor to aid the diesel engine, a hydraulic hybrid pumps fluid (and that can be a liquid or gas) into special tanks on the vehicle. The tanks are charged up when the truck brakes to a stop. By releasing the super-compressed fluid, the tanks launch the vehicle forward when the light turns green.
Because fluids generally don't like to be compressed, they can build up loads of power and torque for fast takeoffs. You can watch a video of the system at work on YouTube. And stay tuned for more out-of-the-ordinary technology. The hybrid wars are just beginning.
VW Posts Driver Selection Dates for 2009
Jetta TDI Cup
Any aspiring
drivers between the ages of 16 and 26 who wish to register for the 2009
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup can sign up at www.vwmotorsportusa.com. Registration
will close Jan. 2. A four-day driver selection process will take place Feb. 1 -
4 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
"The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup schedule
would be a true test of skill for any driver, let alone 30 young newcomers,"
Volkswagen of America Motorsport Manager Clark Campbell said. "We are preparing
drivers for a career in motorsports and the 2009 schedule will be an impressive
resume builder for them."
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 14, 2009 8:53 AM
Garbage trucks aren't exactly icons of the green movement. But what about a trash truck that runs on clean diesel and saves up to 30% on fuel?
The U.S. Air Force is playing around with such a vehicle powered by a heavy-duty, diesel-electric powertrain. Mack Trucks on Dec. 12 delivered the 325-hp beast to Robbins Air Force Base, the logistics arm of the Force. Costs were not disclosed.
Denny Slagle, Mack's president and CEO, says the hybrid cuts "both the country's dependence on fossil fuels and imported oil as well as the impact of truck operations on the environment."
When the refuse hauler has finished a brief tour of duty on base, it will make its way to Macon, Georgia, where it will help local residents dispose of their personal leftovers and generate "real life" test data, says Mack.
Called the TerraPro hybrid, the truck sports an integrated-electric starter/alternator/motor and lithium-ion batteries mated to an 11L, inline-six diesel, also made by Volvo Group's Mack division (not the same Volvo as Ford's car division, which is currently on the auction block).
The turbodiesel is definitely no toy, cranking out a crushing 1,200 lb-ft of torque. As it grinds to a halt--which is common for trash trucks that are constantly stopping and starting--regenerative braking captures kinetic energy and stores it in the battery pack.
The batteries then help launch the truck without needing the full force of the engine, saving 20-30% on fuel and an equal number in greenhouse-gas emissions.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 13, 2009 9:40 AM
In a bizarre story of green gone wild, a former plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills was recently sued for allegedly burning his patients' tummy-tuck fat in sport-utility vehicles that he and his girlfriend drive.
According to local news reports, Craig Alan Bittner advertised his so-called "lipo-diesel" on his website, www.lipodiesel.com, which is no longer in service. "The vast majority of my patients request that I use their fat for fuel," he wrote on the site.
The story ignited a flurry of controversy on the web, from eco-praisers contending that Bittner has found an answer to America's addiction to all things oily to those who question whether or not the whole thing is a hoax. Even his former patients are weighing in, while the doctor says he is off to South America to "help those most in need."
Get ready for more weird news as people look to create cheap energy out of household fats, oils and grease. One of the most popular methods is the home Greasecar conversion kit, which allows you to burn straight vegetable oil in your diesel. The do-it-yourself kit retails for about $1,500.
But beware that manufacturers do not endorse home-biofuel kits. And you can forget about lipo-diesel living large anytime soon, as most states prohibit the use of medical waste to power cars.
VW's Turbo Diesels Are Leaders Overall at the Halfway Point of the 2009 Dakar: by Sue Mead
Although shut-out of a victory two years ago, Volkswagen can point to greater experience than other manufacturers racing with diesel engines. The German firm's drivers, sadly unused to lady luck smiling on them, is now finally seeing the tide turn in their favor, especially since during preparation, the engineers responsible for the Race Touaregs of Sainz, De Villiers, Miller and Depping have apparently left nothing to chance. They are now the top three leaders of the rally, along with a 9th place spot, as well, at the mid-point of this 9,578-kilomter-long grueling rally in Argentina and Chile
"We need to overcome the 'Dakar' itself first", says Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director), despite the fact that at the mid-point of the 2009 Dakar Rally, the four VW entries are in the top three positions, as well as eight place. "At the halfway point of the 'Dakar', we can look back on a successful first week of rallying. The whole team has done an excellent job and the Race Touareg has demonstrated that it is a fast and reliable vehicle. There were three or four very demanding days in the first week, but the next seven stages will be even tougher. We are on course for success, but we nevertheless need to remain focused and not make any mistakes if we want to achieve our objective of winning the 'Dakar'. And to do that, we need to overcome the rally itself first, as it is and will continue to be our toughest adversary. We can already safely say that this is the hardest Dakar Rally ever."
Carlos Sainz (E); Michel Périn (F), co-pilot, 1st place overall
this rally."
Giniel de Villiers (ZA); Dirk von Zitzewitz (D), co-pilot, 2nd place overall
Mark Miller (USA), Ralph Pitchford (ZA), co-pilot, 3rd place overall
The clock is ticking and all of the racers, organizers, mechanics, support and press for the 2009 edition of the Dakar are going through last-minute preparations to begin the Argentina portion of this famed rally, set to begin Jan. 3rd. All vehicles participating in the rally have been numbered and decaled and completed their scrutineering at La Rural Exhibition Park, where more than 60,000 spectators entered the public areas to check out the wide variety of models participating as either race or support conveyances for the 9,578-kilometer-long run that starts and finishes i n Buenos Aires, Argentina and travels through Chile, as well. Many more came to take photos of the assorted race-prepared homologated models and other more traditional-looking vehicles along the broad avenues and streets lining the Park. It is expected that hundreds of thousands will gather along city's the Avenida 9 de Julio today, for a parade of vehicles that will assemble and cross a pedestal next to the Obelisk in the majestic Plaza de la Republica. And, Dakar's organizers are making plans to accommodate the thousands of spectators that will line some portions of the route and visit the team bivouacs each night, when they are located in populated areas.
The rally, which has a number of top competitors driving new, clean diesels, will see 837 competitors, in 500 vehicles line-up, made of 217 bikes, 25 quads, 177 cars, 81 trucks, along with a wide variety of pickup trucks representing nearly every manufacturer and model type set up to support many of the teams.
Critical to the success of each race team is not only the endurance, physical and mental fitness and expertise of the drivers and co-pilots, but also the mechanical prowess of the race and support vehicles that will play a vital role in the success of this epic rally. The weight of each vehicle also plays a crucial part in a team's success, especially when related to fuel stops.
This is the 30th running of this legendary event and the first time the Dakar will travel through the South American continent, experiencing temperatures ranging from over 100 degrees to below freezing, cross the snow-capped Andes Mountains and traverse the Atacama, the world's highest and driest desert. Go to www.volkswagen-motorsport.com and check the diesel entries and their story.
A First: Turbo diesel powered VW runs in SCORE Trophy Truck at Baja
Volkswagen's history of bringing innovation and competition to Baja since its earliest days continues for the 41st annual SCORE Baja 1000 starting November 21st. "This year we are proud to bring clean diesel power to the desert, marking the first time that a turbo-diesel powered vehicle will compete head-to-head with gasoline-powered SCORE Trophy-Truck rivals," Clark Campbell, motorsports manager for Volkswagen of America. "Normally aspirated diesel vehicles have run in other SCORE classes, but never SCORE Trophy Truck class. Turbo-diesels have run in SCORE International Truck classes once--VW-Race Touaregs ran in the 2007 Baja 500. But this 2008 Baja 1000 marks the very first time a Turbo-Diesel powered vehicle will run in the ultimate class, SCORE Trophy Truck." The Volkswagen-Red Bull Touareg TDI is the vehicle.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 8, 2009 8:02 AM
Clean diesels racked up top honors in 2008 and are set to stay the course, with two finalists now in the 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.
Picked by a jury of 50 automotive journalists, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan is among three finalists in the car category, along with the Ford Flex and Hyundai Genesis. It was already named Green Car of the Year.
For the truck category, the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC sport-utility vehicle could rise to the top. It is pitted against the redesigned Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 pickups.
Both Dodge and Ford pickups can be had with clean-diesel engines as optional equipment, but the competition is focusing only on their light-duty, gasoline versions. Jurors consider such criteria as innovation, design, safety, handling and cost.
In the competition's 16-year history, this is the first time that a diesel vehicle has hit a finalist spot. It would be quite historic, then, if a diesel car and truck took both categories.
So much buzz over clean diesels in the past few years has culminated in cars and trucks that can actually compete with their gasoline counterparts. Finalists were whittled down over the past year from a list of about 50 contenders.
The awards will be handed out at the North American International Auto Show, held Jan. 13-24, in Detroit.
The next time you're at the doctor to suck a little thunder off your thighs, be sure to ask for fat leftovers. It turns out that it makes great biodiesel, just like the grease from the french fries that you gorged on, the ones that made you go to the plastic surgeon to begin with. Of course, using human medical waste is illegal, so please don't try it at home. Just ask Beverly Hills hack man Craig Alan Bittner, who is currently on the lam from authorities for, among many other things, boasting about using leftover fat to power his cars. The claim is slightly ridiculous because Bittner owns a Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, neither of which are powered with diesel engines.
The drama is good for one reason, however, beyond mindless entertainment. It shows just how versatile diesels can be. Indeed, there are plenty of legal fuel sources for biodiesel, including such things as coffee grounds and other types of waste. Animal or vegetable fat also works because it has triglycerides that can be turned into diesel, and, according to the story on forbes.com, gets about as much mileage per gallon.
But don't trust us. Instead, take comfort in the wise words of Alan Bittner: "The vast majority of my patients request that I use their fat for fuel--and I have more fat than I can use," Bittner boasted on lipodiesel.com. "Not only do they get to lose their love handles or chubby belly but they get to take part in saving the Earth."
Yeah for blubber!
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
January 6, 2009 3:51 PM
The global financial meltdown hasn't been so good to retirement accounts,
but it is giving diesel fuel a leg up as more of these cars hit the
market.
Prices for diesel are falling dramatically, with the average cost across
the U.S. on Dec. 22 at $2.36 per gallon. That's down 28% since the same time
last year and its lowest since August 2005, according to the Energy Information
Administration.
The 2.3% weekly and 28.5% annual price plunge also is the biggest
percentage decline ever recorded, says Dow
Jones.
High prices have hindered diesel's edge over gasoline, but that price gap
is now shortening, thanks to falling demand for all fuels. As the economy
rebounds, all fuel prices will likely rise again, but experts think that diesel
could stick closer to gasoline when that happens.
"Diesel is the growth fuel, globally," says Allen Schaeffer, executive
director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "However, if you assume that this
recession, and the attendant reduced demand for all petroleum products, is going
to result in a 'reset' of fuel prices, maybe we'll get back to a more normal
diesel-gasoline spread."
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES DRIVERS AND SPONSORS FOR TECATE SCORE BAJA 1000
Volkwagen announced that motorsport veterans Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero have been chosen to drive VW's Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI, powered by a clean diesel TDI engine for the 41st running of the Tecate Score Baja 1000. Both men are full time factory works drivers for VW Motorsports team based in Hanover, Germany.
Miller, who has been selectively dominating the sport of off-road racing for over twenty years, is one of the few Americans to start the Dakar Rally and has scored several wins in the Trophy Truck class of the famous Baja 1000 and Baja 500 rallies. Ryan who comes from a legendary racing family, has a wide range of skills and experience that have earned him many successes in motorsports.
"The last time I won the Baja 1000 was in 2004 and it is something that drives me more and more everyday to get back to that feeling inside of being the best at what I do and to win one of the most demanding races in the world," says Ryan.
Being an avid off-road enthusiast and promoter of diesel, I drove the Grand Cherokee diesel on one of the Jeep Jamboree events held in Ouray, Colorado. The Overland model had heated seats in both rows, which was perfect to mitigate the climate in this region's high elevations. I also appreciated the 3.0-liter turbodiesel's 376 foot-pounds of on-tap torque for the steep uphill climbs and loose-rock descents. Outfitted with Quadra-Drive II, this diesel-powered Jeep combines a two-speed transfer case with electronic limited slip differentials, giving nearly instant response to wheel slippage.
In 2008, Jeep Jamboree USA scheduled over 30 backcountry adventures in many of the nation's most challenging and scenically stunning areas. Designed to coincide with drivers' various skill levels and budgets, Jamborees include a full two-day, family-oriented four-wheel-drive trek. Tow hooks are mandatory for wilderness journeys on trails rated 4-7. Cost: adults $250, Children, 6-12, $125, Children 5 and under, free. Register and/or add passengers until three weeks prior to the trip date. Fee covers all necessary permits, experienced guides for the entire trip, three meals on both Friday and Saturday ("Just Trails" adventures include evening meals only), continental breakfast on Sunday, and an official Jeep Jamboree T-shirt.
The 2009 calendar will be posted at Jeep Jamboree USA Registration can be made online at www.jeepjamboreeusa.com; E-mail, jeepjam@jeepjam.com.
For more information on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, go to www.jeep.com
BMW has announced that it will be marketing two new Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance offerings in the U.S.: the 335d sports sedan and the X5 xDrive 35d sport utility vehicle. While BMW has offered a wide variety of diesel engines across its model lineup in Europe, where it has won the Engine of the Year award many times, these two new products will be introduced to the U.S. market this fall and they have been designed to meet the strict emissions standards in California and other states.
BMW says the advantages to the BMW diesel offerings include low fuel consumption; uncommon smoothness for a diesel; power and efficiency; and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Not only are these models better for the environment, they have more torque. BMW says its BluePerformance technology filters and cleans the exhaust before it exits the vehicle, making this generation of diesel engines the cleanest BMW has ever produced. With reduced emissions from comparable gasoline vehicles, and near-elimination of both smoke and NOx emissions, BMW Advanced Diesels will be every bit as clean as CARB-legal gasoline engines, says BMW.
For further information, go to www.BMWUSA.com
--Sue Mead
Baja 1000 enthusiasts can now follow SCORE Baja 1000 with Online Blog
Volkswagen, who enters its all-new purpose-built Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI, powered by a clean diesel TDI engine has partnered with BF Goodrich Tires and other partners to create a new online experience that brings sights, sounds and real time GPS tracking for all drivers in the in the SCORE Trophy-Truck, 1, 8, Stock Mini and 5/1600 Classes in the race, plus live and streaming video. In addition, text updates on SCORE Trophy-Truck and Class 1 competitors and a real-time leader board tracking all Classes throughout the duration of the event will be available via computer. The Web site goes live November 19, 2008 at www.2008SCOREBaja1000.com with a countdown clock. Race tracking will begin at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET November 21.
Nearly every manufacturer touting its vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show will brought exciting news about alternative fuels and high mileage vehicles. Among the types are new clean diesel, biodiesel, electric and natural gas.
This is the third year the show was held in November, rather than January and it is expected to be another year of record-breaking attendance, as high-mileage vehicles are at the forefront of consumers minds more than ever. The show was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
December 30, 2008 8:59 AM
Ahhh...there's nothing like the aroma of diesel brewing in the
morning. If you thought our earlier post about diesel-making mushrooms was weird, check out what
scientists at the University of Nevada are up to.
Professor
Mano Misra has found a way to make biodiesel out of used coffee grounds. Though
coffee could power just a small fraction of all the diesels out there, it's
another example of how energy buffs are making fuel from green sources other
than corn and soybeans. In other words, feed-stocks that don't require crude oil
or hamper the world's food supply.
"It won't solve the world's energy
problem," Misra told the New York Times.
"But our objective is to take waste material and convert it to
fuel."
According to the article, the fuel can be made for about $1 a gal.
We're left to wonder, do you get less mileage out of decaf?
Green Car Journal to Give 2009 Green Car of the Year Award to New Model at the Los Angeles Auto Show-Two Diesels in the Group of Top 5!
Green Car Journal, considered the leading automotive environmental magazine, will announce the 2009 Green Car of the Year, on November 20, 2009, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Five vehicles have been nominated from a field of many new 2009 models that raise the bar with environmental performance, including a number of new diesel offerings in the U.S. The five finalists are: BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, smart for two and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. All are featured on GreenCar.com. This award has continued to grow in significance, as more buyers seek higher-mileage vehicles and vehicles that are more environmentally-friendly.
"There is a sea change occurring in the auto industry that's finding an ever-increasing number of 'green' cars being introduced at new car showrooms," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "That's made this year's selection of Green Car of the Year(R) nominees all the more challenging. This is a real plus for new car buyers, since the trend will continue to gather momentum as automakers re-invent themselves in a changing auto market that's requiring higher efficiency and greater environmental performance."
For more information about the Green Car Journal, go to www.greencar.com
Hyundai has an all-new 4-cylinder diesel engine in 2.0 and 2.2-liter versions. The engines are scheduled for the Sonata and Tucson models in other parts of the world, but not the U.S.
Chris Hosford, spokesperson for Hyundai said, "HMA continues to study the use of Diesels for the U.S. market. As you know, Hyundai has Diesels (including the so-called "clean" Diesels) in a number of other markets including Korea and Europe where they are sold very successfully. However, there is a high cost to meet the U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations. The technology is not a problem for Hyundai and already exists in a number of our engines."
Hyundai worries about the cost effecting consumer interest and willingness to purchase, especially now with the cost of diesel fuel above the cost of gasoline. Right now, Hyundai says that puts the kibosh on selling diesels in the U.S.
The State of California has unanimously approved a bill that requires the
retrofitting of more than 200,000 over the road diesel rigs. The legislation
takes effect in 2011, so get your wrenches ready, fellas! The Air Resources
Board stated that the regulation will save more than 9,000 lives and reduce
birth defects.
Leave it to the fruitcakes in California to make such a claim.
Regulations don't save lives, people spending money to clean up their act -
that's what makes the air cleaner. The state claims that the law will cost
trucking companies and independent operators about 5 billion, money that
perhaps they could have saved if they were more aggressive about cleaning up
their own act - instead of waiting for fat-cat lawmakers to force the issue. Of
course, there's $1 billion from the taxpayers to help them along, which raises
a good point: why should we, the taxpayer, pay for you, the truck company, to
clean up your act? We should get a Taxpayer Appreciation Discount when we move.
The urea Tank--at
BMW known as the diesel exhaust fluid tank--is what make diesel clean and
compliant in the U.S.
There is a
separate tank where 5.5 gallons of urea, aka ad blue, aka diesel exhaust fluid
resides.There are two tanks on the new
BMW 335D sedan and X5 xDrive 35d sport utility vehicle.A main tank holds 5.5 gallons of diesel
exhaust fuel and a reserve tank holds a few gallons more.Both tanks are heated so that the fluid
doesn't freeze.
Now do you have
to worry about filling two tanks?Not
really. BMW says drivers will be warned with a yellow indicator on the
instrument panel when the fluid in the main urea tank gets down to 2.5 quarts.
The vehicle then has about 1000 miles left before it runs out of fluid.That countdown continues to 200 miles and
then a red indicator tells you if you reach zero your car won't start.BMW don't expect that to happen.
You don't need
to be concerned that you will mistakenly put diesel fuel in your urea tank.
There is a mis-fueling protection system that prevents you from doing so.
Replacement of diesel exhaust fluid in the Urea
tank is free for the first four years.After the warranty runs out replacement of the fluid will run somewhere
in the range of $10 a gallon for a 5.5-gallon tank plus labor.
A Green Cars/LA Auto Show Ride and Drive, including cars that run on biodiesel and clean diesel, took place on Nov. 20th. Journalists and members of the Press got to compare green and high-mileage vehicles for side-by-side test driving. The test drive included more than 25 vehicles from 11 manufacturers that represent North America, Europe and Asia. A number of the vehicles available to evaluate will be World
For more information about the LAAS, which will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, go to www.laautoshow.com
According to CNNMoney.com, Exxon Mobil Corp has announced
that it will invest more than $1 billion into three refineries in order to
boost clean diesel output by 6 million gallons a day. For the US, the expansion
will occur in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Baytown, Texas.Upgrades to plants should be finished by
2010, according to Exxon Mobil, which doesn't help German automakers who now
have fleets of clean-burning diesel vehicles on dealer lots, ready to roll. And
it doesn't really help truckers who pay more per gallon, at least partially due
to the lack of low-sulfur diesel fuel available. Demand has been increasing for
years - and not just in the US - so more refining capacity should already be
available, not planned.
But heck - Merry Christmas anyway, circa 2010 - or later.
BMW announced pricing today that its 335d sedan is priced at $44,725 including delivery, handling and automatic transmission.
The X5 xDrive 35d sport utility is priced at $52,025. Both vehicles qualify for a tax credit: $900 for the 335d and $1,550 for the X5.These new to the U.S. clean diesel offering are 50-state compliant.
Only automatic transmission is available since the engine delivers 425 lb. ft. of torque, almost as good as BMW's 12-cylinder engine. BMW says they don't have a manual transmission that can handle that amount of torque.
The 335d and X5 xDrive 35d diesels are part of BMW's overall strategy of efficient dynamics, their system for creating environmentally compliant vehicles with expected BMW performance. "These are the most fuel-efficient vehicles we have ever brought to the U.S.," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW North America. But with horsepower at 265 and 425 lb. ft. of torque BMW's steely performance isn't hiding itself in the corner. Mileage for the 335d is 23/36 city/highway and for the X5 it's 19/26 city/highway.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
December 23, 2008 8:20 AM
While some oil companies are cutting back production as crude prices crater, ExxonMobil says is going to crank out more clean diesel to give motorists more of what they need.
ExxonMobil is spending $1 billion to build extra capacity at its plants in Louisiana, Texas and Belgium. "Our increase in diesel production at these three sites will be equal to the diesel produced from about four average-size refineries," said Sherman Glass, president of refining and supply. The company expects the work to be done in 2010.
According to news reports, the oil giant will have an 8% share of the world's total diesel output. It now has about 1%:
The price of diesel has been falling along with gasoline this winter, but its 45-50% cost premium at the pump burns away most of its promise as a more-efficient fuel. That's not good because demand for diesel is high in Europe and could surge here as more people buy diesel-powered cars.
By itself, it is hard to say whether Exxon's investment can pull down the price of clean diesel enough to make it a more-attractive alternative, but we think this news will spur other oil companies to pony up and do the same.
The 2009
Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference and Expo will be held in
Orlando, Florida from April 19-22.
The fuel
and technology neutral conference and expo is geared toward fleet and
transportation professionals, environmental organizations, fleet leasing
companies, suppliers and retailers, and will feature a myriad of presentations
by a plethora of experts in alternative fuels, vehicle options, advanced
technology, and policy making.
Some of the areas of focus for the event will
be federal and state funding and incentive initiatives, non-petroleum fuel
options, fuel efficiency and emissions improvements.
The
first Alternative and Vehicle Expo was held in 1994 and continues to maintain
its reputation as being the industry event for petroleum alternative vehicles
and technologies.
To learn more, register to
attend, reserve exhibit space, or to sponsor the event, visit the Alternative
Fuel Vehicle Institute's website.http://www.afv2009.com/ --Sue Mead
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
December 19, 2008 9:41 AM
All this business about diesels racing in Le Mans and undertaking cross-country treks to prove their performance and lean diet of fuel hearkens back to another time.
There's a special place in Europe that is home to the world's most efficient combustion engine housed in the world's largest museum of technical artifacts. I recently passed through Munich, Germany, and took a stroll through the Deutsches Museum, a large stone building located on the Isar River. Any fan of technology should stop through it, where you will find Rudolf Diesel's mechanical creation, a hulking, single-cylinder stationary engine with a flywheel the size of a satellite dish sitting front and center of the power-machinery gallery.
Though it was (and still is) the most fuel-efficient combustion engine of its day, diesels were very large and smoky and did not begin make their way into automobiles until Clessie Cummins, an American tinkerer, found a way to build a diesel car using a more compact mill. If you can't make the trip to Germany to see Diesel's 1897 master work, you can take a shorter trip to the diesel's second birthplace in Indiana.
Like Diesel, Cummins was one of those crazy-genius types who wouldn't give up without a fight. To prove the worth of the oil-eating engines, Cummins dropped a diesel into a Packard and drove it cross-country on less than $10 of heating oil. He then entered a hot-rod Duesenberg diesel into the Indianapolis 500 in 1931, where Dave Evans placed 13th overall in the #8 Cummins Diesel Special. It was the first diesel to race at Indy, with a top speed of over 80 miles per hour, and also the first to complete the tour without making a pit stop.
Reliable
biodiesel getting to market took another big step this week when The American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) announced that they updated the
existing biodiesel standards.
What is
ASTM?It is an international group of
30,000 technically knowledgeable producers, consumers, government and
academia.Their work is heeded by our
EPA as well as the auto companies.
What the new
standards mean to the consumer is that eventually, when they are adopted by
producers, the biodiesel you put in your gas tank will be consistent from gas
station to gas station. Biodiesel, because there were no standards, has left a
few consumers out in the cold by the side of the road.
"It will take time for the market to adopt these
standards," says Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology
Forum, "but people can have a little more confidence that the renewable fuel
you're getting is going to be meeting a better quality standard."
The 2008
Jetta TDI Cup Series races aired on the Speed Channel over
the course of eight episodes, beginning with race one that was held at the
Virginia International Raceway and ending with an hour-long documentary.
During
the 2008 TDI Cup Series, Speed Channel had attended and filmed all races while
also collecting documentary footage over the course of the Cup's season.The final program, the documentary, was
shown on November 11th.
Since
April, 30 hand-picked amateur drivers have been racing toward the 100,000 purse
in 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDIs.The
series was established to assist the best of the drivers to break into the
professional racing circuit. The Jetta TDI Cup is the first all clean-diesel
racing series and was sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing Inc.All Jettas were factory prepared and managed
throughout the course of the race. For further info, go to:
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
December 17, 2008 10:39 AM
Gas-electric hybrids are well established, and clean diesels are just getting off the ground. But the U.S. may soon become the melting pot--or if you prefer, salad bowl--for a new kind of car that marries Japan's love for batteries with Europe's fixation on fuel oil into a vehicle that could get upwards of a miserly 70 miles per gallon.
Diesel-electric powertrains have been tested over the road here for several years on large, commercial trucks, including an 18-wheeler prototype that retail giant Wal-Mart is playing with to help slash its fuel consumption in half. Now, diesel-hybrid cars may soon get in on the action.
Detroit automakers have big plans for hybrid diesels, as do overseas manufacturers. GM subsidiary Opel has developed a concept car that gets almost 60 mpg. Dodge has tested Ram truck prototypes that get close to 30. Volkswagen is developing a diesel-electric Golf that gets around 69 mpg, while Mercedes and BMW are working on crossover SUVs that will squeeze out Toyota Prius-like efficiency.
This summer, India-based light truck and SUV maker Mahindra will flex its diesel muscles here. And word is that it, too is dipping its diesel toes into the hybrid pool. Porsche has also announced that it is working on a clean-diesel hybrid version of its souped-up SUV, the Cayenne turbo, which today is about as green as a ball of fire.
Performance of this techno-merger is still unknown, though on paper it makes sense. But the big question is whether the cost of the two systems be worth all this effort. Our pocketbooks will just have to wait to find out.
Sources are reporting
that the reason for Honda's delay of the i-DTEC diesel engine, which was
reported to be coming to the U.S. in Acura models in 2009, is that the
automatic-transmission version did not pass EPA emissions testing. The
six-speed manual equipped transmission passed its tests but bringing the manual
only into the U.S. doesn't make sense for Honda since most buyers now purchase
automatic transmissions. Anticipation for the Honda diesel has been growing
especially among diesel enthusiasts since Honda CEO Takeo Fukui announced that Honda
would bring its first diesel engine to the USA in 2009 at 2008 North American
International Auto Show in Detroit.
When it
comes to issues of the environment, one of the foremost thoughts is energy.
With that being said, in July, TSC, a division of Yankelvoich, Inc conducted a
survey at the bequest of Diesel Technology Forum.The survey was geared toward analyzing the general populations'
overall understanding of diesel fuels, and to evaluate the awareness and
attitude of environmental concerns of those paneled.
Of the
1304 telephone interviews conducted, 61% showed a high concern for the
environment with 86% of those polled vowing to purchase a more fuel efficient
vehicle.
The
study further showed that adults under 35 years old placed far more importance
on fuel efficiency, with those over 35 placing greater importance on fuel
costs.
Overall,
almost half of those surveyed believe that diesel technology has become more
environmentally friendly than it was five years ago, with only one third
believing there has been no change.
Of those
polled, 40% say owning a fuel efficient vehicle reduces the nation's dependence
on oil; 36% say owning a more fuel efficient vehicle reduces the cost of fuel;
and 23% say fuel efficient vehicles reduce greenhouse emissions.
All research data can be
found on Diesel Technology Forum's website at www.dieselforum.org.
26 year
old David Richert from Niverville, Manitoba, Canada has been named the winner
of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Media Contest.As a driver, Richert placed 25th overall in the racing series, but rose
to the top in media coverage out of the 30 competing drivers.
While the
objective, in simple terms, was to secure the most media coverage, the contest
was designed to punctuate the importance of the media to a driver's career. The
media contest encouraged each driver to work on building crucial relationships
with the various media outlets, specifically those within the driver's
hometowns.
Richert
had earned enough media exposure to secure multiple radio interviews,
television appearances and a constant level of print coverage through local
newspapers.As his media exposure
expanded throughout the racing series season, Richert also found himself
working beside the Mayor of Winnipeg unveiling city signs, tossing the first
pitch at a major league baseball game, and making a visit to a New England
children's hospital.
As the driver with the most
media coverage, Richert has earned the opportunity to drive at the upcoming ADAC
Polo Cup in Hockenheim, Germany alongside the TDI Series Cup winning driver,
Josh Hurley.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
December 11, 2008 4:56 PM
While most automakers are scrambling to bring diesel models to their lineups, car designers are peering further into the future by experimenting with diesel-electric hybrids.
Don't want to wait for a diesel hybrid? Now you can build your own and get a whopping 225 miles per gallon. Meet the XR3, the latest vision of Glendale, Ariz.-based Robert Q. Riley, an industrial designer with a passion for futuristic cars.
Author of the book Alternative Cars in the 21st Century, Riley this fall just started offering digital plan sets of the XR3, an alternative-fueled, two-seater with a lightweight foam-and-fiberglass body. Drawings come with instructions and a list of parts vendors on CDs for $99.50. You can also order printed plans with the CDs for $200. So far, Riley has sold 2,500 plans and says several projects are already in the works.
The three-wheeled XR3 is a plug-in hybrid powered by a three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine that cranks out 23 hp. It powers the two front wheels, while an electric motor runs the rear wheel off a belt drive and adds 50 hp to the front engine. The car runs for 40 miles on lithium-ion battery power, then kicks on the diesel to go further. At peak efficiency, it achieves 225 mpg, says Riley. On diesel power alone, the car gets up to 125 mpg. Top speed is 80 mph.
Do-it-yourselfers will find that the XR3, which weighs in at 1,480 lb, is "the most low-tech hybrid ever developed," Riley says. There are no fancy computers to program. Depending on the size of your ambition and checking account, you can build a diesel-only version for $10,000, or go full bore for about $25,000.
Honda's plans to
bring clean-diesel to the U.S. by 2010 are under review. Honda won't say
specifically that they are delaying or cancelling the arrival of the clean
diesel but that's the way it looks."We
must evaluate the abrupt change in diesel fuel and raw material cost trends and
proceed cautiously," says Honda.
Honda's clean
diesel engine, the 4-cylinder i-DTEC, was supposed to premier in the Acura
brand and while Honda did not announce which model, all rumors pointed to the
2010 TSX previewing in 2009.
Honda's clean
diesel cars don't require a urea tank as most European systems do. Honda's
diesel generates and stores ammonia within a two-layer catalytic converter to
turn nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen.
The use of aluminum in the cylinder block
instead of steel allows Honda to use existing gasoline engine facilities,
keeping initial investments down.
Fuel economists and world-record setters John
and Helen Taylor, who just set a U.S. record driving a VW TDI diesel Jetta have
a few tips and tricks for the everyday driver to help you boost fuel economy
while also practicing safe driving.
Some of Taylor's Tips for better fuel
efficiency are:
*Avoid
Prolonged Idling - Taylor says you're going nowhere and still using
fuel.Turn the car off when your idling
time increases.
*Replace
Air Filters - A plugged air filter causes poor air intake, thus less
efficient engine combustion. That means more fuel usage.According to the Taylor's, air filters can
cause an increase in fuel consumption by up to 10%.
*Maintain
a Speed - John and Helen say driving just five mph over the posted speed
limit can increase fuel consumption by as much as 23%. According to Taylor's
Tips- the faster you go, the more wind resistance you run into.More wind resistance, means more work for
the engine, and means greater fuel consumption.
*Smooth Driving - Smooth steering,
accelerating and braking can reduce fuel consumption by1/3 overall, according
to the Taylor's.Using aggressive
driving techniques such as rapid acceleration and heavy braking can
significantly increase your vehicle's fuel consumption.
*Keep Up With the Tune Ups - A
well-maintained engine leads to a happy engine.The Taylors say that servicing your engine routinely increases
normal fuel consumption by 4%. While you're at it, make sure the tires are at
the right pressure. Just one psi short of fully inflated can also reduce
efficiency by 3%.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
December 9, 2008 10:25 AM
Move over, hybrids. The editors of Green Car Journal (www.greencar.com) have named the Volkswagen Jetta TDI as 2009's "Green Car of the Year." Also in the running for the king of green were the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue Two-Mode Hybrid and the diminutive smart fortwo. Jetta is the first clean-diesel automobile to win the eco-friendly award.
Manufacturing cars that deliver top-notch efficiency with a limited environmental footprint is "no longer an option," judges say. The turbodiesel-powered Jetta is rated at 30 miles per gallon in city and 41 mpg on highway and comes with a federal tax credit of $1,300. Volkswagen says it has already sold 8,000 units since its August introduction.
Aside from the car's fuel efficiency, ride and handling, Jetta TDI's powerplant is more "straightforward and affordable" than competitive hybrids and other green-car contenders, judges say, with an average price tag of $21,990.
Think of diesel and there it is, swerving and coughing down Stereotype Road: a stinking, clattering smogmobile, reminding everyone why we will never ever buy into that whole diesel thing again - no matter what your buddy says about longevity, efficiency and performance. And if you're too young to think of ol' clack and clatter, right about now you're probably picturing a hairy, lanky hippy with fast food oil in her bathtub.
Hey Marge - you ready to mix up another batch of homemade?
Mercedes-Benz wishes you'd stop. It would humbly like you to think about diesel in a more positive way, say, as a serious solution to our fuel and environmental woes. To that end, the automaker hopes more than a few people lift up their hands to the idea of diesel, and are convinced that thousands will - once they experience their newest entrant into a long and illustrious history of diesel powertrain development: Bluetec.
Indeed, Rudolph Diesel - that crazy-smart German who came up with the diesel idea in 1892 - would be proud. Mercedes-Benz has managed to develop a V-6 diesel engine that consistently beats all competitive gasoline comers in terms of emissions and fuel economy. It actually meets clean-air certification in all fifty states. That's no easy feat, thanks to California's strict emissions regulation7s, and one that Mercedes has only been able to accomplish with this version of Bluetec. Last year's exquisite E 320 was approved for 45 states. What's more, they did it with little sacrifice to the experience of piloting a 'Benz down the road.
After two days spent driving 2009 model R 320, ML 320 and GL 320 Bluetec diesels, there are but a few differences between Bluetec and its gasoline equivalents, at least from the perspective of the steering wheel. The engine is exceedingly quiet, save for slight diesel chatter at low revs under acceleration; it applies energy smoothly through the seven-speed transmission during typical driving circumstances such as stop/start and cruising. Best of all, it offers none of the smoke and noise that turned off generations of commuters to the idea of diesel. Unfortunately, there's a lack of passing power, given the weight of the SUVs and the engine's power rating of 210 hp. Most of the torque (about 400 lb.-ft.) seems to be had at lower ranges, with less push available at higher speeds.
In exchange for these minor performance issues, the Bluetec system will likely deliver surprisingly low emissions (Bin 5), typical diesel dependability (will run forever) and get great fuel mileage (we averaged around 24 mpg) - not to mention a nice, long fuel range: Mercedes-Benz officials say that a typical Bluetec SUV will go 600 miles on one tank of fuel, a nice benefit for commuters who'd rather stop at Starbucks than Chevron.
Ah - but about filling the tank.
Up to now we've ignored the real issue here: diesel costs around $5.00 per gallon, isn't available in enough suburban outlets, and, well, is going for $5.00 a gallon - did we mention that? There's no easy way around this one for Mercedes-Benz. Only if diesel prices go down will Bluetec appeal go up for car buyers who react more to the pain at the pump than logic and common sense. Another possible complication is the urea issue: In order to get that coveted all-state certification and make their Bluetec clean, Mercedes-Benz added a urea tank component to their system. In brief, the process mists urea - called AdBlue by Mercedes - from an onboard tank into hot exhaust gases. When that happens, the urea turns to ammonia, which then converts the harmful NOx exhaust into nitrogen. Compared to the E 320, the urea is an added step in the process. The potential problem is if/when the system breaks, or needs to be filled. If you run out of urea and are unable to find a place to refill it, you get 20 ignition starts before the vehicle's electronic Arnold locks you out and you have to call up a flatbed with directions to the local Mercedes-Benz dealer. Mercedes-Benz officials counter that replenishing urea is easily handled during normally scheduled service visits, though the rate of usage does go up under load, so people who tow or drive often or under weight may need to have the tank filled slightly more frequently than standard service would require. For buyers with trailers or folks who plan on keeping their Mercedes diesel for a long time and don't wish to use dealer service, the addition of urea to the mix does create some minor complications.
Those types of potential complications are a small price to pay for the benefit of Bluetec, however, especially for those luxury buyers who are loathe to give up their SUVs. An excellent system that gives efficiency and environmentally-minded buyers a solid choice, its slight flaws should not deter someone from taking a long hard look at diesel as a viable replacement. Given that nowadays we should all be efficiency-and environmentally-minded, one hopes that the price of diesel comes down enough so that car buyers will forget about Stereotype Road and consider giving diesel a fair shot at winning its place in America.
Ford
concentrates on pairing turbocharged engines with direct injection to a
six-speed transmission to give customers bigger horsepower with smaller engines
and more fuel economy. For its Ecoboost debut Ford is turbocharging a
six-cylinder engine to give it the performance of the eight-cylinder.Ecoboost will appear first in MKT Crossover
and then rollout to vehicles like the Flex and the Taurus. "This is cheaper
than building a diesel engine that also requires more expensive diesel fuel,"
says Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Powertrain Product Development, at Ford.
Ecoboost is a great concept with a terrible name
but if the car business was in better shape, we think Ford would be working on
both ecoboost and diesel. Turbos cost money too.
Finishing
up the inaugural year of the Jetta TDI (Diesel)Cup Series, 23 year old Josh
Hurleyhttp://www.media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=10404took the top spot on the podium
and walked away with the $100,000 prize.Hurley, from Cooper City, FL, came in second place at the Georgia track,
securing his overall highest-point standing after his 8-race standing
calculations.
The
final race was hosted by Road Atlanta as part of the Petit Le Mans Weekend. Hurley
came in second to 16 year old Liam Kenney of Sterling, VA.Hurley is the first series winner of the TDI
Cup's inaugural season. In addition to the $100,000 championship purse, Hurley
will receive an additional $150,000, should he sign with a professional team
within six months.
The TDI
Cup Series is the world's first clean-diesel racing series; it consisted of
eight races, on eight different tracks throughout the US.The final race, held in Braselton, GA was the
first race in the series without the waving of the yellow flag. Hurley
said of the final race, "It is a really exciting day and I'm absolutely
ecstatic.This is one of the toughest
races I've ever been in."
is a
Volkswagen-sponsored, zero carbon clean diesel series featuring armature
drivers racing 30 fully stock, clean diesel Jetta TDIs. All drivers were hand
selected by Volkswagen to help propel them into the professional circuit.The series is sanctioned by SCAA Pro Racing.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
December 4, 2008 10:52 AM
So you are thinking about buying a diesel car but you are nervous that the price of diesel at the pump is higher than gasoline? Don't worry, you are not alone. Traditionally, diesel was priced lower than gas, but now diesel is under cost pressure to due increased demand, cleaner emissions and taxes. It may look on the surface like a bad deal, but keep in mind that fuel price is just one part of the equation to buying an alternative-energy car. Diesel usually delivers more power and torque, turning your everyday car into a high-performance machine. It also is very durable, in some cases lasting hundreds of thousands of miles before needing major engine work. But the most important thing to remember is that diesel is a more-efficient fuel than gasoline--it burns cleaner and in most cases gets 20-40% more miles per gallon than a comparable gasoline-powered car (that means it also puts out fewer carbon emissions). With diesels, you get your best fuel economy on the highway, sometimes beating gas-electric hybrids on highway efficiency. In the best case, buying a diesel could save you some green on fuel every year. In the worse case, it might cost you a couple bucks more a year but you'll be driving a green vehicle with lots of performance. Either way, it still makes diesel an attractive option. A great new tool to help you calculate your fuel savings is available at http://widgets.mslideas.com/dieselcalculator/.
After three days
in the Audi A3, I'm ready to buy it.I
love small wagons because they offer comfort and all the storage I would need
on a daily basis. Audis are stylish and great drivers.The TDI technology gives a driver a feel for
the road, instant response from the accelerator and great mileage.
We drove 559
miles from Cleveland to Chicago on day 3 of the marathon.Heavy traffic getting into Chicago put our
mileage at the lowest of the three days--38.6.Our total mileage for the trip was 1055 with an average fuel economy of
45.6 at an average speed of 54.3.
I'd love to keep
going on to Memphis to hear some blues and eat some barbeque, but I have to fly
home.
For years, that's been the sad song from diesel vehicle producers. The moaning and whining, the constant crying about how their precious engines get a bad rap about bad smells and lousy pollution...it's enough to make one buy a hybrid, if it weren't for that whole thing about diesels running forever and such. Of course, by now most of us know that the new super uber clean diesels are really, really clean, thus preserving our carbon footprint and eliminating yet one more reason why we can't buy diesels over gasoline or hybrids.
All that's left is the damage that $5 per gallon diesel does to our walletprint.
Even that may no longer be the case, as the price is dropping - and fast. According to etrucker.com, the national average for diesel fuel "plunged to $2.809, off 13.5 cents from the previous weekly average. The current national average price is 60 cents less than a year ago." Do the math. Combine two buck diesel at your local gas station with longevity, performance and lower emissions, and it's easy to see how diesel may quickly become the old idea that makes a big difference in a new world.
Australian
couple Helen and John Taylor aren't just your average couple. They don't
just take an interest in doing their part to limit CO2 emissions, they take it
one step further and set out to break world records.
Teaming
with Shell in 2006, the couple set a world record for traveling the globe in 78
days on 24 tanks of fuel in a Volkswagen Golf FSI. They drove 18,470
miles, visited 4 continents and 25 countries with an overall fuel consumption
of 52.3 mpg. That equates to 344 gallons of fuel to see London, England,
France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Czech
Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Pakistan, India,
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States,
Canada, Portugal, and Spain.
In
September of 2008, the couple set yet another world record by traveling through
the continental US in a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI in just 20 days on 11 tanks
of fuel. That equates to just over 58 mpg, traveling 853 miles per tank of
Shell's ultra low sulfur diesel, beating the old record of 51 mpg average for
the 9419 mile journey.
their
mission is direct and poignant, 'Through education we want to reduce fuel
consumption for all drivers globally by at least 10%, resulting in much lower
carbon emissions and more money in people's pockets'.
Of the
trip around the United States, Helen is curious, of the 150 million vehicles
here, she is wondering where they all are. To her, for a country with 300
million people, it seems pretty remote. When she did spy American
drivers, she found that they tend to be aggressive in their driving.
When the
couple isn't out setting world records, they are busy holding fuel economy
workshops and safe driving clinics worldwide.
After
a quaint media preview in Detroit, MI in September, the Chevrolet Cruze made
its world premiere debut in Paris at the Le Pavillon Dauphine on October
1st.The Cruze (Chevrolet Cruze news
release) was one of four cars revealed at the official
unveiling, alongside the Orlando show car, the Volt and the Camaro.
The
all-new, globally influenced compact sedan punctuates Chevrolet's newly adopted
global design theme and features an arched roofline extending from the
windshield to the rear deck.The design
emits a coupe-like profile, an increasing European signature look that is now
found on the new Chevrolet model releases.The exterior features crisp accent lines, sculpted hood, a split grill
dissected by the Chevrolet marquee, lower fascia, and wrap around headlight
housings.The interior features a 'twin
cockpit' layout taking its cues from the Corvette, and fabric appointments not
only to the seats, but appropriately placed throughout the interior giving the
cabin a warm and inviting feel for driver and passengers.
In
the release in Europe, the Cruze will feature three engines; a 1.6-liter and
1.8-liter gasoline engine with VVT, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel.Each engine can be fitted with a 5-speed
manual gearbox or Chevy's all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, a first for
the compact segment.
The
Cruze is scheduled to go on sale in March of 2009 in Europe, and will make its
debut in other countries soon after.In
the United States, beginning production is slated to take place in April, 2010
at the Lordstown, OH plant.Production
of the Cruze will build off of the current Cobalt lineup.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
November 26, 2008 9:20 AM
Later this month BMW of North America will roll out its new 335d sedan and X5 xDrive35d sport-utility vehicle, and both will come with tax credits of up to $1,550. They are the first Beemers to be equipped with BluePerformance clean-diesel technology certified in all 50 states. Both will be powered by an inline, 6-cylinder, 3.0L engine with variable-twin turbochargers. The motor generates 265 hp and a generous 425 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm, speeding the sedan from 0-62 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds and the SUV in 7.2 seconds. Though the Environmental Protection Agency has not yet rated fuel economy for these cars, BMW estimates the 335d will get 23 in city and 33 on highway. The diesel X5 is estimated to achieve 19/25. Both will run for nearly 600 miles on a single fill-up and will come with a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty to cover refilling the AdBlue emissions system, which includes liquid urea tanks needed to scrub the exhaust system clean. The 335d, listed at $44,725, can be had with a federal tax credit of $900, while the X5, priced at $52,025, will earn up to $1,550 in tax breaks. Both cars will be introduced Nov. 21-30 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Celebrities have influence- that's an undisputable fact about Hollywood. So, when you take a topic as big as the betterment of the environment and team that up with Young Hollywood, you know you've done something that will spread a message far and wide. Consequently, Teen Choice makes a great place to exercise the impression muscles.
Last year, the Teen Choice Awards took on a bit of a green scheme, placing an eco-friendly spin on the award arena using recyclable set materials, as well as press and signage materials printed on recycled paper. This year's 2008 Teen Choice Awards have followed that same theme, focusing on environmental sustainability, so it made sense that Volkswagen of America join the eco-friendly fray by providing transportation for 15 young celebrities to the event's red carpet. The ride of choice rolled out as a fleet of 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI's, the newest member of the VW family and a sedan that runs on ultra low sulfur diesel.
"Who better to show the importance of environmental sustainability than teens-the future leaders in the movement to protect our environment and embrace alternative fuel solutions," says VeeDub's Lifestyle Public Relations Manager, Mya Walters.
Arriving in DC
we made a symbolic pass by the nation's Capitol. In the morning we headed to
Cleveland. We are traveling with Germans from Audi HQ and it's their chance to
see some American icons like Cleveland's fabulous Rock and Roll Museum.
After a stop at
Tony Packo's in Toledo for hot dogs with Packo's special sauce that went on two
space shuttle missions, we landed in Cleveland.
We drove mostly
flat, straight highway at high speed--80-90 mph. We expected lower mileage but
we got higher. At 50.6 mpg, our day's average, we are getting about 50% more
miles than we would with a gallon of gasoline.
Diesel fuel cost
us $3.97 a gallon in Cleveland but it's going down every week. At $2.97 a
gallon, the cost for diesel fuel runs about 33% higher than the cost of
gasoline. We're still way ahead on mileage and cost.Even the Audi folks were surprised at our mileage.
Volkswagen
announces that Road Atlanta will host this weekend's Jetta TDI Cup finale, the
final race of the season for TDI racing series.The final will be held as part of the Petit Le Mans' Weekend this
October 3-5.
The
Jetta TDI Cup racing series is the first all clean-diesel series and features
30, '09 Volkswagen Jetta TDIs driven by 30 amateur drivers.Each of the factory-prepared and maintained
Jetta TDIs feature a 2.0-liter clean-diesel engine mated to a 6-speed
double-clutch DSG gearbox. Drivers for vary in age from 16 to 26.The factory-backed racing series' mission is
geared toward seeking out the most talented drivers to then help them break
into the professional Motorsports circuit.
The
purse for the race is $100,000; the winning driver will also receive an
additional $150,000 if s/he signs a professional team contract, within six
months of winning the TDI Cup Series.
Currently,
23 year old Josh Hurley of Cooper City, FL stands in the top spot with a
point-lead of 212. Trailing in second is 16 year old Liam Kenney from Sterling,
VA with 195 points, and 25 year old Mark Pombo from Duluth GA holds third with
194 points.Each race has yielded a
different winner in the eight-race series, and with such close points, the race
is forecast to be 'fierce', according to Volkswagen.
Volkswagen has partnered with Carbonfund.org to
certify that the series is a carbon-free event.The TDI Cup series is sanctioned by SCAA Pro Racing Inc and has a
healthy roster of top-named sponsors.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
November 20, 2008 12:41 PM
A scientist at Montana State University has discovered a rare fungus that eats cellulose, such as cardboard and sawdust, and emits combustible gases that surprisingly resemble diesel fuel. Gary Strobel, who found Gliocladium roseum growing on a tree in South America, says it could be used to produce a new kind of biodiesel fuel without disturbing food crops, such as soybeans. "This has the potential to serve as another green source," he says. Strobel doesn't say when cars will be filling up with what he calls "myco-diesel" but thinks it shows promise to help displace fossil fuels by using microorganisms to "digest" waste products into green fuel. Montana State also is working under a $900,000 Dept. of Energy research grant to make biodiesel from algae inside a 10,000-gallon tank in Logan, Utah. Most diesel fuel comes from crude oil, but biodiesel is a homegrown, renewable energy that burns cleaner than petro-diesel. Biodiesel, made mostly today from soybeans, in its purest form also cuts greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50% compared with traditional diesel, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The prospect of
spending three long days driving the Audi Mileage Marathon with a heating and
air conditioning (HVAC) specialist loomed until I learned I would be driving
withAutomotive Hall of Famer, Denise
McCluggage (http://automotivehalloffame.org/honors/index.php?cmd=view&id=183&type=inductees),
one of my favorite people.With her
racing background I felt certain we weren't going to use gas-saving,
hypermiling techniques.So it went. We
drove like regular people--only faster.
We started talking politics and before we knew
it we were among the first to reach our lunch stop in Philadelphia.The second lap to our hotel in Washington,
D.C. was short but we encountered heavy, mileage-lowering start/stop traffic.
Cruising at 80-85 mph our mileage result for the day was 46.7 miles per gallon
of diesel fuel in the Audi A3 wagon with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TDI engine.Wow to that.
In September of 2008, this record-setting couple set yet another world record by traveling through the continental U.S. in a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI in just 20 days on 11 tanks of fuel. That equates to just over 58 mpg, traveling 853 miles per tank of Shell's ultra low sulfur diesel, beating the old record of 51 mpg average for the 9419 mile journey
According to Helen and John Taylor's website, Fuel Academy http://www.fuelacademy.com/ their mission is direct and poignant; "Through education, we want to reduce fuel consumption for all drivers globally by at least 10%, resulting in much lower carbon emissions and more money in people's pockets". Of the trip around the United States, Helen is curious, of the 150 million vehicles here, she is wondering where they all are. To her, for a country with 300 million people, it seems pretty remote. When she did spy American drivers, she found that they tend to be aggressive in their driving.
When the couple isn't out setting world records, they are busy holding fuel economy workshops and safe driving clinics worldwide.
On October 6th,
2008, Audi gathered 23 of their vehicles along with journalist drivers at
Tavern on the Green in Central Park to begin a cross-country mileage marathon
with their clean diesel vehicles.The
marathon covered over 4,800 miles and ended on October 20 in Santa Monica, CA.
hitting some landmark U.S. cities including Washington, D.C., Cleveland,
Chicago, Memphis, Dallas, Amarillo, Denver, Sedona, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
In all, 184 drivers participated in the Audi
Mileage Marathon.I was one, along with
my driving partner Denise McCluggage.We were given a drive route but no mandate on speed or driving
techniques.Some journalists used
hypermiling techniques to get top mileage.As you will see in my daily blogs, McCluggage and I did no such
thing.We drove like regular people
drive.Only faster.
Blog by: Tudor Van Hampton
November 18, 2008 4:53 PM
Someone once said that good things come in small packages.
Take peanuts. They are full of nutrition and nutty goodness inside a little shell. Just the same, diesel cars pack loads of power and torque into a small block of steel.
Rudolf Diesel--the man himself--was the tinkering type, but he was no nut. When he built his first engine back in 1897, "biodiesel" wasn't even a word yet.
But old Rudolf might as well take credit for it, because some of his first engines ran on peanut oil. Diesel wanted to help poor farmers power the world.
So when it came time to fire up his new invention, Diesel chose peanut power.
With the economy plunging, who wouldn't want a tax break? Hybrid vehicles got the alternative fuel tax deduction and now vehicles with advance lean burn technology such as clean diesel are eligible, too. The new clean diesel VW Jetta TDI 2.0 liter manual or automatic gets you $1,300 back from the IRS. See for yourself at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=157632,00.html. The Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen starts at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. Average transaction price is $26.000. VW says the real world mileage is at about 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway. EPA rates it at 29/40.
In these times of uncertainties about fuel prices, a handful of fuel pricing sites have emerged on the internet. Some are grossly cluttered and difficult to decipher; others cater only to large cities and leave the more rural areas in the dark. However, there are a few sites that are geographically non-discriminating and even provide information for alternate fueling methods, such as low-sulfur diesel, bio-diesel, E85 and even electric plug-in docks.
Gas Buddy http://gasbuddy.com/ is a conglomerate of over 180 gas and diesel pricing information sites all bundled into one covering the US and Canada. Plugging in a zip code will transport you to a site that caters to your chosen area, so not only can you find prices in your town, you can know well in advance where the best fuel prices are along any route of travel you might be taking.
Gas Price Watch http://gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp not only lists fuel prices for regular, mid grade, and premium gasoline, but also lists diesel pump locations and prices, and links to electric re-charging stations. With the charging stations, however, all the stations are currently western US top-heavy and do not show any EVChargerMaps currently for the middle and eastern US. This should change reasonably quickly, as the trend toward electric car buying continues to increase. The site has roughly 170,000 volunteer spotters throughout the country who are updating the prices ongoing.
Other sites that either carry current gasoline and diesel prices, or offer links to the information include:
VW began importing the Jetta TDI clean diesel in
August.Through September, they have
sold just under 5,000 of the SportWagen and sedan combined.The price of diesel fuel--average price
nationally in August of 2008 was $4.30 a gallon, down from a high of $4.70 a
gallon in July--doesn't seem to be hurting sales, according to Volkswagen
dealers. Real world miles-per-gallon is around 38/44 City/Highway. At present,
every car shipped to dealers is presold. Some of this is the wow factor of new
cars with new technology. The average going price for the Jetta is $26,000 says
VW.
Signing
up for a Wells Fargo College Checking Account could yield you a brand new 2009
Volkswagen Jetta TDI. It's all part of the Driving Brilliant Sweepstakes
offered by Wells Fargo.
The
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a clean diesel 5-passenger sedan that meets the latest
US emissions standards; it is the first passenger car available for sale in all
50 states. This 4-door TDI sedan comes with a 2.0-turbodiesel TDI engine paired
with an automatic transmission. The Jetta TDI has an estimated 29/40
city/highway mpg rating and the alternative fuel engine saves 30% in overall
fuel economy.
Part
of the 2008 Backstage Sweepstakes, the 'Driving Brilliant' giveaway runs from
May 12, 2008 to October 31, 2008 and is open to all residents in the
continental US who are 18 years of age or older (19 in NE, DE, WY and AL, and
21 in MS and PA) and have a valid driver's license at the time of the
sweepstake's beginning.
No
purchase is necessary; there are four ways to enter;
1. Signing up for a Wells Fargo
College Checking account,
2. Obtaining a Wells Fargo Auto Loan
with a College Checking account either in tact or newly obtained,
Having
fully redesigned the Grand Cherokee for the 2005 model year, Jeep continues to
tweak this brand's traditional best selling model. Leveraging Mercedes-Benz
technology that is sure to please the torque-craving crowd, Jeep fitted a
3.0-liter Common Rail Diesel (CRD) V6 engine in the Grand Cherokee beginning
with the 2007 model year, although this compression engine is only available in
42 states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont are excluded). Sales began in March of
2007.
The
3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 deliv ers 215 horsepower and 376 foot-pounds of torque
while returning EPA-rated fuel economy of 18 city and 23 highway mpg (4x2) and
17 city/22 highway mpg (4x4). These numbers are a product of the tougher 2008
rating system, remember, as last year's figures were 20/25 mpg (4x2) and 20/24
(4x4). Jeep says carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by up to 20 percent, and
a driving range up to 450 miles may be achieved.
Priced
at $1,665 in Limited trim and $1,010 for Overland models, the diesel engine
package consists of a Diesel Particulate Filter responsible for reducing
pollution emissions, 180-amp alternator, 800-amp battery, Dana 44 rear axle
(4x2 models), an engine block heater, hydraulic engine cooling, better
insulation, a 22-gallon fuel tank and unique badging. Towing capacity with the
diesel rates at 7,400 pounds when properly equipped.
Although
the diesel powerplant carries over this year, plenty of new-for-2008 features
are available on the Grand Cherokee. Automatically-leveling high-inten sity
discharge (HID) headlights are offered, with "three times the light output,"
according to Jeep, compared with regular reflector lamps. The auto-leveling
feature is great for towing or when fully loaded with cargo, a benefit that
both the Grand Cherokee driver and oncoming motorists can appreciate together.
Both the front fascia and grille have been refreshed, and the headlights
include integrated park/turn lights. "Machined-face" alloy wheels measuring 17
inches are standard on Limited models, while Overlands arrive with 18-inch
chrome wheels.
Inside,
slight changes and equipment adjustments define the 2008 Grand Cherokee. First
and second row seats are heated, a standard feature on Limited and Overland
models. Remote starting of the diesel engine is added this year, providing
further comfort and flexibility. Jeep offers SIRIUS backseat television as an
option, proving three channels of child-oriented entertainment: Nickelodeon,
the Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. An in-vehicle satellite receiver and
two roof-mounted antennas control the television system. Another feature, MyGIG
Multimedia Infotainment, includes navigation and a 20-gigabyte hard drive for
storing photos and music. Connectivity for an iPod is also available.
Three
new safety and stability systems are included for 2008. Hill Descent Control
arrives on 4x4 models equipped with Jeep's Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II.
When low range is engaged, HDC operates the brakes electronically to help
modulate downhill driving. Hill Start Assist holds the brakes for two seconds
after the driver releases the pedal, allowing a smooth start on a grade. Once
throttle input is sensed, the brake pressure is relieved. Finally, Trailer Sway
Control aids in towing by reducing unwanted movement when pulling. Jeep also
offers a rear backup camera - even without navigation - that aids drivers who
tow or need assistance when in reverse.
As
in the past, Jeep offers three levels of 4WD engagement: Quadra-Trac I,
Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. The first is the most basic, using a single
speed transfer case with a torque split of 48/52 front/rear. Quadra-Trac II
includes a two-speed transfer case and may send 100 percent of torque to either
axle. Lastly, Quadra-Drive II combine s a two-speed transfer case with
electronic limited slip differentials, providing a nearly instant response to
wheel slippage.
Meet the Jetta TDI, a clean diesel sedan and the newest member of
the Volkswagen family.This fall, the
Jetta TDI makes its debut in the mid-sized sedan market, as the first diesel
passenger car to meet the strict emissions standards in all 50 states without
the use of an urea additive.EPA
estimates show a 29/40 city/highway mph rating, while the AMCI estimates 38/44
mpg under real-world conditions.
The Jetta's 2.0-liter turbocharged Common Rail Diesel (CRD) with
direct injection gains an average of 30% better fuel economy over other
gasoline- powered vehicles. It runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel and doesn't
require the use of urea, an exhaust management after-gas treatment that is
utilized in some diesel-powered vehicles to convert nitrogen oxide into innate
hydrogen.
The Environmental Protection Agency says if just a third of the
light duty vehicles on US roads were diesel, the country would be saving 1.4
million barrels of oil a day.Buyers
of the '09 Jetta TDI are eligible for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology tax
credit of $1300 just for purchasing this clean diesel vehicle.
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