AutoblogGreen

Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Ferrari

There are drawbacks to every kind of alternative to burning fossil fuels in our cars. Electric cars don't have enough range. Hybrids are burdened with what essentially boils down to two parallel powertrains. Hydrogen is limited to where it is available. Bio-ethanol has its own drawbacks, but don't tell that to the performance enthusiast. That's because E85 - similar to what IndyCars run on but mixed with 15 percent pump gasoline - is not only a renewable and cleaner source of energy, it also provides more power.

Take the Koenigsegg Agera R, for example. With 927 horsepower on tap from ordinary 95-octane gasoline, the Koenigsegg is already one of the fastest, most powerful cars money can buy. But fill it with E85 and it offers up almost 1,100 hp. Now, a Norwegian firm is offering an aftermarket bio-ethanol conversion for the Ferrari FF that provides a similar transformation.

Whereas the stock FF (which could now just as easily stand for Flex Fuel) already drives a prodigious 650 horsepower to all four wheels, the converted version packs a whopping 875 hp for a sub-three-second sprint to sixty, all the while dropping the car's emissions figures by some 80 percent. The conversion costs just €1,500 ($1,930 U.S., at today's exchange rates) - rather insignificant considering the FF's $300k+ sticker price - and has reportedly been fitted by an authorized Ferrari dealer to at least one customer's car, though that doesn't mean it's covered by (and very well might invalidate) the FF's warranty.

Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe

Eric Loveday — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Ford, Europe/EU

2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford of Europe will make two additional powertrain options for the Focus available in the near future: the PowerShift automatic with dual dry-clutch technology and a Flexifuel, E85-burning 1.6-liter Duratec engine.

Ford says the PowerShift trans reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while providing a "more refined driving experience." Compared to the 99 horsepower, 1.6-liter automatic Focus, the PowerShift-equipped version cuts CO2 emissions by 19 percent and has an average fuel economy rating of 36.8 miles per gallon (U.S.). Ford says the PowerShift tranny will be available in most European countries later this summer.

Next up is the Flexifuel Focus. Using a modified version of the 1.6-liter Duratec gasoline engine (it has revised fuel injectors, hardened valves and valve seats, and a revised exhaust system and catalyst), the Flexifuel Focus burns E85 with ease, pumps out 118 hp and spits out 132 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions. Ford says the Focus Flexifuel will enter the production cycle this summer and will be optional in European markets where E85 is available, including Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland and Spain.

Continue reading Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe

Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EIA: E85-capable vehicles dominate available alt-fuel models in 2009

Eric Loveday — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:48:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Natural Gas

Of the 1,076,350 alternative-fuel automobiles made available in the U.S. in 2009, nearly 75 percent (805,777) were flex-fuel capable (E85) vehicles, according to the report "Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels 2009" recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA notes that most of the E85-burning vehicles manufactured in 2009 were sold to private individuals and not to commercial or government fleets.

The conventional gasoline-electric hybrid came in second, with available vehicles listed at 261,312. Compressed natural gas vehicles were third (3,770) and electric-only autos placed fourth (2,255). Down at the bottom of the EIA's list, with only 26 units made available in 2009, is the hydrogen-fueled vehicle.

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandates that the EIA annually collects data on alternative-fueled vehicles made available in the U.S. by automakers and that it estimates the number of alt-fuel vehicles in use in the States. Anyone got guesses for the 2010 and 2011 numbers?

[Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration]

EIA: E85-capable vehicles dominate available alt-fuel models in 2009 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 May 2011 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act

Eric Loveday — Thu, 05 May 2011 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hydrogen, Legislation and Policy, USA

"This technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard is a key step to break the cycle of pain at the pump," says Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD). Bartlett, along with a bipartisan group of House members led by Congressmen John Shimkus (R-IL), and including Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Steve Israel (D-NY), recently introduced the Open Fuel Standard (OFS) Act (HR 1687), which is intended to generate competition at the pump.

The OFS requires that 50 percent of automobiles made in 2014, 80 percent in 2016, and 95 percent in 2017, would be manufactured and warranted to operate on non-petroleum-based fuels. Alternative fuel options include existing technologies such as flex fuel, natural gas, hydrogen, biodiesel, plug-in electric and fuel cell, as well a catch-all category of "emerging fuels." Congressman Bartlett said in a statement:

The International Energy Agency (IEA) documented that worldwide conventional crude oil production peaked in 2006-2007. As a result, Americans face the prospect of repeated oil supply shocks and ruinous price spikes. This technology neutral Open Fuel Standard legislation will give Americans options they can choose to end their personal dependence and the strategic monopoly of oil for transportation.

Bartlett says that the cost of making vehicles flex-fuel capable is approximately $100 per and notes that, in Brazil, the ratio of flex-fuel capable vehicles went from zero to 70 percent in three years' time. While Bartlett's claims may indeed be accurate, he fails to mention that today, owners of most flex-fuel capable autos in the U.S. dispense nothing but gasoline into their vehicle's tank.

[Source: Bartlett - U.S. House of Representatives | Image: skidrd - C.C. License 2.0]

Continue reading House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act

House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 May 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations

Eric Loveday — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Natural Gas, USA

With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tweaking its rules for alternative fuel conversions for vehicles, it's time for do-it-yourselfers to rejoice. Previously, the EPA's rules for alt-fuel conversions made it difficult to convert older vehicles. However, changes made to the Agency's regulations take into account the age of the vehicle and its engine when determining whether conversions comply with emissions requirements. Meaning that when converting an older vehicle to run on something like compressed natural gas, the converted auto need only be as clean running as the vehicle was prior to any modifications.

In order to ensure that a fuel switch still meets emission standards, the EPA requires a certificate of conformity for conversion systems. Without this, the manufacturer or installer could face tampering charges under the Clean Air Act, which prohibits alterations to an engine. The EPA notes that some conversions may not result in lower emissions and that fuel costs could increase.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has a handy-dandy online alternative fuel locator, which is useful because getting hold of some alt-fuels isn't as easy as it ought to be. Likewise, the DOE's up-to-date alternative fuel price report is one tool that's essential for any DIY-er who's looking to convert his or her ride.

[Source: Environmental Protection Agency]

Continue reading EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations

EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chu: "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels"

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy, USA

The American political landscape is fraught with trouble and support for biofuels, but the overall shift is towards getting more and more of them in our fuel supply. That's a takeaway point from U.S. DOE Secretary Steven Chu's videotaped address to the National Ethanol Conference held in Phoenix, AZ recently. Most pointedly, Chu said, "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels

Chu has previously said all vehicles in the U.S. should be E85 capable but that "corn is not the right crop for biofuels." Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen said at the conference that "Chu's [negative] comments about our industry have been misconstrued." Dinneen called for debate on the following comprehensive reform proposals to keep support for biofuel production going in uncertain economic times, according to Ethanol Producer Magazine:

Changing the market-based incentive to a refundable producer tax incentive.
Changing the incentive so it only applies to mid-level ethanol blends and E85 as well as to fuel produced above the renewable fuels standard requirements.
Shifting the incentives away from biofuel production and to blender pumps and flex-fuel vehicles.
A carbon-based performance credit that is "favored by environmentalists."
A variable tax incentive.

[Source: Ethanol Producer Magazine | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]

Chu: "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km

Eric Loveday — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Kia, Geneva Motor Show

Kia's all-new 2012 Picanto, which will be unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March, aims to raise the bar in the A-segment via slashed emissions and increased fuel economy. The five-door Picanto supermini will hit dealerships across much of the world (excluding the U.S.) this spring, but the three-door hatchback version won't appear until fall.

All Picanto models will be offered with four powertrain choices that are estimated to return between 40 and 56 miles per gallon (U.S.). Kia's engine choices range from a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder flex-fuel-capable engine on up to the top of the line 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill. Power output spans from 68 to 84 horsepower and emissions vary from a high of 105 grams per kilometer of CO2 on down to a mere 95 g/km.

Over in Europe, all Picanto models will be available with Kia's fuel-saving start-stop system, which slashes emissions to a low of 90 g/km of CO2 and boosts fuel economy to a high of 57 mpg (U.S.). Look for more on the 2012 Picanto as its debut in Geneva draws near.

[Source: Kia Motors]

Continue reading 2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km

2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ethanol industry proposes gentler E15 "warning" label

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy

Last October, the EPA proposed a new warning label for E15 (a fuel made up of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline) to be used on pumps that dispense the newly-approved biofuel. It's a bright orange label with "CAUTION" in capitalized letter emblazoned across the top and looks like a serious warning. The thing is, the ethanol industry doesn't really like it. It's so, warning-y.

In response, the industry has proposed a light blue label that calls out "ATTENTION" instead and also has softer wording about how dangerous E15 is or might be in your vehicle. Instead of "Use only in: 2007 and newer gasoline cars, 2007 and newer light duty trucks, flex-fuel vehicles. This fuel might damage other vehicles. Federal law prohibits its use in other vehicles and engines," the new labels says, "Approved for use only in 2007 and newer cars and light-duty trucks and flex fuel vehicles. Federal law prohibits use in other vehicles, non-road engines and equipment." Note the missing bold warning, among other changes.

According to the Des Moines Register, the ethanol industry group Growth Energy says the softer, gentler label "appropriately informs consumers. ... This design provides all information necessary for consumers to make an informed fuel choice and does not inappropriately impact marketplace perceptions of the fuel."

This is just the latest in a long line of challenges and lawsuits to the EPA's E15 push. Read more on that here.

[Source: Des Moines Register]

Ethanol industry proposes gentler E15 "warning" label originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports: Interest in alt-energy vehicles on the rise; buyers deterred by drawbacks

Eric Loveday — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:38:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, MPG, Natural Gas

Consumer Reports recently surveyed 1,713 car owners in the U.S. and discovered that 39 percent of them will consider buying a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) for their next vehicle. Out of that group, 60 percent are leaning towards a conventional hybrid, 16 percent are considering a plug-in hybrid and 14 percent are contemplating purchasing an EV. Of course, it bears noting that 'consideration' doesn't necessarily translate to actual sales. With all that said, CR found that 94 percent of those surveyed found fault with green cars, citing drawbacks such as high prices, inadequate infrastructure and limited driving range.

In addition to hybrids and battery-powered vehicles, CR discovered that new-car buyers show a varying degree of interest in several other alternative-fuel vehicles:

35 percent said they would consider a flexible-fuel vehicle, one that can run on either gasoline or E85, which is a mixture of 85 percent renewable ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
19 percent said they would consider natural gas or propane-a fuel resource that is abundant in North America. Currently, there are very few vehicles equipped to run on natural gas and the infrastructure is limited.
16 percent would consider a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. This, despite that fact that only a tiny number of fuel-cell cars are being leased to customers in selected regions, and no automakers have announced imminent plans to mass produce such cars.
Only 14 percent said they would consider a diesel-powered vehicle, despite the well-developed infrastructure and relatively broad model selection.
Of those who would consider a diesel, more than half (57 percent) said they would use biodiesel fuel.

Eric Evarts, associate automotive editor for CR, recapped the survey results like this:

In the end, the survey shows that consumers are willing to consider alternative power sources for their next vehicles, but they have real practical concerns.

But it was this survey finding by CR that immediately grabbed our attention:

Only 67 percent (of those surveyed) said they are considering a traditional gasoline engine in their next new-car purchase, which may reflect a growing optimism regarding the availability of competitive green cars.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports: Interest in alt-energy vehicles on the rise; buyers deterred by drawbacks originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only

Eric Loveday — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:52:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Green Daily

When the EPA approved the use of gasoline with a 15 percent ethanol (E15) for model year 2007 and newer vehicles back in mid-October, a wave of concerns surfaced. Some critics argued that it would be too difficult for drivers to determine which fuel from the many available choices at a typical gas station was actually acceptable for their vehicle. To rectify that situation, the EPA released a warning label (pictured above) that could be applied to E15 pumps.

Additionally, refiners like Valero and Marathon Oil Co., voiced concerns that selling gasoline with higher ethanol content could make them liable if long-term engine damage occurs. It's now becoming painfully obvious that switching from E10 to E15 is no easy task. While the EPA has approved the use of E15 for 2007 and newer vehicles, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) feels that the EPA didn't go as far as the science demonstrated and, at least for now, urges retailers to limit sales of E15 to flex fuel vehicles only. The RFA and the Petroleum Marketers Association of America issued this joint memo to their members:

... it is still unlawful to sell E-15 to anything other than a flexible fuel vehicle, even though EPA has approved E-15 for 2007 and newer vehicles. Until health effects testing is completed, fuel producers have a 211(b) certification from EPA, certain state fuel regulations amended, and EPA's misfueling and labeling proposed regulation finalized, E-15 sales must be confined to and labeled specifically for flexible fuel vehicles only.

We encourage all of you to remain vigilant so that you and others do not unintentionally offer E-15 to customers driving non-flexible fuel vehicles. E-15 will provide consumers and marketers another option to maximize their domestic renewable fuel use. But failing to adhere to the legal steps required to do so may give our fuel products and our industries an unnecessary and avoidable black eye.

Read the full memo after the jump.

[Source: Renewable Fuels Association]

Continue reading Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only

Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: Flex-Fuel, MPG, Ford

The Ford F-150 is getting a lineup of four all-new engines for the 2011 model year that includes two V6s and two V8s. According to Ford, the entire new engine family will be more fuel efficient than the outgoing 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8s by at least 20 percent.

The same 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 found in the 2011 Mustang will be available at launch this fall in the F-150, as will the 6.2-liter V8 from the 2011 Super Duty truck. Then, early in 2011, the F-150 will be the first rear-wheel-drive application of the much-praised 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

The base 3.7-liter V6 will be rated at 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque while yielding a 6,100-pound towing capacity, matching the Silverado hybrid. The 3.7 liter will be offered in the XL, XLT and STX trim levels only. The high-volume engine is expected to be the new 5.0-liter V8, which you can read more about after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6

Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dung Beetle: This GENeco Bio-Bug runs on gas

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Flex-Fuel, Volkswagen, Natural Gas

Methane-powered GENeco Volkswagen Beetle

Methane as a source of automotive propulsion isn't exactly a new concept, but it's taken manufacturers a long time to figure out how to clean it up enough to let it power an engine long-term. GENeco thinks they have figured it out and has presented this Volkswagen Beetle as proof of concept. Dubbed the "Bio-Bug," it basically runs on human excrement - seriously.

This Beetle's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been converted to run on methane gas produced by human excrement and can still top 183 kilometers per hour (about 114 miles per hour). We'll try to avoid any fährt jokes. Methane is essentially similar to compressed natural gas, but has some unique challenges. "Previously the gas hasn't been clean enough to fuel motor vehicles without it affecting performance," said Mohammed Saddiq, the head of GENeco. He added:

However, through using the latest technology our Bio-Bug drives like any conventional car and what's more it uses sustainable fuel. If you were to drive the car you wouldn't know it was powered by biogas as it performs just like any conventional car.

The Bio-Bug actually uses regular unleaded gas on start-up, but switches over to methane automatically once it's running. It was built by England's The Greenfuel Company for GENeco, a division of one of Bristol's largest sewage treatment plant. That plant, Wessex Water, claims that it will take but 70 toilets to power the Bio-Bug for a year.

[Source: GENeco via clutch'd]

Dung Beetle: This GENeco Bio-Bug runs on gas originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Challenge Bibendum: Audi's E100-capable A5 can get to 25 mpg and 146 mph

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Audi, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

E100-capable Audi A5 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we saw an Audi A5 quattro with the words "Ethanol E100" at the Challenge Bibendum in Rio de Janiero recently, we knew it was something unusual. It was so different, in fact, that it's taken Audi PR until today to get back to us and tell us exactly what we were looking at.

it's not that surprising that a car at a green transportation event in Brazil burns ethanol, but the fact that it can use nothing but the biofuel is a bit surprising. Audi does offer some flex-fuel models, most notably the A4 and A4 Avant in Germany, and has tested E85 in the A5 in the past, but this is the first modern E100 Audi vehicle that we know of. Here are some key numbers about the pure ethanol-burning A5:

Engine 2.0 TFSI 132 kW (180 PS), 320 Newton-meters of torque
Manual 6-gear quattro transmission
0-100 kilometers per hour in 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 236 km/h (146 miles per hour)
Weight: 1,310 kilograms

The car officially consume 9.9 liters per 100 km (24 mile per gallon U.S.) when running on ethanol, but drivers managed 9.5 l/100 km (25 mpg) on ethanol during the Michelin Chalenge Bibendum Rallye.

Gallery: Challenge Bibendum 2010: E100-capable Audi A5

Photos copyright (C)2010 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Our travel and lodging for this media event were provided by Michelin.

Continue reading Challenge Bibendum: Audi's E100-capable A5 can get to 25 mpg and 146 mph

Challenge Bibendum: Audi's E100-capable A5 can get to 25 mpg and 146 mph originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford on track to reach goal of doubling flex-fuel vehicle production

Eric Loveday — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Ford, Green Daily

Turn back the clock to 2006, when Ford Motor Company announced it was taking flex-fuel vehicles seriously. That year, the company built 185,000 autos that could run on gasoline, ethanol or any combination of the two up to E85 (85 percent ethanol). Ford also pledged that the company's production of flex-fuel vehicles would double by 2010.

Flip forward to now and Ford is on target to meet its stated goal by year's end. 370,000 flex-fuel vehicles is nothing to sneeze at, but Ford shows no signs of stopping now. By 2012, the company hopes to offer flex-fuel capability on at least half of its vehicles. The one thing might stand in the way of meeting this goal is a lack of incentives. Ford admits that without government incentives for renewable fuel vehicles, producing them doesn't really make economical sense. Why does this appear to be the case across the board for alternative energy vehicles?

[Source: Green Car Reports]

Ford on track to reach goal of doubling flex-fuel vehicle production originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 May 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

All 2011 Buick Regals to be flex-fuel capable from this fall

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 May 2010 08:47:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Buick

2011 Buick Regal Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Starting this fall, all new 2011 Buick Regals will have flex-fuel capability. The first boatloads of Regals from Germany have begun rolling off at the docks in New Jersey this past week and are being sent out to dealers. The first several months of Regal production will all be powered by a gasoline-only version of General Motors' normally aspirated 2.4.-liter inline four.

Once the 2.0-liter direct injected turbo four starts arriving in late August both engines will be able to run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol. The turbo will be GM's first production E85-capable turbocharged and direct-injected engine. The engine was originally developed for the new Saab 9-5 which rides on the same Epsilon II platform as the Regal; GM decided to install it in the U.S.-spec Buick as well. The new Regal has been available in China since late 2008.

According Jim Federico, vehicle line executive for the global mid-size platform, combining direct injection and turbocharging will allow the new engine to get much closer to the volumetric fuel efficiency of gasoline while running on ethanol. Until now, normally aspirated flex-fuel engines typically have gotten about 15 percent worse fuel efficiency on ethanol. The Regal engine should cut that deficit to the mid-single digits and future versions should be closer.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal FFV

All 2011 Buick Regals to be flex-fuel capable from this fall originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford fleet vehicles gets greener with addition of E85, EcoBoost, electric drive and so on

Eric Loveday — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Ford

Ford Transit Connect Taxi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has a long-standing reputation as a major player in the fleet vehicle segment. Just picture the Crown Vic that all-too-often pops up in your rear-view mirror with some flashing lights or the old Taurus that was a mainstay at rental lots across the nation and you'll quickly realize that the company does a lot of fleet business. Though fleet vehicles aren't really a segment that a company boasts about, they are vitally important for many automakers, Ford included.

Ford's domination in the fleet segment has grown in recent years. In 2009, the company led the way nationwide by landing 32 percent of commercial and 44 percent of government fleet sales. The company is proud of this achievement and plans to hold on to the lead by offering more efficient fleet products. For 2011, Ford will throw the whole bag of green options at fleet customers. They plan to offer technologies including electrics like the Transit Connect Electric, hybrids, natural gas, propane, biodiesel, E85 and EcoBoost in fleet vehicles that could be use for everything from flower delivery services on up to construction duty.

Fleet customers love efficient vehicles. The eco-friendly autos portray a good company image, there are lucrative incentives offered for buyers of green vehicles and saving money at the pump can really add up when a fleet of thousands is factored in. Will Ford throwing all of its recent breakthrough technology into the fleet pool help it remain atop the fleet market for years to come?

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Taxi at Chicago Auto Show

Photos by Drew Phillips, Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: AutoWeek]

Ford fleet vehicles gets greener with addition of E85, EcoBoost, electric drive and so on originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Progressive X-Prize Shakedown Stage starts at Michigan International Speedway

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:47:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Automotive X-Prize, USA, Racing

The Progressive Automotive X-Prize has been underway for some time now but finally, the hyper-efficient rubber is meeting the race track. The twenty-eight remaining teams spent the weekend making their way to Michigan where they will begin the week-long "Shakedown Stage." There, the entrants will undergo a safety inspection and "on-track dynamic safety evaluations" that include, among other things, braking speed, lane changing ability and acceleration. The tests are only meant to prepare the vehicles for the "Knockout Stage" scheduled for the week starting June 20th, so there won't be any disqualifications.

The Shakedown marks the end of the race to get to the race. The surviving teams have had to persevere through all types of adversity to reach the Wolverine State, including tornadoes and wolverines (and by wolverines, we mean nasty, low-life types that would steal toolboxes with important equipment). Other teams weren't so lucky. Just before it was to be shipped Stateside last week, Delta Motorsport's E-4 Coupe was lost in a fire at its facility.

If you happen to be in Lansing, MI and have a hankering to get a close-up look at the competitors, they will be on display Thursday, the 29th. For those not able to make it, hit the jump for video of a couple entries testing, following the official press release with a full list of the remaining teams.

[Source: Progressive Automotive X-Prize]

Continue reading Progressive X-Prize Shakedown Stage starts at Michigan International Speedway

Progressive X-Prize Shakedown Stage starts at Michigan International Speedway originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Next Mazda RX-7 testing with gasoline and diesel compatabile rotary

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Flex-Fuel, Mazda

Mazda Furai Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's the rumor that just refuses to die. We're not sure if that means there's a whole heck of a lot of truth behind it or not, but once again we're hearing that Mazda is hard at work on a new RX-7 sportscar. And while you might think that making such a vehicle would be as easy as adding a turbocharger to the existing Renesis-powered RX-8 and jettisoning the back seat, Mazda apparently has much more grandiose designs for its next range-topping sportscar.

According to Motor Trend, Mazda's oft-talked-about 16X rotary engine is now capable of running on either gasoline or diesel fuel with nary a difference in performance. We have to wonder about the accuracy of such claims, but if true, perhaps running on diesel or biofuels would give Mazda the eco-cred it's aiming for. In any case, MT says that Mazda is aiming for something north of 300 horsepower with improved fuel consumption, emissions and oil intake over the current Renesis.

As ever, we're taking a wait-and-see approach to these continuing rumors. As much as we'd love to see a new RX on the scene, we're beginning to wonder if it's ever going to happen. In the meantime, enjoy the photo gallery of the too-awesome-for-words Mazda Furai concept.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Next Mazda RX-7 testing with gasoline and diesel compatabile rotary originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Brazil "temporarily" lifts ethanol tariff, baits trade hooks

Nik Bristow — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy, South/Latin America

In a gesture to improve biofuel trade relations with the U.S. and other countries, Brazil's Council of Ministers of the Board of Foreign Trade (MDIC) has temporarily lifted the country's tariff on imported ethanol, changing the tax rate from 20 percent to zero percent. The tariff will be lifted through the end of 2011.

Marcos Jank, President and CEO of The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) said removing the tariff was a major step forward in building a global biofuels marketplace:

UNICA believes that free trade is a two-way street and Brazil, as the largest producer of cane ethanol and largest exporter of ethanol in the world, with 60% of the global market, will lead by example and eliminate barriers to renewable, clean fuels. We hope this move will encourage other countries around the world to develop open, free markets for clean, efficient renewable fuels such as ethanol.

So why is the world's largest producer of ethanol trying to make it easier for other countries to sell ethanol within its borders? The answer lies within the United States' trade policy.

UNICA has made it clear to the Brazilian government it hopes the tariff reduction is permanent, particularly should "other countries" reduce their tariffs on ethanol imports. The Brazillians are quite aware that the hefty U.S. tariff on imported ethanol expires at the end of this year. So it appears they're opening up their market in the hopes the US will do the same.

The United States imposes two duties on ethanol imports: a 2.5 percent ad valorem tariff plus an additional "other duty or charge" of $.54 per gallon. According to data from the US International Trade Commission (ITC), the combined duties have amounted to about a 30 percent tariff on ethanol imports. Anybody wanna guess what the tariff is on imported oil? According to numbers on the website for the United States International Trade Commission, its about $1.05 per barrel.

[SOURCE: Green Car Congress]

Brazil "temporarily" lifts ethanol tariff, baits trade hooks originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Don't like topping-up your clean diesel with urea? GE's got an answer, maybe

Nik Bristow — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Emerging Technologies, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel

Not only is topping off your clean diesel's fancy selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with urea a bit expensive, but if you don't keep it topped off, your car may not start at all.

Well, GE and Umicore have announced they've signed a Technology License agreement to commercialize a hydrocarbon selective lean NOx catalyst (HC-LNC) aftertreatment designed to control diesel NOx emissions that doesn't use urea. The catalyst is being designed for off-highway and on-road vehicles, marine applications and even stationary power markets (i.e. generators).

GE's lean NOx catalyst system, also referred to as hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction (HC-SCR), can use diesel fuel or E85 as the reductant instead of urea. The system is being developed as presumably a lower-cost and more readily available alternative to the urea-based SCR technology used by Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and others to meet stringent Tier 2 Bin 5 emission standards. In those systems, urea is stored in liquid form in a tank on-board the vehicle and slowly injected into the exhaust stream where it forms ammonia that reacts with the NOx and converts it to water and nitrogen.

Though Mercedes' urea solution - AdBlue - was originally said to cost around $4 a gallon to replenish, we've heard it costs around $32 a gallon plus labor to have the AdBlue topped off by the dealer. Details are pretty slim, but If GE's catalyst system really does scrub diesel emissions using petroleum diesel or E85, that $4 a gallon mark might once again be a reality.

[Source: DieselNet]

Don't like topping-up your clean diesel with urea? GE's got an answer, maybe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments