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[Quick Drive: Ford Fiesta 5-door hatchback]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/quick-drive-ford-fiesta-5-door-hatchback/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/quick-drive-ford-fiesta-5-door-hatchback/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/quick-drive-ford-fiesta-5-door-hatchback/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford Fiesta - click above for a high res gallery

For all the strength that the U.S. automakers have shown in the realm of big trucks and SUVs over the last thirty years, they are remarkably weak when it comes to small cars. However, all that appears to be about to change quite dramatically. A plethora of stylish small cars are coming to market over the next 12-24 months wearing the badges of, at least, Ford and General Motors. Chrysler may even get in the action if it can consummate a deal with Fiat and get the 500. At the moment however, the first and perhaps most exciting example is the Ford Fiesta.

Ford sold the first-generation Fiesta in the U.S. for several years in the late '70s and early '80s in the wake of the second Middle East oil crisis. Since then, the Fiesta has remained a relatively popular option in Europe, but America had to make do mostly with the Escort and Focus along with a few years of the Kia-sourced Festiva and Aspire. Ford is now in the midst of re-focusing its efforts on cars with plenty of help of Europe. The first of those Euro-Fords will be the 6th generation Fiesta which arrives here around the end of this year. We had the chance to spend some time behind the wheel of the Fiesta in Manhattan during the New York Auto Show. Find out if the Fiesta is more Fit or Festiva after the jump.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta


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

Continue reading Quick Drive: Ford Fiesta 5-door hatchback

Quick Drive: Ford Fiesta 5-door hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford fiestaford fiesta first driveford fiesta five doorford fiesta five-doorFordFiestaFordFiestaFirstDriveFordFiestaFive-doorFordFiestaFiveDoorSun, 12 Apr 2009 19:48:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Fisker says plug-in hybrids will cost just $20,000 in a decade]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/new-york-2009-fisker-says-plug-in-hybrids-will-cost-just-20-00/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/new-york-2009-fisker-says-plug-in-hybrids-will-cost-just-20-00/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/new-york-2009-fisker-says-plug-in-hybrids-will-cost-just-20-00/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



According to Henrik Fisker, the auto industry is due for some big changes. As the only representative of a young automaker participating in the Newsweek Future of Automotive Panel Discussion at the New York Auto Show last week, Fisker was the voice of the insurgent. For example, he said that, in 2020, plug-in hybrids will cost less than $20,000. This from the man who's selling them today for $90,000. Another thing that will really change is the way that electricity is generated in America. It will be much, much cleaner, and it's this clean energy that will be what is used to get people to and from work and school. Looking at all the factors, and Fisker said that the next 24 months will be tremendously important for the green scene. "The car industry needs to reinvent itself," he said, "and it needs to happen now."

Other members of the panel included Lou Rhodes, from Chrysler's ENVI and Kevin Smith, from Edmunds.com. Newsweek's Dan Lyons was the moderator. Read more about what was said after the jump.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

Continue reading New York 2009: Fisker says plug-in hybrids will cost just $20,000 in a decade

New York 2009: Fisker says plug-in hybrids will cost just $20,000 in a decade originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerhenrik fiskerHenrikFiskernew york 2009NewYork2009Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Hyundai Nuvis concept hints at next-gen CUVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/new-york-2009-hyundai-nuvis-concept-hints-at-next-gen-cuvs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/new-york-2009-hyundai-nuvis-concept-hints-at-next-gen-cuvs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/new-york-2009-hyundai-nuvis-concept-hints-at-next-gen-cuvs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hyundai Nuvis concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first hint of what we can expect from the next generation Tucson and Santa Fe crossovers was revealed today at the New York Auto Show as the Hyundai Nuvis concept. The sweeping creases echo and expand upon Hyundai's design direction that could be seen on the Genesis coupe and sedan and the Korean market Equus that stood on display nearby. Like so many other concepts at the show this year, this one featured doors that will almost certainly not be duplicated in production, extra-long gull-wings in this case.

The interior is designed for exactly four occupants instead of going for the maximum possible seating with three rows. Nuvis designers have dispensed with all the usual switch gear in favor of a river of information flowing throughout the concept's interior, all of which is accessible through touch-sensitive surfaces. All of the interior fabrics are also made from 100% recycled materials.

Under the skin, the Nuvis is spec'd out with the same Hyundai-developed BlueHybrid drivetrain that was shown at the LA Auto Show last November. The hybrid system uses lithium polymer batteries, which give designers more flexibility in packaging compared to more typical lithium ion batteries. The production version of this hybrid system debuts next year in the next-generation Sonata, while the design elements of this concept will likely appear on the new Tucson later this year.




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

Continue reading New York 2009: Hyundai Nuvis concept hints at next-gen CUVs

New York 2009: Hyundai Nuvis concept hints at next-gen CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundai nuvishyundai nuvis conceptHyundaiNuvisHyundaiNuvisConceptnew yorknew york 2009new york auto shownew york auto show 2009NewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowNewYorkAutoShow2009NYAutoShowSat, 11 Apr 2009 19:41:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Mitsubishi details global iMiEV plans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/new-york-2009-mitsubishi-details-global-imiev-plans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/new-york-2009-mitsubishi-details-global-imiev-plans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/new-york-2009-mitsubishi-details-global-imiev-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mitsubishi i MiEV - click above for high-res image gallery


Mitsubishi's big electric car announcement at the New York Auto Show was that the iMiEV would be coming to the U.S. All we could get out of Mitsubishi reps before the big reveal was that this will happen sometime before 2012.
"I would say within two years."
When we got to spend a few minutes with John Koenig, Mitsubishi North America's executive vice president of operations, he said, "We've now announced that for all the global markets, wherever the left hand drive is needed, that's where it's going to be. We just can't say the exact timing when it'll be, but I would say within two years."

With Japan, the UK, and the rest of Europe due to get the iMiEV before the U.S., the question of how many of these cute electric cars Mitsubishi can produce was at the top of our minds. We asked Koenig about the reports that the company would increase its annual production capability to 20,000 units. 20,000 may seem like a too few to some people, but Koenig said that the real numbers are really even smaller. Less than 10,000 iMiEVs will be made per year when Mitsubishi starts up "full production." The limiting factor, as should be no surprise, is the number of battery packs that GS Yuasa can make. Koenig said, "Right now, GS Yuasa is our source of batteries, through the joint venture we've done with them. I think 10,- or 12,000 is the maximum volume at the beginning. We're working on figuring out a way to get greater battery production, but that's going to mean an investment in a plant somewhere to produce more. We haven't made a decision on where that plant would be located, whether that be in Japan or North America or Europe. That's the biggest drawback right now."

Listen to our discussion with Koenig and read more after the jump.

Gallery: i MiEV

Continue reading New York 2009: Mitsubishi details global iMiEV plans

New York 2009: Mitsubishi details global iMiEV plans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i mievimievjohn koenigJohnKoenigmievmitsubishimitsubishi i mievmitsubishi imievMitsubishiIMievSat, 11 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[It's Friday! EVcast vs. the New York Auto Show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/its-friday-evcast-vs-the-new-york-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/its-friday-evcast-vs-the-new-york-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/its-friday-evcast-vs-the-new-york-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The New York International Auto Show has been going on this week and it appears that AutoblogGreen was not the only media on hand with an interest in checking out the latest in environmentally-friendlier vehicles. Bo Bennett and Ryan Levesque from the EVcast, a podcast about electric vehicles (EVs), somehow made it past security and, armed with a video camera, proceeded to wreak mayhem across the length and breadth of the show floor. Compared by many (OK, maybe just me) to those MTV sock puppets of yore, Sifl and Olly, the two carried on with their tradition of shenanigans whilst at the same time attempting to make a point about the desirability of electrically-powered vehicles.

Hit the jump and check out the ambiguously comedic duo as they cover all the cool electric vehicles at the show including the PUMA from Segway and GM, the Karma and Sunset from Fisker Automotive, and the Chevy Volt. If you're curious about their more serious coverage of the show, check out the Wednesday edition when they were joined in New York by our very own Sebastian Blanco.

[Source: EVcast]

Continue reading It's Friday! EVcast vs. the New York Auto Show

It's Friday! EVcast vs. the New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EV CastEvCastSebastian BlancoSebastianBlancoshenanigansSifl and OllySiflAndOllyFri, 10 Apr 2009 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: EVII shows off the Wave and Inizio]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-evii-shows-off-the-wave-and-inizio/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-evii-shows-off-the-wave-and-inizio/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-evii-shows-off-the-wave-and-inizio/#commentsFiled under: , ,


EVII Wave - Click above for high-res image gallery

EV Innovations Inc. (EVII) was formerly known as Hybrid Technologies. The old name never really fit, because the company specializes in electric vehicles, not hybrids. Here at the New York Auto Show, EVII began rectifying that oversight with a display of three pure-electric vehicles, including - and this is a first for the company no matter what it's called - two models of their own design.

EVII has a couple of conversions (the latest is the LiV Harmony, an ex-Pontiac Vibe). LiV is EVII's designation for their converted vehicles and includes the LiV Dash (a smart fortwo) and the LiV Flash (a MINI). These cars can be purchased today and EVII will also take your order for their all-electric line. All this means is that you can put a deposit down and then EVII will build your vehicle soon. Hill said they hope to build 10 each of the 2010 Inizio and the 2010 Wave in the next 12 months. The what and the what, did you say? Find out after the jump.

Gallery: New York 2009: EVII

Continue reading New York 2009: EVII shows off the Wave and Inizio

New York 2009: EVII shows off the Wave and Inizio originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eviihybrid technologiesHybridTechnologiesiniziowaveThu, 09 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Peapod, up close and personal with the electric vehicle in Manhattan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/peapod-up-close-and-personal-with-the-electric-vehicle-in-manha/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/peapod-up-close-and-personal-with-the-electric-vehicle-in-manha/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/peapod-up-close-and-personal-with-the-electric-vehicle-in-manha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Peapod - click above for a high res gallery

Breaking away from the excitement free food here at the New York Auto Show today, we joined up with our friends over at Engadget to pay a quick visit to Peapod Mobility. You know, the GEM version 2 folks. While saying this is the next-generation GEM is technically correct, the Peapod is really a fresh concept for Chrysler (which owns GEM and made Peapod Mobility its own company earlier this year).

Peter Arnell, the chief innovation officer at Peapod Mobility, took us on a quick descriptive tour of the Peapod and said that the design was influenced by three things. Ready for the list? The reflection in Buzz Aldrin's helmet when he stepped onto the moon, a turtle and Darth Vader. Yeah, that's what we thought, too. Find our more about the Peapod after the jump.

Gallery: PeaPod

Continue reading Peapod, up close and personal with the electric vehicle in Manhattan

Peapod, up close and personal with the electric vehicle in Manhattan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler peapodChryslerPeapodpeapodpeapod carpeapod chryslerpeapod electric carpeapod evpeapod mobilityPeapodCarPeapodChryslerPeapodElectricCarPeapodEvPeapodMobilityThu, 09 Apr 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Performance, the past and the hoped for future]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-performance-the-past-and-the-hoped-for-future/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-performance-the-past-and-the-hoped-for-future/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-performance-the-past-and-the-hoped-for-future/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Dodge Viper sits in the shadow of the Circuit EV prototype

Out in the middle of the Dodge display here at the Javits center lies the past and future of performance cars. Sitting on the floor is the epitome of old school performance, the Viper SRT-10. With a rip-roaring 8.4-liter V10, the Viper accelerates at a rate few cars on the road today can match. In doing so however, it consumes prodigious amounts of refined petroleum.

Just a few feet away, highlighted on the turntable, was the Dodge Circuit. Based on the Lotus Europa, the battery-powered Circuit is likely to be the first of several electric drive vehicles that Chrysler plans to produce starting in 2010. While it's not quite as fast as the Viper at this point, 0-60 times in the 5-second range are nothing to be embarrassed about. Unlike its long-nosed sibling, the Circuit emits nothing nor does it consume any petroleum products directly. Now if only Chrysler can stay in business long enough...

New York 2009: Performance, the past and the hoped for future originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge circuitdodge circuit evdodge viperdodge viper srt-10dodge viper srt10dodge viper srt10 acrDodgeCircuitDodgeCircuitEvDodgeViperDodgeViperSrt-10DodgeViperSrt10DodgeViperSrt10Acrnew yorknew york 2009new york autonew york auto shownew york auto show 2009new york autoshowNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoNewYorkAutoShowNewYorkAutoShow2009Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: How the Mitsubishi iMiEV electric car will be welcomed to Portland, OR]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-how-the-mitsubishi-imiev-electric-car-will-be-wel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-how-the-mitsubishi-imiev-electric-car-will-be-wel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-how-the-mitsubishi-imiev-electric-car-will-be-wel/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mitsubishi i-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following today's announcement that the i-MiEV will come to the U.S. in the near future, we took a few minutes to speak with Charlie Allcock, director of economic development at PGE (not PG&E, because, as I found out, saying that would make you look silly). PGE is Mitsubishi's new partner utility for testing electric vehicles in the U.S. (along with SCE). Currently, the two organizations have a Memorandum of Understanding, which means that they're not willing to discuss details until things are finalized (which should happen by June). Still, Allcock was able to tell us a few things about the next step in bringing the electric jellybean to the U.S.

Up first, working out the details of the Mitsubishi MOU. "We want to see what they're like to have in the fleet," Allcock said. "We want to see what the charging is like. We want to see what the impact is on our system and we want to show them to our customers."

PGE is also working with Nisssan-Renault on testing their battery-powered vehicles, and Allcock said he expects this to not be the last of the bunch. "I expect more OEMs to be coming our way, as well as the charging station manufacturers," he said. Part of the reason is a recent Request For Proposal issued by the state of Oregon for soliciting charging equipment for electric vehicles, the first of its kind in the United States. The floodgates are starting to creak open. "I think every OEM is going to have their time when they engage in the 'where?' conversation," Allcock said. When they do, Portland will be ready.

Give a listen (7 min):


Gallery: i MiEV

Continue reading New York 2009: How the Mitsubishi iMiEV electric car will be welcomed to Portland, OR

New York 2009: How the Mitsubishi iMiEV electric car will be welcomed to Portland, OR originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i mievimievmievmitsubishi i mievmitsubishi imievmitsubishi portlandMitsubishiIMievMitsubishiPortlandoregonportlandportland oregonPortlandOregonThu, 09 Apr 2009 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, two-mode goes German]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/quick-drive-2010-mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-two-mode-goes-germ/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/quick-drive-2010-mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-two-mode-goes-germ/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/quick-drive-2010-mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-two-mode-goes-germ/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid

An hour after Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new ML450 hybrid at the New York Auto Show, we got to take our first quick drive in the first German version of a two-mode hybrid. Mercedes-Benz has been collaborating with General Motors, Chrysler and BMW for the last four years to develop the two-mode hybrid system for applications smaller than the buses that GM originally designed it for. GM has now installed the system across the board on all its GMT900 full size trucks and SUVs and Chrysler briefly offered it on the Durango and Aspen before production of those vehicles ended at the end of 2008. In 2010, Dodge will add the system to the Ram pickup trucks.

Mercedes-Benz will be building its own version of the two-mode hybrid transmission at a plant in Germany. Those transmissions will also be supplied to BMW for the X6 hybrid when that debuts. Read on for our first on the road impressions of the ML450.

Gallery: Quick Drive: Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid


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

Continue reading Quick Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, two-mode goes German

Quick Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, two-mode goes German originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfirst driveFirstDrivemercedes benz ml450 hybridMercedesBenzMl450Hybridnew yorknew york 2009new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowtwo mode hybridTwoModeHybridThu, 09 Apr 2009 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Mitsubishi confirms i-MiEV will come to U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-mitsubishi-confirms-i-miev-will-come-to-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-mitsubishi-confirms-i-miev-will-come-to-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-mitsubishi-confirms-i-miev-will-come-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mitsubishi i MiEV - click above for high-res image gallery

At a press conference here in New York in a few minutes, Mitsubishi representatives will officially announce that the i-MiEV electric vehicle - already a hit in test drives and displays the world over - will be coming to the U.S. This move has been hinted at for a long while, but now we know for certain that the electric jellybean, based on the "i" minicar, is coming. Official details are scarce, but company representatives told us ahead of schedule that the car would be available here sometime "before 2012." The problem isn't the technology (a left-hand drive model should go on sale in Europe in 2011 after the right-hand model hits Japan this summer and the UK, maybe in 2010), but guaranteeing a supply of lithium. If GS Yuasa can't produce the batteries, then Mitsubishi can't make the cars. Mitsubishi recently upped production plans in order to make 20,000 units a year. But don't get too attached to the i-MiEV name (which stands for "Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle"); when this car comes to the U.S., it'll get a fresh moniker.

Speaking of the iMiEV; it looks like AutoblogGreen readers know a good thing when they see one. The iMiEV dominated our recent poll of which car should win the World Car of the Year's 'World Green Car' over the Honda FCX Clarity and the Toyota iQ. The judges of the event, though, disagreed and picked the hydrogen fuel cell Clarity as the 2009 winner this morning.

Quick update: Mitsubishi's press release pasted after the jump.

Gallery: New York 2009: iMiEV


Gallery: i-MiEV in HD


Show photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2009: Mitsubishi confirms i-MiEV will come to U.S.

New York 2009: Mitsubishi confirms i-MiEV will come to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingi mievimievimiev usImievUsmievmitsubishimitsubishi electric carmitsubishi imiev electric carmitsubishi imiev usMitsubishiElectricCarMitsubishiImievElectricCarMitsubishiImievUsThu, 09 Apr 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: And the WCOY's World Green Car is ...]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-and-the-world-green-car-of-the-year-is/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-and-the-world-green-car-of-the-year-is/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-and-the-world-green-car-of-the-year-is/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high res gallery of the finalists

In New York this morning, the organizers of the world car of the year competition honored four cars that garnered the most votes in their respective categories from an international jury of journalists. While other categories where open to all newly introduced cars, the World Car of the Year's 'World Green Car' started with a list of 22 significant cars that had been produced in volumes of at least 10 and were in the hands of customers or test fleets. A team of three international experts in the field representing North America, Europe and Asia (including yours truly) examined the list and narrowed it down to five finalists. Among those the top three vote-getters from the overall jury were the Honda FCX Clarity, Toyota iQ and Mitsubishi iMiEV. The overall winner turned out to be the fuel cell powered Clarity.

Gallery: 2009 World Car of the Year


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

UPDATE: We've changed references in this post from the "World Green Car of the Year" to the "World Car of the Year's 'World Green Car'" to avoid confusion with the Green Car Journal's WGCOTY.

New York 2009: And the WCOY's World Green Car is ... originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new yorknew york 2009new york autonew york auto shownew york auto show 2009new york autoshowNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoNewYorkAutoShowNewYorkAutoShow2009world car of the yearworld car of the year 2009world car of the year awardworld car of the year greenworld car of the year green awardWorldCarOfTheYearWorldCarOfTheYear2009WorldCarOfTheYearAwardWorldCarOfTheYearGreenWorldCarOfTheYearGreenAwardThu, 09 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Chrysler shows off its battery packs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-chrysler-shows-off-its-battery-packs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-chrysler-shows-off-its-battery-packs/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/new-york-2009-chrysler-shows-off-its-battery-packs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Lou Rhodes and the Dodge Circuit battery pack

I've heard of carrying extra batteries for a laptop but this is a bit ridiculous. Actually, that's the president of Chrysler electric vehicle ENVI division Lou Rhodes with his laptop sitting on top of the battery pack case for the Dodge Circuit. When I spoke with Rhodes and Doug Quigley a couple of weeks ago they promised that Chrysler would make several announcements regarding its electric vehicle program before Earth Day (April 22). The first of those came a few weeks ago with the revelation that A123 Systems would be the lead supplier for the first production program coming in 2010.

At the New York Auto Show, Rhodes reaffirmed that more announcements were coming within the next two weeks but declined to elaborate further. Unfortunately, the Chrysler display gave no hints because four different battery packs were on display including the Chrysler Town and Country and 200C, as well the Jeep Wrangler. The latter two have a T-shaped configuration similar to the Chevy Volt pack while the minivan pack is a flat rectangular layout that fits nicely under the floor of the people carrier.

Gallery: New York 2009: Chrysler ENVI battery packs


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

New York 2009: Chrysler shows off its battery packs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lou rhodesLouRhodesnew yorknew york 2009new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowny auto showNyAutoShowThu, 09 Apr 2009 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Counter Balance - the batmobile of yellow, expandable trucks]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-counter-balance-the-batmobile-of-yellow-expanda/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-counter-balance-the-batmobile-of-yellow-expanda/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-counter-balance-the-batmobile-of-yellow-expanda/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Counter Balance - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sometimes the words fail me. Here in the press room at the New York Auto Show, though, people had all sorts of things to say about the Counter Balance, um, truck ... thing ... concept ... vehicle. The best of the bunch: "that's what happens when the Carbon Motors police car had a night of illicit sex with the Batmobile." However you want to describe it, the Counter Balance demands your attention. So, now that we're all looking, what is this thing, exactly?

The designer, who runs Barkan Designs, says the Counter Balance is a compact pickup truck (seriously). Where most designers would put a pickup's engine (i.e., in front), the Counter Balance has empty space and there is an 5-ft. bed in back (expandable to 7 feet). The engine sits low in the middle of the vehicle, which necessitates that the second row of seats be bumped up a level and adds that second hump of a window. If you want to believe all you read, then the Counter Balance is also "light, efficient and environmentally friendly," mostly because you could theoretically burn biofuels or CNG to move down the road and because, the designer says, the vehicle "keeps its dimensions as compact as possible." Yeah, becasue no one could imagine a truck that's smaller than a Counter Balance truck.

Gallery: New York 2009: Counter Balance


[Source: Barkan Design]

New York 2009: Counter Balance - the batmobile of yellow, expandable trucks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barkan designBarkanDesigncounter balancecounter balance truckCounterBalanceCounterBalanceTruckfeaturednew yorknew york 2009NewYorkNewYork2009Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-the-scion-iq-goes-big-wheels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-the-scion-iq-goes-big-wheels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-the-scion-iq-goes-big-wheels/#commentsFiled under: ,


Scion iQ Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

To no one's surprise, Toyota unveiled the Scion iQ concept today at the New York Auto Show. Ever since the iQ debuted in Europe last year, the expectation has been that Toyota would sell the micro compact car as a Scion here in the U.S. to compete against the Smart ForTwo. What surprised us were the modifications made to the iQ for its debut in the States. In keeping with the customization culture that is rampant among Scion owners, the concept features widely flared fenders and super-size 18-inch wheels.

Like the current production model, the concept iQ features 3+1 seating with a very compact air conditioning unit that facilitates an asymmetrical dashboard. This allows the front passenger seat to slide forward so that one adult can fit in the back. The seat behind the driver, however, is strictly for the legless. One new innovation in the iQ is a rear window airbag that provides protection to rear seat passengers whose heads are butted up against the rear glass. The concept also features lots of special lighting and a pop-up 10-inch LCD embedded in the dash.

Scion is just evaluating the iQ for U.S. introduction, but we would be shocked not to see it sold here soon.


Gallery: New York 2009: Scion iQ concept



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

Continue reading New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels!

New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz ML 450 hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The road to production for the Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid wasn't always smooth, but now that the Germans have shown off the new SUV here at the New York Auto Show (following its early debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show), they'll be happy to tell you just how amazing and luxurious this SULEV people-hauler is. The numbers start with a respectable 21 city/24 highway mpg rating. With a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine and a 288V NM battery pack, the ML450 hybrid can go 1.8 miles or up to 34 mph on battery power alone (take that, 2010 Prius). The hybrid powertrain altogether has a combined output of 335 hp, so providing adequate power to move the giant SUV was clearly just as large a priority as fuel economy. The ML450 hybrid features Mercedes' first application of the Two-Mode hybrid powertrain it co-developed with General Motors and Chrysler that also appears in the Chevy Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid and Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. For more technical details, see Mercedes' spec sheet (page 1, 2)

How does it ride? All we can say for now is: stay tuned. We're about to hop in one and see for ourselves.

Gallery: New York 2009: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid


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

Continue reading New York 2009: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 hybrid can go 34 mph on batteries

New York 2009: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 hybrid can go 34 mph on batteries originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesmercedes benz ml450mercedes benz ml450 hybridmercedes ml450mercedes ml450 hybridmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMl450MercedesBenzMl450HybridMercedesMl450MercedesMl450Hybridml450ml450 hybridMl450Hybridnew yorknew york 2009new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowWed, 08 Apr 2009 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 28/39 city/hwy rating]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-mercedes-e250-bluetec-concept-would-get-28-39-cit/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-mercedes-e250-bluetec-concept-would-get-28-39-cit/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-mercedes-e250-bluetec-concept-would-get-28-39-cit/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz brought the new E250 BlueTEC concept sedan to the New York Auto Show today, showing the type of clean diesel sedan that could follow in the wake of last year's BlueTEC SUV mini-fleet. The E250 BlueTEC boasts a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust technology mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The small diesel motor produces big power: 369 lb-ft of torque at 1600-1800 rpm. Part of the conceptual clean diesel fun comes from a 25-liter urea solution (AdBlue) tank that sits in the exhaust stream and reduces NOx emissions, which helps make the car 50-state legal. This is key, since the E250 was created just for us Yankees, MB says. The concept would also meet Europe's strict EU6 emissions standards, which won't be enacted until the later part of 2014. Using BlueTEC in the E250 would probably get the car a 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway rating from the EPA, Mercedes estimates. Check out the press release after the jump and live, high-res images in our gallery below.


Gallery: New York 2009: Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTEC


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTEC


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

Continue reading New York 2009: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 28/39 city/hwy rating

New York 2009: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 28/39 city/hwy rating originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benz dieselBenzDieselbluetecbreakingdiesele250e250 bluetecE250Bluetecmercedes dieselmercedes e250mercedes-benzMercedesDieselMercedesE250Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New York 2009: GMC Terrain gets all-DI engine lineup]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-gmc-terrain-gets-all-di-engine-lineup/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-gmc-terrain-gets-all-di-engine-lineup/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-2009-gmc-terrain-gets-all-di-engine-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Like its mechanical twin, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, the new GMC Terrain is getting an engine lineup that consists entirely of direct injected engines. The base 2.4-liter EcoTec four cylinder is expected to give the Terrain an EPA highway fuel economy of 30 mpg and get cleaner cold-start emissions. Cold starts are when engines produce the vast majority of emissions and GM is using a two pulse strategy with it's direct injection system to help warm up the cylinder walls and catalytic converter faster. A richer primary pulse is injected allowing the spark plug to light it off faster. This is followed by a leaner secondary pulse. Once the engine warms up, only the second pulse is used. The optional engine in the Terrain will be the new 3.0-liter direct injected V6 that's also going into the new Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX. There are two videos and a press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading New York 2009: GMC Terrain gets all-DI engine lineup

New York 2009: GMC Terrain gets all-DI engine lineup originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct injecteddirect injectionDirectInjectedDirectInjectiongmc terrainGmcTerrainnew yorknew york 2009new york auto shownew york autoshowNewYorkNewYork2009NewYorkAutoShowWed, 08 Apr 2009 10:17:00 EST<![CDATA[GM and Segway's PUMA live reveal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segways-puma-live-reveal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segways-puma-live-reveal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segways-puma-live-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the GM/Segway Project P.U.M.A.

You know how the oil companies are all trying to become energy companies now? The new PUMA (aka, the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project) from GM and Segway shows one way that auto companies could shift over to being transportation companies if they wanted to. At an unveiling of the enclosed Segway for two this morning in Manhattan, GM and Segway reps talked about how the PUMA represents a big evolution of the automobile. GM vice president of research and development Larry Burns said the PUMA "is about fundamentally reinventing the automobile"

Burns said that the PUMA is a descendant of the AUTOnomy skateboard platform (which gave us the Chevy Sequel) and is pretty much the anti-HUMMER. In fact, Burns called the HUMMER the "extreme overdesign in personal transport," hinting that the PUMA represents the opposite tack.

The battery-powered PUMA is wholly functional, and we're still trying to figure out if it's more or less dorky looking than a Segway. Whatever the case, we still kind of like the two- (or six-, depending on how you're counting) wheeled design and are looking forward to the fall, when the media will actually be able to test drive the little buggers and next year, when some models with body panels and stylish looks arrive - yes, the renderings that GM showed today do look a little like a Toyota i-swing with two wheels. The PUMA is 1/6th the size of a standard cars (and half the size of a smart fortwo) and should be about a third or a fourth the cost of a normal vehicle to operate, including insurance, running costs, etc.

Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc. said that with two wheels, you get "unparralled" maneuverability. This thing can really turn on a dime. With a top speed of 35 mph, a 35-mile range, and the ability to recharge for 35 cents (or so GM says), there's got to be a market for city dwellers who think bikes are a good idea, but just too sweaty. For more, see GM's press release from last night.

UPDATE: Video from our friends at Engadget added after the jump.

Gallery: Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (PUMA)


[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM and Segway's PUMA live reveal

GM and Segway's PUMA live reveal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinggm pumagm segwayGmPumaGmSegwayPersonalUrbanMobilityAndAccessibilityProjectpumaPuma projectpuma segwayPumaProjectPumaSegwayTue, 07 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Auto X Prize teaser update, more coming Wednesday and Thursday]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/auto-x-prize-teaser-update-more-coming-wednesday-and-thursday/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/auto-x-prize-teaser-update-more-coming-wednesday-and-thursday/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/auto-x-prize-teaser-update-more-coming-wednesday-and-thursday/#commentsFiled under: ,


With the New York Auto Show just around the corner, representatives from the Progressive Automotive X Prize will use the occasion and will mark the one-year anniversary of the official start of the competition by revealing the list of all registered teams, possibly as early as tomorrow. 80 teams turned in their paperwork just in time to beat the submission deadline in late February, out of 120 total. We'll see who made the list soon enough.

Those of you not in New York can keep up with latest from the X Prize team Thursday from noon thirty until 1:30 p.m. (EST). During that time, the Auto X Prize crew will be blogging and chatting on their website about the new teams and how the rest of the competition plays out. We'll bring you all the details from New York. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: the list came out earlier than expected. Check it out here.

[Source: Auto X Prize]

Continue reading Auto X Prize teaser update, more coming Wednesday and Thursday

Auto X Prize teaser update, more coming Wednesday and Thursday originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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