Skip to Content

Breaking news:

Xavier Navarro

Barcelona - http://

Vauxhall launches the Astra ecoFlex

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 28th, 2008 at 12:19PM


Click for high-resolution pictures of the Astra ecoFlex

GM's brand in the United Kingdom, Vauxhall, has launched the Astra Ecoflex version. As with the array of green signatures created by all European automakers (see: Bluemotion, Ecomotive, Eco2, Airdream...), the Vaxuhall Ecoflex takes a standard Astra, and greens up the base diesel engine while adding tweaks to the car to lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The good news is that the engineers not only managed to get the 1.7 CDTi engine to produce only 119 g/km of CO2 while keeping mileage at 62.8mpg Imperial (52.3mpg U.S. or 4.5 l/100 km) but they increased the engine's power from 100 to 110hp. Other improvements include a 30kg (66 pound) reduction in kerb weight, lowered suspension to improve aerodynamics, modification of the front air intakes and a drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. Engineers also reduced the power steering pump's idle speed and fitted low rolling-resistance tires. Prices start at £16,340.

Vauxhall is preparing two additional ecoFlex models for 2009: a 109g/km Corsa 1.3 CDTi good for nearly 69mpg Imperial (57mpg U.S. or 4.1 l/100 km), and a low-emissions version of the new Insignia sedan. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Vauxhall Astra EcoFlex



[Source: Vauxhall]

Read more →

USA National Gas Temperature Map

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 27th, 2008 at 2:07PM



Nope, this isn't a map showing the temperature that gas flows out of the nozzle into our car's tank to boost the myth that it's better to fuel early in the morning. No, this is a U.S. map (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) that shows color-coded gasoline prices (by county): the redder the color, the more expensive the gallon of gas while the greener the color, the cheaper the gas is. If you go to the site and zoom in on the map, you can drill down to the municipality level. Zoom in again and you'll end up with color-coded gas stations. My search found gas over $4.20/gal for Regular gas in Washington state, and under $3.12 near Dallas. The interactive map lets you even choose four different fuel types: regular, medium, premium and diesel, although E85 and biodiesel additions would have been a nice touch. Thanks to John and Larry for the tip.

[Source: Gasbuddy]

Hey automaker! How's your CO2 quota for the week?

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 27th, 2008 at 12:06PM

Here's something that could be useful for car makers: a system that calculates a target CO2 figure based on vehicle weight and the European Commission's so-called 'slope of the line' parameter linking weight to target CO2 as well as the variance from the target figure and any resulting financial penalties.

That may sound confusing, but carmakers could use this information to avoid the European Commission's upcoming penalties for automakers that pollute over the stipulated level of 130 g/km of CO2 in 2012. The fine will be €95 for each gram of CO2 a car emits over the new targets. Before you take out your wallet, remember that this figure is calculated as an average of the complete lineup - so if you're, say, VW, you can average the Bentley Continental with the Seat Ecomotive, Skoda Greenline and the VW Polo BlueMotion. If you're Ferrari, the Fiat 500 will also enter in the figure. In any case, the CO2 calculator software is available at Spyder Automotive. Read the full press release after the jump.

Picture source: Vintagecalculators.com

[Source: Spyder Automotive]

Read more →

Is Japan ready for the EV revolution? Sure looks like it

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 27th, 2008 at 8:05AM



According to a Financial Times online article, the answer to the question in the headline is yes. The EV revolution will require a lot of participants, and editor J. Soble summarizes the recent efforts from four Japanese automakers, the postal service, a utility company and the Japanese government, which are all working towards a future with a lot of electric cars on the road.

First, we have the expectations that Mitsubishi MiEV, Subaru R1e, Nissan-Renault will continue their EV projects in Japan (not just in Europe and Israel). Of course, we also await the plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. As for Japan's postal service, the company announced it will convert its 21,000 vehicle fleet to run on electrons. Utility Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) has announced the development of new electric stations that could charge an EV enough to run for 40 km (26 miles) in five minutes, or up to 60 km (40 miles) in ten minutes. The company sees them in, for instance, supermarkets. The government is helping build the infrastructure as well: The Kanagawa prefecture, the region adjoining Tokyo, is providing 150 recharging stations in an effor to fulfil the Japanese Government's announcement that half of the new cars sold in 2020 will be electric. Thanks to Mark for the tip.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - LIVE


[Source: FT]

Video: Oil addiction and biofuel dangers simplified

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 26th, 2008 at 7:06PM


There's a new video from Good Magazine that explains the viewpoint of those who believe that using crops for biofuels isn't good for the environment with simple and clear language. The short clip references articles from newspapers such as the LA Times and the NY Times, as well as official agencies like the DOE. The video outlines the reasons as follows: if high demand and fear of the short of supply make oil prices rise, then biofuel producers use feedstock to make their biofuels. Then, the high oil prices and the shortage of feedstocks make food more expensive, giving us the global crisis we've seen recently. If you think that the light relief from recent cuts in oil prices is enough to keep us saved, keep this video in mind. Watch it after the jump.

Read more →

Mercedes unveils Econic NGT Hybrid truck concept

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 22nd, 2008 at 8:46AM



Mercedes not only builds cars, but it's one of the most important freight truck manufacturers. Next month, there's a road transport Exhibition in Hannover, Germany, and the Stuttgart-based company is introducing a new concept hybrid truck: the Mercedes Econic NGT Hybrid (non-hybrid standard version pictured above). The hybrid truck uses natural gas (CNG) as fuel as well as an electric engine. According to Mercedes, the estimated savings in fuel costs are estimated at 60 percent, both for the lower cost of natural gas and for the improvements in fuel consumption (undetailed). With this hybrid, Mercedes is certainly solidifying its moves into the CNG fuel segment. Mercedes will also show off a new version of the CNG-powered Sprinter van with Stop/Start function, as well as a new 4WD version.

[Source NGV Global]

The cheapest hybrid will be sold ... in China

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 21st, 2008 at 8:02PM



We're no strangers to Chinese automaker BYD and its upcoming models of electric and hybrid cars. What's new is the claim that BYD is going to start selling the world's cheapest hybrid, with prices starting at just ¥100,000 (RNB) which is around $14,000 U.S. The model will be called BYD F3DM, with DB standing for Dual Mode, once it reaches the showrooms. BYD also announced a potential full EV version of the F3. The all-electric F6 is, however, still set to production. Specifications for this model haven't been released, although it's known that the car will be available with a different array of powertrains. We're still waiting for information on when the car will be actually on sale.

[Source: China Car Times via Autoblog en Español]

Stop cabs from running empty in the UK

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 21st, 2008 at 1:28PM



Although it's unlikely that this will have a huge impact, the idea seems original and could greatly improve taxi operators' cash flow: A new free website has been created for the UK where you can book a taxi that would otherwise run empty. Consider that many trips taxis take are empty, adding come coordination to the chaos might save quite a number of "wasted" miles, for instance when taxis go to the airport to wait for passengers or for prearranged passenger pick-ups. The website puts drivers of those empty taxis and potential clients in contact so the cabs don't run empty and the rider saves a few pounds on the fare. While an interesting idea, the website doesn't seem to be not working right now.

[Source: Auto Plus]

Volkswagen adds a new TSI engine to its lineup, goes common-rail as well

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 20th, 2008 at 7:02PM



Volkswagen is introducing a new 160hp version of its 1.4-liter TFSI engine. This engine and the 122hp version are replacing VW's 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI engines which produced 115 and 150hp, respectively. This change in the engine lineup will start in the Golf Plus, Jetta and Golf Variant versions.

As we mentioned before, Volkswagen is dropping its direct-injection diesel technology (pump-injection), first used two decades ago, and will join the rest of automakers in using common-rail injection technology for its diesel drivelines. This new 2.0 HDi dCi CDi CDTi TDI is already Euro 5 compliant. Although it was announced as coming in the new Golf VI, Germans can already buy the 2.0 TDI mated to the Jetta and Golf Variant (pictured above) and, later, in the Golf Plus. Although power remains unchanged from the old 2.0-liter at 140hp and fuel consumption is kept at 5.5 l/km (43mpg U.S.), CO2 emissions are down to 143 grams of CO2 per km and torque improves up to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

[Source: Auto News]

Green light for Bosch and Samsung's joint venture for battery development

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Aug 20th, 2008 at 6:11PM



In a brief press release (which you can find pasted after the jump) Bosch and Samsung have confirmed they have received the green light from German authorities to work on their project to produce lithium-ion batteries. The joint venture, called SB LiMotive Co. Ltd., will start work next month. Their plan is to produce "highly efficient lithium-ion batteries customized to automotive requirements and to market them worldwide from 2011." As we mentioned before, Samsung SDI has been producing lithium cells for consumer electronics and power tools while Bosch has expertise in the power electronics and battery management systems. Bosch, especially, has big dreams.

[Source: Bosch/Samsung]


Read more →

← Previous Page|Next Page →


Featured Galleries

  • Electric Raceabout
  • Scooter Riding Celebs
  • AFVI 2008: GEM's new cargo options
  • AFVI 2008: Miles EV booth
  • AFVI 2008: ZeroTruck
  • AFVI 2008: 360 Electrica
  • AFVI 2008: Sterling Natural Gas truck
  • AFVI 2008: Dymac EVs
  • AFVI 2008: Ed Begley and Bobby Rahal test drive
  • AFVI 2008: FCX Clarity
  • AFVI 2008: Monopoly Prius
  • AFVI 2008: IMPCO's Propane Mustang

Categories

Autoblog

Daily Finance

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Autoblog Spanish

Switched.com

FanHouse

Asylum