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[Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-evolves-concept-cx-into-lower-impact-compact-crossove/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-evolves-concept-cx-into-lower-impact-compact-crossove/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-evolves-concept-cx-into-lower-impact-compact-crossove/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Already getting ready for next spring's Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi has release a sketch of the all-new Compact Crossover that will be introduced soon in time to go on sale in Japan in February. While details are scarce, Mitsubishi says that the all-new on-road Compact Crossover will follow the i-MiEV and be "the Corporation's next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature." From previous reports, this should mean a 1.8 liter clean turbodiesel engine with diesel particulate filter will power the production version.

We await further details, but it sounds like this evolution of the Concept-cX from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show makes good on the company's promise to move Mitsubishi's line-up in the eco direction. Mitsubishi says it wants to get away from the SUV-centered focus that its had in the recent past and into being knows as "a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers." Guess they can get in line.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover

Mitsubishi evolves Concept-cX into lower-impact Compact Crossover originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compacy crossoverCompacyCrossoverconcept carconcept-cXConceptCargeneva 2010Geneva Motor Showgeneva motor show 2010Geneva2010GenevaMotorShowGenevaMotorShow2010mitsubishiproject globalProjectGlobalThu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Dacia to introduce production version of Duster at 2010 Geneva show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/dacia-to-introduce-production-version-of-duster-at-2010-geneva-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/dacia-to-introduce-production-version-of-duster-at-2010-geneva-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/dacia-to-introduce-production-version-of-duster-at-2010-geneva-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dacia Duster concept

AutoCar is reporting that the Duster concept introduced by Dacia at the Geneva Motor Show a couple of weeks ago will hit the streets in 2010. The four-door compact crossover concept was powered by Renault's 1.5-liter 103 hp diesel engine for a claimed 44.4 mpg (U.S.). That engine is expected to be joined by a similarly powerful gas engine for launch. The styling will likely be toned down quite a bit from the concept, including discarding the rear hinged back doors. Given that Dacia is Renault's budget priced brand, the Duster will be probably be pretty affordable when it debuts at the 2010 Geneva Show.

Gallery: Dacia Duster Concept


[Source: AutoCar]

Dacia to introduce production version of Duster at 2010 Geneva show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dacia dusterdacia duster conceptDaciaDusterDaciaDusterConceptgenevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowMon, 16 Mar 2009 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence-packs-powerful-eco-friendly-prese/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence-packs-powerful-eco-friendly-prese/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence-packs-powerful-eco-friendly-prese/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Infiniti Essence Concept

One of the hands-down sexiest cars at this years edition of the Geneva Motor Show was touting some green credentials beneath its curvaceous metal skin. The Infiniti Essence concept, meant to signify the, well, essence of all that is Infiniti, celebrates the luxury marque's past and gives us hints of its future. At first glance, the styling appears to reflect European influences but we're assured that it's flow is inspired by Japanese calligraphy, its details from traditional Japanese items such as a hair pin used while a kimono is worn called the "kanzashi."

As impressive as the Essence looks, what's more important are the bits that power this hybrid. Yes, it's a hybrid, and the innovative system it incorporates will likely be impleted in an Infiniti next year. It borrows the 3D electric motor concept from the wheels of the bubblicious Nissan Pivo and places its 369 lb-ft of torque between the transmission and the 434 horses supplied by an efficient gas-powered, twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.7-liter DOHC V6. The result of all that tech is the ability to electrically glide between the traffic lights and, in theory at least, burn a modest 29.4 mpg while having 592 powerful horses underfoot and available if the "need" arises. This engineering exercise should translate quite nicely when transferred to a more prudent vehicle. Check out the sweet visuals in the galleries below, hit the jump for full press release and essential stats.




[Source: Autoblog / Infiniti]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence

Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D electric motor3dElectricMotorInfiniti EssenceInfiniti Essence conceptInfinitiEssenceInfinitiEssenceConceptkanzashSun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009 = Honda Insight + ASIMO]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/geneva-2009-honda-insight-asimo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/geneva-2009-honda-insight-asimo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/geneva-2009-honda-insight-asimo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more of ASIMO with the Honda Insight

How do you emphasize that your new hybrid is perfect for robot drivers? By introducing it in Europe with the help of ASIMO. That was Honda's strategy in Geneva recently when the new Insight Hybrid made its European debut. ASIMO, known for conducting orchestras and falling down stairs, was on stage with the leader of Honda Insight's development team, Yasunari Seki, and posed for some pictures. ASIMO was then put to work doing 54 15-minute public performances over 13 days. For these shows, ASIMO showed off its "ability to run, climb stairs, give and receive objects and interact with people." As long as it stays on its feet, I'm sure it is mighty impressive.

Gallery: Honda Insight with ASIMO


[Source: Honda]

Geneva 2009 = Honda Insight + ASIMO originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asimogeneva asimoGenevaAsimoinsight asimoInsightAsimoSat, 07 Mar 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Fiat unveils new Multiair engine line]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/geneva-2009-fiat-unveils-new-multiair-engine-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/geneva-2009-fiat-unveils-new-multiair-engine-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/07/geneva-2009-fiat-unveils-new-multiair-engine-line/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fiat's not planning to give up its title as the lowest CO2-producing line in Europe any time soon. While diesel engines remain the best choice when carbon emissions are the main concern, the Italian automaker has invested plenty of research and development into its Multiair technology for gasoline powerplants. The latest engines using this tech were unveiled earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show, as expected.

Nearly all automakers have some form of variable valve technology. Fiat's system is unique in that it uses an electro-hydraulic system to actuate the valves as opposed to the more common electro-mechanical setup. This relatively simple system can alter the timing of the valve's opening and closing in relation to how much power or efficiency is required at any specific moment.

Fiat claims its Multiair technology allows for a 10 percent improvement in horsepower, a 15 percent improvement in low-rpm torque and a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and carbon emissions. Since the powerplant can be made smaller for a given power requirement, further gains are possible over a conventional engine. For a more detailed explanation of how all of this works, click past the break. Thanks for the tip, Jules!

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Fiat unveils new Multiair engine line

Geneva 2009: Fiat unveils new Multiair engine line originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatfiat multiairFiatMultiairgeneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowmultiairmultiair enginemultiair technologyMultiairEngineMultiairTechnologySat, 07 Mar 2009 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark interior designer speaks [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/geneva-2009-chevy-spark-interior-designer-speaks-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/geneva-2009-chevy-spark-interior-designer-speaks-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/geneva-2009-chevy-spark-interior-designer-speaks-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above and scroll down to watch the video

The Chevrolet Spark was one of the first cars our Geneva team saw when they arrived in town to cover the show. We got some nice shots of the interior of the vehicle (see 1, 2, 3), but we've now got some more info on the thoughts that went into stretching the two-door Beat concept into the Spark thanks to a video interview with David Lyon, Chevrolet's executive director of interior design. Lyon says that the Spark's five-door style looks like the three-door concept, but is much more functional, and that the Spark heralds what he hopes will be Chevy's new domination of the mini-segment. You can watch the interview after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark


[Source: Newspress]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark interior designer speaks [w/video]

Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark interior designer speaks [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy sparkChevySparkdavid lyonDavidLyongenevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowsparkFri, 06 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Peugeot 908 HY, hybrid LMP1 racer]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/geneva-2009-peugeot-908-hy-hybrid-lmp1-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/geneva-2009-peugeot-908-hy-hybrid-lmp1-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/geneva-2009-peugeot-908-hy-hybrid-lmp1-racer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Peugeot 908 HY

Prominently featured in the center of Peugeot's stand at the Geneva Motor Show this week was the 908 HY. This experimental prototype was first unveiled last September as a test-bed for the next generation of Peugeot's Le Mans racers. Based on the extremely fast 908 HDi LMP1 car, this one adds a hybrid electric drive to the mix. Peugeot hasn't committed to a race debut for the car yet, but 2010 seems a likely time frame. On the other hand, if the new Audi R15 TDI proves to be a big jump ahead of the 908, the hybrid could appear sooner.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Peugeot 908 hy


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

Geneva 2009: Peugeot 908 HY, hybrid LMP1 racer originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowpeugeot 908peugeot 908 hdipeugeot 908 hypeugeot 908hdiPeugeot908Peugeot908HdiPeugeot908HyFri, 06 Mar 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/geneva-2009-mitsubishi-global-i-miev-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/geneva-2009-mitsubishi-global-i-miev-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/geneva-2009-mitsubishi-global-i-miev-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Debuting at the 79th Geneva Motor Show alongside the Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air concept was an i MiEV prototype that may have been the most relevant electric car of the show. Although quite similar to the i MiEV design we've been showing you for the past couple years, this is the global version of the Japanese automaker's electric car. As expected, it has a wider stance than the original and the front and rear overhangs have been extended and should offer more protection for passengers as well as any errant (heaven forbid) pedestrians. Also, the steering wheel is on the side you would expect to find it in most parts of the planet, the left.

The company calls this i MiEV iteration the precursor to the car that will go on sale in Europe next year where it will carry the Mitsubishi badge as well as that of Peugeot. Although a timetable for American sales hasn't yet been announced, we expect that it will happen eventually and something very close to this slightly enlarged prototype will one day be available here. Hit the jump for the official Geneva unveiling of the i MiEVs and as well as a bonus video of the global version posing for the camera in a studio and its designer giving some of his thoughts (in Japanese).

Gallery: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype


[Source: Mitsubishi / YouTube]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype

Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi Global i MiEV prototype originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i mievimievmievMitsubishi global i MiEV prototypeMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishi imievMitsubishiGlobalIMievPrototypeMitsubishiIMievThu, 05 Mar 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: NV200 may come to America with electric drive]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/geneva-2009-nv200-may-come-to-america-with-electric-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/geneva-2009-nv200-may-come-to-america-with-electric-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/05/geneva-2009-nv200-may-come-to-america-with-electric-drive/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan NV200

Nissan is getting into the light commercial vehicle market in the U.S. next year with its new NV2500 and, possibly, with the NV200 that debuted in Geneva this week. The NV200 is a compact van based on Nissan's European B-segment platform used for the Micra. It can be configured as a seven-passenger van or a cargo van with up to 145 cubic feet of cargo room. In Europe, it's powered by gas or diesel engines of 1.5L or 1.6L capacities.

However, if we get the NV200 here there is a distinct possibility that it could come with electric drive. While we were running around in Switzerland, our good friend Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com was at the NTEA work truck show in Chicago. There he caught up with Joe Castelli, Nissan's vice president of light commercial vehicles and fleet, and they discussed alternative drive possibilities. Castelli told Mike that, "dA hybrid or electric vehicle has to be considered for commercial vehicles."

Just as Ford has concluded with its upcoming Transit Connect EV, Castelli admits, "Electric vehicles aren't going to work if you're driving 300 miles a day on the road. But if I'm at a construction site all day or I'm a florist making lots of stops a quarter-mile apart than I can get away with an electric vehicle."

Given Nissan's major emphasis on electric vehicles in the coming years, it makes perfect sense to electrify a vehicle like the NV200. Packaging a battery under the flat load floor would be relatively straightforward and the short range duty cycle for commercial applications would play to the electric's strengths. Castelli even acknowledged that electric or hybrid drive is not out of the question for the larger NV2500.


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Geneva 2009: NV200 may come to America with electric drive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2009geneva auto salongeneva auto showgeneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaAutoSalonGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShownissan nv200nissan nv200 vannissan nv2500NissanNv200NissanNv200VanNissanNv2500Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Top ten diesels you can't get in America!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-top-ten-diesels-you-cant-get-in-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-top-ten-diesels-you-cant-get-in-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-top-ten-diesels-you-cant-get-in-america/#commentsFiled under: ,



One of the first things you notice when you start wandering around the Geneva Motor Show is that virtually every major automaker offers diesel engines. Lots of them. Many of them are even in cars that we can get in the U.S. market but only with gasoline engines. As our regular readers know, I'm a fan of modern diesel engines. Being in Geneva gives me a chance to present, in no particular order, 10 examples of cars available in the U.S. (or available soon) that could really benefit from having a diesel option. All the mileage figures have been converted to U.S. mpg. No need to use glowplugs, let's just get started.

Geneva 2009: Top ten diesels you can't get in America! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowtop tentop ten dieselstop ten diesels you cant getTopTenTopTenDieselsTopTenDieselsYouCantGetWed, 04 Mar 2009 20:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Lotus touts efficiency of new 2010 Exige S]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-lotus-touts-efficiency-of-new-2010-exige-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-lotus-touts-efficiency-of-new-2010-exige-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-lotus-touts-efficiency-of-new-2010-exige-s/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Lotus Exige S

"The same technology that makes a lightweight car a high performer also makes it efficient - how many cars have performance figures of 0 - 100 km/h in 4.77 secs but produce only 199 g/km CO2?" That question was posed by Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc, and he's got a point. As part of its ongoing quest to shave weight, Lotus has blessed us with what are undoubtedly the most efficient fossil fuel-burning sportscars the world has ever seen. Of course, Lotus vehicles have also proven rather adept at accepting EV conversions for this same reason.

For the 2010 model year, Lotus has upped the ante yet again by incrementally improving the aerodynamics of its Exige S, nudging up the fuel efficiency and lowering the carbon emissions in the process. A revised fascia lets more air in to cool the radiator and twin oil coolers and a new rear wing reduces drag and still puts down 42 kilograms (93 pounds) of downforce at 160 km/h (about 100 mph). Add it all up, and the new Exige S emits 199 g/km CO2 and achieves European Combined Cycle ratings of 8.5 litres/100 km (33.2 mpg). Read the full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2010 Lotus Exige S


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Lotus touts efficiency of new 2010 Exige S

Geneva 2009: Lotus touts efficiency of new 2010 Exige S originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lotus exige s2010LotusExigeSgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowlotuslotus exigelotus exige sLotusExigeLotusExigeSWed, 04 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Ford's next Focus, the iosis Max now with EcoBoost!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-fords-next-focus-the-iosis-max-now-with-ecoboost/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-fords-next-focus-the-iosis-max-now-with-ecoboost/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-fords-next-focus-the-iosis-max-now-with-ecoboost/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford iosis Max Concept

Ford is preparing to make a major shift to smaller cars over the next few years, starting with the new Fiesta at the end of this year and the new European-based Focus next year. When that next-generation Focus lands in the U.S., it is expected to look a lot like the concept that Ford is showing in Geneva this week. The shape and styling details of the iosis Max give a preview of next years Focus five door hatch although the head-light clusters and doors will surely be more conventional. The sliding rear doors are unlikely to make it to production either.

What will make it through is the drivetrain. This is the third Ford concept this year (along with the Lincoln Concept C and Volvo S60 concepts in Detroit) powered by the new 1.6L EcoBoost four cylinder along with the PowerShift dual clutch transmission. With the automatic start stop system, this combination is expected to top 40 mpg with ease when it arrives.



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

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Ford's next Focus, the iosis Max now with EcoBoost!

Geneva 2009: Ford's next Focus, the iosis Max now with EcoBoost! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford focusford iosis max conceptFordFocusFordIosisMaxConceptgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowWed, 04 Mar 2009 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Toyota iQ3 in Astral Black with new 1.33l engine ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-toyota-iq3-in-astral-black-with-new-1-33l-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-toyota-iq3-in-astral-black-with-new-1-33l-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-toyota-iq3-in-astral-black-with-new-1-33l-engine/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ

The Toyota iQ has been doing the show (and museum) circuit for over a year now, but we've only seen the car in white. I mean, just look what happens in Google Image Search when you type in "Toyota iQ." Therefore, as excited as one might be about the new 1.33l Dual VVT-i engine that Toyota has announced for the new iQ3 (iQ cubed) version in Geneva, I'm just glad to see the car in another color.

The 1.33 iQ also gets Toyota's Optimal Drive (aka stop-start) technology, which can reduce fuel consumption up to three percent, if you drive smart. Right now, Toyota is talking about mpg numbers of 49 mpg (U.S.) on the European combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 113 grams per kilometer for the manual-drive iQ. The first production iQs went on sale in Japan last November. The 1.33-liter iQs will be available in the UK starting in late July. Oh, and you can get it in Pearl White, Astral Black (above) or Deep Amethyst.

Gallery: Toyota iQ in black


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Toyota iQ3 in Astral Black with new 1.33l engine

Geneva 2009: Toyota iQ3 in Astral Black with new 1.33l engine originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astral blackAstralBlackdeep amethystDeepAmethystgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowiqiq3pearl whitePearlWhitetoyota iqToyotaIqWed, 04 Mar 2009 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: NLV Quant by Koenigsegg]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-nlv-quant-by-koenigsegg1/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-nlv-quant-by-koenigsegg1/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-nlv-quant-by-koenigsegg1/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the NLV Quant by Koenigsegg

The cars created by Christian von Koenigsegg are not renowned for being environmentally friendly. The car unveiled by Koenigsegg today in Geneva is in many ways diametrically opposed to the CCX and its variants. Rather than burning fuel to produce prodigious quantities of horsepower, the Quant is designed to run silently on electrons. The Quant that was revealed on the show floor is a styling buck of a four passenger, gull-winged coupe with an electric motor driving each rear wheel. The combined output of the powertrain is expected to be 512 hp and 527 lb-ft of twist.

Koenigsegg has partnered with NLV Solar AG for the energy storage system of this electric coupe. As the name implies NLV's main line of business is solar panels and those have been incorporated into the hood and roof of the Quant. Christian von Koenigsegg and Nunzio La Vecchia of NLV acknowledged that the solar cells will only provide enough power for accessories such as the radio or ventilation and won't be able to do any significant battery charging. That battery system is the big unknown for the Quant. Learn more about that after the jump.



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

Continue reading Geneva 2009: NLV Quant by Koenigsegg

Geneva 2009: NLV Quant by Koenigsegg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinggenevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowkoenigseggkoenigsess quantKoenigsessQuantnlv quantNlvQuantWed, 04 Mar 2009 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Ferrari going hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/confirmed-ferrari-going-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/confirmed-ferrari-going-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/confirmed-ferrari-going-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for gallery of the Ferrari 599XX

One of the stated reasons that automakers send prototype race cars around tracks at high rates of speed is to further the development of new technology for their road-going automobiles. There's no higher form of automotive motorsport than Formula 1, so it stands to reason that fuel-saving advancements like the kinetic energy recovery hybrid systems that F1 is currently in the midst of implementing will someday make it into production cars. According to Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the Italian automaker is in fact testing its KERS system in a prototype based on the 599 chassis.

There's some speculation that the Dale Earnhardt edition 599XX at the Geneva Motor Show may have some form of the KERS system installed, but that's not confirmed. With this technology, energy that would otherwise be lost to braking can be stored and reused the next time the vehicle accelerates, thereby boosting both performance and efficiency, and that's something we can all get behind.


[Source: Motor Authority]

Confirmed: Ferrari going hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingferrariferrari 599xxferrari hybridFerrari599xxFerrariHybridgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowkerskinetic energykinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyKineticEnergyRecoverySystemWed, 04 Mar 2009 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Ford Tourneo Connect BEV concept]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-ford-tourneo-connect-bev-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-ford-tourneo-connect-bev-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-ford-tourneo-connect-bev-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Tourneo Connect BEV for a high res gallery

When Ford announced at last month's Chicago Auto show that it would collaborating with Smith Electric Vehicles to bring an electric version of the Transit connect van to the U.S. market in 2010, they didn't actually bring a sample along. Here in Geneva the automaker did have a vehicle much like the one we will get. The Tourneo BEV is the low roof passenger version of the Transit Connect but the important bits of this concept are what will appear in the TC EV. The wheels get drive torque supplied by an AC induction motor and the electrons are stored in a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. Dan Jenkins from Smith declined to reveal who the cell supplier is or will be. A similar Transit Connect EV will be sold by Smith in Europe beginning this fall.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ford Tourneo Connect BEV


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

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Ford Tourneo Connect BEV concept

Geneva 2009: Ford Tourneo Connect BEV concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford tourneo connect bevford transit connectford transit connect evFordTourneoConnectBevFordTransitConnectFordTransitConnectEvgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowWed, 04 Mar 2009 11:04:00 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.

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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[Geneva 2009: Brabus smart ed revealed]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-brabus-smart-ed-revealed/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-brabus-smart-ed-revealed/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-brabus-smart-ed-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Brabus smart ed

The Brabus Tesla Roadster is no longer the only electric car that the tuning company will make for you. In Geneva today, Daimler unveiled the Brabus smart ed. The tricked out door frame and interior are just two of the ways that Brabus has made this lime green smart ed their own. The car also offers LED daytime driving lights and a white soft top. Daimler makes a point of saying that the Brabus smart ed's "fine natural materials demonstrate harmony with the environment" but doesn't exactly explain how that works. There is harmony between the ed logo on the outside and on the headrests, though.

If you like the idea of Brabus tuning up a smart fortwo, but want a gasoline engine to go in it, Daimler's got you covered.

Gallery: Brabus smart ed


[Source: Daimler]

Geneva 2009: Brabus smart ed revealed originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brabus edbrabus smartbrabus smart edBrabusEdBrabusSmartBrabusSmartEdsmartTue, 03 Mar 2009 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-frazer-nash-namir-by-giugiaro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-frazer-nash-namir-by-giugiaro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-frazer-nash-namir-by-giugiaro/#commentsFiled under: ,

namir
Click the Namir by Giugiaro for a high res gallery

Remember Frazer-Nas? The brand that was a famous British car maker long ago is still around, but it's no longer building cars. If you're at all familiar with the name Frazer-Nash, it probably isn't in the context of modern drivetrain technology like hybrid systems. In fact, hybrid drive systems is exactly what Frazer Nash is developing today and the company has collaborated with Italdesign Giugiaro to create a concept called the Namir.

Frazer Nash has developed a series hybrid drivetrain that uses an 814 cc rotary engine driving a generator. The generator charges a 400V lithium polymer battery pack that feeds electrons to a pair of electric motors at each axle with a cumulative output of 362 hp. The system is claimed to give the Namir a top speed of 187 mph, 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds while still managing 91.7 mpg (U.S.)! Not too shabby.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Giugiaro Namir


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

Geneva 2009: Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frazer nashFrazerNashgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showgeneva2009GenevaMotorShowgiugiarogiugiaro namirGiugiaroNamirnamirTue, 03 Mar 2009 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Clever EDAG "Light Car Open-Source" is like safety television for tailgaters]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-clever-edag-light-car-open-source-is-like-safety/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-clever-edag-light-car-open-source-is-like-safety/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-clever-edag-light-car-open-source-is-like-safety/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the EDAG Light Car - Open Source

EDAG has presented its new "Light Car - Open Source" concept here at the Geneva Motor Show, and while it outwardly appears to look like any other nondescript electric bubble car, there's a lot of innovative content on the inside screaming for attention.

It's hard to know where to start: The use of (O)LED technology as both driver-configurable exterior lighting units and as a television-screen-like safety feature that alerts those behind of road conditions; its 100 percent recyclable basalt fiber chassis (said to be at once lighter and cheaper than carbon-fiber or aluminum); or the fact that this is an open-source effort, with EDAG taking the lead but freely opening up the car's technologies to outside developers for improvement and modification.

In any case, the fact that the lithium-ion powered compact car utilizes in-wheel motors that help maximize interior space is a neat detail, but we're actually most intrigued by the (O)LED technology, which gives the Light Car an egg-smooth exterior. Out back, the (O)LEDs are used to show trailing vehicles not only the LCOS' strength of braking, but also road conditions ahead - a pedestrian crossing the road, say, or whether there's a speed or construction zone ahead. We imagine this sort of tech would be murder to legalize (at least in the States), but it does have us thinking in new ways about vehicle safety and car-to-car communications. See the EDAG's (O)LED tech in action in a video after the jump, and learn more from the official press release by downloading the PDF here.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: EDAG Light-Car Open-Source


Gallery: EDAG Light Car - Open Source

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Clever EDAG "Light Car Open-Source" is like safety television for tailgaters

Geneva 2009: Clever EDAG "Light Car Open-Source" is like safety television for tailgaters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingEDAGgreenli-ionlithium-ionOLEDopen-sourceprogrammingTue, 03 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST