Ford's all-new diesel engine, code-named "Scorpion," in part is a tribute to the noisy, 1980s hair band that brought the world "Rock You Like A Hurricane." But when you hear the hum of the 6.7-liter diesel V-8 Power Stroke engine, slated to go into Ford's 2011 Super Duty pickup line, it will produce much softer music to your ears.

"Years ago, our customers gave us a lot of feedback," explains Scott DeRaad, Scorpion's noise-vibration-harshness engineer. "They would go through a drive-through window and would have to shut off their truck just to order a cheeseburger."

Scorpion nearly silences the typical diesel clangs and rattles without quashing fuel economy or power. It achieves gasoline-like rhythm with 30,000-psi, common-rail injectors that can send out up to five pulses of fuel per piston cycle. At idle, two "pilot" preinjections followed by a main burst of energy emit less sound than a diesel's traditional big bang.

The noise pollution that other diesels crank out "just doesn't sound modern," adds DeRaad. "That sounds like some sort of farm utility. We want it to sound like a performance engine, so we knocked the clatter out."

--Tudor Van Hampton

BMW will debut its plug-in hybrid, the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which takes place September 15-27 this year.

BMW designed the concept is a plug-in hybrid with a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that delivers the performance of the BMW M as well as dramatically low fuel consumption. BMW claims a 0-62 in 4.8 seconds.

Fuel economy is higher than some of the smaller vehicles now on sale; it scored 62.6 mpg (U.S.) on the E.U. combined test cycle. The engine is supplemented by two electric motors, one positioned in between the diesel engine and the DCT transmission outputs 33 horsepower (HP) and a second motor outputs 80 HP and acts on the front axle. Extra horsepower is available for short periods on both motors. Overall system output is 356 HP; peak torque is 590 lb-ft.

The vehicle has a 1.5-liter turbo diesel paired with a six-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT) derived from the M3 and Z4 transmissions. DCT allows the driver to shift gears with no interruption of power.

The concept is able to run about 31 miles on electricity alone and using fuel in 6.6-gallon tank the car can run another 400 miles. Electrical energy consumption is comparable to the Volt and employs regenerative braking to recharge batteries. Based on European standards of 220 Volt, 16 amps, BMW estimates the time needed to recharge the system is 2 ½ hours.

The concept, which weighs 3,076 pounds, uses aluminum and light-sensitive polycarbonate to reduce weight and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. BMW is experimenting with other systems to save energy like a radar sensor for active cruise control that would preemptively switch off the engine and trigger regenerative braking if traffic is slowing down.

--Kate McLeod

September 3, 2009 -- Cars are not the only vehicles on the road that are going hybrid. New York City is testing out a new type of hybrid bus powered by a diesel turbine and electric motor. So far, it is the only bus in New York that meets U.S. diesel-emission standards for 2010 without the need for any exhaust aftertreatment.

"The bus is revolutionary," says Joseph Smith, senior vice president of MTA New York City Transit. "It has no starter, no transmission, no water pump and no engine radiator." The turbine comes with a 12-year warranty and requires no oil changes.

Here's how it works: A turbine replaces the typical piston engine that powers most of New York's 4,600-bus fleet. It runs a generator that charges up lithium-ion batteries, which in turn power the wheels. The diesel-electric drive also can take advantage of regenerative braking, much like an automotive hybrid.

Made by DesignLine International USA or Charlotte, N.C., the bus is super-quiet, says MTA. It is the first of eight buses scheduled for 90-day trial in the harsh streets of the Big Apple.

--Tudor Van Hampton

September 1, 2009 --- About 700,000 taxpayers benefited from the Clunker program, which kept trying to end and finally succeeded on August 25th at 8 pm. The U.S. Transportation Department says that applications submitted by the deadline would amount to $2.88 billion just under the $3 billion budget. This does not include reapplications of rejected filings that dealers are allowed to submit after the deadline. It doesn't include administrative costs either and staffing has been increased sixfold to about 2,000. Dealers are still struggling to get paid.

Edmunds.com analysts said that in May and June, the average fuel efficiency of recently purchased new cars was 21.8 miles per gallon. That average jumped to 23.2 mpg when the Clunker program launched, a 6.1 percent improvement. New vehicles from the Clunker program now average of 24.3 mpg.

The average fuel efficiency of trade-ins had been 20.0 mpg prior to the Clunker program; that number has dropped 9.0 percent to 18.3. The average clunker trade-in got 16.1 mpg. Thirty-nine percent of all recent trade-ins qualified as clunkers.

--Kate McLeod

If you want to make big changes on this planet, sometimes you have to start out small. Daimler has done just that, by giving the diminutive 2010 smart fortwo cdi (that's common-rail diesel injection) a 21% power upgrade, for a low-emission vehicle that already touts itself as the "carbon champion" among all other internal-combustion cars. Reports also indicate that it may bring the smart cdi to the States, where the subcompact is offered in a gas-only version.

The retooled, three-cylinder diesel also produces 18% more torque. But high costs for the extra emissions equipment needed to meet U.S. tailpipe standards may make an import here prohibitive, as most automakers are already skittish about unleashing clean diesels. U.S. car companies, which tend to scrape by financially on small cars, are even more uncertain how new carbon regulations, due 2016, will fare for these engineering-intensive machines.

Daimler hints, however, that the sporty smart's tailpipe may get by in other countries without such extra treatment as "wet" urea injection. If that's true, the 2010 smart fortwo cdi's fuel efficiency of about 69 combined mpg--though rated by Euro standards and not yet adjusted for American driving--is impressive. Priced in Europe at just under $17,000, it beats a hybrid car price-wise and mileage-wise in a time when electrics are getting all the glory.

--Tudor Van Hampton

August 25, 2009 --- Ford announced on August 18 that they are testing the first vehicle-to-electric grid wireless communications and control systems. Ford has partnered with many utility companies around the country to develop a system that allows the vehicle operator to decide when to recharge, for how long and at what rate.

Using the navigation system in your vehicle, you input what rate of charge you will accept from your utility--strictly offpeak for example or--down the line--when the system is using wind or solar power. You may plug your vehicle in when you get home, but the charging won't start until the rate kicks in. It's called a smart meter. You can also input how long you want the charge to be or you can ask for the vehicle to be fully charged by the time you leave for work in the morning.

Not all utilities are on board as yet. So what happens when you leave your hometown and travel crosscountry? Greg Frenette, manager of Ford's Battery Electric Vehicle Applications says, "most utilities understand where the smart meter is headed and understand the need to make the capability consistent throughout the country.

"You need solutions from Maine to Florida to California and the time is now to initiate that discussion and dialogue so that we are ready to execute."

--Kate McLeod

August 20, 2009 -- General Motors' announcement that its soon-to-be Volt plug-in-hybrid will fetch 230 miles per gallon is a real head-scratcher that has left many wondering what exactly a "gallon" of electricity is worth.

As more alternative-fueled cars and trucks enter the scene, how buyers compare them is bound to become more complicated. For commuters who only drive 40 miles or less every day and have a place to plug in their car at night, the Volt will never need to switch into gas-engine mode. Similarly, Nissan's forthcoming Leaf promises to get 367 mpg, yet the all-electric car doesn't even have a gas tank. How can this make sense?

One expert suggests to USA Today fuel economy should be rated in cost per mile, not miles per gallon. Others say that electrics should be rated at kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. Volt's rating is based on a proposed U.S. federal government formula, which considers the price of grid electricity and places weighted scores on electrics to compute cost. In this scenario, fueling up the Volt would cost about 3¢ per mile, not counting total cost of ownership, which includes purchase price, taxes, insurance, maintenance and the like. Published reports hint that the Volt will cost about $40,000 to buy.

--Tudor Van Hampton

The short answer is, no. 230 mpg isn't that literal. If I got in my car in New York City and drove straight to the Saratoga Race Track (223 miles) in my Volt, the amount of gasoline consumed would be more than one gallon.

MPG is confusing.

The EPA is trying to create a new measure for electric vehicles because the old measures don't work. They are figuring into their methodology how consumers use their vehicles over a period of time. Some drivers go less than 40 miles round trip per day. They use battery only and could conceivably drive their vehicle for months without using any gasoline. So the 230-mpg that General Motors is talking about is a real world rather than a single trip.

"The intention in announcing this figure as a MPG figure is to force people to rethink the potential and capability of electric vehicles," says Rob Peterson, public relations, General Motors "People will understand the cost per mile equation," he continues, "as pure electric could cost three cents per mile and gasoline 10-12 cents per mile." In the meantime beware inflated mileage figures. Putting that figure out probably isn't one of GM's best ideas.

--Kate McLeod

Normally, we wouldn't advise such things. But researchers at the University of Wisconsin are working on a way to burn high concentrations of gasoline in a diesel engine, which could cut oil consumption and harmful emissions in a big way.

Taking advantage of gasoline's clean burn and diesel's efficiency, it works by using an onboard computer to control a precise injection of gas and diesel fuel to make combustion possible. "You can think of the diesel spray as a collection of liquid spark plugs, essentially, that ignite the gasoline," says Rolf Reitz, a professor and mechanical engineer at UW-Madison. Timing is critical, as normally, the two fuels will not burn together.

Tested in a heavy-duty Caterpillar diesel engine, Rietz's "blended" fuel lowers consumption by 20%. The downside: Two fuels means you would have to fill up two tanks. Reitz points out, however, that many of today's clean diesels have a urea tank, and his engine would not need the urea.Normally, we wouldn't advise such things. But researchers at the University of Wisconsin are working on a way to burn high concentrations of gasoline in a diesel engine, which could cut oil consumption and harmful emissions in a big way.

Taking advantage of gasoline's clean burn and diesel's efficiency, it works by using an onboard computer to control a precise injection of gas and diesel fuel to make combustion possible. "You can think of the diesel spray as a collection of liquid spark plugs, essentially, that ignite the gasoline," says Rolf Reitz, a professor and mechanical engineer at UW-Madison. Timing is critical, as normally, the two fuels will not burn together.

Tested in a heavy-duty Caterpillar diesel engine, Rietz's "blended" fuel lowers consumption by 20%. The downside: Two fuels means you would have to fill up two tanks. Reitz points out, however, that many of today's clean diesels have a urea tank, and his engine would not need the urea.

--Tudor Van Hampton

August 11, 2009 -- Nissan unveiled what it calls the first affordable zero-emission car on August 2, 2009. The vehicle is a medium size hatchback powered by lithium-ion batteries that has a range of 100 miles. Nissan will launch the Leaf in the United States as well as Europe and Japan in fourth quarter 2010.

Nissan promises to make this the first EV designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as environment. One has to wonder how Nissan will accomplish that especially since Mitsubishi's i-MIEV has been priced at the equivalent of $45-50,000 in Japan. And the all-electric Tesla costs north of $90,000. The batteries make these vehicles expensive. So how does Nissan make this coming EV affordable unless they are pre-calculating local, regional and national tax breaks around the world.

Nissan says there is enough power generated byod laminated compact lithium-ion batteries that the LEAF will meet the expectations of consumers who are getting out of gasoline-powered automobiles.

Nissan has a 60-year history of battery testing in their vehicles including six-years in Norway in the world's most northerly settlement where their Prairie EV was used by arctic researchers.
One thing you'll notice missing when the LEAF comes out: a tailpipe. Since there are no emissions, it won't be needed.

--Kate McLeod

BMW is bowing out of Formula One at the end of the 2009 racing season. The resources used for Formula One are going to be put toward the development of new drive technologies and sustainability projects.

The current BMW Sauber F1 team, which debuted in the 2006 wound up fifth in the constructor's championship. In 2007, the German-Swiss team came in second after McLaren-Mercedes' exclusion from the points standings. In the 2008 season, BMW Sauber placed third in the quest for the world championship. Polish-born Robert Kubica achieved the first and hitherto only GP victory in Canada on June 8, 2008. So far, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has taken one pole position (Kubica in Bahrain in 2008) and 16 podium finishes. The BMW Sauber F1 Team occupies the eighth spot in the manufacturer's standings in the season now underway.

BMW continues to be involved in other motorsports series, including the American LeMans, which emphasizes green technologies in its racing.

--Kate McLeod

Get ready to hear a lot more about an unfamiliar name--Mahindra.

Mahindra started out in the late 1940s building Jeeps for India under a contract with Willys, and it is now one of the world's largest producers of agricultural tractors. After a few false starts, India-based Mahindra says it now plans to roll out two small pickups powered by a four-cylinder, 2.2L clean diesel early next year.

They may not be full-sized trucks, but Mahindra thinks they will offer big performance not yet available in this size pickup. With Detroit automakers putting their small-diesel truck plans on hold for economic reasons, Mahindra's workhorse may make American buyers think twice about sizing up to get into a diesel pickup when they can just as easily size down.

More than 300 dealers have already signed up to sell the two and four-door pickups, which will come with a base price in the low $20,000s. How well will loyal, domestic truck buyers take to a foreign outsider? If the reaction is similar to the chilly reception of the latest-generation Toyota Tundra, it could be a bloodbath for Mahindra.

Then again, a compact, diesel pickup is what manufacturers call a "white space," since no other competitor exists. Rising oil prices--if gas and diesel remain close in parity--could work in Mahindra's favor, as it promises more efficiency over a gas pickup with 30 mpgs on highway. Starting to sound like a lot of what-ifs? The lineup is scheduled to grow into a sport-utility vehicle next year, though plans for a diesel hybrid have been shelved for the time-being.

--Tudor Van Hampton

The elimination of the conventional spare tire is slowly becoming an industry standard. Losing the weight of a spare tire, about 25 pounds, has several advantages. It creates more trunk space. In 4WD vehicles it eliminates the problem of having those vehicles mechanisms encroach into spare well space.

The weight savings may have some long-term positive impact on fuel consumption, says Bridgestone, and it's one less tire/wheel that has to be disposed of at the end of its life. Bridgestone offers run flats that can run 50 miles if you have a breakdown. Temporary mobility kits, which consist mostly of a small compressor with a sealant material, can be used in the vast majority of situations to get you to a service location.

Michelin agrees there is an industry trend away from the spare tire, but that consumers still want one in their vehicle. "We don't see them going away completely until there's a fundamental shift in consumer thinking," says Lynne Slovick, spokesperson for Michelin.
Consumers still favor a spare tire in their vehicle." Ford spokesperson Jason Mase agrees. "Consumers still have an expectation that they are going to have a spare so Ford is not following the standard."

--Kate McLeod

In case you are wondering when the new diesel Jetta will stop bogarting the green lane, it's well-deserved attention: A new survey by IntelliChoice.com says the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI delivers the lowest cost of ownership of any other diesel or hybrid-powered car on the market.

"The survey this year once again supports what we have long argued--that most hybrid vehicles and now clean diesel vehicles offer superior value to standard models," says James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com. He went on to say that the Obama Administration's new fuel-economy and carbon standards puts more spotlight on green cars, and that it should consider promoting diesels by lowering taxes on fuel, similar as to what's done in Europe.

IntelliChoice's study concludes that clean diesel has the potential to be a "game-changer" among green cars and trucks. It reviewed 39 gas-electric hybrid and 12 clean-diesel models available in the U.S. and pitted them against their gasoline counterparts. Of those, 35 delivered a lower cost of ownership in their first five years. The analysis takes into account taxes, fuel, insurance and other costs associated with owning a new automobile.

VW's turbodiesel Jetta took the top slot with a total savings of $6,210 over the gas version. In second place was the Toyota Prius, saving $4,930 over five years. It was compared to the Toyota Camry because it is the next comparable non-hybrid (there is no gas Prius). "Clean diesel cars like the VW Jetta TDI and Mercedes Benz E320 perform even better than hybrids in saving thousands of dollars in costs and recouping their purchase premium," adds Bell. "Make no mistake that clean diesel cars are now mainstream."

--Tudor Van Hampton

Because of their bankruptcies GM and Chrysler got $0 from this Government pocket. Ford gets $5.9 billion; Nissan gets $1.6 billion and little California-based Tesla is to get $465 million from the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program. The loans were announced by the Obama administration on June 23rd.

To be fair, GM and Chrysler are getting plenty from the Government's other pocket. GM has been promised $50 billion in all.

As for this handout, Ford is to retool plants in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri for electric power plants and improvements to the internal combustion engine. They will also convert two truck plants into car plants. Nissan will use funds to retool its Smyrna, Tenn., facility to build electric cars by late 2012 and build an advanced battery manufacturing plant.

Tesla plans to build its Model S, late in 2011, a seven passenger family sedan that purportedly will get up to 300 miles per charge. They say the S will cost $49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. The loans will also go to build a plant that aimed at supplying electric powertrains to other automakers.

--Kate McLeod

As the federal government is now regulating fuel consumption and carbon emissions together for the first time, struggling automakers like General Motors are working to combine the best advantages of gasoline and clean-diesel technology. Some experts believe that such an engine will power the car of the future.

Though the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt is GM's near-term bet, it is looking further into its crystal ball with homogeneous-charge compression ignition (HCCI), which produces 15% greater fuel economy and equally less carbon using regular gasoline, without the expensive tailpipe scrubbers that today's clean diesels require.

The experimental combustion process uses a spark to start cold but switches to auto-ignition after warm-up. Diesels also use compression heat to ignite the fuel. GM Powertrain researcher Paul Najt says that HCCI engines can switch to HCCI under low power--at cruising speeds--then switch back to regular ignition when you stomp on the gas.

It may be years before HCCI hits the streets, though, as engineers have many kinks to work out. GM, which exited a speedy bankruptcy in early July, says it may try HCCI with a gas-electric hybrid as a "double-green" operating system. The first demonstration car was a Saturn Aura; maybe the next test bed will go to the Volt?

--Tudor Van Hampton

At used-car giant CarMax, requests for hybrid and diesel-powered vehicles on the company's website have been rising this summer as more consumers are looking to cut their fuel consumption.

Buyers looking for gas-electric hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, Lexus RX400h and the Honda Civic Hybrid, shot up 4% in June compared to May and 9% since March, says CarMax.

But diesel requests rose even more, up by 7% in June and 12% overall since March. Popular models up for grabs include heavy-duty pickups--such as the Ford F-350 and Dodge Ram 3500--as well as the sporty Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Meanwhile, diesels have continued to climb as sales of other vehicles have been slowing down, says Volkswagen of America. While the folks at Volks sold 18% fewer cars in June, at 19,027 units, the company's lineup of clean diesels posted their best month ever since this year's TDI reintroduction, representing a whopping 26% of its total sales.

--Tudor Van Hampton

On June 24, 2009 Electrovaya launched the Maya 300, a small vehicle that claims to run 120 miles on one charge, takes 8-10 hours to charge and plugs into 110 volt outlet. Electrovaya, a pioneer in the development and manufacturing of Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery systems, partnered with Exxon Mobil to develop the vehicle. Exxon developed the lithium ion battery separator film and was the first company to introduce the lithium-ion battery in 1991.

The Maya 300, positioned as an urban vehicle, is slated to be available to consumers for around $20-25,000 in 2011. $25,000? And all these claims about electric vehicles and plug-ins have to be tested in the real world where we have snow and ice and altitude and no public infrastructure. But, if you happen to be in Baltimore, you can rent the Maya under a program called Altcar for $29 for two hours at the Maryland Science Center.

--Kate McLeod

If you thought hybrids were just for cars, think again. Caterpillar Inc. has just introduced the world's first hybrid bulldozer--powered by a diesel engine-assisted electric drive.

The D7E diesel-electric dozer's 9.3L engine is 11% smaller than the machine it replaces, but thanks in part to its electric drivetrain, the 235-hp tractor will perform more work. Efficiency comes from the power cords that mate the engine to the electric motors, eliminating a mechanical transmission.

Instead of miles per gallon, Cat calculates fuel savings in terms of material moved per gallon. So this beast gets 25% more "mpg" than its predecessor and emits 23% less carbon dioxide, making it the world's first green bulldozer. It even does this without a battery pack to store energy.

These innovations earned the D7E a Clean Air Excellence Award earlier this year this from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Unless you are a serious earthmover, you probably won't be driving one soon. Doing so will cost you a whopping $600,000, though Cat says that contractors willing to shell out the investment will see a payback in 2.5 years.

--Tudor Van Hampton

If you're not convinced that the "times they are a-changin'"-- get this: The new 2010 Buick LaCrosse will offer a CX model powered by GM's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Ecotec engine with direct injection. It will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection technology helps it deliver 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft. of torque. Buick estimates 20/30 mpg city/highway. Competition such as the Lincoln MKZ and the Acura TL will not offer a four-cylinder. The LaCrosse CX debuts later this year. Buick expects about 25 percent of customers will opt for 2.4-liter engine.

The Lacrosse will also be offered with a new, direct injected 3.0-liter V-6 and a 3.6-liter V-6.
Looks like that "old road really is rapidly aging".

Photo: GM's 2.4 liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine

--Kate McLeod

Photo credit: General Motors

Robert Bosch chief executive Peter J. Marks argued that diesels must play a role in new U.S. fuel economy standards. He was joined by BorgWarner CEO Tim Manganello, who added that diesels provide 30% better fuel economy, 25% fewer emissions and 50% more torque than gasoline power.

Ford Motor Co. executive chairman Bill Ford said the company could easily bring diesels into the U.S. Instead, Ford has chosen to use the new EcoBoost engine to bring together the best of diesel--direct injection and turbocharging--into a more familiar and less expensive platform.

The experts also weighed in on electric vehicles, hybrids and the like. Manganello cited problems with gas-electric hybrids, noting that 70% of owners do not purchase a second one.

--Tudor Van Hampton

A scaled back Cash-for-clunkers bill has now passed the House of Representatives and the Senate. It has been sent to President Obama for his signature.
Consumers who turn over their clunkers to be crushed receive between $3,500-$4,500. Vehicles qualify if they get less than 18 mpg. Replacements must get more than 22 mpg. In order to receive the full $4,500, you must purchase a vehicle that gets 10 gallons more per mile than your previous model.

Funding for the bill ends October 1, the start of the 2010 fiscal year. The program will be revisited in fiscal year 2010.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 150,000 vehicles will be sold if the bill passes in the Senate. General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson announced that the company expects to see a 10% lift from the enactment of the bill.

Edmunds.com has compiled a list of clunkers. I found my truck, a 1997 GMC Sierra is on the list. I might as well paste a scarlet letter to my forehead. But its mpg is in the ballpark. OK, it could hit one out of the park.

--Kate McLeod

If all of today's eco-talk of tree bark and soy protein leaves your appetite longing for the eardrum-banging sound of mufflers thumping and the scent of burning rubber and asphalt, then the diesel-aftermarket gurus at Banks Power have served up a real feast for you.

The Banks Sidewinder S-10 pickup drag racer is an exercise in sheer power-to-weight muscle, rocketing to 7.77 seconds and 180 mph last March in a record-beating quarter-mile run. It also is the cleanest diesel dragster around, with a 6.6L V-8 Duramax that spits out no smoke with the help of nitrous injection and dual turbochargers.

Gale Banks hopes the truck will help convince people that clean, diesel power can provide what he calls "guilt-free performance." Thanks to the folks at Jay Leno's Garage, you can learn more about the quick little S-10 and see a burnout first-hand. At more than 1,000 hp under the hood, the performance is worth watching:

--Tudor Van Hampton

The Chinese emphasis on an electric future could help them leap frog troubled Detroit.
The Chinese are coming; the question is when and with what? They may be going all out but China is still up against Japan's years of experience with hybrids and Detroit's accelerated efforts to produce plug-in electric and hybrids.

The Chinese government is offering taxi fleets and local government agencies in 13 Chinese cities subsidies of up to $8,800 for each hybrid or all-electric vehicle they purchase and the state is setting up charging stations in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. Incentives are being offered for electric car designs and tax credits are being considered.

The Chinese government is throwing their considerable resources--money, energy and people--at the project. One Chinese car company, BYD has 5,000 auto engineers and an equal number of battery engineers the New York Times reported recently.

The race is on. The United States Department of Energy has a $25 billion program to develop electric-powered cars and improve battery technology. Another $2 billion for battery development comes as part of the economic stimulus package.

--Kate McLeod

Volvo's plan to bring a plug-in, hybrid-electric vehicle to Sweden by 2012 would make it the first automaker to combine a clean diesel and PHEV technology into one car. It says the platform, showed earlier this month in a concept version of a V70 wagon, will cost more than a conventional diesel or gasoline-powered car but will save about one-third on fuel costs.

The car is designed for typical commuter ranges (50 km) in electric-only mode and will pack in lithium-ion batteries that will take about five hours to charge. What's more, car owners will be able to select and purchase the type of electricity they are buying to power their cars--wind, hydropower or straight-up blends from the regular grid.

For extended trips, Volvo's envisions running the diesel engine on "synthetic" fuel. Though biodiesel is the typical alternative here in North America, Sweden has always been skittish on food-based fuels in favor of biomass-based syntha-diesel.

--Tudor Van Hampton

The bill, if approved, would provide vouchers of up to $4,500 to those who trade cars and trucks for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Dingell estimates the program could lead to the purchase of about 1 million new vehicles.

Customers who trade in a vehicle that gets less than 18 mpg for a new car that gets at least 22 mpg would get vouchers worth $3,500. If the new vehicle being purchased has an increase of at least 10 mpg, the customer would be rewarded with a voucher of $4,500. The statement did not make clear whether or not the vehicle had to be of a certain age of if eligibility would be limited to those made in North America our would include vehicles made overseas.

Small trucks and SUVs, large light-duty trucks and work trucks are also included in the voucher program, which would be authorized for up to one year.

Other countries, like Germany, have seen auto sales rise from their cash-for-clunkers programs. Representative Dingell says the proposal will spur demand for new vehicles and reduce energy consumption.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

These days, every mile per gallon counts. But the Obama Administration is now trying to cut down on our carbon, too. So under new fuel-economy rules starting in 2012, cars and light trucks will need to adhere to stricter diets of MPG and CO2.

Opinions on how automakers will meet these stringent new rules are just a plentiful as skeptics who say they will cause the sputtering and wheezing car industry to suffer a massive coronary.

Like it or not, the rules encourage more fuel-efficient cars and light-duty pickups. To do it, car companies are riding on three main technologies: super-efficient gasoline, electric and diesel powertrains. The folks at Cars.com note that the biggest impact may be on trucks and SUVs, while PickupTrucks.com Editor Mike Levine points out that hyper-efficient gasoline and gas-electric hybrids could have an edge because gas produces a lower CO2 output than diesel.

One possibility could be a combination of the above: Witness General Motors. On the heels of the government's fuel-economy ruling, GM rolled out a diesel-like engine that runs on gasoline but compresses the fuel, like a diesel engine, to ignite it. Homogeneous charge compression ignition, or simply HCCI, is still in development but promises to combine the best of both worlds.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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."

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

--Kate McLeod

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!)

For official rules and to enter online. go to autoweek.com/sweeps, or www.americanlemans.com

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

--Kate McLeod

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."

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Sue Mead

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

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Sue Mead

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:

• Accelerating smoothly


• Braking easy


• Observing traffic patterns ahead


• Coasting as often as possible


• Maintaining a constant speed


• Using cruise control only on flat terrain


• Avoiding long lines and idling the engine


• Controlling highway speeds to posted limits


• Keeping vehicles well maintained

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

For the article and television spot on this news story, go to: http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=9757633&nav=menu191_2_1

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

Click the link below to view the 2009 Prius review on video:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/video-hub/video.htm?bctid=13315975001&EXTKEY=AAOLMFP04

--Sue Mead

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.

And then the joke's on you.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

-- Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

--Sue Mead

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!

--Kate McLeod

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."

--Tudor Van Hampton

"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'."

For further Information on this story and technology, go to: http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?ID=5042

--Sue Mead

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 . . ..

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Brian Chee

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/02/soot-pollution.html

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:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/how-to-get-better-fuel-economy.htm

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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

--Sue Mead

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?

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo: Greasecar

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.

--Brian Chee

Source: MSNBC: http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/state_regional/article/drivers_buy_diesel_in_fuel_mix-up/13187/
About FAQs: http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl-094g.htm

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."

--Kate McLeod

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!

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo: Daimler AG

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,

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo Credit: Volvo

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!

--Sue Mead

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Brian Chee
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-02-09-mini-diesel_N.htm

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.

For more information on the conference, go to http://www.afv2009.com.

For further Information on AFI, Contact: afvi@afvi.org

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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?"

--Tudor Van Hampton

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?

Yeah. Me too.

--Brian Chee
Source: http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/02/ford-will-give.html

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

--Sue Mead

--Kate McLeod

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

--Sue Mead

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.

For More Information: contact Bob Dickinson, Vice President/Media & Communications; radickinson@americanlemanscom

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeon

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.

--Brian Chee

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28895195/

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.

For more information visit blog.earthwindpower.net and/or www.earthwindpower.net.

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

For further information, go to the Natural Resources Defense Council:
http://www.nrdconline.org/actionfund/smp.tcl?nkey=36swxbs4f7b3356t&.
(The NRDC Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)).

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeon

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?

-Brian Chee

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/next-hybrid-for-mercedes-benz-will-be-a-diesel-electric-m-class.html

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."

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

--Sue Mead

"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."

--Kate McLeod

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.


For further information: Visit: http://www.washingtonautoshow.com/media.cfm.
Or contact Barbara Pomerance, bp@pomeranceassociates.com or Julian Teixeira, Julian.Teixeira@zenogroup.com.

Source: Automotive Industry Leaders and Government Officials

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500/Chrysler LLC

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.

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: General Motors Corp.

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.


For further information on the Dakar Rally and other standings, go to www.dakar.com, along with standings and other rally information at www.volkswagen-motorsport.com.

--Sue Mead

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: 2010 E-Class/Daimler AG

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.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123137437553662817.html

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: Ford Motor Co.

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: Volkswagen of America Inc.

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.

Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090112/OPINION01/901120373/1008/OPINION01

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: Audi of America

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.

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: UPS

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 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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: Mack Trucks Inc.

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Following a highly successful 2008 season, VW and SCCA Pro Racing announced nine of the ten rounds for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Schedule

Round 1 & 2

April 24 - 26 VIRginia International Raceway, Grand-Am Alton, Va.

Round 3

June 19 - 21 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Grand-Am, Lexington, Ohio

Round 4

July 24 - 26 Autobahn Country Club Atlantics Chicago, IL

Round 5

Aug. 14 - 16 Road America ALMS, Elkhart Lake, WI

Round 6

Aug. 28 - 30 Mosport International Raceway, ALMS Mosport, Ontario (Canada)

Round 7 & 8

Sept. 11 - 13 New Jersey Motorsports Park ARCA, Millville, NJ

Round 9

Sept. 25 - 27 Road Atlanta ALMS, Braselton, GA

--Kate McLeod

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

For further information about the 2009 Dakar, go to :www.Dakar.com
Public website about Volkswagen's "Dakar" entry: www.volkswagen-motorsport.com; Text, photographs and audio to download: www.volkswagen-motorsport.info

--Sue Mead

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: ML320/Daimler AG

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!

---Archie

Source: CNNMoney.com
http://www.forbes.com/technology/2008/12/21/fat-fuel-biodiesel-tech-sciences-cz_pcb_1222fatfuel.html

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.

--Kate McLeod

--Sue Mead

For further information, go to www.BMWUSA.com
--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

--Sue Mead

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

--Sue Mead

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.

--Kate McLeod

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.

Source:  CNNMoney.com

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.

--Sue Mead

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.

Source:  CNNMoney.com

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.

--Kate McLeod

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%:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Exxon-boosts-diesel-output-as-apf-13838789.html

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

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.

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.

You can see the #8 Deusy and learn more about Cummins racing history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum (http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/content/General/Hall_of_Fame_Museum/32).

And next time you find yourself in Munich, don't forget to check out the Deutsches Museum (http://www.deutsches-museum.de/en/information).

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: Deutsches Museum

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. 

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:

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo Credit: Porsche

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.

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. 

http://www.media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=10405

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.

Check out this video of the XR3 in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b22yHJMBj4

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: Robert Q. Riley Enterprises LLC

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.

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%.

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo credit: Volkswagen of America Inc.

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.

--Archie

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

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.

Finishing up the inaugural year of the Jetta TDI (Diesel)Cup Series, 23 year old Josh Hurley  http://www.media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=10404 took 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."

The Jetta TDI Cup Series   http://www.vw.com/vwhype/motorsport/en/us/#/jetta_tdi_cup/welcome/   

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.

-- Tudor Van Hampton

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.

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.

--Archie

Source: http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=73974
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

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.

According to the couple'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.

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.

--Sue Mead

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo Credits: BMW

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.

http://www.vw.com/vwbuzz/browse/en/us/detail/Volkswagen_s_all_new_2009_Jetta_TDI_makes_red_carpet_debut_at_Teen_Choice_2008/228

Celebrity riders included Chase Crawford, Ed Westwick, Drake Bell, Jo Jo, Jerry O'Connell, and Sophia Bush

--Sue Mead

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.  

http://www.media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=10401

For a list of biodiesel providers near you, go to the National Biodiesel Board's filling-station locator at http://www.biodiesel.org/buyingbiodiesel/retailfuelingsites/default.shtm.

-- Tudor Van Hampton

Photo Credit: Montana State University

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 with   Automotive 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.

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.

--Sue Mead

On October 6^th, 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.

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.

--Tudor Van Hampton

Photo Credit: SXC

--Kate McLeod

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:

MSNAuto, http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip&src=Netx;

Mapquest, http://gasprices.mapquest.com/?area=national; and Fuel Economy.gov, http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/gasprices/states/index.shtml

--Sue Mead

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,

            3. Filling out an entry form online, Click here for the sweepstakes form,                                           http://backstage.wellsfargo.com/

            4. Mailing a 3X5 index card with your name, address and both daytime and evening

             phone numbers to:

                                    Wells Fargo Driving Brilliant Sweeps

                                    2554 Lincoln Blvd, PMB 1049

                                    Venice, CA 90291-5082

             Important note: snail mail must be post marked by Nov 3rd.

See 2008 Backstage Sweepstakes https://www.wellsfargo.com/jump/backstagerules for official rules.

The drawing will take place on Nov 17 and the winner will be notified by Nov 19th.

--Sue Mead

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.