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[LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.



[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi eoraaudi espiraAudiEoraAudiEspiradesign challengedesign challenge 2009DesignChallengeDesignChallenge2009general motors car heroGeneralMotorsCarHerohonda helixHondaHelixLA Design challengeLA Design Challenge 2009LaDesignChallengeLaDesignChallenge2009mazda sougaMazdaSouganissan v2gnissan v2g unmltdNissanV2gNissanV2gUnmltdtoyota linkToyotaLinkThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Fiestas being built in Mexico -- Click above for high-res image gallery

What is reported to be the coming U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta has been photographed during assembly in Mexico, and the minor changes we can glean so far center around the grille. Compared to its European counterpart, the American version gets a much chunkier front end which has pushed the leading edge of the hood back. The Ford emblem is now completely surrounded by the front clip.

Below that, the central opening is larger, ringed with chrome, and the bisecting bar on the Euro version has been moved up and fitted with a U.S. license plate holder. Outside, the single fog light has been reworked into a giant, glass covered alien eye. Make no mistake - it's still hot, and we still can't wait to see it when it's unveiled at the LA Auto Show next month.


Gallery: Dummies Ford Fiesta americano


[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fiesta2010 ford2010 ford fiesta2010Fiesta2010Ford2010FordFiestabudgetfiestafordford fiestaFordFiestahatchbackla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009manufacturingmexicoplantsspy shotsSpyShotsTue, 13 Oct 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/vw-golf-gtd-may-arrive-with-170-hp-jetta-tdi-cup-replica-coming/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/vw-golf-gtd-may-arrive-with-170-hp-jetta-tdi-cup-replica-coming/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/vw-golf-gtd-may-arrive-with-170-hp-jetta-tdi-cup-replica-coming/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 VW Golf GTD - click above for high-res image gallery

Several months back, prior to the U.S. launch of the MK VI VW Golf, rumors emerged that the American branch was going to offer the GTD version of the hatchback. For those unfamiliar with the GTD, it is essentially the much-loved GTI but with a 170 hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI diesel. Unfortunately, when we got the details on the Golf lineup last week, the GTD wasn't included. While we are in Germany this week to drive the new Golf lineup, we spoke with VW of America product planner Andres Valbuena about the GTD.

According to Valbuena, while the GTD didn't make the cut for launch, it is still under consideration. In fact, the GTD could arrive within the next 18 months. When we first wrote about the GTD, we speculated that it would likely carry the existing 140 hp diesel along with all of the other good bits. Valbuena tells us that if they do offer the GTD in the U.S., VW will do it right and bring the high output 170 hp engine.

One car that is definitely coming is the Jetta TDI Cup model. This is essentially a street-legal version of the race car but without the race bits like the roll cage. It will get the same front fascia that is available from the VW performance parts catalog, along with the bigger brakes, suspension upgrades and interior bits from the GLI sedan. Unfortunately, the TDI cup replica keeps the standard 140 hp engine instead of the 170 hp unit in the race cars. The cup car will probably have its public debut at LA Auto Show in December prior to going on sale in January.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD


[Source: VW]

VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gtdjetta tdi cupjetta tdi cup replicaJettaTdiCupJettaTdiCupReplicavolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf gtdVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenGolfGtdThu, 08 Oct 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/2010-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-three-hybrids-two-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/2010-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-three-hybrids-two-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/2010-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-three-hybrids-two-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery of GCOTY finalists

Last year, Volkswagen's Jetta TDI was named the 2009 Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, which means that the Volkswagen Golf TDI has a bit of baggage if it wants to try and win the 2010 award. Regardless, the Golf was named one of five finalists today, along with the Audi A3 TDI, the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Toyota Prius. Odd that the Mercury would be chosen above the Ford Fusion hybrid, but so it goes. That makes is two diesels and three hybrids vying for top spot.

The Green Car of the Year award is given out by the Green Car Journal, which narrows the field of green cars down to five and then turns over the decision to pick a winner to "jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pop." The winner will be announced in LA on December 3.

View Poll



Gallery: 2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists

2010 Honda Insight2010 Honda Insight2010 Audi A3 TDI2010 Audi A3 TDI2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading 2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced

2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a3AudiA3Green Car Journalgreen car of the yearGreenCarJournalGreenCarOfTheYearHonda InsightHondaInsightMercury MilanMercuryMilantoyota priusToyotaPriusvw golf tdiVwGolfTdiWed, 07 Oct 2009 12:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Lexus reveals the LF-Ch concept, coming to LA show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/officially-official-lexus-reveals-the-lf-ch-concept-coming-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/officially-official-lexus-reveals-the-lf-ch-concept-coming-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/officially-official-lexus-reveals-the-lf-ch-concept-coming-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Lexus has released a whole batch of exterior and interior photos of the LF-Ch concept that debuts next week in Frankfurt. The C-segment five-door hatchback seems a likely candidate for production in the next couple of years, but the car gets a very aggressive looking nose that will almost certainly get a major toning down before it hits the streets. Before that happens, though, we'll get to see the car on American soil in December when it debuts at the first big U.S. show of the season in Los Angeles.

The LF-Ch is expected to use the same 2.4-liter hybrid drivetrain that's in the new HS250h. With its aggressive styling and the more powerful drivetrain of the bigger HS, this could prove to be a more performance-oriented hybrid from Lexus. In fact, this could prove to be a very interesting competitor to Audi's new A3 TDI if it does materialize.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

c_premium_01-2jc_premium_02c_premium_03_staticc_premium_04c_premium_05

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Officially Official: Lexus reveals the LF-Ch concept, coming to LA show

Officially Official: Lexus reveals the LF-Ch concept, coming to LA show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptfalsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowhybridlexuslexus lf-chlexus lf-ch conceptlexus lf-ch hybridLexusLf-chLexusLf-chConceptLexusLf-chHybridThu, 10 Sep 2009 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda's outlandish electric racer, the KAAN, wins design award]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mazdas-outlandish-electric-racer-the-kaan-wins-design-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mazdas-outlandish-electric-racer-the-kaan-wins-design-award/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mazdas-outlandish-electric-racer-the-kaan-wins-design-award/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click on image above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda KAAN and more from the Design Challenge

The collection of outlandish green racing design concepts submitted as part of the "Motor Sports 2025" at the Los Angeles Auto Show has been whittled down and we have a winner: the MAZDA KAAN (above). The KAAN is an all-electric four-wheeler (see the two in the back?) that could theoretically go up to 400 km/h (about 250 mph). Wouldn't that be fun to see speeding down the tracks 17 years into the future? Apparently, judges were not put off by the need for a "race track resurfaced with a sub-level, electro-conductive polymer that powers electric cars" needed to move the KAAN.

Other contenders in the contest: the energy-generating GM Chaparral Volt, the hyperaerodynamic Audi R25, the BMW Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer, Honda's The Great Race 2025, Mitsubishi's MMR25, Mercedes-Benz's Formula Zero Racer, the hydrogen-powered Toyota Le Mans Racer "that never needs to stop," and VW's Bio Runner.

Gallery: LA Auto Show: Design Challenge Motorsports 2025


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda's outlandish electric racer, the KAAN, wins design award

Mazda's outlandish electric racer, the KAAN, wins design award originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r25AudiR25bio runnerBioRunnerchaparral voltChaparralVoltformula zeroFormulaZerogreat raceGreatRacemazda kaanMazdaKaansalt flat racerSaltFlatRacerFri, 05 Dec 2008 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Nancy Gioia discusses hybrids, plug-ins and battery leases]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/nancy-gioia-discusses-hybrids-plug-ins-and-battery-leases/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/nancy-gioia-discusses-hybrids-plug-ins-and-battery-leases/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/nancy-gioia-discusses-hybrids-plug-ins-and-battery-leases/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Following the reveal of the Ford Fusion Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto show last week, Ford's director of sustainable mobility technology Nancy Gioia spoke with Green Fuels Forecast about a number of topics. Top of the list, of course, was the new hybrid sedan and the fact that Ford has decided not to make its hybrids more visually distinct from conventional cars. The Fusion is just the latest of Ford's hybrid programs, but the most advanced is the plug-in hybrid Escape that Ford is testing with Southern California Edison. That program is apparently going very well and in fact Ford will be announcing soon that several more electric utilities are joining the test program. So far the Escape PHEV is averaging 120 mpg running in charge-depleting mode and 70 mpg overall. Gioia also discussed battery exchange programs. She told GFF that while battery technology is still changing so quickly, such systems may not prove to be technically viable. Check out all of what Gioia had to say at Green Fuels Forecast.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid on the stand


[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Nancy Gioia discusses hybrids, plug-ins and battery leases originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford escape hybridford escape phevford fusion hybridFordEscapeHybridFordEscapePhevFordFusionHybridnancy gioiaNancyGioiaSat, 29 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: A GEM with a fireball and official custom line]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-a-gem-with-a-fireball-and-official-custom-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-a-gem-with-a-fireball-and-official-custom-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-a-gem-with-a-fireball-and-official-custom-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Fireball GEM

So, there's an LA-based custom car service called Fireballed that provides all sorts of vehicles to those who want to experience the "Automotive Hollywood Lifestyle." Designer "Fireball" Tim Lawrence makes some crazy vehicles - see these examples - and so we were somewhat surprised to see a fairly standard GEM e4 in this booth at the LA Auto Show last week. As far as I can tell, the only addition is a Fireball sticker on the door panel. There was no one in the booth to ask if there were any underhood enhancements, so I'm left with the question of what was this GEM doing there?

Whatever the reason, this is a good chance to talk about Chrysler's newly-announced MY line of GEM vehicles, which allow for easier custom options. Perhaps Fireball Tim was just waiting for an easier-to-change GEM to work his magic.

Gallery: LA 2008: Fireballed GEM


[Source: Green Car Congress]

LA 2008: A GEM with a fireball and official custom line originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireballgemla auto showla auto show 2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: CSULA's Super Eagle II gets 853 mpg]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-uclas-super-eagle-ii-gets-853-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-uclas-super-eagle-ii-gets-853-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/la-2008-uclas-super-eagle-ii-gets-853-mpg/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of CSULA's supermileage ride

Far from the major automakers' glitzy unveilings - which, granted, were less crazy than in past years - at the LA Auto Show, the CSULA Supermileage Vehicle sits like an alien's egg on some red carpet in the basement of the LA Convention Center. This sleek bubble is powered by a single-cylinder 2 hp engine and can reach a top speed of 63 miles per hour. The supermileage part? This thing gets an astounding 853 mpg and is of the same family - totally unpractical, hyper-efficient experiments - as the 2,843 mpg winner of the Shell Eco-Marathon. CSULA's engineering and technology students have done a fine job with these yellow wheels and see-through top. My favorite part is the water bottle bungee corded to the top (you can see it more clearly in this picture). Anyone know what that's for?

Gallery: LA 2008: CSULA Super Eagle II


UPDATE: changed all mistaken references from UCLA to CSULA.

LA 2008: CSULA's Super Eagle II gets 853 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hypermileagela auto showLaAutoShowuclaMon, 24 Nov 2008 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[SoCal Edison gets its Mitsubishi i MiEV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/socal-edison-gets-its-mitsubishi-i-miev/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/socal-edison-gets-its-mitsubishi-i-miev/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/socal-edison-gets-its-mitsubishi-i-miev/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Right on schedule, Southern California Edison (SCE) and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG & E) have received all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEVs to begin their testing programs with. Although the cars displayed on the LA Auto Show floor were red and white, like the one we drove earlier this year in New York, there was at least one vehicle in SCE colors cooling its heels in an garage somewhere close by. This follows the custom-paint practice the company implemented in Japan when seven different utilities received the electric Kei cars to test.

While a few lucky Japanese customers will be able to buy an i MiEV to fulfill their urban transportation needs this coming year, it may be a while before Americans get their chance. Mitsubishi exec, David Patterson told Gas 2.0 that it might only go on sale over a year and a half from now. It seems Oregon may be one of the first states to receive it if talks between that state and Mitsubishi are as successful as those held with Nissan.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - Press Kit


[Source: Flickr / Gas 2.0]

SoCal Edison gets its Mitsubishi i MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i MiEVIMievMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishiIMievPacific Gas and Electric PG EPacificGasAndElectricPgESouthern California Edison SCESouthernCaliforniaEdisonSceMon, 24 Nov 2008 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[ABG Quick Drive: Battery-powered MINI-E w/VIDEO]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/abg-quick-drive-battery-powered-mini-e-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/abg-quick-drive-battery-powered-mini-e-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/abg-quick-drive-battery-powered-mini-e-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the MINI E for a high res gallery

For three days before and during the media previews for the Los Angeles Auto Show last week, BMW had about a dozen electric MINIs available for evaluation drives. We finally got our crack at one Thursday morning at the LA convention center. The 6.5 mile loop that BMW laid out was both a terrible route to drive and perhaps the ideal route for an electric car. I don't know what downtown LA streets are like on weekend mornings, but 9 a.m. on a Thursday it's the last place in the world I'd want to be in a car. The 6.5 mile loop took us nearly 45 minutes to complete thanks to what passes for traffic flow in the area. Why anyone would actually want to drive in Los Angeles is a mystery to me, but by the time we were done it was easy to see why Priuses are so popular here. Since you spend more time in hurry up and wait mode than actually driving, an appliance like the Prius is perhaps the ideal choice. But I'm sure you already know that and would rather hear about the MINI E, something you can do right after the jump.

Gallery: Quick Drive: MINI E


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading ABG Quick Drive: Battery-powered MINI-E w/VIDEO

ABG Quick Drive: Battery-powered MINI-E w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac propulsionAcPropulsionlithiumlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesmini emini evMiniEMiniEvMon, 24 Nov 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: smart madness bring you butterfly door fortwos]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-smart-madness-bring-you-butterfly-door-fortwos/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-smart-madness-bring-you-butterfly-door-fortwos/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-smart-madness-bring-you-butterfly-door-fortwos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


see more smart madness by clicking above

One reason there are so many versions of the smart fortwo (see: Batsmart, the smart ed, the edit10n) is that the tiny cars were designed to be modular. SoCal's Smart Madness takes this to the reasonable limit and offers new body panels, rims, accessories, and upgrade parts galore. In fact, Smart Madness' Rachel Mills (business development and marketing) told AutoblogGreen that Smart Madness that the company has the larest collection of rims available for the fortwo and are the largest smart parts and accessory dealer in the US. Smart Madness brought a pair of tricked out fortwos to the LA Auto Show and we've got the picture to prove it. Pretty amazing considering smarts have only been sold in America for a year.

Gallery: LA 2008: smart madness booth


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2008: smart madness bring you butterfly door fortwos originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fortwosmart fortwosmart madnessSmartFortwoSmartMadnessFri, 21 Nov 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: HH2 display is downstairs, folks ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-hh2-display-is-downstairs-folks/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-hh2-display-is-downstairs-folks/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-hh2-display-is-downstairs-folks/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The tireless promoters of the HH2 hydrogen system are in the basement of the LA Convention Center this week, not too far from the Intimate EV. Four vehicles, only one that was actually outfitted with the HH2 materials, are sitting in the tuner hall awaiting visitors. If you go, you'll be full in the mix of information and told that the system costs just $500 $899 and can be installed in any vehicle built after 1960 (and even some previous cars). There are also clip art posters of the Twin-H Hydrogen Power device. In fact, visiting the booth is kind of like looking at the company's website. A lot of all caps, a few typos, and plenty of claims of incredible benefits from putting a little water into a box under your hood. We won't repeat ourselves in full, but will say again that these systems don't work. Instead of visiting, it's perhaps a bit safer to check out the claims in our gallery below.

UPDATE: The proprietors of the HH2 booth have issued a response to this post. Read it below.

Gallery: LA 2008: HH2 booth

Continue reading LA 2008: HH2 display is downstairs, folks

LA 2008: HH2 display is downstairs, folks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hh2hydroelectrichydroelectricpowerFri, 21 Nov 2008 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Intimate electric vehicle is "the quiet car"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-intimate-electric-vehicle-is-the-quiet-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-intimate-electric-vehicle-is-the-quiet-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-intimate-electric-vehicle-is-the-quiet-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


get intimate with the Quiet Car by clicking above

Charging up the basement of the LA Convention Center this week is the Intimate electric car, a bright red slope with the tagline: "The Quiet Car." Show workers were still unwrapping the tiny vehicle when we happened by, but that didn't stop us from taking some pictures. That blue rectangle by the door handles is just tape, don't worry.

In any case, we discovered that the two-seat Intimate is a bare bones EV, a project of L/E Automobiles, LLC. It'll most likely be regulated as a neighborhood electric vehicle (notice the four wheels?) but the website doesn't come out and say it. What it does say is that the Intimate BEV "will be developed and built in Van Nuys, California," supposedly here in late 2008. Target range is 30-60 miles on a 6-8 hour charge and it'll push you along at 40 mph. Don't want to be going too fast when you're getting intimate, right?

Gallery: LA 2008: Intimate EV - The Quiet Car

LA 2008: Intimate electric vehicle is "the quiet car" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>intimateintimate bevintimate electric carintimate evIntimateBevIntimateElectricCarIntimateEvlele automobilesLeAutomobilesnevquiet carQuietCarFri, 21 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus Engineering director talks about Dodge EV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/lotus-engineering-director-talks-about-dodge-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/lotus-engineering-director-talks-about-dodge-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/lotus-engineering-director-talks-about-dodge-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click the Dodge EV for a high-res gallery from the show

While strolling around one of the smaller exhibit halls at the Los Angeles Auto Show I ran into an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in about 15 years. I met Roger Becker early in my engineering career when I was working on the ABS system for the ill-fated Lotus Elan. Roger is the director of vehicle enigneering at Lotus and over his 42-year career he has had a hand in developing far more cars from different manufacturers than we will likely ever know about. While Lotus was here to give the US its first look at the new Evora sports car, they have had a hand in a variety of much greener projects in recent years, including the Tesla Roadster and, more recently, the Dodge EV. You may recall that the Dodge was announced a couple of months ago along with ER-EV versions of the Town and Country van and Jeep Wrangler. Since Chrysler had only a bare-bones presence here at LA, I asked Roger to answer a few questions about the Dodge; read all about it after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2008: Dodge EV


[Source: Lotus]Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Lotus Engineering director talks about Dodge EV

Lotus Engineering director talks about Dodge EV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dodge evDodgeEvlotusroger beckerRogerBeckerFri, 21 Nov 2008 08:48:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of the Honda Insight Eco Assist dashboard

Honda joins Ford in the green dash race with its latest piece of clever technology, the Eco Assist dashboard, which the automaker has revealed here in LA and will come with the 2009 Insight hybrid. There's an ECON button on the dash that increases fuel efficiency by changing settings on the CVT transmission and air conditioning unit and by increasing regenerative braking capabilities and a more aggressive anti-idling algorithm.

The Insight's new dash will also change colors between shades of green and blue to tell the driver how they're driving. There is also an an "economy scoring function" that keeps track of the way the car is driven and gives eco-scores to the pilot. Ford has taken a similar approach with its new Fusion hybrid, which will be equipped with an LCD gauge cluster called SmartGauge[TM] with EcoGuide.

Gallery: LA 2008: Honda Insight Eco Assist


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard

LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco assisteco assist dashboardEcoAssistEcoAssistDashboardhondahonda eco assisthonda insighthonda insight dashhonda insight eco assisthonda insight hybridHondaEcoAssistHondaInsightHondaInsightDashHondaInsightEcoAssistHondaInsightHybridFri, 21 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Kia's offers ex-Scion buyers a Soulful alternative]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-kias-offers-ex-scion-buyers-a-soulful-alternative/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-kias-offers-ex-scion-buyers-a-soulful-alternative/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-kias-offers-ex-scion-buyers-a-soulful-alternative/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more live shots of the Kia Soul in LA

Toyota has taken a bit of heat for seemingly ungreening its Scion xB, which used a small, efficient engine housed in a small, efficient package that seated four occupants comfortably with room left over for their various belongings. Now, many believe that the current xB has been enlarged from the size of previous models to its detriment and has gotten a 2.4-liter injection of power that reduces efficiency noticeably. For those who wish Scion had left things well enough alone, Kia and Nissan have both introduced new boxy vehicles to take the place of the first-gen xB. We witnessed the live unveilings of both new models here at the LA Auto Show and we think they both offer a unique alternative to the standard-fare hatchback or small sedan that many are turning to in an effort to save on their monthly gas bills.

Kia is stretching a bit with its model designations in an attempt to appeal to the young audience they are targeting with the Soul. Let's see, there is the base model, the Soul+, the Soul! (exclaim) and the Soul sport. Standard is a 120 (or so) horsepower 1.6L four cylinder and a 5-speed manual transmission. An optional 2.0L with about 140 horsepower mated to either the same stick or a 4-speed automatic isn't expected to hurt overall economy all that much, with both models expected to crest 30 mpg on the highway. Want one? The 2010 Soul will debut in just a few months.

Gallery: LA 2008: Kia Soul live debut


Gallery: 2010 Kia Soul


Live Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Kia's offers ex-Scion buyers a Soulful alternative

LA 2008: Kia's offers ex-Scion buyers a Soulful alternative originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 kia soul2010KiaSoulkia soulKiaSoulla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI, 25 mpg highway]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-volkswagen-touareg-v6-tdi-25-mpg-highway/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-volkswagen-touareg-v6-tdi-25-mpg-highway/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-volkswagen-touareg-v6-tdi-25-mpg-highway/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for a high-res photo gallery of the new Touareg V6 TDI

Volkswagen is showing off the new Touareg V6 TDI at the LA Auto Show before it goes on sale in around March of 2009. The V6 TDI replaces the old V10 TDI in the lineup and uses the same 3.0L V6 diesel that's going into the Audi Q7 TDI. At 221 hp and 407 lb-ft of torque, it should offer plenty of performance while still getting EPA mileage ratings of 17 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway. The city rating is 2 mpg less than the Q7, which VW spokesman Steve Keyes attributes to the Touareg's extra weight. The Q7 uses significantly more aluminum in its structure. With the Touareg's 26.4 galllon tank that should give it a 600-mile range. Given the real-world 29 mpg we got with the Q7 on the Mileage Marathon, 25 mpg in all around driving with the Touareg should be easily attainable. Keyes told ABG that AMCI will be doing some real world mileage testing of the Touareg as they did with the Jetta and those numbers are expected to exceed the EPA sticker values.

Gallery: LA 2008: VW Touareg V6 TDI


[Source: Volkswagen]
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI, 25 mpg highway

LA 2008: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI, 25 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008vw touaregvw touareg tdiVwTouaregVwTouaregTdiThu, 20 Nov 2008 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: AFS Trinity booth ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-afs-trinity-booth/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-afs-trinity-booth/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-afs-trinity-booth/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Not sure if this is exactly the LA Auto Show booth that AFS Trinity refused two weeks ago, but it might as well have been. Instead of their false claims of 150 mile per gallon equivalent hybrids here at the show, we have, well, nothing. As I said, we're more than willing to accept their claims that their plug-in hybrid technology is solid, but there's no need to BS us with your big numbers. See ya next time.

LA 2008: AFS Trinity booth originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afs trinityafs trinity hybridAfsTrinityAfsTrinityHybridThu, 20 Nov 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Brabus smart fortwo revealed]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-brabus-smart-fortwo-revealed/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-brabus-smart-fortwo-revealed/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-brabus-smart-fortwo-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click for a high-resolution gallery of the smart fortwo BRABUS

The smart fortwo BRABUS, unveiled today at the LA Auto Show, looks pretty sweet in person. I can do without the BRABUS name stuffed everywhere - floormat, hand brake, gas cap, etc. - but if you're willing to fork out the $17,990 for the coupe (or $20,990 for the cabriolet), then you probably want your passengers and attentive passersby to know it. And, becuase we've got a nice gallery of high-res images of the new model (in black, the silver version wasn't displayed today), you can decide for yourself if the new look of 41 mpg (highway) is too much or just right. These cars will be avaialable in limited numbers starting next year, but not for just anyone. For now, purchasing the smart fortwo BRABUS will be something only people who already have a fortwo on order can do. Do you have your name on the list?

Gallery: LA 2008: Brabus smart fortwo revealed


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sebastian Blanco and Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Brabus smart fortwo revealed

LA 2008: Brabus smart fortwo revealed originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brabusbrabus smartBrabusSmartfortwo brabusFortwoBrabussmartsmart fortwosmart fortwo brabusSmartFortwoSmartFortwoBrabusThu, 20 Nov 2008 15:27:00 EST