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[Hybrids dominate the Intellichoice Best Overall Value of the Year Awards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/hybrids-dominate-the-intellichoice-best-overall-value-of-the-yea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/hybrids-dominate-the-intellichoice-best-overall-value-of-the-yea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/hybrids-dominate-the-intellichoice-best-overall-value-of-the-yea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Ford Escape Hybrid

IntelliChoice used the Chicago Auto Show to announce its Best Overall Value of the Year Awards, and, lo and behold, it's loaded up with hybrid and eco-friendly vehicles. Included in the list of winners for 2009 are:

This list serves as another reminder that hybrid vehicles have really started making their mark on the automotive marketplace. There's hardly a segment or price range that doesn't include at least one hybrid vehicle, and if you can't find one to suit your needs, you can always choose the all-conquering Jetta TDI from Volkswagen.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited


[Source: IntelliChoice]

Hybrids dominate the Intellichoice Best Overall Value of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 ford escape hybrid2009ford escape2009fordEscape2009FordEscapeHybridford escape hybridFordEscapeHybridgmc sierra hybridGmcSierraHybridhonda civic hybridHondaCivicHybridintellichoiceintellichoice best valueIntellichoiceBestValuelexus gs 450hLexusGs450htoyota highlander hybridtoyota priusToyotaHighlanderHybridToyotaPriusvolkswagen jetta tdiVolkswagenJettaTdiFri, 13 Feb 2009 08:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Hyundai CEO says Green is Good, Greed is Bad]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-hyundai-ceo-says-green-is-good-greed-is-bad/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-hyundai-ceo-says-green-is-good-greed-is-bad/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-hyundai-ceo-says-green-is-good-greed-is-bad/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Hyundai Motor America CEO and President John Krafcik gave the keynote speech at the Midwest Automotive Media Association's kickoff breakfast yesterday morning at the Chicago Auto Show. He called his talk "Preparing for a Revolution," and made a few admissions worth noting.

Krafcik declared the "greed is good" era no longer welcome. The excesses that defined the time between the '80s and 2008ish, "may finally be at a close. The current global economic crisis has paved the way for significant change," he said. Then there was this:

For the most part, our industry has a history of opposing environmental and safety legislation - sometimes with the force of science and good sense behind us, such as the early California EV mandate, but other times with a much weaker platform of defense. Many Americans believe that our fighting these issues is done strictly for own best interests, which run contrary to those of our country's, and our society's. As a result, we are painted with a broad brush as bad guys who care little about our own customers and the world we live in.

Krafcik believes that the auto industry has earned its "horrible" reputation but they can still turn things around. How will this happen? By owning up to past mistakes and making great, safe vehicles and being more disciplined financially. The other potential savior? Fuel efficiency. Here's the pertinent quote:

Another revolutionary step we can take is to embrace improved fuel economy as an indisputable social good. There's really no point in arguing about the veracity of climate change when you stop to consider the finite supply of oil, and the turmoil that our present consumption habit is fueling in the Middle East. It's abundantly clear that improved fuel economy makes sense for our industry and for our country. [...] As an industry, we need to take a longer term view of our environmental strategies. That means stepping up and getting ahead of the regulators where that makes sense. We think that time is now.

You can read the prepared text of Krafcik's speech after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Hyundai CEO says Green is Good, Greed is Bad

Chicago 2009: Hyundai CEO says Green is Good, Greed is Bad originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaiJohn KrafcikJohnKrafcikThu, 12 Feb 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Photo fun with the 2010 Toyota Prius ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-photo-fun-with-the-2010-toyota-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-photo-fun-with-the-2010-toyota-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-photo-fun-with-the-2010-toyota-prius/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the spinning 2010 Toyota Prius

Ahh, the fun you can have when an auto show isn't exactly busy. Today at the Chicago Auto Show, we found a 2010 Toyota Prius spinning on a stand all by itself (see also: Saturn Flextreme in D.C. last week). With not all that much to do ourselves, we set the camera to a slow shutter speed and spent some time with our fisheye lens aimed at the car. Turns out, if you fall into the camp that thinks the Prius looks a little like a spaceship, this might be what you'd see cruising through hyperspace (if it looks anything like what the movies tell us). Have fun looking at these and, if you want plan pictures of the new Prius that don't suggest motion sickness, here they are.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2010 Toyota Prius

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Photo fun with the 2010 Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 toyota prius2010ToyotaPriuschicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowpriustoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusThu, 12 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Under the skin of the Toyota FCHV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-under-the-skin-of-the-toyota-fchv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-under-the-skin-of-the-toyota-fchv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-under-the-skin-of-the-toyota-fchv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Toyota FCHV cutaway display

Toyota first began researching hydrogen fuel cells way back in in the '90s, and the Japanese automaker has continually refined the drivetrain and platform that houses it ever since. We got the chance to drive the latest FCHV a few months ago, so we were naturally interested to see what makes these cars tick. Fortunately for us, Toyota put a cutaway of one of the hydrogen-powered SUVs on display here at the Chicago Auto Show. See our gallery below.

In its latest configuration, the FCHV features four separate storage tanks that keep the hydrogen compressed to 10,000 psi. After the compressed gas leaves those tanks, it flows through regulators that reduce the pressure to something the PEM fuel cell stack can process. A fresh fill of hydrogen allows the FCHV to travel up to 350 miles.

In order to keep a full load of electrons flowing to the 90 kW permanent magnet, DC electric motor, Toyota equips the FCHV with a 21 kW nickel metal hydride battery pack, similar to what's used in the automaker's line of hybrids. When decelerating, the electric motor operates as a generator and assists in recharging the battery. Pretty cool stuff, huh?

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Toyota FCHV cutaway display


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Under the skin of the Toyota FCHV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCelltoyota fchvtoyota fuel cellToyotaFchvToyotaFuelCellThu, 12 Feb 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: TriFun debuts 42 mpg 3-wheel auto cycle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-trifun-debuts-42-mpg-3-wheel-auto-cycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-trifun-debuts-42-mpg-3-wheel-auto-cycle/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-trifun-debuts-42-mpg-3-wheel-auto-cycle/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a gallery of theTriFun 1/4 Ton EXT

Almost a year ago, we took a brief look at the new line of 3-wheeled "auto cycles" from TriFun, and the 1/4 Ton EXT model made its debut here at the Chicago Auto Show. Because it features not quite four wheels, the TriFun is considered a motorcycle, despite the fact that it's got a fully enclosed passenger compartment.

The powertrain consists of a fuel injected, 4 cylinder, 970 cc engine from Wuling that's hooked up to a standard 5-speed manual transmission driving the dual rear wheels. This engine should prove to be good and reliable, and TriFun claims it returns an average of 42 miles per gallon.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning and heat and an FM stereo that can play CDs and DVDs. Future plans call for a 4-door sedan, a convertible people mover and even a fully electric version all set to debut in 2010.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: TriFun 3-wheelers


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: TriFun debuts 42 mpg 3-wheel auto cycle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto cycleAutoCycleautorickshawchicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowrickshawtrifuntrifun auto cycleTrifunAutoCycletuk tukTukTukThu, 12 Feb 2009 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Propane-powered Saturn Vue Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-propane-powered-saturn-vue-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-propane-powered-saturn-vue-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-propane-powered-saturn-vue-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the propane-powered Saturn Vue Hybrid

Tucked away in a corner of the Chicago Auto Show was a booth from Shell Gasoline, and included amongst the tuner vehicles was a Saturn Vue Hybrid that was converted to run on propane. Other modifications to the vehicle include a free-flow exhaust system and air filter, a belly pan for improved aerodynamics and roof-mounted solar panels. We're not real sure what the solar panels are for, but our best guess is that they would allow the Vue's electrical systems to operate without draining the battery.

The best modification, by far, has got to be the cooking grill that's attached to the rear of the vehicle. We imagine, though it's not spelled out anywhere, that the grill runs off the same propane as the vehicle's engine, making this quite possibly the perfect tailgaiting vehicle. How cool is that?

Inside, the interior has been upgraded with seats that are upholstered with leather and Raphia fiber, GPS navigation and a full custom audio system. The entire vehicle has been lowered by 35 millimeters via new springs and then raised back up with 20-inch rims. See our full live gallery below.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Propane-powered Saturn Vue Hybrid


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Propane-powered Saturn Vue Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowpropanepropane carpropane carspropane saturn vuePropaneCarPropaneCarsPropaneSaturnVuesaturnsaturn vuesaturn vue hybridSaturnVueSaturnVueHybridWed, 11 Feb 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Jetta TDI wins Motor Week's Drivers Choice "Best of Year" Award]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-jetta-tdi-wins-motor-weeks-drivers-choice-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-jetta-tdi-wins-motor-weeks-drivers-choice-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-jetta-tdi-wins-motor-weeks-drivers-choice-award/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click to enlarge

The Jetta TDI has won the Popular Mechanics' Automotive Excellence Award, the Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year and, today in Chicago, Motor Week's Driver's Choice Award for the "Best of the Year." Not a bad four months for the German diesel. The car also took home Motor Week's "Best Eco-Friendly" title, while the Honda Fit won for "Best Small Car." Don't think the Jetta TDI is unstoppable; it lost the 2009 North American Car of the Year crown to the Hyundai Genesis last month in Detroit.

Motor Week will air a special 2009 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards episode starting Friday (check local listings for exact time) with 14 categories. You can click past the jump to see which cars and trucks won what awards and click here to see what we thought about driving the 2009 Jetta TDI for ourselves.

Live Photo Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Jetta TDI wins Motor Week's Drivers Choice "Best of Year" Award

Chicago 2009: Jetta TDI wins Motor Week's Drivers Choice "Best of Year" Award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivers choice awardDriversChoiceAwardjettajetta tdiJettaTdimotor weekmotor week drivers choice awardMotorWeekMotorWeekDriversChoiceAwardtdivw jettavw jetta tdiVwJettaVwJettaTdiWed, 11 Feb 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Kia Forte, a "loud" compact sedan for 2010 with 36 highway mpg]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-kia-forte-a-loud-compact-sedan-for-2010-with-36/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-kia-forte-a-loud-compact-sedan-for-2010-with-36/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-kia-forte-a-loud-compact-sedan-for-2010-with-36/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Kia Forte

To the uplifting sounds of blues music, Kia took the wraps off the new Forte (get it? It's musical and it means "strong." Someone give the naming department a cookie) at the Chicago Auto Show today. The Forte will be available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. You can read details about the sporty SX over on Autoblog; here we'll focus on the EX and more luxurious LX versions, as they get the best mileage ratings.

Both the LX and EX use a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. These trims come with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection and use either an optional electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission or a standard five-speed manual transmission. The EX and LX are also available with an optional Fuel Economy Package, which adds a five-speed automatic transmission to some low-rolling resistance tires to get, and I quote from the press release, "class-leading combined fuel economy of 36 mpg (highway)." That's less than clear, but a quick call to Kia PR and a look at the spec sheet provides these numbers: The LX and EX get 25 city / 34 highway with the 4-speed automatic and 26 city / 36 highway with the Fuel Economy Package. Kia's Alex Fedorak told AutoblogGreen that using the EPA formula, the Fuel Economy Package Forte gets a combined rating of 31 mpg. That 39 mpg diesel Forte that Korea gets? No such luck for the U.S.

Look for the 2010 Forte at dealerships later this spring or in early summer, and expect more from news, including pricing, on the Forte brand later in the year.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Kia Forte


Gallery: Kia Forte


Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Kia Forte, a "loud" compact sedan for 2010 with 36 highway mpg

Chicago 2009: Kia Forte, a "loud" compact sedan for 2010 with 36 highway mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowfortekiakia forteKiaForteWed, 11 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Ford's North American Fiesta Movement starts here]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-fords-north-american-fiesta-movement-starts-here/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-fords-north-american-fiesta-movement-starts-here/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-fords-north-american-fiesta-movement-starts-here/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Fiesta

What Car?'s Car of the Year, the new Ford Fiesta, was sitting at the Ford booth at the Chicago Auto Show sporting a fresh look. All tricked out to promote the Fiesta Movement, the Fiesta was looking pretty good - and very green. Lime green, that is. The Fiesta Movement is Ford's plan to give 100 people a chance to drive one of these small cars - for free, if you're willing to participate in the "secret assignments" - for six months. While we've seen the Fiesta, in various guises, for what seems like ages at auto shows, we still need to wait a while until the car actually goes on sale in North America in early 2010. Right now, the Fiesta is selling quite well in Europe (see press release after the jump).

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Fiesta Movement 01


Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Ford's North American Fiesta Movement starts here

Chicago 2009: Ford's North American Fiesta Movement starts here originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicago auto showChicagoAutoShowfiestafiesta movementFiestaMovementford fiestaFordFiestaWed, 11 Feb 2009 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Ford Fusion Hybrid Pace Car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-ford-fusion-hybrid-pace-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-ford-fusion-hybrid-pace-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-ford-fusion-hybrid-pace-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Ford Fusion Hybrid Pace Car

Last November, a hybrid vehicle paced a NASCAR Sprint Cup event for the first time ever. That car was a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, and the race was the last of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway. We managed to locate the exact car that was used as the pace car up until the green flag dropped here on the show floor in Chicago. Under the skin, this car is exactly the same as any other 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. That skin, though, makes this particular hybrid stand out from the crowd.

Ford had a pretty good day at that race last year, as it was won by Carl Edwards in a NASCAR-spec Ford Fusion race car. Sure, the two vehicles share absolutely zero components besides the badge on the grille, but we're sure Ford was happy to have its new Fusion sedan bookend the event.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Ford Fusion Hybrid Pace Car


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Ford Fusion Hybrid Pace Car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 ford fusion hybrid2010 ford fusion hybrid pace car2010FordFusion2010FordFusionHybrid2010FordFusionHybridPaceCarchicago 2009chicago auto showChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowWed, 11 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: GM transforms Volt into Jolt, Beat into Skids, Trax into Mudflap]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-gm-transforms-volt-into-jolt-beat-into-skids-tra/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-gm-transforms-volt-into-jolt-beat-into-skids-tra/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-gm-transforms-volt-into-jolt-beat-into-skids-tra/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Jolt

GM didn't see fit to invite Megan Fox to the Chicago Auto Show this week, but the General did bring what it thinks are the real stars of Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen: the cars. For our purposes, the Chevy Jolt (née Volt) was the star of the new Autobot line-up, even if the interior reveals it to be most certainly not a Volt and the floppy badges mean this car is not yet ready for a close-up. Still, GM did provide some footage of from the new movie (available to you after the jump) and it's nice to see little details like the Autobot logo on the hubcap of the Mudflap in person. At the very least, it's probably better quality than the movie will be. More details after the jump.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Chevy Jolt


Gallery: Chicago 2009: Chevy Skids


Gallery: Chicago 2009: Chevy Mudflap


Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: GM transforms Volt into Jolt, Beat into Skids, Trax into Mudflap

Chicago 2009: GM transforms Volt into Jolt, Beat into Skids, Trax into Mudflap originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy beatchevy joltchevy mudflapchevy skidschevy traxchevy voltChevyBeatChevyJoltChevyMudflapChevySkidsChevyTraxChevyVoltfeaturedjoltrevenge of the fallenRevengeOfTheFallentransformersvoltWed, 11 Feb 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Goodyear and Bose help to boost Chevy Volt efficiency]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-goodyear-and-bose-help-to-boost-chevy-volt-efficie/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-goodyear-and-bose-help-to-boost-chevy-volt-efficie/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-goodyear-and-bose-help-to-boost-chevy-volt-efficie/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In order for the Chevy Volt to achieve both a 40-mile electric range and the 10 year/150,000 mile battery durability target, every aspect of the car must be optimized to minimize parasitic losses. We've already seen the car's shape change allowing it to slice through the air with less resistance. Now, partners like Goodyear and Bose are stepping up to the plate to help. How much can tires do? Goodyear's new Assurance Fuel Max tires are claimed to contribute an extra mile of driving range compared to similar performing tires. Goodyear cites a new tread compound that helps reduce rolling resistance.

Even in green cars, modern car owners like to be entertained on the way to wherever they are going. Bose has developed a sound system for the Volt that has more efficient amplifiers and speakers. Digital signal processing circuitry aims to provide concert hall sound while consuming half the energy.

Undoubtedly over the next 18 months,we'll be hearing plenty more about new sub-systems that are designed to reduce the load on the battery pack but this is a good beginning.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Goodyear and Bose help to boost Chevy Volt efficiency

Chicago 2009: Goodyear and Bose help to boost Chevy Volt efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltchevy volt efficiencychevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltEfficiencyChevyVoltProductionparasiticparasitic loss reductionParasiticLossReductionvoltWed, 11 Feb 2009 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Ford Taurus SHO gets EcoBoost]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-ford-taurus-sho-gets-ecoboost/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-ford-taurus-sho-gets-ecoboost/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-ford-taurus-sho-gets-ecoboost/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford Taurus SHO
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Super High Output. That moniker, shortened to the SHO acronym, has always had special meaning to fans of the original groundbreaking Ford Taurus. Now, those three letters take a greener tint as they signify that the latest version of Ford's mainstream family sedan has been granted the Blue Oval's new EcoBoost technology. In Taurus guise, the 3.5-liter, direct-injected, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine makes 365 horsepower and drives all four wheels through a paddle-shifted, six-speed automatic transmission, meaning that this is one new bull that will have plenty of get-up-and-go.

That's the kind of power most expect from a larger displacement V8 engine, but the flip side of EcoBoost technology is that it's supposed to deliver that power along with the kind of rational fuel economy one would expect from a standard V6 powerplant. Future versions of the EcoBoost engine family will likely include flex-fuel capability. We'll have to wait until Ford releases official mileage ratings to see if the EcoBoost technology is as promising as it sounds, but color us intrigued in the meantime.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Taurus SHO


Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


[Source: Ford]
Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Ford Taurus SHO gets EcoBoost

Chicago 2009: Ford Taurus SHO gets EcoBoost originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford taurus2010 ford taurus ecoboost2010 ford taurus sho2010FordTaurus2010FordTaurusEcoboost2010FordTaurusShofeaturedford ecoboostford taurusford taurus ecoboostford taurus shoford taurus sho ecoboostFordEcoboostFordTaurusFordTaurusEcoboostFordTaurusShoFordTaurusShoEcoboostWed, 11 Feb 2009 00:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford confirms Transit Connect EV with Smith Electric for 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/ford-confirms-transit-connect-ev-with-smith-electric-for-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/ford-confirms-transit-connect-ev-with-smith-electric-for-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/ford-confirms-transit-connect-ev-with-smith-electric-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ford transit connect ev
Click the Transit Connect for a high res gallery

Ford has now confirmed that the new Transit Connect small van will form the basis for its first new battery electric vehicle that will launch in the second half of 2010. Ford is very excited about electric vehicles and we first learned that Ford planned to introduce a Transit Connect EV when the company's viability plan was submitted to Congress in December. Since then, speculation has been rife about which vehicle would form the basis for the new EV, with most indicators pointing at either the Transit or Transit Connect. Part of the reason for that is that Smith Electric Vehicles of the UK has already developed battery-powered versions of both of those models.

At a background briefing prior to the Chicago Auto Show, Ford's VP of product development, Derrick Kuzak, revealed that Ford was working with Smith to bring the Transit Connect EV to market next year. While Kuzak declined to provide much detail on the vehicle specs, volumes or pricing, some hints can be gleaned from the Smith EV website. The model sold by Smith as the Ampere adds a 24 kWh lithiun ion-iron phosphate battery pack to the Transit Connect.

The standard 2.0L four cylinder gas engine is replaced by a 50 kW electric motor. Together, these systems yield an expected range of about 100 miles on a charge and a top speed of 70 mph. The Ampere also has a payload capacity of 1,764 lbs. With that kind of payload, even a likely real world range that is considerably less than 100 miles shouldn't do much to dampen the utility of such a vehicle for a lot of customers. At least at first the Transit Connect EV will only be offered to commercial operators. The rest of us will have to wait another year for the Focus-based EV.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford confirms Transit Connect EV with Smith Electric for 2010

Ford confirms Transit Connect EV with Smith Electric for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchicagochicago auto showChicagoAutoShowfordsmithsmith electricsmith electric vehic...smith electric vehiclesmith electric vehiclessmith evSmithElectricSmithElectricVehic...SmithElectricVehicleSmithElectricVehiclesSmithEvtransit connecttransit connect evTransitConnectTransitConnectEvMon, 09 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan decides Chicago Auto Show is a good place to be after all ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/nissan-decides-chicago-auto-show-is-a-good-place-to-be-after-all/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/nissan-decides-chicago-auto-show-is-a-good-place-to-be-after-all/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/nissan-decides-chicago-auto-show-is-a-good-place-to-be-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Cube

Nissan will still be MIA from the Detroit Auto Show in January, but the company's plan to skip the Chicago show the following month has been reversed. Automotive News (subs req'd) is saying that, while Nissan felt it "had reached its intended audience" at the recent LA Auto Show - where it unveiled the Cube - and so wanted to lay low for a while. Apparently, Nissan dealers opposed the absence and now Nissan will participate in the Chicago show while "still demonstrating the fiscal responsibility required by these challenging times."

It's way too early to know what Nissan might highlight in the Windy City, but it's a good bet that the NV2500 concept will be there. There's one obvious option the company could (should, probably) show off to make the point that a Nissan is on the right track: information on the electric cars that Nissan and Renault are working on with Better Place (see projects in Sonoma County, Oregon and the San Francisco/San Jose area). Sure, there might not be any shiny metal to display, but who needs it when you can talk about your zero-emission, soon-to-come cars?

Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Nissan Cube


[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Nissan decides Chicago Auto Show is a good place to be after all originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicago auto showChicagoAutoShowdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShownissan chicago auto shownissan cubeNissanChicagoAutoShowNissanCubeMon, 01 Dec 2008 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen Q&A: Toyota's Bob Carter and Jaycie Chitwood]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/17/autobloggreen-qanda-toyotas-bob-carter-and-jaycie-chitwood/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/17/autobloggreen-qanda-toyotas-bob-carter-and-jaycie-chitwood/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/17/autobloggreen-qanda-toyotas-bob-carter-and-jaycie-chitwood/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

At the Chicago Auto Show ABG had the chance to sit down with Toyota's Bob Carter and Jaycie Chitwood. Bob is currently the Group VP for the Toyota Division and Jaycie is the Senior Strategic Planner. We talked about a range of issues including hybrid marketing, diesel, ethanol, hydrogen and weight reduction.

ABG: In production applications Toyota were obviously the pioneers in bringing hybrid vehicles to the mainstream and everybody is scrambling to catch up and get their own hybrids and other alternative drivetrains to market. Moving forward, obviously, you have applied your hybrid synergy drive to a wide a variety of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Let's start by talking a little bit about where you are today and where Toyota is going in the next five to ten years?

BC: Okay, where we are today. Six hybrids, three Toyotas, three Lexus. We are really pleased with the progress. Total we did 278,000 units last year. Prius had a tremendous increase, up 67 percent. We had a 44 percent increase overall in hybrids. We first brought Prius to the U.S. in 2000. As you are aware Prius was actually introduced in Japan in 1997.

There were a lot of people who were just scratching their heads. They did not really understand it. A lot of criticism on hybrid, why they are doing that. Back in 2000, fuel prices were under $1.50 a gallon and there was not nearly the concern on supply and concern on the environment was there but was not really, in my view, embedded in the society the way it is today.

We introduced the first generation. It did well. It attracted the early adoptors that we were primarily interested in environmental impact. We also had people that were attracted by the technology. What is so encouraging to walk around this show is when we look at 2007, the 278,000 hybrids, it has gone beyond the initial adoptors. It's starting to embed itself within the general market and 11 percent, I am talking in terms of Toyota division which I represent, of our total sales last year were hybrid. Yet less than 2 percent of the industry was hybrid.

The conversation continues below the fold.

Continue reading AutoblogGreen Q&A: Toyota's Bob Carter and Jaycie Chitwood

AutoblogGreen Q&A: Toyota's Bob Carter and Jaycie Chitwood originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob-carterchicagochicago-2008chicago-auto-ahowinterviewjaycie-chitwoodSun, 17 Feb 2008 20:05:00 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<![CDATA[Chicago 2008: three (well, two) surprising ways to use less fuel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/chicago-2008-three-well-two-surprising-ways-to-use-less-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/chicago-2008-three-well-two-surprising-ways-to-use-less-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/chicago-2008-three-well-two-surprising-ways-to-use-less-fuel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There is nothing remotely green about the F-650-based Alton XUV in the picture above. The Alton beast, on display at the Chicago Auto Show, seems to be designed to provoke, with its insane GVWR of 25,999 lbs and $200,000 price tag. Still, there is at least one area where the aftermarket gearheads at Alton decided to take the weight of the vehicle into account: the thing's carbon fiber hood. I doubt the environment was on their minds as they were installing that part; they were probably laughing about how the expensive material would allow them to charge an even prettier penny from people with more money than brains. Alternately, they might have wanted to balance out one of the three TVs in the cabin (two drop-down 16 inchers and a 42-inch plasma screen) or one of the four computers.

Anyway, if we can move on from the lightweight hood (and crooked bumper), let's check out Ford's Work Solutions, also introduced in Chicago. We talked about this in our podcast, but I wanted to highlight the concept again here. The idea is to use computers and RFID chips to make organizing work fleets easier and more efficient. With all the tools tagged and the computer able to determine what's in the bed, you'll never forget a piece of equipment after you tell the truck what kind of job you're about to drive to. As Mike from Pickuptruck.com mentioned to us at the show, this feature will save a lot of wasted trips, and I'm pretty sure that there's more than one contractor reading this who's driven 50 miles only to find that his ladder is back home safely in the garage. The subsequent 100-mile trip and wasted fuel - not to mention unbilled time - would be saved with a package like Work Solutions. To me, this is the most stealthy way to conserve fuel we saw at the who. You can read more details over at Autoblog and read one more unconventional way we can save fuel after the jump.

Continue reading Chicago 2008: three (well, two) surprising ways to use less fuel

Chicago 2008: three (well, two) surprising ways to use less fuel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alton-f-650chicago-2008chicago-auto-showford-work-solutionslightweightrun-flat-tiresspare-tireMon, 11 Feb 2008 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen Q&A: Joel Maguire talks about the GMC Denali XT]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/autobloggreen-qanda-joel-maguire-talks-about-the-gmc-denali-xt/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/autobloggreen-qanda-joel-maguire-talks-about-the-gmc-denali-xt/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/autobloggreen-qanda-joel-maguire-talks-about-the-gmc-denali-xt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the Denali XT for a high res gallery

Joel Maguire of General Motors sat down to chat with AutoblogGreen at the Chicago Auto Show following the introduction of the GMC Denali XT concept. The Denali is a four-door unibody pickup truck based on the company's Zeta rear wheel drive platform.

ABG: So, Joel, what is your role at GM?

Joel Maguire: I am the global innovation manager for hybrids. I work in the Advance Engineering Organization in Power Train. I'm not doing current production stuff. I am doing what is next. I work closely with the group that is doing the production stuff. So, I was involved in the Denali XT and had a lot of help from other folks along with some people in Troy who are doing the production stuff.

ABG: When did the Denali XT program start and when did you make the decision to use the type of powertrain that went in there?

Read the answer to this and more questions about why the current hybrids are not flex-fuel capable after the jump.

Gallery: Chicago 2008: GMC Denali XT concept reveal

Continue reading AutoblogGreen Q&A: Joel Maguire talks about the GMC Denali XT

AutoblogGreen Q&A: Joel Maguire talks about the GMC Denali XT originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denalidenali-xtdenali-xt-hybridflex-fuel-hybridsgmc-denali-xtjoel-maguireMon, 11 Feb 2008 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Green Podcast #19 - Chicago Auto Show 2008 wrap-up]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/autoblog-green-podcast-19-chicago-auto-show-2008-wrap-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/autoblog-green-podcast-19-chicago-auto-show-2008-wrap-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/autoblog-green-podcast-19-chicago-auto-show-2008-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Some people use airport layovers to sleep, read, or get a meal. Sam and Sebastian took the opportunity to record AutoblogGreen Podcast #19. While waiting for a plane to whisk them back home from the Chicago Auto Show, we recapped a few things we saw at the show. It wasn't the greenest show we've seen, but they have the biggest building, by their own admission. A few things left impressions on us, first of which was the GMC Denali XT. The Zeta variant is the first use of GM's Two-mode hybrid system on a passenger car platform. Other exciting GM news is the announcement that ICM and Coskata will be working together to build a cellulosic ethanol plant. Ford came out with a couple of ideas aimed at truck customers that could boost CAFE numbers. The Transit Connect is a right-sized utility van, and their new Work Solutions system could be a stealthy way to improve economy. Honda has hybrids and diesels coming, and Toyota will be trying to add lightness to its fleet. Our interview this time around is with Bridgestone's Dan McDonald about their "One Team, One Planet" initiatives.

Thanks for listening!


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Autoblog Green Podcast #19 - Chicago Auto Show 2008 wrap-up originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobio fuelsBioFuelsbridgestonecellulosicchicagochicago auto showChicagoAutoShowcoskatadenalidenali xtDenaliXtethanolfordgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgmchondahybridicmone planetone teamone team, one planetOnePlanetOneTeamOneTeam,OnePlanetshowtoyotatransit connectTransitConnectxtMon, 11 Feb 2008 11:02:00 ESTAutoblog Green Podcast #19Dan Roth41:54