Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Acura and Porsche take inaugural ALMS Green Challenge championship]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/acura-and-porsche-take-inaugural-alms-green-challenge-championsh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/acura-and-porsche-take-inaugural-alms-green-challenge-championsh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/acura-and-porsche-take-inaugural-alms-green-challenge-championsh/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fernandez Acura ARX-01b at Laguna Seca - click above for high-res image gallery

Season 1 of the American Le Mans Series' Michelin GreenX Challenge is now in the books with Acura and Porsche taking the inaugural season championship. The 2009 season wrapped up at Laguna Seca this weekend with Gil de Ferran taking overall victory in the Acura ARX-02a and the No. 45 Flying Lizard Porsche 911.

However, it was the LMP2 class Acura ARX-01b of Fernandez racing that took Green honors among the prototypes after finishing second overall to de Ferran. The Fernandez car has been running strong all season The second of the two Flying Lizard Porsches, driven by Johannes van Overbeek and Seth Neiman, had the best combination of performance, efficiency and emissions among the production-derived GT cars both at Laguna and over the whole season.

Following the race, Michelin announced that it would continue its title sponsorship of the Green Challenge for the 2010 season which kicks off Sebring in March.


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Acura and Porsche take inaugural ALMS Green Challenge championship originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraalmsalms green challengeAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mansamerican le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengemichelin green x challengemichelin greenx challengeMichelinGreenxChallengePorscheMon, 12 Oct 2009 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[With V8s and V10s dead, Acura may instead revive the RSX]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/with-v8s-and-v10s-dead-acura-may-instead-revive-the-rsx/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/with-v8s-and-v10s-dead-acura-may-instead-revive-the-rsx/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/with-v8s-and-v10s-dead-acura-may-instead-revive-the-rsx/#commentsFiled under: ,



In recent months, Honda and its Acura division have been struggling with future product plans and how to deal with falling sales and rising fuel economy demands. Acura, in particular, has struggled recently and shifted a significant part of its lineup toward SUVs and crossovers. Acura has already shelved plans for V8 and V10 engines for RL and NSX.

Automotive News is now reporting that Acura may instead revive the RSX which was discontinued in 2006. With Honda adding the CR-Z hybrid sport coupe next year, it seems possible that Acura could add a new compact using the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain. With BMW, Volvo and Audi all offering compact models and Lexus expected to add one soon, it would make sense for Acura to get back to the segment where the original Integra debuted. The Civic is getting a redesign for model year 2011 so a new RSX could be spawned off of that.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

With V8s and V10s dead, Acura may instead revive the RSX originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura rsxAcuraRsxTue, 01 Sep 2009 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Corvette and Acura win first Canadian Green Challenge race]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/corvette-and-acura-win-first-canadian-green-challenge-race/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/corvette-and-acura-win-first-canadian-green-challenge-race/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/corvette-and-acura-win-first-canadian-green-challenge-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Corvette C6.R GT2 - click above for high-res image gallery

This past weekend, the American Le Mans Series headed north of the border for its annual outing at Mosport northeast of Toronto. This is the first Canadian race since the Michelin Green X Challenge debuted last year at the Petit Le Mans. As has been the case several times before this season, the prototype and GT classes were won by Acura and Corvette. This time around, the same Highcroft racing Acura ARX-02a that took overall victory on the track also won the efficiency challenge.

The cellulosic E85-fueled Corvette C6.R had the best combination well-to-wheel emissions and the best tank-to-wheel efficiency of any of the GT cars. This time it wasn't the race-winning Johnny O'Connell / Jan Magnussen car that won, but the third place #4 car of Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta . Next up is the 2009 edition of the Petit Le Mans in three weeks.



Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Corvette and Acura win first Canadian Green Challenge race originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms green challengeAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengeMon, 31 Aug 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura won't get into horsepower war, will focus on efficiency]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/acura-wont-get-into-horsepower-war-will-focus-on-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/acura-wont-get-into-horsepower-war-will-focus-on-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/acura-wont-get-into-horsepower-war-will-focus-on-efficiency/#commentsFiled under: ,



In typical Honda fashion, its premium Acura division will take a different path and has decided not to get sucked into a power race with its rivals. We already knew Acura had shelved plans for a larger V8 engine and a rear wheel drive platform. Product planning manager John Watts told Automotive News that the brand will instead focus on doing what needs to happen to meet the 2016 fuel economy standards which will be "tough."

Acura's decision seems to run counter to some competitors such as BMW that are introducing new hybrid systems paired with even more powerful V8 engines. American Honda has not been specific about how it plans to meet the new regulations, but with plans to introduce diesel engines in the U.S. market also shelved, hybrid seems the likely path. Honda has acknowledged developing a next-generation hybrid system which will be applicable to larger vehicles. Weight reductions and technologies like direct injection and more turbocharging will likely play a part as well.


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

Acura won't get into horsepower war, will focus on efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura fuel economyAcuraFuelEconomyfuel efficiencyfuel efficientfuel efficient carfuel efficient carsfuel efficient vehic...fuel efficient vehiclesFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientFuelEfficientCarFuelEfficientCarsFuelEfficientVehic...FuelEfficientVehicleshorsepowerhorsepower warhorsepower warsHorsepowerWarHorsepowerWarsTue, 18 Aug 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Corvette C6.R GT2 wins ALMS green challenge in first race]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/corvette-c6-r-gt2-wins-alms-green-challenge-in-first-race/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/corvette-c6-r-gt2-wins-alms-green-challenge-in-first-race/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/corvette-c6-r-gt2-wins-alms-green-challenge-in-first-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Corvette C6.R GT2 - click above for high-res image gallery

Last weekend, the Corvette Racing team debuted its all-new GT2 class Corvette C6.R at the American Le Mans Series race at Mid-Ohio. The pair of Corvettes didn't quite manage an overall class victory on the track but did finish second and forth. The #3 yellow and black Corvette of Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen did, however, take advantage of its cellulosic ethanol fuel and good fuel efficiency to win the Michelin Green "X" challenge for the GT class. That's the second green challenge win of the season for the pair, having achieved the same result at Sebring with the old GT1 car. In the prototype class, Gil de Ferran and Simon Pagenaud exhibited the best combination of carbon footprint, efficiency and on-track performance to take both the overall win and green challenge victory.




[Source: American Le Mans Series]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Corvette C6.R GT2 wins ALMS green challenge in first race originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura arx-02aAcuraArx-02aamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengechevroletchevrolet corvettechevrolet corvette c6.rchevrolet corvette c6.r gt2chevrolet corvette c6rChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteC6.rChevroletCorvetteC6.rGt2ChevroletCorvetteC6rcorvette c6.rcorvette c6.r gt2corvette c6rcorvette racingCorvetteC6.rCorvetteC6.rGt2CorvetteC6rCorvetteRacinggreen challengeGreenChallengegt2 corvetteGt2Corvettemichelin green x challengeMichelinGreenXChallengeFri, 14 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda to focus on hybrid, halts development on V8 engine, rear-drive]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/honda-to-focus-on-hybrid-halts-development-on-v8-engine-rear-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/honda-to-focus-on-hybrid-halts-development-on-v8-engine-rear-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/honda-to-focus-on-hybrid-halts-development-on-v8-engine-rear-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Acura TSX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not long ago, Honda announced its intentions to build a V8 engine for its next-gen Acura flagship sedan, which was also likely to be migrated to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Unsurprisingly in light of the recent global economic downturn, that program was recently canceled. Speaking at his first press conference, newly-appointed Honda President Takanobu Ito says that was a "good decision." Ito goes on to say it's important for Honda to continue its reputation for innovation, saying:
I don't think we need a classic front-engine, rear-drive car. It would be meaningless to emulate what other companies have been doing for more than five decades... We are considering incorporating new engines, motors, transmissions and chassis into mid- to large-sized hybrid vehicles, and I think this is a good opportunity for change.
In addition to the V8 engine and RWD platform, clean diesels are also rather unfortunately on the backburner in favor of hybrids. We'd rather have both, naturally.


Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda to focus on hybrid, halts development on V8 engine, rear-drive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura hybridacura v8AcuraHybridAcuraV8hondahonda hybridhonda v8HondaHybridHondaV8Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: 2009 12 Hours of Sebring, race and green challenge winners]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/spoiler-alert-2009-12-hours-of-sebring-race-and-green-challeng/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/spoiler-alert-2009-12-hours-of-sebring-race-and-green-challeng/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/spoiler-alert-2009-12-hours-of-sebring-race-and-green-challeng/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a high res gallery from the 2009 12 Hours of Sebring

The 2009 12 Hours of Sebring was one for the history books and that's where it is now. If the race is still sitting on your Tivo, stop reading now. Otherwise click the continue link to find out who won the Green Challenge and the overall victory.

Gallery: Audi R15 at 2009 Sebring 12 Hours

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: 2009 12 Hours of Sebring, race and green challenge winners

Spoiler Alert: 2009 12 Hours of Sebring, race and green challenge winners originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms green challengealmsgreenchallengeamerican le mansamerican le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSeriesaudiaudi r15audi r15 tdiAudiR15AudiR15Tdipeugeot 908 hdipeugeot908hdiSat, 21 Mar 2009 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-honda-accord-tourer-type-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-honda-accord-tourer-type-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-honda-accord-tourer-type-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the Accord tourer for a high res gallery

The car pictured above represents some of my favorite features in a main-stream car: it's a wagon and it's a diesel. I'm also fully aware that I am in a distinct minority on both counts among drivers in the U.S. market. This is the new European-market Honda Accord Tourer Type-S. We get the sedan version in the U.S., badged as the Acura TSX. Personally, I prefer the wagon version because it retains the overall size and dynamic characteristics of a sedan while adding a huge dollop of utility when needed. It's also quite a handsome car. Rumor has it we'll see this body style appear as a new Honda CUV in the states this fall with the high-riding Outback treatment.

The wagon is not new to Europe but the new Type-S (also available as a sedan) is. The Type-S Accord gets a 178 hp version of Honda's new iDTEC 2.2L diesel four cylinder with a stiff 280 lb-ft of torque. The Type-S gets larger 18" wheels and bumper and sill extensions for a more aggressive look. Unfortunately, this is very likely the car we were supposed to get as a TSX this year. However, market conditions have forced Honda to indefinitely cancel those plans. What a shame.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S

Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowhonda accordhonda accord tourerhonda accord tourer dieselhonda accord tourer type sHondaAccordHondaAccordTourerHondaAccordTourerDieselHondaAccordTourerTypeSWed, 04 Mar 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot confirms 2 908 HDi racers for Sebring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/peugeot-confirms-2-908-hdi-racers-for-sebring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/peugeot-confirms-2-908-hdi-racers-for-sebring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/peugeot-confirms-2-908-hdi-racers-for-sebring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The top LMP1 class is shaping to be a real battle royale at next month's 12 Hours of Sebring. Peugeot has confirmed that it will be campaigning two of its diesel-powered 908 HDi coupes at the American Le Mans Series season opener. The Peugeots will be taking on at least four brand new race cars in this warm-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi will be unveiling a pair of its all new R15 TDI vehicles at Sebring and Acura will have the first race outing for its P1 class ARX-02a. Corsa Motorsports is also expected to debut its new hybrid-powered Zytek racer. The diesel Peugeots have shown tremendous speed at the last two Sebring races but the cars have proven fragile on the bumpy Florida track. It will be interesting to see this evolutionary car can take advantage of its experience against the new cars.

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Peugeot confirms 2 908 HDi racers for Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesaudi r15audi r15 tdiAudiR15AudiR15Tdicorsa motorsportscorsa motorsports hybridCorsaMotorsportsCorsaMotorsportsHybridpeugeotpeugeot 908 hdipeugeot908hdiTue, 10 Feb 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Acura diesel on hold because of business conditions, not tech issues]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/acura-diesel-on-hold-because-of-business-conditions-not-tech-iss/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/acura-diesel-on-hold-because-of-business-conditions-not-tech-iss/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/acura-diesel-on-hold-because-of-business-conditions-not-tech-iss/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for a high res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX

AutoblogGreen spoke with Honda of America spokesman Sage Marie at a media event yesterday about the company's plans to introduce a clean diesel to the US market in 2009. The new 2.2L diesel engine is already available in the European Honda Accord which is sold in North America as the Acura TSX. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura announced the engine would debut in 2009 but rumors earlier this fall indicated the program had been put on hold or canceled due to technical issues. Honda was reported to have experienced issues passing emissions with the automatic transmission version of the TSX.

According to Marie, the program is in "wait and see" mode and the delay is due to commercial, not technical, reasons. A combination of factors, including continuing high prices for diesel fuel and the general collapse of car sales in recent months, was cited as the problem. With volumes of all cars in decline, Honda is reluctant to introduce what is expected to be a low volume model. Instead, the company will watch both the overall market and diesel sales in particular and reevaluate as needed.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX


[Source: Honda]

Acura diesel on hold because of business conditions, not tech issues originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura dieselAcuraDieseldieseldiesel on holdDieselOnHoldThu, 11 Dec 2008 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Next-next-gen Acura RL may finally get a V8 ... or not]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/next-next-gen-acura-rl-may-finally-get-a-v8-or-not/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/next-next-gen-acura-rl-may-finally-get-a-v8-or-not/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/next-next-gen-acura-rl-may-finally-get-a-v8-or-not/#commentsFiled under:



Honda has always been a company run by engineers who like to do more with less. In the 1970s, the Civic got a CVCC system that allowed it to meet emissions standards for many years without using a catalytic converter. Today the company's top of the line Acura RL competes in the luxury sport sedan segment with a V6 engine where others use a V8. The current RL has been somewhat of a sales laggard at least in part due to that powertrain choice. As a result, many have been pushing for Honda to drop a V8 in the RL. The problem is the company doesn't have one. Recently, CEO Takeo Fukui acknowledged the company was working on a V8 for a future RL, but now it has come to light that it won't be the next-generation model in 2011, but rather the one after that, due in 2015. If the company puts off a V8 that along, it seems likely that it won't ever happen. By that time, it's likely that smaller, boosted and direct injected engines will be the order of the day, especially with rising CAFE standards and the expected higher fuel prices. If anything, it would be more likely for Honda to develop a future performance hybrid variant than a V8 for the RL.

[Source: Auto Observer]

Next-next-gen Acura RL may finally get a V8 ... or not originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura rl v8AcuraRlV8Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Acura's new diesel jump on the DOA train?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/26/will-acuras-new-diesel-jump-on-the-doa-train/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/26/will-acuras-new-diesel-jump-on-the-doa-train/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/26/will-acuras-new-diesel-jump-on-the-doa-train/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click for a high res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX

In recent weeks, we've heard about two light duty diesel programs being shelved at Toyota and Ford. Now, an anonymous poster on the Motor Trend forum is indicating the same fate may await the new Acura 2.2L i-DTEC diesel. Honda engineers have been talking about this engine and its innovate new urea-free NOx catalyst for more than two years. At this year's Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed the engine publicly for the first time and announced it would go on sale in an Acura car in early 2009.

Although Honda/Acura PR people don't like to talk about specifics of new products in advance, it has been assumed the engine would land in the TSX which is based on the European spec Honda Accord which is already so equipped. The MT poster indicated that Acura is having trouble getting the automatic transmission version of the diesel to pass emissions. Since Americans tend to be averse to shifting for themselves, without an automatic the whole program could get canceled. The veracity of this story is unknown and may not be accurate. Modern electronically transmissions and engines tend to be easier to pass emissions because the reduced driver input makes it easier for the engineers to calibrate the responses to pass the test. We asked Honda officials for a comment but they haven't yet responded and very likely won't.

[Source: Motor Trend forum]

Will Acura's new diesel jump on the DOA train? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura dieselacura tsxAcuraDieselAcuraTsxhonda dieselHondaDieselSun, 26 Oct 2008 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten diesels you'll be able to drive stateside soon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/ten-diesels-youll-be-able-to-drive-stateside-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/ten-diesels-youll-be-able-to-drive-stateside-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/16/ten-diesels-youll-be-able-to-drive-stateside-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



Forbes has published a list of 10 diesel cars Americans will be able to purchase soon. Automakers expect that the new generation diesels will catch up on American soil thanks to their refined engineering, which translates into reduced emissions and more torque along with mileage increases of around 30 percent. This is the good news, the bad news is that the U.S. doesn't always get the most fuel-efficient oil burners, especially when it comes to the smaller models. Forbes' list doesn't offer much information about EPA mileage or price, but it does give us a few vehicles we can keep an eye on for our diesel dreams. Follow us after the jump for the complete list.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading Ten diesels you'll be able to drive stateside soon

Ten diesels you'll be able to drive stateside soon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america dieselAmericaDieseldiesel cars usDieselCarsUsnew dieselsNewDieselsThu, 16 Oct 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury Electric announces full size electric car trans-continental trip at DNC]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/luxury-electric-announces-full-size-electric-car-trans-continent/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/luxury-electric-announces-full-size-electric-car-trans-continent/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/luxury-electric-announces-full-size-electric-car-trans-continent/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A while back we somewhat cynically informed you of an Acura TL converted to all-electric that was being made available for the low low price of *cough $185,000. It seems no one took advantage of the offer but that has turned out to be a good thing for Luxury Electric A.K.A. Potential Difference, the company behind the vehicle. Why? Because today, at the Democratic National Conference, where electric cars are getting all kinds of love, Luxury has announced they will take their prototype car, "The Electric," on a transcontinental trip to promote the potential of electric vehicles. According to Luxury Electric founder and Nevada Democratic Party Delegate Elliott Small, "The coast-to-coast drive will show that all-electric automotive technology is ready today. We're eliminating the biggest barrier to mass-market acceptance of electric vehicles by showing that they are not only practical for daily commuting, but deliver outstanding performance, range, comfort and durability as well."

Along the way they have a planned stop in Atlanta to demonstrate some rapid charging technology for which they hold patent licensing from Georgia Tech Research. No word on how quickly they can re-charge their lithium ion phosphate batteries but Engineering VP Bill Rowling, who also runs Truckcity CB & Solar, claims they can get 140 miles to a charge. The transcontinental trip announcement lacked a start date though it did mention they are still seeking sponsors for the event. If you'd like to help them out perhaps you can buy this prototype, since it's still being offered for the reduced price of $150,000 on Autotwins (who also feature it on Craigslist). With that kind of cash we suspect they could convert another TL and still have funds with which to electrically traverse America. The company's ambitions don't stop with conversions either. According to their website, they have their own original design they intend to offer in 2010. Hit the jump to see their 2010 design, a quick tire squealing video of their prototype and the official press release.

[Source: Luxury Electric]

Continue reading Luxury Electric announces full size electric car trans-continental trip at DNC

Luxury Electric announces full size electric car trans-continental trip at DNC originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutotwinsBill RowlingBillRowlingCraigslistDemocratic National conferenceDemocraticNationalConferenceElliott SmallElliottSmallfull size electric carFullSizeElectricCarLuxury ElectricLuxuryElectricPotential DifferencePotentialDifferenceWed, 27 Aug 2008 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda getting 3 more hybrids and 3 diesels in the next few years]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/honda-getting-3-more-hybrids-and-3-diesels-in-the-next-few-years/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/honda-getting-3-more-hybrids-and-3-diesels-in-the-next-few-years/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/honda-getting-3-more-hybrids-and-3-diesels-in-the-next-few-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Honda has always had one of the cleanest and most efficient model lineups in the U.S. market and they look set to continue that trend over the next several years. We already knew that the Japanese automaker would be adding three more hybrids to its lineup over the next two years: the five-door hatchback coming next spring will be followed by the CR-Z-based coupe and a hybrid version of the new Fit. Honda has been saying for over a year that they would keep the hybrid powertrains in these smaller cars which are used more often for urban driving. For the bigger models, they have decided diesel is the way to go. The first diesel model will show up next year in the Acura lineup, most likely starting with the TSX. According to Automotive News, diesels will then spread to the Honda side of the house starting with the Accord and CR-V. Both will likely get the same 2.2L four cylinder diesel that's going into the TSX. The next generation of the Odyssey minivan, which is due in 2010, may be the first Honda vehicle to get the 3.0L diesel V6 that the company is developing. That same engine will probably eventually end up in several other models - possibly the Pilot and Ridgeline - as well as in Acura vehicles like the MDX.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Honda getting 3 more hybrids and 3 diesels in the next few years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordfithonda dieselhonda hybridHondaDieselHondaHybridodysseyWed, 13 Aug 2008 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[New York '08: 2009 Acura TSX, soon with a diesel, but not quite yet!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-08-2009-acura-tsx-soon-with-a-diesel-but-not-quite/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-08-2009-acura-tsx-soon-with-a-diesel-but-not-quite/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-08-2009-acura-tsx-soon-with-a-diesel-but-not-quite/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the TSX for a high-res gallery

Acura took the wraps of the all-new TSX today at the New York Auto Show, although we already saw it with Honda badges at the Geneva Auto Show a couple of weeks ago. The TSX will almost certainly be the first Acura model to get Honda's new 2.2L diesel four cylinder next year. Unfortunately, Acura decided not to officially announce it here in New York, although it was shown in Geneva. For launch, the TSX gets an updated 2.4L gasoline four cylinder with 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 21/30/24mpg city/highway/combined with the 5-speed automatic. The TSX is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new model is also about 2.4 inches longer providing more room inside. The Nav system that is part of the technology package now features automatic traffic re-routing based on data from the Acura-Link telematics system.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX


[Source: Acura]

Continue reading New York '08: 2009 Acura TSX, soon with a diesel, but not quite yet!

New York '08: 2009 Acura TSX, soon with a diesel, but not quite yet! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura-tsxnew yorknew-yorknew-york-2008new-york-auto-shownew-york-timesnewyorkWed, 19 Mar 2008 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[ALMS Speculation: Acura preparing to move up to LMP1 with a diesel?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/16/alms-speculation-acura-preparing-to-move-up-to-lmp1-with-a-dies/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/16/alms-speculation-acura-preparing-to-move-up-to-lmp1-with-a-dies/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/16/alms-speculation-acura-preparing-to-move-up-to-lmp1-with-a-dies/#commentsFiled under: ,



Several bits of information have come out about Acura and their participation in the American Le Mans Series over the past two months so it's time to put two and two together and see if we can get to add up to seven. Acura jumped into the fray in the LMP2 class in 2007 and had a reasonably successful first season with the ARX-01. Back at the Detroit Auto Show in January when ALMS CEO Scott Atherton announced the series "Green Racing" initiative, American Honda EVP John Mendel was on hand and I asked him about Acura's plans. While Mendel was coy about specifics, he did say that the company was evaluating both diesel and hybrid powertrains for the race program. Of course manufacturer participation in motorsports is at least as much about promotion as it is engineering. Since Acura also disclosed that they would launch a clean diesel in the U.S. market in 2009, that would seem to have the edge over a hybrid here.

Then at the end of January, retired IndyCar champion Gil De Ferran announced that he would launch a new ALMS team this year and run the Acura ARX-01B starting with the Long Beach Grand Prix weekend in April. During the course of the coverage of the 12 hours of Sebring this weekend, commentators mentioned the possibility of De Ferran's team and Acura moving up from the LMP2 to the LMP1 class in 2009. Acura splits the development efforts among the teams, with Fernandez Racing focusing on engine development, and Highcroft doing chassis, while Andretti-Green does integration. If the company were looking at a change in class or powertrain, it would make sense to have another team work on that. A diesel-powered LMP1 Acura running against the Audis full-time next year would be fun to watch. Or, perhaps, they will keep the diesel in a lighter LMP2 car which has an advantage over the LMP1s under the current technical regulations. Either way I say bring it on, the more the merrier. On the other hand, maybe two plus two only equals four.

[Sources: American Le Mans Series, Speed TV]

ALMS Speculation: Acura preparing to move up to LMP1 with a diesel? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraamerican-le-mans-seriesdiesel-racinggil-de-ferranSun, 16 Mar 2008 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen Podcast #20 - Geneva Motor Show wrap-up]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/autobloggreen-podcast-20-geneva-motor-show-wrap-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/autobloggreen-podcast-20-geneva-motor-show-wrap-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/autobloggreen-podcast-20-geneva-motor-show-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Episode 20 of the AutoblogGreen Podcast has us recapping Geneva mere days before we head to New York. There were lots of exciting things over in Switzerland, and we touch on a few of them. Th!nk's new Ox will be a Tesla-magnitude achievement if it hits the market doing what the company says it will. GM rolled out the new version of its mild hybrid system that will be propagating across virtually all models in all brands to help boost CAFE. Better efficiency for about half of what a sat nav option costs? We'll take it. Speaking of hybrids, there was a lot of talk from BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen ,and others about upcoming Euro-branded hybrids, and diesel hybrids at that. Mercedes will debut li-Ion batteries in a production hybrid, while Toyota has yet to see a compelling argument for diesel hybrids. Rest assured that if people want it, Toyota will build it, though. Before closing, we look forward to the couple of things we know about in New York, like the debut of the Acura TSX/Honda Euro Accord which will sport a 50-state legal diesel, and the Automotive X-Prize folks will be holding a press conference, as well. 32 minutes this time around. Stay tuned, we'll surely be abuzz when we return from New York.

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AutoblogGreen Podcast #20 - Geneva Motor Show wrap-up originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoauto showautoblog greenAutoblogGreenAutoShowbatterybmwdieselgenevagmgreenhondahybridmercedesnew yorkNewYorkpodcastsalonth!nkthinktoyotavolkswagenThu, 13 Mar 2008 09:39:00 ESTAutoblog Green Podcast #20Dan Roth31:51<![CDATA[Can't wait for the Tesla WhiteStar? You might be able to get an Acura TL EV, or not]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/02/cant-wait-for-the-tesla-whitestar-you-might-be-able-to-get-an/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/02/cant-wait-for-the-tesla-whitestar-you-might-be-able-to-get-an/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/02/cant-wait-for-the-tesla-whitestar-you-might-be-able-to-get-an/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Tesla WhiteStar sedan is still at least a couple of years away from production (if not more). However a reader sent in a link to a site that purports to offer a Luxury Electric sedan. The car in question is an Acura TL shorn of its gasoline-fueled V-6 and converted to electric power. The site claims to have one working vehicle although there is no actual evidence of that. We'd like to see photos of the installation, for example. The converters claim to use lithium ion phosphate batteries which provide a 200-mile range and 2.5-hour charge time. The cost for the conversion is listed as $185,000 although we don't know if that includes the price of the car. We've contacted the company to try and get some more information and an update will be forthcoming on the off chance that they respond. In the meantime breathing should continue uninterrupted.

[Source: Potential Difference, thanks to Grant for the tip]

Can't wait for the Tesla WhiteStar? You might be able to get an Acura TL EV, or not originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric-vehicle-conversionluxury-electricpotential-differenceSun, 02 Mar 2008 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[New York '08: Preview Acura TSX/Honda Euro Accord]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/12/new-york-08-preview-acura-tsx-honda-euro-accord/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/12/new-york-08-preview-acura-tsx-honda-euro-accord/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/12/new-york-08-preview-acura-tsx-honda-euro-accord/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the Euro Accord for a high-res gallery

Judging by the almost uniformly negative reaction in the comments following the introduction of the facelifted 2009 Acura RL in Chicago last week, the grille on the car shown above could quickly become a popular aftermarket item for the new TSX when it hits the road later this year. What we have here is the new 2009 Honda Accord that's sold outside of North America. On these shores, we get the same car badged as the Acura TSX. The Euro Accord will premiere at the Geneva Motor Show two weeks ahead of the Acura's debut.

Honda has just released pics showing the Accord/TSX from all angles along with some details on the powertrains the Euro-market car will be offered with. In Honda guise, the Accord gets a choice of 2.0L and 2.4L gas engines with 156 and 200hp. The bigger gas engine only makes 172lb-ft of torque. Probably the most entertaining version of the car will the one powered by Honda's new i-DTEC clean diesel. Although it only produces 150hp, torque output is a more impressive 258lb-ft. Honda hasn't announced fuel consumption numbers yet, but it should be fairly thrifty. When the diesel appears in the U.S. next year it will be Tier 2 Bin 5 compliant without a urea injection system thanks to Honda's nifty new ammonia-generating catalyst.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Accord Euro Edition


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading New York '08: Preview Acura TSX/Honda Euro Accord

New York '08: Preview Acura TSX/Honda Euro Accord originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009-acura-tsxeuro-honda-accordgeneva-2008i-dtecnew-york-2008Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:03:00 EST