AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 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[Roanoke College students converting '39 Pontiac to electric drive]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/roanoke-college-students-converting-39-pontiac-to-electric-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/roanoke-college-students-converting-39-pontiac-to-electric-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/roanoke-college-students-converting-39-pontiac-to-electric-driv/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Talk about cherry. Students at Roanoke Collage in Salem, VA, are about halfway through a four-year process of converting a 1939 Pontiac into an all-electric vehicle. The college's RC Electric Club bought the car for $1,500 in 2010 and has since stripped it, removed its original eight-cylinder engine and painted it burgundy to go along with school colors. The car has gotten enough attention that it is being shown off at this year's commencement ceremonies.

The goal is get the Pontiac Silver Streak running on a battery-electric powertrain by 2014, and for the vehicle to then be used for school purposes. Before that happens, the car is being stored in the garage of Roanoke College President Michael Maxey, though there's already a town vs. gown element going on. The Roanoke, Virginia Museum of Transportation wants to exhibit the car during winter months.

Roanoke College students converting '39 Pontiac to electric drive originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19391939 pontiac silver streak1939 silver streakelectric vehiclepontiacrc electricrc electric clubroanoke collegeWed, 20 Jun 2012 09:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20261901/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20261901/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/roanoke-college-students-converting-39-pontiac-to-electric-driv/20261901/article-detail.xml 20261901 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pontiac39_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pontiac39.jpg <![CDATA[DC Plasma is one fast Fiero, watch it set new record for electric doorslammers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/dc-plasma-is-a-one-fast-fiero-watch-it-set-new-record-for-elect/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/dc-plasma-is-a-one-fast-fiero-watch-it-set-new-record-for-elect/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/dc-plasma-is-a-one-fast-fiero-watch-it-set-new-record-for-elect/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DC Plasma electric Fiero takes of on drag strip

When Pontiac first conjured up the mid-engined Fiero back in 1984, its performance was also middling. John Metric has one such 2M4 (2 Seat, Mid-Engined, 4-Cyl) from its introductory year and he's fixed that problem. Dubbed "DC Plasma," his electrified example has just reduced the quarter-mile NEDRA record to 10.677 seconds in the MC/A2 class (Modified Conversion / 301V-348V) while participating in the NEDRA Florida Nationals in Bradenton, FL.

What makes that mark even more impressive is the fact that it included a truly awe-inspiring run of 9.89 seconds at 134 mph while lined up against Shawn Lawless in his awesome "Lemon Juice" Chevy S-10 conversion. Both vehicles boast dual Zilla controllers - the DC Plasma machine feeds current to a NetGain Transwarp 9 coupled to a Warp 9 DC motor, while the Chevy holds no fewer than four refurbished DC motors from General Electric - but on that night, it was clearly the Pontiac that held the edge.

The race meet also yielded a record for another car. Lowell Simmons took Miramar High School's Porsche 944 "Black Pearl" to new heights in the HS/A Class (High School / 241V - 300V), hoisting the official record to 11.319 seconds. Hit the jump for a couple clips of the Metric versus Lawless matchup as well as a bonus clip from last week's EVexpo with footage of the "Black Pearl."

Continue reading DC Plasma is one fast Fiero, watch it set new record for electric doorslammers

DC Plasma is one fast Fiero, watch it set new record for electric doorslammers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black pearldc plasmaelectric drag racingelectric vehiclefierojohn metriclowell simmonsmiramar high schoolnedranedra florida nationalsponitac fieroWed, 29 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20182008/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20182008/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/dc-plasma-is-a-one-fast-fiero-watch-it-set-new-record-for-elect/20182008/article-detail.xml 20182008 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dc-plasma-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dc-plasma-628.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM struggling to market fuel efficient turbo technology]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/report-gm-struggling-to-market-fuel-efficient-turbo-technology/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/report-gm-struggling-to-market-fuel-efficient-turbo-technology/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/report-gm-struggling-to-market-fuel-efficient-turbo-technology/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


In the automotive realm, marketing can sometimes prove just as important as the actual product. Take, for instance, Ford's well-regarded EcoBoost technology, which couples turbocharging with direct injection to produce more horsepower and reduce fuel consumption. Would it surprise you to hear that General Motors has had similar technology on the market for over three years?

It's true. GM's first turbocharged, direct injected powerplants hit the market with the company's 2007 models. The 2.0-liter Ecotec mills put down an impressive 260 horsepower and a matching 260 pound-feet of torque, and they were lauded by the press in the engine bays of the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Chevrolet Cobalt SS and Chevrolet HHR SS. But few people outside a core group of enthusiasts actually remember this fact, and the automaker seemingly did little to promote any fuel mileage benefits with this line of powerplants.

Says Uwe Grebe, executive director of GM's global advanced engineering, "We didn't have a badge and say, 'This is the most important thing we will put on all our brochures.'" Ford, however, did just that, and its EcoBoost engines are right at the tips of all our tongues when we discuss today's most advanced powerplants. So, how does The General fix its mistake?

Well, that's a tad complicated. "It would not be good to say, 'This is EcoBoost, only better,'" explains Grebe. "People need to know what it is," but "people don't want to know every detail of the technology." Good luck with that.

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

Report: GM struggling to market fuel efficient turbo technology originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct injecteddirect injected carsdirect injectionDirectInjectedDirectInjectedCarsDirectInjectionecoboostecotececotec engineEcotecEnginefordford ecoboostFordEcoboostgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm ecotecGmEcotecturbocharged direct injectionTurbochargedDirectInjectionTue, 20 Apr 2010 17:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19447177/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19447177/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/report-gm-struggling-to-market-fuel-efficient-turbo-technology/19447177/article-detail.xml 19447177 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/gm-ecotec_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/gm-ecotec.jpg <![CDATA[Enterprising DIYer adds boat tail to Pontiac Firefly to boost mileage]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/enterprising-diyer-adds-boat-tail-to-pontiac-firefly-to-boost-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/enterprising-diyer-adds-boat-tail-to-pontiac-firefly-to-boost-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/enterprising-diyer-adds-boat-tail-to-pontiac-firefly-to-boost-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Aerocivic apparently has a distant relative from Canada. Darin Cosgrove, founder of Ecomodder.com, has added a boat tail to the back of his 1998 Pontiac Firefly (which is what the Geo Metro was called up north). According to Wired, the modified bodywork was constructed from cardboard, aluminum and duct tape, and it joins a series of previous aero mods including rear wheel skirts and a bellypan.

Cosgrove estimates that his most recent modifications improve the Firefly hatchback's coefficient of drag from 0.34 to 0.23. While the aerodynamic improvement is an estimate, the fuel mileage benefits are very real and have been calculated at 64 miles per gallon - a 15.1 percent improvement at 56 miles per hour (90 kmh).

So, it's not exactly the most practical way to improve your fuel mileage - access to the rear hatch is, shall we say, limited, and the extra 4.5 feet at the aft end surely makes low-speed maneuvering a bit more difficult - but it does go to show how important aerodynamics are to overall fuel efficiency. Click here for a full description of the modifications and click past the break for a video.

[Source: Ecomodder.com via Wired]

Continue reading Enterprising DIYer adds boat tail to Pontiac Firefly to boost mileage

Enterprising DIYer adds boat tail to Pontiac Firefly to boost mileage originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerodynamicscoefficient of dragCoefficientOfDragdarin cosgroveDarinCosgrovedrag coefficientDragCoefficientecomoddergeo metroGeoMetropontiac fireflyPontiacFireflyTue, 29 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19295964/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19295964/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/29/enterprising-diyer-adds-boat-tail-to-pontiac-firefly-to-boost-mi/19295964/article-detail.xml 19295964 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ecomodder-firefly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ecomodder-firefly.jpg <![CDATA[DIY Madness: All-wheel-drive Pontiac Fiero hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/diy-madness-all-wheel-drive-pontiac-fiero-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/diy-madness-all-wheel-drive-pontiac-fiero-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/diy-madness-all-wheel-drive-pontiac-fiero-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


DIY all-wheel-drive Pontiac Fiero hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen plenty of custom Pontiac Fieros in our day, often kitted out with some sort of Italian-inspired bodywork and possibly an engine swap, but we've never come across a Fiero quite like this one. This all-wheel drive hybrid Fiero (seriously, how cool is that?) was built to compete in the Grassroots Motorsports $2009 Challenge. Powering the rear wheels is the original 2.5-liter Iron Duke four-cylinder powerplant, but that's the only part of the drivetrain that remains as The General intended.

Driving the front wheels is a motor yanked from the engine bay of an electric Chevrolet S10 pickup truck. That unit sends its 114 horses through a set of axles nabbed from a Saturn and struts donated by a Honda Accord. Power for the electric motor will come from a couple of nickel metal hydride battery packs from wrecked Toyota Prius hybrids. Click here for the whole story of how this unique project came together and click past the break for a video.

Gallery: DIY all-wheel-drive Fiero hybrid


[Source: Grassroots Motorsports via Jalopnik]

Continue reading DIY Madness: All-wheel-drive Pontiac Fiero hybrid

DIY Madness: All-wheel-drive Pontiac Fiero hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diy hybridDiyHybridfeaturedfierograssroots motorsportsGrassrootsMotorsportshome built hybridhome made hybridhome-built hybridHome-builtHybridHomeBuiltHybridhomemade hybridHomemadeHybridpontiac fieropontiac fiero conversionpontiac fiero hybridPontiacFieroPontiacFieroConversionPontiacFieroHybridFri, 10 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19092005/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19092005/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/10/diy-madness-all-wheel-drive-pontiac-fiero-hybrid/19092005/article-detail.xml 19092005 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/hybrid-fiero_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/hybrid-fiero_lead.jpg <![CDATA[2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid gets priced at $39,365]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/2009-gmc-sierra-hybrid-gets-priced-at-39-365/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/2009-gmc-sierra-hybrid-gets-priced-at-39-365/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/2009-gmc-sierra-hybrid-gets-priced-at-39-365/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the Sierra hybrid for a high res gallery

General Motors has announced pricing for the first of its new two-mode hybrid pickup trucks, the GMC Sierra and they've apparently learned at least one lesson from the roll-out of the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids earlier this year. The starting price for the two-wheel drive Sierra hybrid is $39,365, about $10,000 less than the SUVs. It's not immediately clear from the press release but it appears that at least part of the price drop came via de-contenting the pickups. While the SUVs have a navigation system with the hybrid power flow display as standard equipment, it looks like this is an optional extra on the pickups. The base price does, however, include the requisite "Hybrid Ornamentation." I'm not really sure that GM needs to be pointing this out, since it's pretty obvious, not to mention obnoxious. The same press release also mentions that the new Pontiac Aveo G3 will have a starting price of $14,995. At that price point, I'm not sure the Aveo/G3 would be my first choice. Production of the Sierra hybrid (and, presumably, the Chevy Silverado equivalent) kicks off next month with sales starting early in the new year.

Gallery: 2009 GM hybrid pickups


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

Continue reading 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid gets priced at $39,365

2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid gets priced at $39,365 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gmc sierragmc sierra hybridGmcSierraGmcSierraHybridpontiac g3PontiacG3pricepricespricingTue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1375473/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1375473/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/18/2009-gmc-sierra-hybrid-gets-priced-at-39-365/1375473/article-detail.xml 1375473 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/gm-hybrid-pickups-1280-11-450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/gm-hybrid-pickups-1280-11-450.jpg <![CDATA[Pontiac will add 4 cylinder engine to G6 coupe in mid-2009]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/pontiac-will-add-4-cylinder-engine-to-g6-coupe-in-mid-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/pontiac-will-add-4-cylinder-engine-to-g6-coupe-in-mid-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/pontiac-will-add-4-cylinder-engine-to-g6-coupe-in-mid-2009/#commentsFiled under:



Since Pontiac added coupe and convertible versions of the G6 a couple of years ago, they have only been available with V6 engines. It looks like the current economic conditions are triggering a change in the coupe lineup. Pontiac will be adding an SE trim level to the coupe powered by the 2.4L EcoTec four cylinder coupled with the new six speed automatic transmission. The four cylinder produces 164 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. The sedan with the same powertrain is rated at 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The 2009.5 G6 update will also bring a refreshed front end treatment more reminiscent of the larger G8.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Pontiac will add 4 cylinder engine to G6 coupe in mid-2009 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do you remember a list we published with the 10 most fuel-efficient domestic cars? Here's a new one we'd add if we redid the list today: the Pontiac G3. The G3 reminds us of a previous post about Pontiac's deteriorating brand identity. Based on the Chevrolet Aveo, the G3 will spot the same 1.6-liter engine found in its siblings. The G3 is certified as a 2009 model and, like the Aveo, it's rated at 25 mpg city and 34 highway, which improves the Pontiac Vibe's 28 mpg average (55 percent city/45 percent highway, all in U.S. gallons) Pontiac sells the current version of the G3 in Canada, where it is called the Wave, and in Mexico.

[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]

GM announces new small car for the U.S.: Pontiac G3 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hey, always thinking that only Japanese and Europeans have a lot of fuel-efficient vehicle choices? American automakers also have fuel-efficient models in their lineup, usually based on "global" models designed for other markets, like GM does with its Opel/Vauxhall European subsidiary or its Daewoo operations in South Korea. In fact, in a new list compiled by Forbes, GM models took nine of the ten fuel miser models, with only a Ford Focus stealing a spot away from the General.

However, U.S. automakers still have homework to do. While the top three models in the Forbes list get an average EPA estimate of 28 mpg (45 percent highway and 55 percent city driving), these best-performing American vehicles are still behind their Asian-made counterparts, such as the Toyota Yaris (31 mpg) and Honda Fit (30 mpg). The list only includes automatic transmissions, because they're America's favorite.

So follow us after the jump to see America's fuel savers.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading GM makes 9 of the 10 most efficient American cars

GM makes 9 of the 10 most efficient American cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The amazing Daryl Hannah is set to reprise her role from Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill as the woman behind the wheel of that superbad 1980 Trans Am. Well, except for the deranged assassin and gas guzzling part. This time it's not a movie but real life and her ride is going to be eerily quiet as it gets its punching power from batteries instead of gasoline. Yes, this talented spokesperson for environmental transportation who recently auctioned off her bio-diesel El Camino is now promoting the benefits of electric driving. We aren't sure where the vintage Pontiac has been hiding out since its film role but Daryl has it and is getting ready to give it one extreme makeover. We don't have any of the technical details yet but we can say that she plans to supply her car with power from her own solar panels. We also suspect that she's going to have to invest in quite a few Kwh worth of energy storage to move almost two tons of epic bad attitude down the road at a pace worthy of it's decaled-hood heritage. We wish her good luck with her project and look forward to seeing "Elle Driver" and her beast back on the boulevards.

See more electric vehicle conversions in the photos below:

Gallery: EVS23: Kim Adelman's Plug-in Conversion Prius


Gallery: Porsche 911 EV conversion


Gallery: Seabury School Toyota conversion


[Source: Denver Post via Ecorazzi]

Darryl Hannah converting "Kill Bill" Trans Am to EV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1980 Trans Am1980TransAmconversionDaryl HannahDarylHannahelectric conversionElectricConversionElle DriverElleDriverKill BillKillBillspokesperson for environmental transportationSpokespersonForEnvironmentalTransportationTrans AmTransAmTue, 02 Sep 2008 08:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1301520/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1301520/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/09/02/darryl-hannah-converting-kill-bill-trans-am-to-ev/1301520/article-detail.xml 1301520 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/kb_ta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/kb_ta.jpg <![CDATA[More XFE models in GM's pipeline?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/more-xfe-models-in-gms-pipeline/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/more-xfe-models-in-gms-pipeline/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/more-xfe-models-in-gms-pipeline/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Back in April, we applauded General Motors and its decision to eke some more fuel economy from its high-volume compact car, the Chevrolet Cobalt. Along with the 9-percent increase in fuel mileage, the new model got a shiny new XFE (eXtra Fuel Economy) badge in the process. Pontiac is now offering an XFE version of the G5, which shares most major components with the Cobalt. We're happy to report that next year's Cobalt and G5 XFE manage to gain yet another mile per gallon on the highway, up to thirty-seven, to go along with their unchanged twenty-five city miles per gallon.

GM's XFE models are apparently selling rather well and were one of the reasons that the General chose to add a third shift to the Lordstown, Ohio plant where the compact cars are assembled. Additionally, the success of the badge may encourage GM to make similar fuel-savings changes to more of its cars. After all, low rolling-resistance tires, revised gearing and engine mapping are relatively minor changes which are fairly easy to apply on an older model. We look forward to the change.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

More XFE models in GM's pipeline? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobaltcobalt xfeCobaltXfeg5g5 xfeG5Xfegm xfeGmXfeTue, 01 Jul 2008 17:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1242371/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1242371/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/07/01/more-xfe-models-in-gms-pipeline/1242371/article-detail.xml 1242371 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/cobaltss_sedan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/cobaltss_sedan.jpg <![CDATA[McCain in favor of national CO<sub>2</sub> limits]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/mccain-in-favor-of-national-co-sub-2-sub-limits/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/mccain-in-favor-of-national-co-sub-2-sub-limits/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/mccain-in-favor-of-national-co-sub-2-sub-limits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



U.S. Presidential hopeful John McCain says he opposes the notion that individual states should be able to set their own carbon dioxide emissions regulations. Still, it sounds as if automakers could be in for a shocker if the Republican were to be elected, as he says, "My goal would be to see a federal standard that every state could embrace. I think we can achieve a status where that would go away." So, it sounds as if the target for CO2 emissions could be set even lower than currently planned. McCain likely mimics the thoughts of the Detroit 3 as he says, "It's going to be hard, it's going to be long and it's going to be tough."

McCain appears to see the future of the American auto market as one made up of small, fuel efficient cars. His latest stop was at GM's Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant where the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built, a plant McCain sees as key to GM's successes. Still, the major players in the industry will be on their own, as McCain has no intention to offer any sort of bailout to any of the Detroit 3.

[Source: The Detroit News]

McCain in favor of national CO2 limits originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutchevy cobaltChevyCobaltcobaltgmjohn mccainJohnMccainpresident 2008president2008presidential campaignpresidential candida...presidential electionpresidential racePresidentialCampaignPresidentialCandida...PresidentialElectionPresidentialRaceMon, 30 Jun 2008 08:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1239648/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1239648/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/06/30/mccain-in-favor-of-national-co-sub-2-sub-limits/1239648/article-detail.xml 1239648 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/cobaltss_sedan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/cobaltss_sedan.jpg <![CDATA[CAFE rules could bring G3 subcompact from Pontiac to U.S. market]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/cafe-rules-could-bring-g3-subcompact-from-pontiac-to-u-s-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/cafe-rules-could-bring-g3-subcompact-from-pontiac-to-u-s-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/06/02/cafe-rules-could-bring-g3-subcompact-from-pontiac-to-u-s-market/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Despite already selling a version of the Toyota Matrix as the Pontiac Vibe, it seems that the coffers at General Motors may bring the Pontiac G3 to the U.S. market. Already sold to our neighbors up north, though known in Canada as the Wave, the G3 is a slightly revised Chevrolet Aveo, which is currently the cheapest vehicle the General offers for sale in the U.S. Oddly enough, the G3 would not post significantly better fuel economy figures than the already available Vibe, though it would undercut its slightly larger sibling by a few thousand dollars. While we can see the reasoning behind wanting as full a vehicle line-up as possible for dealers representing the Pontiac-Buick-GMC trifecta, the G3 seems to do little more than continue to water-down Pontiac's already shaky performance image.

As was previously reported, the Pontiac G3 was just recently approved for sale as a 2009 model by the EPA. According to Automotive News, though, some dealers and even some executives within GM itself were surprised by the decision to get the G3 certified for sale in the states. Sounds like we may not be the only ones who think that the G3 may be a bit too much brand-dilution.

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

CAFE rules could bring G3 subcompact from Pontiac to U.S. market originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy aveochevy aveo 3-doorchevy aveo 5chevy aveo five-doorchevy aveo5chevy-aveoChevyAveoChevyAveo3-doorChevyAveo5ChevyAveoFive-doorpontiac g3pontiac vibepontiac wavepontiac-g3pontiac-vibepontiac-wavePontiacG3PontiacVibePontiacWaveMon, 02 Jun 2008 15:43:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1212725/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1212725/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/06/02/cafe-rules-could-bring-g3-subcompact-from-pontiac-to-u-s-market/1212725/article-detail.xml 1212725 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/articulos_01_9508.02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/05/articulos_01_9508.02.jpg <![CDATA[Holden boss confirms plans for hybrid Commodore]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/holden-boss-confirms-plans-for-hybrid-commodore/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/holden-boss-confirms-plans-for-hybrid-commodore/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/holden-boss-confirms-plans-for-hybrid-commodore/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hot on the heels of word that Holden Special Vehicles was looking at alternative drivetrains for future high performance models for the GM Australian lineup comes news that Holden will introduce a mainstream hybrid within two years. Nick Reilly, GM President Asia-Pacific was in Australia recently for an annual review at Holden and announced that the brand that developed the Zeta platform would introduce a gas-electric hybrid within two years. According to Reilly, the big Commodore sedan would likely be the first to go hybrid. Actually selling hybrids in Australia could prove problematic though since buyers there have generally shown little willingness to pay the extra cost. Reilly is encouraging the Australian federal government to introduce tax breaks to eliminate some of the financial sting for consumers.

Of particular interest to Americans is that the Commodore is now available in here as the Pontiac G8 and the new Camaro that is debuting this summer is also based on the same architecture. If a hybrid Commodore appears, it is almost a certainty to show up in at least the G8 and possibly the Camaro soon after. GM already showed a two-mode hybrid equipped concept pickup at the Chicago Auto Show called the GMC Denali XT which is built on the same platform. At the debut of the two-mode Tahoe last year, GM officials described a third smaller rear wheel drive passenger car variant of the system which could make its debut in the Commodore. The next generation of GM's mild hybrid is also possible and GM explicitly said that system could be used in rear wheel drive applications.

We contacted GM's US hybrid spokesman Brian Corbett for comment on which system might be used. Corbett declined comment on any unannounced products.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]

Holden boss confirms plans for hybrid Commodore originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It looks like General Motors is going to move forward with production of new turbocharged 1.4L four cylinder engines next year and best of all we'll get them in some U.S. models. Last summer at GM's annual powertrain technology showcase, the company had a prototype Opel Astra equipped with just such an engine that we got to take a short drive in. This is part of GM's plan (like many other manufacturers) to move to smaller displacement boosted engines in order to get improved efficiency under light load conditions while still providing the power levels needed for accelerating on to highways. Likely first candidates for the engine are the Delta platform vehicles which include the Chevy Cobalt and Saturn Astra in the U.S. market. The 1.4L turbo produces virtually the same 140hp as the 1.8L normally-aspirated engine that is standard in the Astra that is just coming to U.S. Saturn dealers. The smallest engine currently offered in the Cobalt is a 2.2L version of the EcoTec that's in the Astra.

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

General Motors to introduce smaller 1.4L turbo on US small cars next year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy-cobaltsaturn-astrasmall-turbocharged-enginesMon, 28 Jan 2008 14:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1098971/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1098971/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/28/general-motors-to-introduce-smaller-1-4l-turbo-on-us-small-cars/1098971/article-detail.xml 1098971 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/astra-turbo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/astra-turbo.jpg <![CDATA[CAFE takes another bite out of GM product plan as RWD programs fall away]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/cafe-takes-another-bite-out-of-gm-product-plan-as-rwd-programs-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/cafe-takes-another-bite-out-of-gm-product-plan-as-rwd-programs-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/20/cafe-takes-another-bite-out-of-gm-product-plan-as-rwd-programs-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A year ago the Zeta rear-wheel-drive architecture developed at General Motors Holden division in Australia looked set to spawn a host of new North American models. The platform that under-pins the new Pontiac G8 and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro now looks like it will have much more limited application. The next generation of the Chevy Impala was due to be built on this platform alongside the Camaro but now will likely stay on an updated version of the current front-wheel-drive chassis.

The fact that the company needs to move aggressively to meet new 35mpg fuel economy standards will likely mean that higher-volume applications like the Impala go to smaller, lighter platforms instead. The fate of the rumored Alpha compact rear-drive platform is still up in the air at this point. Whether a new Zeta-based Pontiac GTO ever sees the light of day is unknown as well. The 2.9L Cadillac turbodiesel V-6 mated with the two-mode hybrid system would probably get a GTO or Impala in the ballpark of 35mpg. However, that combination would probably be too expensive to get the desired volumes on the Impala and might not appeal to prospective GTO buyers.

[Source: GoAuto via Autoblog]

CAFE takes another bite out of GM product plan as RWD programs fall away originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corporate-average-fuel-economygm-product-plansgm-zetaSun, 20 Jan 2008 19:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1091723/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/1091723/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/20/cafe-takes-another-bite-out-of-gm-product-plan-as-rwd-programs-f/1091723/article-detail.xml 1091723 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/x08pn_g8001_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/x08pn_g8001.jpg <![CDATA[GM and Toyota to make a hybrid together?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/gm-and-toyota-to-make-a-hybrid-together/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/gm-and-toyota-to-make-a-hybrid-together/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/gm-and-toyota-to-make-a-hybrid-together/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

hybridThere was a rumor at the 2007 LA Auto Show that there will be hybrid version of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The Pontiac Vibe is a product of NUMMI, New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., a joint venture between GM and Toyota. So, if the rumor is true, GM and Toyota are working on a hybrid together right now.

Toyota wants to license their hybrid technology and GM has worked with other companies on their own hybrid system. I am not a big fan of what-ifs but making a hybrid is not something that's lightly considered and it would explain a lot of things like why has GM not come out with a full hybrid passenger car yet. Of course, the hybrid Vibe might also be a mild hybrid without any real exchange or license of technology.

I guess we find out soon enough; the 2009 Vibe and Matrix go on sale the first quarter of 2008.

[Source: New York Times]

GM and Toyota to make a hybrid together? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A few months ago, I unfortunately allowed the television to show me The Rock again. I didn't even have the gumption to click a button on the remote to turn it off (granted, it was only on in the background, but a schlock-fest like The Rock finds a way to ooze into your brain even from far away. That experience reminded me just how bad of a movie it is, and so let's just get it out in the open that I'm not a fan of director Michael Bay's movies. Still, my dislike of him has nothing to do with why I think the Transformers movie is going to be much less than what it could be.

As the editor of this here blog, I thought perhaps there's some green angle to the movie that we could mention and get in on the Transformers hype. I emailed the production company a few months back, and they called back saying this film doesn't really have any green car connections. I forgot about it and moved on.

Then, with the increased coverage in the media - the latest issue of WIRED devotes a few pages to Transformers and our friends over at Autoblog can't seem to get enough - and after watching a few trailers for the film, I realized that Transformers, as exciting as it might be, will suck. I've got my reasons why after the jump.

Continue reading Why the Transformers movie is terrible (no, it's not because Michael Bay is directing)

Why the Transformers movie is terrible (no, it's not because Michael Bay is directing) originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>prius transformerPriusTransformertesla transformerTeslaTransformertransformers hybridTransformersHybridTue, 26 Jun 2007 20:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/927296/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/927296/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2007/06/26/why-the-transformers-movie-is-terrible-no-its-not-because-mic/927296/article-detail.xml 927296 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/transformers_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/transformers.png <![CDATA[SUV and gas prices: looking beyond the numbers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/07/04/suv-and-gas-prices-looking-beyond-the-numbers/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/07/04/suv-and-gas-prices-looking-beyond-the-numbers/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/07/04/suv-and-gas-prices-looking-beyond-the-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though individual dealerships and brands have reported different numbers regarding SUV purchases, overall sales for new ones have been declining especially among middle class buyers. Also, many current owners are trying to sell their vehicles and downsize into a more fuel-efficient car in the hopes to save on gas.

But does this strategy really work? Kristin Anderson of WKYC crunched some numbers for 2002 GMC Yukon owner Aaron Perusek who has been trying to sell the SUV for more than two months. According to Anderson, the Peruseks will save $300 a year in fuel if the family moves into a Pontiac Torrent; $900 if into a Pontiac Vibe.

Unfortunately, the two latter vehicles may be too much of a compromise for the gas savings. States the Sarver family, who are looking into SUVs: "We need the room and more importantly we need the power to pull an AirStream. We are campers, and this little (rented) car, wouldn't do it."

We agree: for every single person who's using their Escalade or HUMMER as their daily driver of choice, there plenty of families hauling 5-7 warm-bodies, their gear, and either a camper, boat, or another vehicle on a far more regular basis. None of that information is covered in most auto enthusiast's magazines or websites.

[Source: WKYC]

SUV and gas prices: looking beyond the numbers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 04 Jul 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors announced today that it is once again offering zero percent financing on select models. The deal includes GM's large SUVs like the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon XL and Hummers, although the discontinued Hummer H1 and other cars, like the Corvette and Solstice, are excluded, according to the Detroit Free Press. A lot of these are flex-fuel. GM's website says that almost every 2006 model is on sale. The Freep also mentions GM's slow sales (down eight percent for the year), high gas prices, and new incentives that GM's competitors are offering as reasons for the special sale. The zero percent financing will last customers up to 72 months, and the sale only lasts for 72 hours. Looks like GM calculated that since a lot of customers have decided that GM's vehicles were not the right ones to buy, GM is trying to create a few snap decisions to buy in the next few days. We'll see if it works and if and how other automakers respond.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

GM returns to zero percent financing to move large vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Jun 2006 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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