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[Renault partnering with L'Oréal on Zoe Z.E electric spa concept [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/renault-partnering-with-lore-al-on-zoe-z-e-electric-spa-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/renault-partnering-with-lore-al-on-zoe-z-e-electric-spa-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/renault-partnering-with-lore-al-on-zoe-z-e-electric-spa-concept/#commentsFiled under: ,

Renault Zoe Z.E. concept - click above for high-res image gallery

At the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September, one of the four electric vehicle concepts shown by Renault was this Zoe which the company now tells us was developed in collaboration with L'Oréal. We just received a bunch of new images of the Zoe and the new release refers to it as an electric "spa" concept.

Anyone that has seen ads for skin car products on TV or in print is intimately familiar with all the snake oil that companies like L'Oréal are constantly foisting on unsuspecting consumers. While the shape of the concept reportedly previews an upcoming BEV to debut in 2012, it seems L'Oréal's main contribution was the flowery language in this press release. Supposedly the air conditioning system hydrates the occupants skin and a system disperses essential oils inside.

While all of this may mean nothing in the end, the shape of the car is pretty interesting and Renault is apparently planning 220V standard charging, 20-minute fast charging and 3-minute battery swaps.


Gallery: Renault Zoe Z.E. concept


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault partnering with L'Oréal on Zoe Z.E electric spa concept [w/VIDEO]

Renault partnering with L'Oréal on Zoe Z.E electric spa concept [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleLOréalrenaultrenault zoerenault zoe z.e.RenaultZoeRenaultZoeZ.e.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-and-mks-ecoboost/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-and-mks-ecoboost/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkt-ecoboost-and-mks-ecoboost/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the last year and a half, Ford has repeatedly discussed EcoBoost as its high volume, mainstream technology for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. While Ford is putting a lot of effort into developing hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles, the high cost of those technologies will keep volumes low for the near term. Meanwhile, gasoline engine downsizing combined with turbocharging and direct fuel injection (GTDI) can cut consumption for a much lower cost. The technology arrives this summer, and while it has a green sheen to it, there's plenty of excitement for gearheads, as we have just learned.

Ford's first GTDI engine is the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that is set to debut in the Lincoln MKS, MKT, Ford Flex and Taurus SHO. Over the last eight months, Ford has conducted a number of background preview drives with EcoBoost equipped vehicles that we haven't been allowed to discuss. With production starting in the next few weeks, however, Ford allowed us to drive some pilot production examples of the two Lincolns powered by EcoBoost engines at its Romeo Proving Ground in Michigan. This time, however, we can finally tell you about it as well as give you a preview of the new MKT right after the jump.




Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost and MKS EcoBoost originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 15 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 lincoln mks2010 lincoln mks ecoboost2010 lincoln mkt2010 lincoln mkt ecoboost2010LincolnMks2010LincolnMksEcoboost2010LincolnMkt2010LincolnMktEcoboostecoboostfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivelincolnlincoln mkslincoln mktlincoln mkt ecoboostLincolnMksLincolnMktLincolnMktEcoboostmksmktFri, 15 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Focus could get 1.6L EcoBoost and 43 mpg]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/next-focus-could-get-1-6l-ecoboost-and-43-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/next-focus-could-get-1-6l-ecoboost-and-43-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/next-focus-could-get-1-6l-ecoboost-and-43-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We're hoping to see a production version of the Lincoln Concept C from the Detroit Auto Show, but even if that particular model never sees the light of day, the 1.6L EcoBoost engine under the concept's hood is likely to see production in one form or another in a variety of models from Ford. One logical spot for the flex fuel-capable turbocharged, direct injected four-banger is in the next-gen Focus, especially considering that the Lincoln Concept C was built atop a similar platform. When mated to Ford's PowerShift dual clutch gearbox along with Assisted Direct Start (read: start/stop) functionality, this little powertrain combination is reportedly capable of returning 43 miles per gallon on the highway. Just as importantly, the mill's 180-horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque is actually much more powerful than the outgoing 2.0L four cylinder in the current Ford Focus. We'll see for sure what's placed in the next Focus' engine bay in 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Next Focus could get 1.6L EcoBoost and 43 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford focus2010FordFocus2011 ford focus2011FordFocusfordford ecoboostford focusFordEcoboostFordFocusMon, 19 Jan 2009 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Concept C, the smallest Lincoln ever]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/detroit-2009-concept-c-the-smallest-lincoln-ever/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/detroit-2009-concept-c-the-smallest-lincoln-ever/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/detroit-2009-concept-c-the-smallest-lincoln-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Concept C for a high res gallery

Prior to the holidays, Ford invited members of the media to Dearborn to see many of the products that would be debuting at the Detroit Auto Show this week including the new Taurus, GT500 and Lincoln MKT. However, they kept a few things back to surprise us at the Show. Among those were the Focus EV mules and the concept pictured above. The Lincoln Concept C is the smallest Lincoln ever. What we have here is the Lincoln design language translated to a C-segment platform like the Ford Focus. The Concept C features all the latest telematics hardware that Ford touted last week at the Consumer Electronics Show.

It's what's under the hood that matters. Like the Volvo S60 across the aisle, this concept also features a 1.6L EcoBoost direct injected and turbocharged four cylinder. This little dynamo puts out 180 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, similar to the 2.5L four in the Fusion. However, paired with a PowerShift dual clutch gearbox and automatic start-stop, this vehicle should get an estimated 43 mpg. Ford hasn't confirmed plans to build a car like this yet, but spokesman Mark Schirmer confirmed the company is thinking about it.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln Concept C


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

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Concept C, the smallest Lincoln ever

Detroit 2009: Concept C, the smallest Lincoln ever originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowlincolnlincoln concept cLincolnConceptCTue, 13 Jan 2009 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: LincVolt is on the road and on the 'net]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/video-lincvolt-is-on-the-road-and-on-the-net/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/video-lincvolt-is-on-the-road-and-on-the-net/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/video-lincvolt-is-on-the-road-and-on-the-net/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We were just recently telling you about how Neil Young and his LincVolt project crew want to begin making similarly-powered vehicles for other people and now that we've learned more about what makes his '59 Lincoln go, we're back to fill you in. From what we can glean from the information now available, it seems the powertrain consists of a rotary engine from a Mazda RX7 running on compressed natural gas (CNG) which powers a generator that, in turn, powers the car's batteries. The batteries power the motor from UQM. At least, that's how it works for now.

Listening to conversation recorded at last week's Dreamforce conference where the car and crew made an appearance, one can hear Young's partner, Johnathan Goodwin, say, in explaining how they we expand on their currently claimed 50 mpg performance, "...we have other technology on there that will get us past our 100 mpg point..." Oh, really? More listening reveals that Goodwin is working on a small turbine which will be fueled by hydrogen. The hydrogen is to be derived from water via electrolysis with, we suppose, electricity generated from..., well, we're not sure. The Lincoln is definitely a big car but we suspect there may not be enough room under the hood for both a rotary engine and a turbine. In any case, the claims made of achieving "over-unity" (more energy put out than that put in) with this set-up were too absurd to continue listening further and we turned our attention back to the new neat-o stuff on this car that actually works. Hit the jump for more details as well as video of the LincVolt cruising to a concert in California.

[Source: LincVolt.com / Youtube]

Continue reading VIDEO: LincVolt is on the road and on the 'net

VIDEO: LincVolt is on the road and on the 'net originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CNGCompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasJohnathan GoodwinJohnathanGoodwinLinc VoltLincVoltNeil YoungNeilYoungMon, 10 Nov 2008 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Neil Young delivers state of the LincVolt address]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/video-neil-young-delivers-state-of-the-lincvolt-address/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/video-neil-young-delivers-state-of-the-lincvolt-address/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/video-neil-young-delivers-state-of-the-lincvolt-address/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When last we visited Neil Young's LincVolt project the car and crew had managed to survive some early road testing. That was at the beginning of June so you may be forgiven if you think that four months later the car should be ready to go with nothing standing between it and the open road but a good coat of wax. Obviously the mind of a rock genius has its own ideas about time and such and so there is yet work to be done before the car makes its road trip debut. However, that is not to say that there hasn't been any progress. There has been, and in a video address, Neil gives the world the latest news on the development of the car.

Among the highlights is the arrival of an old gas engine from Australia. Why they decided to ship a used engine all the way from Australia to perform as a range extender in the '59 Lincoln Continental was not revealed but they do address some of the red tape encountered in the shipping. Another piece of progress was made with Paul Perrone of Perrone Robotics installing all the sensors that will supply to the world via internet, every possible bit of data relevant to the LincVolt as it rolls down the highway such as current speed and altitude. Besides being able to see the road ahead, sound and vision of the interior will also be available on the LincVolt website which is set to undergo a dramatic change to bring you a mix of telemetry and rolling reality show. In the meantime, the site has a webcam to allow us all to see what's going on with the car now. Hit the jump for video of the state of the LincVolt address.

[Source: YouTube / LincVolt]

Continue reading VIDEO: Neil Young delivers state of the LincVolt address

VIDEO: Neil Young delivers state of the LincVolt address originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lincoln ContinentalLincolnContinentalLincVoltNeil YoungNeilYoungPaul PerronePaulPerroneMon, 29 Sep 2008 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford SUV assembly plant workers get 9-week unplanned vacation]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/ford-suv-assembly-plant-workers-get-9-week-unplanned-vacation/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/ford-suv-assembly-plant-workers-get-9-week-unplanned-vacation/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/ford-suv-assembly-plant-workers-get-9-week-unplanned-vacation/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ford has seen the writing on the wall for sales of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs. Both vehicles are built at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, MI and sales of both have tanked this year. With gas at $4/gallon 37 percent fewer buyers have decided that a Navigator is a must have this year and 43 percent have opted for something other than the Expedition. Rather than stockpiling more SUVs that they have no realistic expectation of selling anytime soon, Ford will be sending workers home next week and asking them to stay away until the end of August.

At some point it seems likely that Ford will either shift pickup truck production to SUV plants or shift the SUVs to one of the pickup plants. Some of the plants that loose truck production will be shifting over to building cars, particularly the Focus and perhaps the updated Fusion coming later this year.

[Source: Reuters]

Ford SUV assembly plant workers get 9-week unplanned vacation originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford expeditionford michigan truck plantFordExpeditionFordMichiganTruckPlantlincoln navigatorLincolnNavigatorsuv salesSuvSalesTue, 17 Jun 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Neil Young goes for a test ride in his new 1959 Lincoln electric hybrid, almost crashes.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/neil-young-goes-for-a-test-ride-in-his-new-1959-lincoln-electric/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/neil-young-goes-for-a-test-ride-in-his-new-1959-lincoln-electric/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/neil-young-goes-for-a-test-ride-in-his-new-1959-lincoln-electric/#commentsFiled under: , ,




From time to time we get questions about the status of Neil Young's Linc-Volt project, the transformation, nay, transmogrification of the rock icon's gas guzzling '59 Lincoln Continental into a sweet serial-electric hybrid by John Goodwin. There have been a few teasers and the odd announcement made but now, thanks to shoe-leather reporting by The Wichita Eagle, we are happy to disclose to you that the Linc Volt lives! Though not completed, Young and Goodwin were able to take it for a successful 12 mile spin under, what sounds like, electric power. Young described the car as quiet and powerful, though apparently as there is no accelerator pedal or power steering yet, and Goodwin was applying the juice via a knob located somewhere in the back seat, the short trip almost ended in disaster. As they approached an entrance ramp, the knob was twisted the wrong way and they found themselves hurtling toward the backside of another vehicle. Fortunately, Neil still has good reflexes and he reached over with his foot from the passenger side to stomp down hard on the brake. Disaster averted.

No completion date was mentioned in the article or accompanying video but hopefully it will be finished soon. The pair are planning on making a road trip to Washington, DC and across California as part of a promotional tour. The trip should generate lots of press as well as footage for a documentary being filmed about the project. It will also give Goodwin the chance to actually listen to Neil Young's music, which he admits, he still hasn't heard. It will also give the oddball pair an opportunity to discuss future plans to extend the scope of their venture.

[Source: The Wichita Eagle]

Neil Young goes for a test ride in his new 1959 Lincoln electric hybrid, almost crashes. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>John GoodwinJohnGoodwinLinc VoltLincVoltNeil YoungNeilYoungserial hybridSerialHybridMon, 02 Jun 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Is leather the "ultimate recycled material?" PETA thinks not]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/is-leather-the-ultimate-recycled-material-peta-thinks-not/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/is-leather-the-ultimate-recycled-material-peta-thinks-not/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/is-leather-the-ultimate-recycled-material-peta-thinks-not/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last month, Peta sent a letter to David Schembri, president of Smart USA, informing him that his company is contradicting itself if it considers its Smart Passion models to be environmentally friendly. The problem is not the fuel mileage or emissions, but the fact that the vehicle includes leather seats. According to PETA, leather is harmful to the environment, but more importantly to them, it requires killing cows. According to PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk, "Smart can't have it both ways: touting its cars as eco-friendly and then plastering them with toxic and Earth-degrading leather."

Detroit News bloggers have chimed in regarding this issue, with Eric Morath quoting Rodney Hammond, vice president and general manager at Seton Co, as saying, "When you think about it, leather is the ultimate recycled material. You don't grow cows for the skin, you do it for the beef or the dairy. We take what would otherwise be waste and turn it into a beautiful, luxurious product." Hammond's company is an automotive supplier that makes leather interiors. Manny Lopez considers leather "green and practical," while Scott Burgess suggests switching to hemp and reminds us that some automakers have begun using bio-fabrics. In any case, leather interiors are not likely to go anywhere soon, but perhaps the industry could take a deeper look at the chromium-free tanning process that Lincoln was touting on their MKR concept.

[Source: PETA, Detroit News]

Is leather the "ultimate recycled material?" PETA thinks not originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E. NewkirkE.NewkirkIngrid E. NewkirkIngrid-E.-NewkirkIngrid-NewkirkIngridE.Newkirkleatherpetasmartsmart passionsmart-passionSmartPassionThu, 06 Mar 2008 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Update on Neil Young's Linc Volt: UQM is working on the propulsion system]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/update-on-neil-youngs-linc-volt-uqm-is-working-on-the-propulsi/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/update-on-neil-youngs-linc-volt-uqm-is-working-on-the-propulsi/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/update-on-neil-youngs-linc-volt-uqm-is-working-on-the-propulsi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Remember Neil Young's Linc Volt, the rock star's converted 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV? Young is turning the car into a "bio-hydro-electric series hybrid vehicle." UQM Technologies released a statement this week that explains a bit more about the unique propulsion system that is going into this 2.5 ton, 19.5 foot-long vehicle (the longest production car ever made).

The UQM press release says the company will be supplying a 150-kilowatt power system. Not a lot of detail, true, but we do know that Jonathan Goodwin's H-Line Conversions is also involved. The partnership will make a huge difference in the eco-friendliness of the ride. The production version Mark IV got 10 mpg. Young's should get "over 100 miles per gallon, according to UQM.

Related:
[Source: Denver Post, UQM]

Continue reading Update on Neil Young's Linc Volt: UQM is working on the propulsion system

Update on Neil Young's Linc Volt: UQM is working on the propulsion system originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodiesel-linc-voltlinc-voltneil-youngneil-young-biodieselneil-young-electric-carneil-young-evneil-young-linc-voltneil-young-mark-ivThu, 31 Jan 2008 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Auto Show: Ford expands flex-fuel to Navigator, Expedition, E-Vans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-expands-flex-fuel-to-navigator-expedition-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-expands-flex-fuel-to-navigator-expedition-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-expands-flex-fuel-to-navigator-expedition-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For the 2009 model year, Ford is expanding flex-fuel capability on their big trucks. The humongous Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs and the E-Series vans will all be capable of running E85 through the 5.4L V-8. Ford has already offered the same flex-fuel capability on the F-150 pickups for several years. The change probably won't make any real impact on to total fuel consumption but it will get Ford some mpg credits. The Ford press release is after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading DC Auto Show: Ford expands flex-fuel to Navigator, Expedition, E-Vans

DC Auto Show: Ford expands flex-fuel to Navigator, Expedition, E-Vans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flex-fuelford-expeditionlincoln-navigatorwashington-auto-showTue, 22 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT concept live reveal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-lincoln-mkt-concept-live-reveal/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-lincoln-mkt-concept-live-reveal/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-lincoln-mkt-concept-live-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the MKT for a hgh-res gallery from the reveal

At the Detroit Auto Show this morning, Lincoln took the wraps off its new MKT luxury crossover. Unlike the popular but relatively blandly styled MKX, the new MKT has a much bolder look. It takes all the styling cues from last year's MKR and applies them to a four-seat CUV. The all wheel drive MKT is based on the architecture of the upcoming Ford Flex which allows for enormous amounts of space for the four occupants. Under the hood, the MKT shows the first E85-optimized variant of the new 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 that will debut in the MKS sedan. With higher compression and boost levels than the MKS variant, this one produces 415hp and 400lb-ft of torque. Ford has said it will make all the EcoBoost engines flex-fuel capable, although it's unlikely that most of them will be optimized in this way. On the outside, the body work is made from reconstituted plastics from old pop bottles produced by Sabic Innovative Plastics. The same company made the materials used for the body of the Chevy Volt last year.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT concept reveal

Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT concept live reveal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit-2008ecoboostlincoln-mktMon, 14 Jan 2008 09:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT w/ 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 and upcycled plastic body]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-lincoln-mkt-w-3-5l-ecoboost-v-6-and-upcycled-plas/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-lincoln-mkt-w-3-5l-ecoboost-v-6-and-upcycled-plas/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-lincoln-mkt-w-3-5l-ecoboost-v-6-and-upcycled-plas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the Lincoln MKT for a high-res gallery

Second applies in many ways to the new Lincoln MKT crossover concept being unveiled by Ford at the Detroit Auto Show. It's the second production-intent Lincoln to wear the new design language pioneered on last year's MKR concept after the MKS. It's the second vehicle based on the platform of the new Ford Flex crossover. It' s also the second Ford concept at this show powered by Ford's new EcoBoost 3.5L V-6 with turbocharging and direct injection paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Explorer America concept, this one has been optimized for use with E85 allowing the power output to increase from 340hp to 415hp with 400lb-ft of torque.

This big wagon also features secondary use of plastics with body panels, wiring bundles and glazing being made from Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ produced by Sabic Innovative Plastics. They are the same company that produced materials for the Volt and Hyundai Qarmaq concepts last year. The "upcycled" plastics are made from pop bottles and other polyester waste. The wagon was optimized for passenger comfort with only a four seat layout inside meaning that in spite of being optimized for biofuel use and using a down sized engine it's still pretty wasteful.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT w/ 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 and upcycled plastic body

Detroit 2008: Lincoln MKT w/ 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 and upcycled plastic body originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit-2008ecoboostlincoln-mktMon, 14 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Ford EcoBoost Gasoline Turbo Direct Injection engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/detroit-2008-ford-ecoboost-gasoline-turbo-direct-injection-engi/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/detroit-2008-ford-ecoboost-gasoline-turbo-direct-injection-engi/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/detroit-2008-ford-ecoboost-gasoline-turbo-direct-injection-engi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click to Enlarge

Now that all the major automakers have acknowledged the reality of both climate change and the need for increased fuel efficiency, they are all looking for ways to address the problems. Speaking at a preview prior to the 2008 Detroit Auto Show Ford Global Product Development VP Derrick Kuzak made it clear that in order to have any real impact, improvements need to start happening quickly and on a large scale. With a U.S. vehicle fleet approaching 200 million vehicles and only about 16 million new vehicles on the road each year, it takes 15-20 years to turn over the fleet to cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

In order to meet the total fleet CO2 reductions that will be needed over the next several decades, millions of vehicles per year need to cleaned up - a few hundred to a few thousand vehicles won't have an impact. To achieve that, economically efficient solutions will be required so that car buyers can afford to buy. The first steps toward that for Ford will be weight reduction and gasoline-turbocharged-direct-injection (GTDI) engines. GTDI? Yes. Read on past the jump to learn more.

Gallery: Ford EcoBoost GDTI engines


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Ford Explorer America concept Gallery


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Ford EcoBoost Gasoline Turbo Direct Injection engines

Detroit 2008: Ford EcoBoost Gasoline Turbo Direct Injection engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit-2008ecoboostford-ecoboostford-gtdigasoline-turbocharged-direct-injectiongtdigtdi-ecoboostSun, 06 Jan 2008 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford says you can eat interiors, and expands the idea]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/12/12/ford-says-you-can-eat-interiors-and-expands-the-idea/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/12/12/ford-says-you-can-eat-interiors-and-expands-the-idea/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/12/12/ford-says-you-can-eat-interiors-and-expands-the-idea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford is announcing that the 2008 Ford Mustang, F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator will have soy-based seat foam, which Ford claims will deliver a carbon reduction of 605,000 pounds per year. The company also announced that the 2008 Escape uses 100 percent "post-industrial waste" (never sold to customers, and I guess not edible) that would otherwise end up in landfills. Sure, these aren't the greenest models in Ford's range, but these initiatives will expand to all Ford models and Ford has licensed the technology to other companies like John Deere.

Other developments Ford has announced are quite curious. The Lincoln MKR concept features extensive use of wood, which is "reengineered oak", which comes from recycled sources reassembled grain by grain. The concept also includes chromium-free leather. The 2009 Lincoln MKS (pictured) will "introduce soft leather perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process" as well as "reclaimed wood and an Olive Ash wood trim".

But there's more, Ford is studying how to replace fiberglass "now used between the headliner of a vehicle and the roof sheet metal" with a bio-sourced material that could improve insulation and reduce weight. And finally, Ford is also confirming work on ways to introduce hemp, corn (as a kind of plastic-like), switch grass, flax and other natural fibers into the vehicles.

Press releases after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford says you can eat interiors, and expands the idea

Ford says you can eat interiors, and expands the idea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford-soynatural-fiberssoy-based-foamWed, 12 Dec 2007 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[CNG limos for NYC]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/13/cng-limos-for-nyc/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/13/cng-limos-for-nyc/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/13/cng-limos-for-nyc/#commentsFiled under: ,



A new company in New York, called LimoGreen, is starting a business that provides Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) limo rides to its customers. The CNG limos, which are Lincoln TownCars converted to natural gas operation, are converted by BAF Technologies.

Not much more to say about this, except to quote from their webpage "LimoGreen natural gas vehicles are not only environmentally friendly, they deliver the same high performance as their gasoline kin which makes LimoGreen the only full-service, high-performing, carbon-reducing, energy-efficient, executive travel service on the road." Always be skeptical of something that's the "only" thing that need to be narrowly defined, but we note the upside here, too.

Related:
[Source: NGV]

CNG limos for NYC originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cng-limogreen limoGreenLimolimo natural gaslimo NYClimogreenLimoNaturalGasLimoNycSat, 13 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's direct injection to debut on 2009 Lincoln MKS]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/fords-direct-injection-to-debut-on-2009-lincoln-mks/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/fords-direct-injection-to-debut-on-2009-lincoln-mks/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/fords-direct-injection-to-debut-on-2009-lincoln-mks/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A couple of weeks ago during Ford's 2008 model preview, product development chief Derrick Kuzak informed us that the twin-force technology that debuted on the Lincoln MKR concept would be rolled out to a whole range of four- and six-cylinder engines at Ford over the next two to three years. We now know that the first recipient of it will be the upcoming 2009 Lincoln MKS sedan.

At introduction, the V-6 engine won't be turbocharged but will feature direct fuel injection. It's unknown at this time if the displacement will be the same 3.5L as the Taurus or the rumored 3.7L. Given the power boost from the GDI system the 3.5L is more likely. The turbo version of the engine may come later depending on gas prices. Expect about 300-310 hp (compared to 260 in the Taurus) and better fuel economy to boot.

Ford's direct injection to debut on 2009 Lincoln MKS originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gasoline direct injectionGasolineDirectInjectionWed, 11 Jul 2007 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Lincoln MKR concept on ABG a second time on one day? Crazy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/lincoln-mkr-concept-on-abg-a-second-time-on-one-day-crazy/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/lincoln-mkr-concept-on-abg-a-second-time-on-one-day-crazy/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/lincoln-mkr-concept-on-abg-a-second-time-on-one-day-crazy/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford is calling the luxury touches build into their new Lincoln MKR concept vehicle "guilt free" thanks to a few environmentally friendly processes used to make the deluxe interior. But can some soy seats really make driving a luxury vehicle green? I guess we won't know unless these features reach production in an upscale car and we can figure out what sort of MPG rating they're riding around in.

Anyway, the "guilt-free" features include:
  • Chrome-free leather that was tanned using a new process that is chromium-free and "minimally impacts the environment."
  • A reengineered oak instrument panel, mohair carpet and soy-based seat foam. The wood "is a reengineered oak that has been recycled and reassembled grain by grain, and stained black to give the wood a warm, rich appearance without using additional trees."
Related:
[Source: Ford]

Lincoln MKR concept on ABG a second time on one day? Crazy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford mkrFordMkrlincolm mkrLincolmMkrTue, 02 Jan 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Two high-powered Ford concepts are flex-fuel capable]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/two-high-powered-ford-concepts-are-flex-fuel-capable/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/two-high-powered-ford-concepts-are-flex-fuel-capable/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/two-high-powered-ford-concepts-are-flex-fuel-capable/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ford is showing off at least two major high-powered concept cars at next weeks Detroit Auto Show, both based on stretched versions the Ford Mustang platform. The Ford Interceptor and Lincoln MKR both have engines with 400+hp engines, a 5.0L twin-cam V-8 in the Interceptor and a twin-turbo 3.5L V-6 in the MKR. The reason these two cars are here on this page is because both are flex-fuel capable, being able to run on any mix of gas or ethanol up to E85. Green machines, no?

[Source: Ford]

Two high-powered Ford concepts are flex-fuel capable originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford interceptorFordInterceptorlincolm mkrLincolmMkrTue, 02 Jan 2007 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EPA certifies propane system compatible with taxis]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/epa-certifies-propane-system-compatible-with-taxis/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/epa-certifies-propane-system-compatible-with-taxis/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/epa-certifies-propane-system-compatible-with-taxis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



AFV Solutions says the EPA has certified its propane conversion system for the 4.6-liter engine in 2006 Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car, two vehicles very popular with high-mileage taxis and limos. AFV officials say fleets can reduce fuel costs up to 40 percent with the conversion and lower maintenance costs. The company also has propane/gasoline bi-fuel certifications for models dating back to 2003. In the works is a dedicated natural gas system for the 2007 4.6-liter engine and propane system for the bigger 5.4-liter engine.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

EPA certifies propane system compatible with taxis originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFV SolutionsAfvSolutionsnatural gasNaturalGaspropane conversionPropaneConversionFri, 13 Oct 2006 10:19:00 EST