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[High price for a hybrid: Lexus sets MSRP for LS 600h at $108,800]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/high-price-for-a-hybrid-lexus-sets-msrp-for-ls-600h-at-108-800/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/high-price-for-a-hybrid-lexus-sets-msrp-for-ls-600h-at-108-800/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/high-price-for-a-hybrid-lexus-sets-msrp-for-ls-600h-at-108-800/#commentsFiled under: ,




2010 Lexus LS 600h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus' LS 600h may look modest on the outside, but the 2010 version of the hybrid sedan will set you back a cool $108,000, plus an $875 delivery fee, when it arrives at dealerships soon. The flagship LS line was given a mid-cycle refresh earlier this year and the hybrid version was upgraded with the same ECO mode that boost efficiency and can also be found on the 2010 Prius for a quarter of the price. Read more about the LS 600h's updates here.

In addition, Lexus has announced "MSRP adjustments" to most of its models. The price of the GS 450h went up $900, for example. See the complete list after the jump.
[Source: Lexus]




Continue reading High price for a hybrid: Lexus sets MSRP for LS 600h at $108,800

High price for a hybrid: Lexus sets MSRP for LS 600h at $108,800 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus hybridLexus LSlexus ls 600hLexus LS600hLexus LS600h hybridLexusHybridLexusLsLexusLs600hLexusLs600hHybridls 600 hLS 600hLs600hSat, 28 Nov 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Revived Toyota MR2 hybrid could challenge Honda CR-Z]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/report-revived-toyota-mr2-hybrid-could-challenge-honda-cr-z/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/report-revived-toyota-mr2-hybrid-could-challenge-honda-cr-z/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/report-revived-toyota-mr2-hybrid-could-challenge-honda-cr-z/#commentsFiled under: ,


Honda may not have the hybrid sports coupe market to itself for long if a report out of Japan has any merit. One of Japan's top car magazines, Best Car, is reporting that Toyota is planning to bring forth a hybrid sports car in the near future as a direct challenger to the new Honda. Unlike the front wheel drive Honda, the renderings produced by the magazine indicate that the sporting hybrid would be mid-engined like the now discontinued MR2.

Such a layout would would imply the likelihood of a significantly higher performance level than what we expect from the CR-Z, although Honda has yet to say just what to expect from its coupe. A hybrid sportster like this would might also be a good first non-plug application for new lithium ion batteries. If such a car does become a reality from Toyota, it would certainly be in line with Akio Toyoda's stated intent of getting more passion into his namesake brand. It would also make an interesting counterpoint to the upcoming FT-86 being developed with Subaru. Who said hybrids had to be boring?

[Source: Best Car via CarScoop]

Report: Revived Toyota MR2 hybrid could challenge Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>toyotatoyota hybridtoyota mr s hybridToyota MR2toyota mr2 hybridToyotaHybridToyotaMr2ToyotaMr2HybridToyotaMrSHybridFri, 27 Nov 2009 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-watch-live-as-abg-goes-for-a-first-drive-in-the-chevy-vol/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-watch-live-as-abg-goes-for-a-first-drive-in-the-chevy-vol/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-watch-live-as-abg-goes-for-a-first-drive-in-the-chevy-vol/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevy Volts on 1,200 mile drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at ABG, we've been tracking the progress of the Chevrolet Volt since before the concept debuted in January 2007. Along the way we've spent plenty of time with various members of the Volt team and last spring we were among the first to drive the Cruze-based powertrain development mule. Later in August, we got take a ride in one of the pre-production prototypes with global chief engineer Frank Weber. As we head into next week's Los Angeles Auto Show, GM has crossed another threshold by allowing selected members of the media actually drive the IVER prototypes with the range extender mode enabled. We will get our own chance to drive on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. PST and we'll be doing some live streaming of the event thanks to Ustream and our snazzy new Droid phone. Join us on Sunday and ride along. Watch my twitter feed @samabuelsamid for updates on what's happening.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!

VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltfeaturefeaturedfeaturedvideofirst driveFirstDrivelive streamlive streaminglive streaming videoLiveStreamLiveStreamingLiveStreamingVideoustreamFri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Ricardo and Williams team on KinerStor flywheel hybrid demonstration]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/ricardo-and-williams-team-on-kinerstor-flywheel-hybrid-demonstra/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/ricardo-and-williams-team-on-kinerstor-flywheel-hybrid-demonstra/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/ricardo-and-williams-team-on-kinerstor-flywheel-hybrid-demonstra/#commentsFiled under: ,



In the run up to the 2009 Formula One season, most of the teams developed hybrid kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) as an optional way to get a power boost. While most of the systems ultimately were not raced because the extra power was not enough to overcome the weight penalty, there were some interesting lessons learned. Most of the systems were of the well known battery electric hybrid variety.

The Williams F1 team, however, developed a novel flywheel-electric system with a flywheel tied to a motor-generator. The flywheel is the energy storage system rather than electro-chemical battery. The race team has formed a subsidiary called Williams Hybrid Power to try and commercialize the system. Williams has now formed a consortium with Ricardo, Torotrac, Land Rover and several other companies for a demonstration project to evaluate its system as well as a flywheel magnetic system from Ricardo in commercial applications. The goal is to develop an on-the-road system for under £1000 ($2,000). The new KinerStor demonstration project is partially funded by the UK government through the technology strategy board.

[Source: Williams Hybrid Power]

Continue reading Ricardo and Williams team on KinerStor flywheel hybrid demonstration

Ricardo and Williams team on KinerStor flywheel hybrid demonstration originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flywheelflywheel hybridflywheel-hybridFlywheelHybridkerskinerstorkinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystemricardowilliams f1williams hybrid powerWilliamsF1WilliamsHybridPowerWed, 25 Nov 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REORT: Toyota basks in 14,000 pre-orders for new Sai hybrid in Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/reort-toyota-basks-in-14-000-pre-orders-for-new-sai-hybrid-in-j/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/reort-toyota-basks-in-14-000-pre-orders-for-new-sai-hybrid-in-j/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/reort-toyota-basks-in-14-000-pre-orders-for-new-sai-hybrid-in-j/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Toyota Sai - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Toyota unveiled its new Japan-only hybrid model, the Sai, last month, it said it wanted to sell 36,000 of them each year, or 3,000 a month. The Sai, sort of a little cousin to the Lexus HS250h, costs about $37,000, but that relatively high price is apparently just right for 14,000 people. That's how many pre-orders Toyota says it has for the new hybrid, which goes on sale December 7. Maybe the $3,000+ in tax incentives had something to do with it. We don't expect sales each month will be quite that high, but Toyota must be celebrating this bit of good news (or congratulating themselves on keeping expectations low).

Apparently, the roughly $6,000 difference between the Sai and the Lexus was convincing to people it's a solid deal for what's almost the same car. The Sai is a step up from the Prius (the Sai is bigger and has a more powerful engine), especially in price: the Prius starts at around $22,000. The Sai is rated at around 54 mpg (U.S.) on the optimistic Japanese cycle.



[Source: Reuters]
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

REORT: Toyota basks in 14,000 pre-orders for new Sai hybrid in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japan hybridJapanHybridsaisai hybridSaiHybridtoyota saitoyota sai hybridToyotaSaiToyotaSaiHybridTue, 24 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Volt battery life affected by hot weather, but 10 years means 10 years]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/volt-battery-life-affected-by-hot-weather-but-10-years-means-10/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/volt-battery-life-affected-by-hot-weather-but-10-years-means-10/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/volt-battery-life-affected-by-hot-weather-but-10-years-means-10/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevy Volt - click above for high-res image gallery

During an information-heavy battery and technology update on the Chevy Volt's progress recently, GM said the following about the 16 kWh battery pack in the plug-in car:
"The biggest challenge in testing is hot-weather storage of the vehicle. Currently, ten years of battery life is the norm, but some people could get more battery life depending on the climate where they live and their driving conditions.
We understand that outside temperatures can have a big impact on how a battery operates and will affect the Volt as well, but the good news for Volt fans is that Green Car Advisor got it wrong. They said that hot weather Volt owners will get less than ten years of life from the pack, saying Volts in "many parts of the western and southern U.S." would not get "the normal 10-year life of the battery." Not true, says GM, which is confident that everyone will get 10 years from the pack. GM's hybrid and battery technology communication spokesman Brian Corbett told AutoblogGreen that, "in more moderate areas of the country, battery performance could last beyond 10 years. 10 years is our minimum target life for everybody."

[Source: GM via Green Car Advisor]

Volt battery life affected by hot weather, but 10 years means 10 years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltchevy volt batterychevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltBatteryChevyVoltProductionvoltvolt batteryVoltBatteryTue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Vauxhall Ampera goes "Outback" for CUV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/rendered-speculation-vauxhall-ampera-goes-outback-for-cuv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/rendered-speculation-vauxhall-ampera-goes-outback-for-cuv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/rendered-speculation-vauxhall-ampera-goes-outback-for-cuv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When new Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly visited the company's Ellesmere Port factory in the UK last week, he dropped a hint that there would be more than one version of the upcoming Opel/Vauxhall Ampera. That's not really any great surprise as GM has already said that there would be other vehicles beyond the Volt/Ampera that use the Voltec powertrain.

AutoExpress picked up the hint and, after talking to its sources, has concluded that there would be some sort of crossover or MPV based on the Ampera. Based on that, they worked up this rendering of an Ampera with the high riding "Outback" treatment that would compete with the popular Nissan Qashqai. Giving such a treatment to the Ampera/Volt body style would negate much of the benefit of all of the aerodynamic work applied to the body, so we're a bit skeptical of this direction.

Since the Volt is derived from the Delta II platform, we suspect that one of the other body styles is a more likely candidate, for example the new Orlando or a variant of the Astra.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Vauxhall Ampera goes "Outback" for CUV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>opel amperaOpelAmperaVauxhallvauxhall amperavauxhall ampera cuvVauxhallAmperaVauxhallAmperaCuvMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/chevy-volt-to-address-americas-school-children-in-nationwide-sh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/chevy-volt-to-address-americas-school-children-in-nationwide-sh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/chevy-volt-to-address-americas-school-children-in-nationwide-sh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

On November 30th, hundreds of middle school students and teachers will assemble at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, along with untold thousands of their electronically-linked peers, to take part in a giant show-and-tell webcast featuring that upcoming electric car with the built-in range extender, the 2011 Chevy Volt. While none of the students are likely to buy a Volt (or any car, for that matter) when it becomes available next year, "Today's middle school students are tomorrow's leaders," according to GM, and so they feel it is important to educate the kids about the increasing role electricity will play in personal transportation.

The assembly, which is in support of the host school's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, will listen and watch a presentation covering the basics of electricity and how it will transform the way we drive before taking part in a question and answer period. The appearance is only one of many that the Volt will be making while it's in town for the Los Angeles Auto Show. Official press release after the break.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell

Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy VoltChevyVoltHarvard-Westlake SchoolHarvard-westlakeSchoolshow-and-tellSTEMVoltMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear lads build the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/top-gear-lads-build-the-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/top-gear-lads-build-the-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/top-gear-lads-build-the-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-a/#commentsFiled under: ,



Many electric vehicle fans out there are constantly complaining about how long it is taking automakers to bring plug-in vehicles to market. We've had commenters here on this site claiming that they should be able to bring EVs to the street in six months. Apparently even six months is too long for the crew at Top Gear.

For those unfamiliar with the format of the show, most episodes involve the producers giving a challenge of some kind to hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. The most recent episode, aired this week on the BBC in the UK, included just such a challenge. The boys were tasked to build their own answer to the extended range EV Chevy Volt.

In a mere 18 hours they transformed a TVR Chimaera (interesting choice since a chimaera is a mythological creature composed of parts of a number of animals) into the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust pictured above. Once the i-Thrust was completed, it was turned over to AutoCar magazine for an independent road test. As you might guess based on the photo, the results were not surprising and they are a testament to perhaps taking a little more time and car in development of a car. You can grab a copy of AutoCar's full road test as a PDF here and watch a video of the test here.

[Source: AutoCar]

Top Gear lads build the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>er-evextended range electric vehicleextended range EVextended range vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehicleExtendedRangeEvExtendedRangeVehicletop gearTopGearMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/journo-experiences-volts-electric-to-hybrid-transition-needs-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/journo-experiences-volts-electric-to-hybrid-transition-needs-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/journo-experiences-volts-electric-to-hybrid-transition-needs-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Chevrolet Volt pre-production IVER prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

We long ago had a chance to drive the Chevy Volt mule in all-electric mode, and more recently took a ride in the IVER (integration vehicle engineering release) version. We found the Volt's performance was rather impressive for a vehicle still under development. It was clear at that time that there was still room for improvement, though, and the question of how it would perform after the gas-powered generator kicked in remained unanswered since GM was not allowing anyone from outside the company to experience it. Would there be a sudden jolt of power during the transition or would it perhaps produce a howl reminiscent of the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz? Now it seems those questions are being addressed as GM has just started to allow media to drive the IVER and experience that change.

So how was it? According to Lindsay Brooke over at the New York Times, the initial moments, as the engine comes to life, are "inaudible and seamless." Very nice. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the sound suddenly surged as the car became cognizant that its battery was lower than desired and attempted to quickly return to its preferred level by revving itself up. Clearly, there is still some refining to be done. The overall impression was extremely positive though, the regenerative braking in particular garnering some amount of praise. We look forward to soon gripping the wheel for ourselves and giving you our in-depth reaction. Thanks to wincros for the tip!


Gallery: Quck Ride: Pre-production Chevy Volt


[Source: New York Times]

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charge-sustaining modeCharge-sustainingModeChevy Voltchevy volt iver prototypeChevyVoltChevyVoltIverPrototypetest driveTestDriveVoltVolt IVERVoltIverFri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: New Lexus small car headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-perhaps-so/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-perhaps-so/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-perhaps-so/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lexus LF-Ch concept - click above for high res image gallery

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoo-in for production for the European market. However, The Detroit Bureau is reporting that Lexus is considering bringing the compact hybrid to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it will be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. The Lexus concept will be shown at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may hold some appeal in the U.S., especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the U.S. A car with the Lexus badge does, after all, need to provide the amenities and luxury feel expected of the brand. While the LF is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1-series hybrid or diesel.



[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: New Lexus small car headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus lf chLexus LF-Chlexus lf-ch conceptlexus lf-ch hybridLexusLf-chLexusLf-chConceptLexusLf-chHybridLexusLfChFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/toyota-starts-discussions-on-who-will-get-phev-priuses/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/toyota-starts-discussions-on-who-will-get-phev-priuses/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/toyota-starts-discussions-on-who-will-get-phev-priuses/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota is getting ready to start deploying a fleet of 200 plug-in Prius hybrids in the coming months and the company needs to figure out what to do with them. The cars will all be leased for purposes of field testing. Toyota is now in discussions with federal and local governments and energy companies about who will get how many of the lithium ion battery Priuses. The company is looking for towns and cities that are, "actively promoting environmentally considerate vehicles."

The PHEV Prius will be able to go up to 62 mph on electricity alone for about 5 miles. Another 150 examples of the PHEV will be leased here in the U.S., with a similar number going to Europe. The first cars will be delivered in mid-December and Toyota has previously announced plans to start retail sales in about 2012.


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses

Toyota starts discussions on who will get PHEV Priuses originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>plug-inplug-in hybridplug-in hybridsplug-in priusplug-in-hybridplug-in-hybridsPlug-inHybridPlug-inHybridsPlug-inPriusplug-instoyotatoyota priustoyota prius plug inToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: BMW 1-series hybrid spotted in Munich]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/#commentsFiled under: ,

BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series -- due to launch in 2010 -- will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.


Spy shots: BMW 1-series hybrid spotted in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series hybrid1Series1SeriesHybridbmwBMW 1BMW 1 Seriesbmw 1 series hybridbmw 1-seriesBmw1Bmw1-seriesBmw1SeriesBmw1SeriesHybridspy picspy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 is available for lease starting this week here in the U.S., but it will be making its auto show debut in production form in Los Angeles the week after next. The two-mode hybrid provides similar performance to the V8 powered ML550 but with a 46 percent boost in fuel efficiency.

Also on tap for LA will be the new generation F-Cell. This is the latest iteration of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered B-Class that Mercedes will be putting into low volume series production. It is equipped with the latest generation of the fuel cell stack that has increased efficiency and improved cold weather performance. Mercedes claims the new F-Cell can run up to 240 miles on a fill-up, the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on gasoline. Mercedes will be leasing 200 F-Cells to customers in Europe and the U.S. starting in 2010.

Finally, the new SLS AMG will be shown for the first time at a U.S. show. While the car on display will be the ridiculously fast gasoline-powered version, Mercedes has promised a battery electric version of the SLS in the next few years.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell

LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz f-cellMercedes Benz MLmercedes benz ml450mercedes benz ml450 hybridmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedesBenzMercedesBenzF-cellMercedesBenzMlMercedesBenzMl450MercedesBenzMl450HybridThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a mere $89,725 you can have your pick of questionable V8 powered BMW X6s. For that price tag you can get the monster 555 hp X6 M or the new the new ActiveHybrid X6. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, which has opted to only make the ML450 hybrid available for lease, BMW will sell the ActiveHybrid X6 to all comers, whoever they might be. Unlike most BMWs, the option list for the hybrid is relatively limited, although the folks at BMW Individual will undoubtedly be happy to help you customize it to your heart's content.

During our recent first drive of the hybrid sport activity coupe, as BMW labels the X6, we only saw 16 mpg, well short of the official17/19 mpg EPA figures. Aside from the hood bulge and the wheels, there isn't much to visually distinguish the hybrid from non-M X6s, so it's not really clear who will step up to the near $90K sticker. We'll find out after December 5 when the X6 hybrid goes on sale.



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

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 bmw2010 bmw activehybrid x62010Bmw2010BmwActivehybridX6activehybrid x6ActivehybridX6bmw activehybrid x6BmwActivehybridX6breakinghybrid x6HybridX6two-modetwo-mode hybridtwo-mode-hybridTwo-modeHybridX6Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda i-stop wins RJC Technology of the Year Award]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mazda-i-stop-wins-rjc-technology-of-the-year-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mazda-i-stop-wins-rjc-technology-of-the-year-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mazda-i-stop-wins-rjc-technology-of-the-year-award/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mazda3 with i-Stop - click above for high-res image gallery

It's not the sexist part of a modern, efficient vehicle, but anti-idling tech is pretty darn useful. The Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) thinks so, and has picked Mazda's i-stop as its Technology of the Year for 2009. I-stop is a system that shuts down the engine when the car has stopped, much like the Stop&Start Micro-Hybrid system (which won the 2008 Automechanika Innovation Award) found in Daimler cars, Audi's start stop system, Fiat's start stop system, and, oh you get the picture. Everyone's doing it.

I-stop is pretty fast, able to restart the engine about a third of a second, and Mazda says it reduces fuel consumption by about 15 percent in a vehicle like the Mazda3 (aka Mazda Axela). In 2007, RJC picked Volkswagen's TSI engine technology as the Technology of the Year.


Gallery: 2010 Mazda3 i-Stop


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda i-stop wins RJC Technology of the Year Award

Mazda i-stop wins RJC Technology of the Year Award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i-stopmazdamazda 3mazda hybridmazda i-stopmazda idlemazda idlingmazda3MazdaHybridMazdaI-stopMazdaIdleMazdaIdlingWed, 18 Nov 2009 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota U.S. president Lentz believes Prius could supplant Camry as brand's best seller]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-toyota-u-s-president-lentz-believes-prius-may-supplant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-toyota-u-s-president-lentz-believes-prius-may-supplant/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-toyota-u-s-president-lentz-believes-prius-may-supplant/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Camry has been the best selling car in the U.S. for 11 of the past 12 years, and only a total industry meltdown has managed to slow the Japanese automaker's bread-and-butter sedan. Even with that impediment, the Camry still has a comfortable lead versus its archrivals, the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. In fact, the only vehicles to routinely beat the Camry in overall vehicle sales are the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, and those vehicles need dozens of configurations and both regular and heavy-duty variants to retain their overall sales leads. Conversely, the Prius isn't even the second best-selling Toyota right now (that would be the Corolla), but it wouldn't surprise Toyota USA President Jim Lentz if the ubiquitous hybrid hatch passed the Camry for sales supremacy sometime next decade.

Lentz reportedly told Wards Auto that he envisions the Prius passing the Camry in the next decade, but not because he foresees the midsize sedan slipping. Instead, Lentz says, "I think Prius will become just that much stronger." The reason Toyota's top U.S. man sees the Prius taking over Toyota's top sales spot is because he feels that rising gas prices and growing eco-awareness will push more car buyers into hybrids. That, combined with the high regard in which many Americans hold the Prius makes for a very compelling long-term argument. Lentz also says that a full lineup of Prius-badged vehicles is far from a sure thing, though he says he pushes executives in that direction each time he visits Toyota's Japan headquarters

While we can see a future where the Prius overtakes the Camry for sales supremacy, we don't see it happening any time soon. Toyota's world renowned hybrid had its best-ever sales year in 2007, and 2009 numbers promise to fall about 40,000 units short of that bogey. Did we mention that the Camry is still outselling the Prius at a nearly three-to-one clip?



[Source: Wards Automotive]

REPORT: Toyota U.S. president Lentz believes Prius could supplant Camry as brand's best seller originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camrycamry salesCamrySalespriusprius salesPriusSalestoyotatoyota camrytoyota priustoyota salesToyotaCamryToyotaPriusToyotaSalesWed, 18 Nov 2009 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gm-provides-update-on-volt-vehicle-and-battery-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gm-provides-update-on-volt-vehicle-and-battery-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gm-provides-update-on-volt-vehicle-and-battery-development/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevy Volt going through a shake test as part of its durability evaluation - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors offered an update this afternoon on the current status of the testing and development of the lithium ion batteries for the Chevy Volt. Chief Engineer Andrew Farah and battery engineering group manager Bill Wallace provided a run down on the work done so far. Since work started in earnest on the production program in early 2007, GM has gone from two initial battery development partners (LG Chem/CPI and A123 Systems/Continental) to selecting LG Chem to supply cells. GM also decided to design and build the battery pack in-house rather than having CPI provide the finished pack.

Through the course of development, the team has learned that the battery management system is the key to extracting the best life and performance out of the battery. However, while the battery is the heart of the Volt, Farah emphasized that the goal was to create a great a great vehicle for customers, not just a battery on wheels. That means a lot of integration work has been necessary to incorporate the pack in the car, and develop the charge and battery management software. Read on after the jump.


Gallery: Chevrolet Volt development update Nov 17 2009


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltfeaturedvoltvoltecvoltec drivetrainvoltec powertrainVoltecDrivetrainVoltecPowertrainTue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven - well, six, no, five - ways to boost your Prius' MPG for just $4,047]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/seven-well-six-no-five-ways-to-turn-your-prius-even-more/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/seven-well-six-no-five-ways-to-turn-your-prius-even-more/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/seven-well-six-no-five-ways-to-turn-your-prius-even-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Got $4,047? That's what it'll take you to make your Prius even more efficient and snazzy if you were to buy one of everything on the list of seven MPG-saving items put together by HybridCars (and which just happen to be available for sale from the site). The items include a $69 aftermarket EV button for the second-gen models that don't have this feature (installation takes just minutes, they say), a $3,095-Aero Tourer kit, and a Chassis Stiffener Kit, among other things. The EV mode button and the stiffener won't do wonders for your mpg, but they can provide modest boosts, and every little bit helps.

We're less impressed with the $37 NavCap, a visor of sorts for the info screen, and the iPod connector cable as a way to save fuel, but that bike rack makes sense. Evey mile you're on two wheels instead of in the car saves a lot of CO2.

[Source: HybridCars]

Seven - well, six, no, five - ways to boost your Prius' MPG for just $4,047 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mpgpriusprius hybridprius mpgPriusHybridPriusMpgTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion wins <i>Motor Trend</i> Car of the Year award]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record - with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.





[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010FordFusionbreakingcar of the yearCarOfTheYearcotyfordford fusionford fusion cotyFordFusionFordFusionCotyfusionfusion car of the yearfusion cotyfusion hybridfusion sportFusionCarOfTheYearFusionCotyFusionHybridFusionSportmotor trendmotor trend car of the yearMotorTrendMotorTrendCarOfTheYearTue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST