Autoblog Green

Israeli researchers at Innowattech capture energy from traffic

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Middle East

Capturing lost energy with regenerative braking systems is one thing. This, however, is another ball-game entirely. Researchers in Israel have been experimenting with power generators placed underneath the road's surface to capture the mechanical energy of cars passing above and turn it into electricity.

The research is being carried out by an Israeli start-up called Innowattech, in conjunction with the Israel National Roads Company and the Technion, Israel's technological institute in Haifa. Referred to as "parasitic energy harvesting", the technology involves small piezoelectric generators placed five centimeters below the asphalt's surface. The weight of the cars passing over the road's surface is captured - 2000 watts an hour in "regular" traffic conditions - and stored in roadside batteries. Drivers reportedly feel no difference in the road, although naturally the initiative is limited by the progress of battery technology (or hydraulics, with the Dragon Power system).

As Better Place discovered, Israel's geographic and economic situation makes it an ideal testing ground for green technologies. The first implementation was over a relatively small ten-meter stretch of road on Israel's main north-south highway, and is now being placed in one-kilometer sections for further study. Further applications are also being evaluated, including pedestrian walkways, airport runways and railroads. It's not just for Burger King any more. Thanks for the tip, Mono!

[Source: Globes.co.il | Image: Uriel Sinai/Getty]

Israeli researchers at Innowattech capture energy from traffic originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aston Martin, Toyota

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - Click above to enlarge

Most of us would be willing to kill for the opportunity to have an Aston Martin as our daily commuter. (Then again, most of us here at Autoblog are writers and don't commute much of anywhere). But the British purveyor of luxury GTs figures some of its customers - those based in major European metropolitan centers like London and Paris, for example - could use something a little more compact for driving into the city. Hence the Cygnet, which as you may recall is essentially a Toyota iQ with some Aston touches.

News of the car's development broke a few months ago, but the latest reports now indicate that the Aston-badged city car could begin shipping as early as next year. Although no mechanical changes are expected to take place, the pre-assembled units are expected to be shopped to AM's plant in Gaydon, England, where the company will give the citycar its own unique interior, slap on an Aston grille and the requisite badging and raise the price up to $32,000 - about twice the price Toyota fetches for a stock iQ.

Whether Aston's customers bite remains to be seen, but for our part, we still want to see one of these face off against the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari for the exotic supermini crown.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

Aston Martin Cygnet (nee Toyota iQ) to hit European city streets next year? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Hyundai ix-Metro concept is all white by us

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hyundai, Frankfurt Motor Show

Hyundai ix-Metro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai returned to Frankfurt a far bigger player than it was two years prior. The Korean company has leapt up the sales standings to become the world's fourth largest automaker, eclipsing such major players as Ford and Honda. And its product line has long since expanded from diminutive hatchbacks to include crossovers and luxury sedans. What better way, then, to mark its newfound stature than to unveil... a diminutive hatchback/crossover thing?

Of course, Hyundai also unveiled the new ix35 Tucson, but presented along side was the automaker's vision for a compact hybrid. Called the ix Metro, it may be about the same size as the Geo that once bore the same name, but packs more curves and creases into the same plot of real estate than a linen mill. Curiously, Hyundai hasn't provided any details on the electric component of the hybrid drivetrain, but the conventional side of the equation boasts direct injection, variable valve timing and a turbocharger in a tiny 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, driving through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The interior looks like something straight out of Star Trek, but don't take our word for it, check it out for yourself in the gallery below.

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Hyundai ix-Metro concept is all white by us

Frankfurt 2009: Hyundai ix-Metro concept is all white by us originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Citroen REVOLTe is... exactly that

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:39:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Citroen, Frankfurt Motor Show

Citroen REVOLTe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Between storming the Bastille and a national rejection of the Venus razor, the French certainly know the meaning of the word "revolt". Interesting, then, that Citroen knowingly used the word - albeit Francofied with a superfluous E for its hybrid electric drivetrain - for its latest concept car.

The REVOLTe concept is a throwback to the 2CV of yore, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. But while the Tata Nano might carry the flame of the bare-bones four-wheeled transport today, the REVOLTe simply borrows the basic shape of its forbearer and gives it a modern twist. That bit comes courtesy of an unspecified "small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function." Measuring just twelve feet long, the REVOLTe seats three - one offset up front and two in the back - accessed by suicide doors. We could go on, but Citroen has waxed poetic enough in its press release after the jump, so we'll let them pontificate and have you skip straight to the photos below.

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Citroen REVOLTe is... exactly that

Frankfurt 2009: Citroen REVOLTe is... exactly that originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST

Filed under: Mazda, Frankfurt Motor Show, Lightweight

Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're one of the many enthusiasts out there oohing and ahhing over the pair of pre-production Mini concepts that debuted in Frankfurt today, know that the BMW division isn't the only one here with a tempting speedster on display. Amidst all the exciting and pivotal new vehicle debuts at the show, Mazda took the wraps off the MX-5 Superlight Version.

Unfortunately it's just a show car, and it's not the first time Mazda's toyed with the idea (and us in the process), but the Superlight goes to show what an inventive mind and a skilled hand or two can do with the iconic Mazda roadster. Characterized by its windshield-less shape, the Superlight also features an exquisitely crafted cockpit of brushed aluminum and saddle brown leather, aluminum and carbon-fiber rolls hoops with integrated brake LEDs, an aluminum rearview mirror mounted on the hood, a wider track, dropped suspension and upgraded brakes.

While the engine essentially carries over from the stock 1.8-liter, 126hp four, the Mazdaspeed intake and exhaust, coupled with the reduced 2,194-pound curb weight, bring the 0-60 run down to 8.9 seconds. Which may not sound like breakneck acceleration, but with the wind rushing at your face, we're guessing this junior Veritas is a real thrill ride. Check it out in the gallery below.

Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cars may be getting smaller, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily getting cheaper. As if to prove that point, Fiat has thumbed its nose at the Tata Nano with a special 500 that packs a big price tag in a small package.

Commemorating the first anniversary of Abarth's return to the Dutch market, Fiat's performance division has launched this special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione. It costs nearly $35k and only ten will be made available for exclusive consumption in Holland. The €3,000 premium (nearly $4,200 USD) over the stock 500 Abarth gets enthusiastic buyers a special little hot hatch with a black roof, black 17-inch alloys and matching black graphics, along with special bucket seats inside. The 500 Abarth Competizione also comes equipped with sat-nav, air-con and a premium audio system. Although the Competizione edition packs the 135hp turbo four, buyers can always upgrade with the 160hp EsseEsse kit. For a premium, of course.

[Source: Fiat]

Fiat launches pricy new special-edition 500 Abarth Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twist and Shout: Techart's custom Porsche Cayenne diesel

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Porsche

Techart Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want a powerful, fast Porsche Cayenne sport-ute, Stuttgart has no shortage of choices on offer, topping out at the 550hp Turbo S. And of course there are plenty of aftermarket tuners willing to take unreasonable up to downright silly proportions, but if you were looking for power and speed without sacrificing fuel economy, for the most part you were advised to look elsewhere. After all, a big SUV isn't exactly the ideal platform for either. But then along comes Porsche tuner extraordinaire Techart to show you the way with its own custom Porsche Cayenne Diesel.

Boosting output from 240hp and 406 lb-ft of torque to a hefty 290hp and 465 lb-ft, the Techart Cayenne Diesel drops the stock 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds down to an impressive 7.7 seconds, all without altering the vehicle's fuel economy or emissions numbers. Nice work, but the most impressive part is the modified torque curve that gives the big oil-burner accessible grunt from as low as 1000 rpm.

Techart has also crafted a unique Aerokit 1 for the diesel sport-ute, giving it a more aggressive stance while improving airflow, capped by giant 21" rims or optional 22s. The British tuning house offers a turn-key model at £55,500 (~$89k) with the body kit and engine mods, or can fit an existing diesel Cayenne with the Aerokit for £15,000 (~$24k) and the engine kit for £2,500 (~$4k). Find more details in the press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

[Source: Techart]

Continue reading Twist and Shout: Techart's custom Porsche Cayenne diesel

Twist and Shout: Techart's custom Porsche Cayenne diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari CEO outlines green plan, hybrid concept could debut at LA show

Noah Joseph — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ferrari, Green Daily

Ferrari F430 Spider Bio-Fuel at NAIAS 2008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While the intertubes are abuzz with Lamborghini's announcement of a comprehensive carbon emissions reduction plan, arch-rival Ferrari is keen to show it's keeping pace as the company's CEO has reportedly indicated the direction Maranello is heading with regards to its greenification.

Two approaches that Ferrari chief executive Amadeo Felisa confirmed the company is looking into include turbocharging and E85 bio-ethanol. Regarding the former, Felisa assures that the weight of Ferrari's technical know-how will be thrown into ensuring that turbocharged engines retain Ferrari's trademark high-revving feel, while he revealed that the ECU on the company's latest model, the California, is already ready to burn E85. Beyond turbos and corn-fuel, Felisa also revealed that they're working on a hybrid concept, likely to incorporate the F1-derived KERS regenerative braking system, to debut at an upcoming auto show in the United States following the Frankfurt show in September where Ferrari is expected to debut the replacement for the F430 line. Sources suggest Los Angeles as a strong possibility for the hybrid Ferrari's debut.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Ferrari F430 BioFuel

[Source: Car and Driver]

Ferrari CEO outlines green plan, hybrid concept could debut at LA show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pros and cons of Fisker's, Tesla's dealership plans

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:34:00 EST

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

Both Fisker Automotive and Tesla Motors are bringing electric-powered luxury sedans and convertibles to market, but each is going about it in entirely different ways. Fisker's strategy, steered by former BMW and Volvo sales director Vic Doolan, is to license independent dealerships - some of the biggest in the country - to sell their premium green automobiles on their behalf. Tesla's approach, on the other hand, is to set up factory-owned stores which the company likens to Apple stores.

Each approach, of course, has its benefits and drawbacks. For Fisker, makers of the Karma sedan and upcoming Karma Sunset convertible, selling through existing dealers promises to streamline the process and tap into professionals already savvy to the local market and capable of dealing with customer service and the exchange of used cars. Tesla, on the other hand, which makes the Roadster (pictured right at the company's LA store) and upcoming Model S, wants to more directly manage the sales and service process with its own retail outlets, but that comes at the cost of rapid expansion: so far Tesla's only got stores in California, though additional locations are planned for Chicago, New York, Seattle and Washington, London and more.

Gallery: Tesla Motors Menlo Park Store

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Pros and cons of Fisker's, Tesla's dealership plans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Rinspeed iChange in the flesh

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:50:00 EST

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Rinspeed iChange

With automakers pouring into Geneva from around the world, it's largely up to Rinspeed to hold down the home fort here in Switzerland, and the quirkiest of niche automakers never disappoints. So this year we made sure to swing by Rinspeed's show stand right away to take in its latest concoction. Called the iChange, we've already brought you the details and factory photos of this innovative electric vehicle, and it looks no less unique in person. Its low-slung body is punctuated by a forward-hinged canopy, which can be expanded to accommodate a third passenger as needed.

Stay tuned as well for live shots of the E2, a split-personality Fiat 500 that joined the iChange on Rinspeed's show stand here at the Geneva Palexpo.

Gallery: Geneva Preview: Rinspeed iChance concept

Geneva 2009: Rinspeed iChange in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Rinspeed's Abarth-based E2 concept

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:20:00 EST

Filed under: Fiat, Geneva Motor Show, Europe/EU

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Rinspeed E2

Usually one concept is enough to put Rinspeed on the map here at its home-turf Geneva Motor Show, but this year the quirky Swiss coachbuilder doubled down with a modified Fiat 500 that hugs the road and the planet at the same time. Joining the innovative iChange on its show stand, the Rinspeed E2 starts with the hot Abarth version instead of the standard Cinquecento, tuned it to squeeze out both extra power and extra economy thanks to a dual-mode engine management system. Painted the same shade of metallic orange as the iChange concepet, the E2 may not be quite as attention-grabbing, but extra power without the penalty is a trend we could get used to all too easily. Check it out in the galleries below and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Rinspeed's Abarth-based E2 concept

Geneva 2009: Rinspeed's Abarth-based E2 concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High Performance, Higher Education: Ferrari estalishes lightweight research lab at Italian university

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:51:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari, Lightweight

Ferrari technical training center pictured above for illustrative purposes

If there's one thing on which treehuggers and tire-smokers can agree on, it's the need to reduce weight in vehicles. It hurts performance and it hurts fuel efficiency. Few know that as well as Ferrari, which has just taken things to another level by dedicating a new research lab at the University of Modena and Regio Emilia.

Called the Mille Chili lab, it bears the same name and the same purpose as the lightweight concept car which the sportscar-maker unveiled in 2007. In the new lab, students will work with faculty members and Ferrari engineers to find new ways of reducing weight in automobiles, which is something we can all get behind, whether your banner color is red or green. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading High Performance, Higher Education: Ferrari estalishes lightweight research lab at Italian university

High Performance, Higher Education: Ferrari estalishes lightweight research lab at Italian university originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Mercedes E-Class Coupe couples low drag coefficient to efficient engines

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes Benz, Geneva Motor Show

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

You can have all the most efficient engines in the world, but if you're trying to drive a barn through a hurricane they are not going to help one bit. Mercedes knows that, which is why, in addition to highly fuel-efficient engines packed under the hood, Mercedes has made its new E-Class Coupe, details of which have just emerged before the new model's debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, what it claims to be the most aerodynamically efficient production vehicle on the market: a svelte 0.24 coefficient of drag (the 2010 Prius has 0.25).

Partnering the wind-cheating new shape of the E-Class Coupe, which replaces the outgoing CLK and joins the new E-Class sedan just unveiled a few months ago, is a range of fuel-sipping engines, including the new four-cylinder turbo-diesel E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which offers more power and torque than the model it replaces while returning 17 percent better fuel economy (5.3 liters per 100 kilometers on the European combined cycle) and emitting 138 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. Efficiency is also optimized by use of on-demand activation for the steering and fuel pumps, a dynamic alternator and tires with low rolling resistance, which join the roster of new driving and safety systems you can read about in the press release after the jump. See more photos of the new E-Class Coupe in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading New Mercedes E-Class Coupe couples low drag coefficient to efficient engines

New Mercedes E-Class Coupe couples low drag coefficient to efficient engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Better Late than Oily: America will have to wait for diesel MINI

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:23:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MINI

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the MINI Cooper D in the ABG Garage

While the new electric MINI E is proving even more popular than expected and the Cooper D continues to sell big across the pond, MINI has been contemplating bringing the diesel hatch Stateside. However, the current diesel in the Cooper D, which AutoblogGreen drove last summer, isn't deemed clean enough for U.S. emissions regulations. While previous reports suggested a modified version of the current Cooper D could make the trip across the Atlantic to the land of heavily-taxed diesel fuel, company spokesmen now say it could have to wait until a next-generation clean-burning diesel can be developed for the MINI.

Although the artificially high price of diesel in the United States has prevented oil-burning vehicles from taking the lead here, MINI points out that the price difference between the premium gasoline their vehicles require and ordinary diesel is actually quite a bit more manageable. Add to that equation the 60 miles per gallon a diesel MINI being tested by Bosch here in the good old U S of A gets and a diesel Cooper is making more sense by the minute.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 MINI Cooper D

[Source: USA Today via Kicking Tires]

Better Late than Oily: America will have to wait for diesel MINI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tazzari releases more details on Zero electric city car

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EU

Click above for a gallery of Zero images

Back in the '50s, the Fiat 500 and the Piagio Vespa revolutionized motorized transport in Italy. The Tazzari Zero could be the next step, putting electric power in a stylish and affordable package available to the masses. We've been following the development of the Zero for a while now, but the Italian manufacturing concern, based near the Imola race circuit, has now released preliminary specifications on the compact city car.

The zippy little two-door measures less than three meters (113.5") long and weighs less than 1,200 lbs; the Li-Ion Fe batteries account for 312 of those lbs. The vehicles, designed for urban transportation, can go 88 miles on a full charge that takes 9 hours to complete, but a fifty-minute lunch break will yield an 80 percent charge. Performance enthusiasts looking for a 0-60 time will be disappointed: the Zero doesn't have one. Top speed is only 56 mph, and the Zero will take a hair under five seconds to reach 31. That's significantly slower than a Vespa, so highway driving will be out of the question (For long-distance travel, Italy is developing a new high-speed train network). Tazzari hopes the Zero, which goes on sale in Europe and the Caribbean later this year with a 20,000-Euro price tag, will prove a popular mode of eco-friendly and affordable transportation around the world.

Gallery: Tazzari Zero

Gallery: Tazzari Zero renders

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Tazzari releases more details on Zero electric city car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SAIC to launch hybrid Roewe 750 next year

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, UK

The Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) has been blowing a lot of smoke, so to speak, over its ambitions to produce alternative fuel vehicles for several years now. Having partnered with Tongji University's engineering faculty in 2005, SAIC invested nearly $300 million in a new division dedicated towards developing alternative propulsion systems. Now the Chinese automaker is finally tipped to launch its first hybrid as early as next year.

SAIC purchased the Rover brand from BMW several years ago, but not the name, resulting in old Rovers being produced by the Chinese automaker under the name Roewe. It's the old Rover 75, now called the Roewe 750, that will debut SAIC's fuel-efficient initiative. It will feature a mild hybrid system, which assists the existing internal combustion engine under acceleration but is incapable of propelling the vehicle on its own. Having partnered with GM on hybrids built in China under a joint venture, this a decent first step on its own for an automaker in a country behind the curve on green transportation. SAIC's next target is to launch an all-electric vehicle sometime in the near future.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

SAIC to launch hybrid Roewe 750 next year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to focus on green tech, not supercars

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:49:00 EST

Filed under: BMW

Click to view the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept in hi-res

The automotive industry seems to be heading in two diametrically opposed directions: developing fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly cars on the one hand, and a seemingly never-ending race for more horsepower on the other. While BMW continues to produce overpowered performance vehicles like the V8-powered M3 and V10-powered M5 and M6 to gun for top honors in the latter category, executives in the Bavarian automaker insist that their main focus is on the former.

In an interview with AutoTelegraaf, Klaus Draeger, the BMW board member spearheading the EfficientDynamics program, says that, despite the unveiling of the M1 Hommage supercar concept, BMW will not be producing a competitor to the Audi R8 supercar. Citing deployment of the EfficientDynamics system in 850,000 vehicles this year alone, Draeger says that the company will instead focus on green technologies. "That is our biggest investment in the coming years." We'll see.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: AutoTelegraaf via eGMCarTech]

BMW to focus on green tech, not supercars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Fiat readying 500 hybrid

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Fiat

With its compact body and highly efficient range of gasoline and diesel engines, there aren't a lot of cars on the road that return better fuel economy and lower emissions than the Fiat 500. But if the latest reports are to be believed, Fiat isn't about to rest on its green laurels.

According to emerging reports, a hybrid version of the Fiat 500 is in the works. The gas/electric retro mini would start off with Fiat's 900cc two-cylinder engine, hooked up to a battery pack and backed up by a start-stop ignition system and a dual-clutch transmission. The idea of an environmentally-friendly 500 was previewed by the Fiat 500 Aria concept (pictured above) shown earlier this year at the Geneva show, while the 500 hybrid would reportedly be unveiled, oddly, at next year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. The combination of green credentials would surely increase the 500's economy to industry-leading levels, and help the entire Fiat Group come in below impending European emissions standards.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Aria concept

[Source: Auto Express via Auto Unleashed]

Report: Fiat readying 500 hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British PM vows to replace armored Jaguar with electric limo

Noah Joseph — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, UK

Big news: another politician has made an open-ended commitment with little way of seeing it through. In this week's episode, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown -- who previously committed to switch his Vauxhall for a Prius but then went for the V8 Jag once he got into office -- told local newspaper the Sunday Mirror that he'd give his armor-plated Jaguar the boot and replace it with an electric vehicle as his official mode of ground transportation.

Well that's nice, but we can hardly imagine the world leader being driven around in a Prius or a G Wiz, especially when a Downing Street spokesman points out that, "A new vehicle for the PM must meet security requirements like special strengthening and bullet-proof glass." Somewhere, somebody's got to be testing the impact of weighing down a Lexus LS600h with iron plates and reinforced glass.

[Source: Sunday Mirror via All Cars, All the Time]

British PM vows to replace armored Jaguar with electric limo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo Green Racer takes on the World

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Volvo

Click to view a hi-res gallery of the Volvo C30 Green Racer

In the campaign to make racing greener, the World Touring Car Championship has been a leader. Following the example set by its sister company Audi at Le Mans, Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary Seat began taking race wins in the WTCC in diesel-powered Leons. But the series has announced it is beginning to phase in ethanol, and of all the carmakers in the world, Volvo has stepped up to the plate.

We brought you initial news of the C30 Flexifuel Green Racer when it was unveiled for the local Swedish Touring Car Championship, in which it has already been winning races against fossil-fuel regulars. Volvo has now revealed, however, that the Green Racer is heading to the top-tier World Touring Car Championship. The event will be a one-off demonstration for the time being, as the Volvo won't be eligible for points and will only compete in the one race, next weekend at Brands Hatch. For both Volvo and the WTCC, however, it should be an interesting exercise. Check out the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: STCC Volvo C30 running on E85

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo Green Racer takes on the World

Volvo Green Racer takes on the World originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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