AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 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[Monster Tajima's electric Pikes Peak attack vehicle revealed [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima owns Pikes Peak, having summited quicker than anyone else these past six years. As we told you a little while back, his 2012 ascent will take place in a battery-powered racer for Team APEV (Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles). That car, the Monster Sport E-RUNNER Pikes Peak Special, has just been revealed.

The wraps came off this weekend in Tokyo at Toyota's Mega Web automotive theme park and, with a carbon fiber body and bubble roof, it looks pretty amazing. Unfortunately, no specifications have been released so far, but we suspect it has enough electric ponies to best his world-beating 9:51.278 record set just last year. Especially considering the path to the top will have no gravel road segments, as it has in years past.

You can watch the covers being pulled off publicly for the first time, along with bonus footage of it in action on the track, by simply scrolling below.

Continue reading Monster Tajima's electric Pikes Peak attack vehicle revealed [w/video]

Monster Tajima's electric Pikes Peak attack vehicle revealed [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Monster Sport E-RUNNER Pikes Peak Specialnobuhiro monster tajimapikes peakpikes peak 2012Pikes Peak International Hill Climbrace to the cloudstajimateam apevMon, 21 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242014/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242014/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/monster-tajimas-electric-pikes-peak-attack-vehicle-revealed-w/20242014/article-detail.xml 20242014 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tajima-pikes-peak-electric-racer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/tajima-pikes-peak-electric-racer-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution - front three-quarter view

No, that's not a Mitsubishi i-MiEV in a fat suit, it's the automaker's brand-new all-electric race car, and it's set to take on the 2012 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in July. This isn't the first time we've seen an EV enter the Pike's Peak challenge - Nissan commissioned a Leaf for battle last year, a car that set the bar for all future electric racers.

Mitsubishi says that its race car, dubbed i-MiEV Evolution, uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the standard, bean-shaped electric car that we haven't quite grown to love. Aside from the additional bodywork, the chassis has clearly been lengthened and widened, and the race car now uses an all-wheel-drive configuration rather than the rear-wheel drive of the standard i-MiEV.

To give you an idea of just how big the racer is, a quick glance of Mitsubishi's specs show that the i-MiEV Evolution's dimensions are within a few inches of the stock Lancer Evolution. We wouldn't be surprised if the all-wheel-drive system was sourced from the Lancer, as well.

Mitsubishi will also be bringing two more of its EVs to the Pike's Peak event, including an i that has been updated with a more aerodynamic front bumper and new safety equipment, as well as a bone stock model. Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbii-mievi-miev evolutionmitsubishipikes peakpikes peak international hill climbFri, 18 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240860/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240860/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/20240860/article-detail.xml 20240860 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt.jpg <![CDATA[University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/#commentsFiled under: , ,

University of Michigan Supermileage Team

The University of Michigan has had one of the preeminent solar car teams in the world for more than two decades, but a new group of students is looking to make its own mark in the world of green engineering. The school will be fielding its first entry in the annual SAE Supermileage competition this year.

If you think a bunch of newbs would launch their effort somewhat low-key, you probably aren't from Michigan or familiar with the Wolverine Way. Michigan has set its goal at nothing short of the North American record of bettering 3,169 miles per gallon with its single-cylinder, Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine. The expectation is that the Michigan car will hit 3,300 mpg.

The Supermileage competition has been held since 1980, requiring students to design and build extremely lightweight, single-seat vehicles. The competition itself involves circling the Eaton Corporation Proving Grounds test track. Last year, 27 teams competed, with Quebec's Universite de Sherbrooke dominating the competition, recording 2,158 mpg, over 500 mpg more than its cross-province rival, Universite' Laval.

The 2012 Supermileage competition is scheduled for June 7-8 in Marshall, MI. Scroll down to read the press release and watch Michigan's promotional video.

Continue reading University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video]

University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel economyhypermilingmichigansae supermileage competitionsupermileageuniversite de sherbrookeuniversite lavaluniversity of michiganThu, 17 May 2012 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20239976/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20239976/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/20239976/article-detail.xml 20239976 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/michigan-supermileage-team-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/michigan-supermileage-team-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Electric cars race again at 2nd Grand Prix de Pau Électrique [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Electric Andros Trophee cars on the street course of the Grand Prix de Pau

Once again the electric ice-racing cars of the Trophée Andros have left their snow-capped mountain-top habitat for a little summertime fun at the Grand Prix de Pau Electrique. And, just like last year, the Exagon-prepared buggies put on two shows full of paint-swapping competitive action, whilst giving a kind repose to the eardrums of onlookers from the din of the Formula3 and other internal combustion classes.

Local favorite Mike Parisy, winner of last year's Saturday race, started on the pole in first event but couldn't quite hold off the impressive Adrien Tambay. While Parisy may have more familiarity with the Pau street course, Tambay is quite at home in the Andros Evo 2, having placed second overall in last winter's Trophée Andros Electrique.

Sunday saw Soheil Ayari turn his third-place finish the previous day into pole position for the final race. That contest turned into one of attrition with only five of the twelve starters making it to the finish line. With a collision taking out the three positions ahead of him on the first lap, Mike Parisy took full advantage of the clear track ahead and made the home crowd proud once again. Close behind him in second was last year's French F4 champion, the talented 17-year old Mathieu Vaxiviere.

Scroll down below for footage from both races as well as a cool bonus in-car clip of Parisy demonstrating his abilities, laying down some quick qualifying laps.

Continue reading Electric cars race again at 2nd Grand Prix de Pau Électrique [w/video]

Electric cars race again at 2nd Grand Prix de Pau Électrique [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrien tambayelectric vehicle racingev racinggrand prix de paugrand prix de pau electriquemathieu vaxivieremike parisyTrophée AndrosWed, 16 May 2012 11:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237921/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20237921/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/electric-cars-race-again-at-2nd-grand-prix-de-pau-lectrique-w/20237921/article-detail.xml 20237921 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/grand-prix-de-pau-2012-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/grand-prix-de-pau-2012-628.jpg <![CDATA[Zero Motorcycles prove resilient in crash-marred TTXGP weekend, take top three spots]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last weekend's TTXGP motorcycle races were proof that sometimes, slow and steady wins the race. Not that the four "eSuperstock" Zero S ZF9s were slow - ok, they are a bit sluggish compared to their superbike upperclassmen - but their reliability conquered all, allowing them to sweep the podium. How's that?

TTXGP is holding two races at each event and aggregating the scores. Michael Barnes easily won the first race on his "flying banana" from Lightning Motors but suffered from a malfunction in the second and retired, resulting with him finishing the weekend with 25 points. Tim Hunt, riding the #89 Lightning bike, had a DNF in the first race and won the second, scoring 25 points as well.

Martin Szwarc, Kenyon Kluge, and Kyle Schumacher finished each contest in 2nd, 4th, and 5th, respectively, giving them more points than the Lightning riders. And the trophies. It seems eSuperstock is not a separate class, as we supposed in our pre-race post, but rather, a "production specification category." Yeah, it's confusing.

However bad the Lightning crew might have felt after being shut out, they still fared better than Brammo. After putting down a few laps quicker than last year's record pace, rider Steve Atlas high sided on turn seven. While able to walk away from the crash, Atlas had six fractured vertebrae and was in no condition to continue. Luckily for the team, the bike was soon race-ready and Steve Rapp stepped up to the plate. It was shaping up to be an exciting race with the former Mission Motors rider running close behind the Lightning machines, when disaster struck again in turn seven and the Brammo Empulse RR went down on the low side. Steve #2 suffered a broken wrist and the weekend was over for the team. Such is racing.

Hopefully, the field will be a bit more crowded when the North American edition of the TTXGP gets to the Portland International Raceway on June 23. Besides a recovered Steve Atlas, Shelina Moreda will be joining the Brammo boys. In the meantime, scroll below for footage of the first race from the bike of weekend winner Martin Szwarc, as well as an additional video featuring Michael Barnes riding the Lightning in qualifying.

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles prove resilient in crash-marred TTXGP weekend, take top three spots

Zero Motorcycles prove resilient in crash-marred TTXGP weekend, take top three spots originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 13 May 2012 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brammoelectric motorcycle racingelectric vehicleesupersportlightning motorsMartin Szwarcsteve atlassteve rappttxgpzero motorcycleszero s z9Sun, 13 May 2012 15:38:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235742/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20235742/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/13/zero-motorcycles-prove-resilient-in-crash-marred-ttxgp-weekend/20235742/article-detail.xml 20235742 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zero-s-at-ttxgp-infineon-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zero-s-at-ttxgp-infineon-628.jpg <![CDATA[Quickest EV ever! Lawless Rocket exceeds 200 mph in under 7 seconds]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/quickest-ev-ever-lawless-rocket-exceeds-200-mph-in-under-7-seco/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/quickest-ev-ever-lawless-rocket-exceeds-200-mph-in-under-7-seco/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/quickest-ev-ever-lawless-rocket-exceeds-200-mph-in-under-7-seco/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



More power!

That is the mantra often repeated by Shawn Lawless and his EV racing crew, and it looks like they got enough of the stuff last Friday to propel his Rocket drag bike down Virginia Motorsports Park's quarter-mile strip in 6.94 seconds at an impressive 201.37 miles per hour. That's quick, son! And fast!

As with past record-settings, Larry "Spiderman" McBride was in the saddle when the fuse was lit. After nailing the throttle, he doesn't let up, and as the bike goes down the track you can see him throwing his weight around, trying to keep it going straight. The guy is fearless. Or crazy. Or both.

The Rocket is the same OCC-built machine we met (and loved) back in 2010, though it's received a few tweaks since then. It still has its 13-inch Dennis Berube-prepared DC motor, but instead of relying on two separate Zilla controllers, it now sports one custom Zilla box capable of dishing out 4,000 amps from the battery. Speaking of which, that is another area that's seen vast improvement.

Still able to produce more than a megawatt of tire-crinkling energy, the 14.2-kWh battery in the beast this go round was 150 pounds lighter than the original magic box, also built by Derek Barger of High Tech Systems.

Scroll below for the record-setting video along with bonus footage of the seven-second backup and an earlier run. To read a more lengthy account of all the goings on, check out Chip Gribben's write up over at NEDRA's Yahoo group.

Continue reading Quickest EV ever! Lawless Rocket exceeds 200 mph in under 7 seconds

Quickest EV ever! Lawless Rocket exceeds 200 mph in under 7 seconds originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 08 May 2012 07:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric motorcycleelectric motorcycle drag racingelectric motorcycle racingelectric vehicle racingev racinghtslawlesslawless ev racinglawless rocketshawn lawlessvirginia motorsports parkzillaTue, 08 May 2012 07:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232242/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232242/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/quickest-ev-ever-lawless-rocket-exceeds-200-mph-in-under-7-seco/20232242/article-detail.xml 20232242 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rocket1028_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rocket1028.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota TS030 and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro pose for the camera]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/toyota-ts030-and-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-pose-for-the-camera/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/toyota-ts030-and-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-pose-for-the-camera/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/toyota-ts030-and-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-pose-for-the-camera/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota TS030 Hybrid and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro

While the Toyota TS030 Hybrid won't be participating in this weekend's FIA World Endurance Championship race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium due to a crash in pre-season testing last month, that didn't stop the automaker from bringing the new endurance racer as a preview for what's to come for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. The TS030 even made time for a quick photoshoot at the infamous Masta Kink alongside the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro, which happens to be making its race debut this weekend.

While both the Audi and Toyota employ hybrid powertrains, a first for endurance prototypes, each go about it in very different ways. The TS030 makes use of a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 while the R18 e-tron Quattro uses a turbocharged diesel V6. Audi's hybrid system powers the front wheels, hence the Quattro name, while Toyota has yet to announce whether it's system will drive the front or rear wheels.

The closed cockpit racers make for quite an attractive couple, and we hope it's a pairing that will form a lasting rivalry in the coming years.

Toyota TS030 and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro pose for the camera originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 05 May 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18 e-tron quattrofia world endurance championshipr18spa francorchampstoyotatoyota ts030toyota ts030 hybridts030Sat, 05 May 2012 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230913/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230913/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/05/toyota-ts030-and-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-pose-for-the-camera/20230913/article-detail.xml 20230913 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-ts030-spa-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-ts030-spa-2012.jpg <![CDATA[TTXGP North America kicks off this weekend with new eSuperstock class]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/ttxgp-north-america-kicks-off-this-weekend-with-new-esuperstock/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/ttxgp-north-america-kicks-off-this-weekend-with-new-esuperstock/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/ttxgp-north-america-kicks-off-this-weekend-with-new-esuperstock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kenyon Kluge rides a Zero S ZF9 through a turn

The first race of the 2012 TTXGP electric motorcycle racing series gets underway this weekend at Infineon Raceway. Along with the original open and TTX75 classes, the organization has added an eSuperstock category that should open the door to more participation.

The rules for the new class allows for bikes from manufacturers with sales of more than 25 units. While the first race will feature four new riders aboard Zero S ZF9s, we hope more will join as the season progresses. Next year, can expect to see brand rivalry heat up with the appearance of the Brammo Empulse on the market. That bike will be unveiled after the race on the 8th in Los Angeles.

Like last year, the field for this first race is pretty slim. Both bikes that had been expected to compete in the TTX75 class will now be no-shows and, with Moto Electra Racing sidelined for the first part of the season and Team Segway Racing MotoCzysz focused on finishing off a pair of new machines to bring to the Isle of Man for the TT Zero, the main class will be limited to three bikes.

Still, it will be very interesting to see how laps times compare with those from last season. Lightning Motors will two field closely-matched entries, combining the raw speed and power they have always displayed with a much more refined chassis setup. Brammo, which has snagged a sponsorship from Icon Motosports (congratulations!) and whose racing effort will now be formally known as Team Icon Brammo, will be using a smaller, yet more powerful motor and controller from Parker-Hannifin.

Game on!

TTXGP North America kicks off this weekend with new eSuperstock class originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brammoelectric motorcycle racingesupersporticon motosportsinfineonInfineon Racewaylightning motorsteam icon brammottxgpFri, 04 May 2012 16:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230455/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230455/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/ttxgp-north-america-kicks-off-this-weekend-with-new-esuperstock/20230455/article-detail.xml 20230455 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/kenyon-kluge-riding-zero-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/kenyon-kluge-riding-zero-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Volvo's hybrid semi-truck set a land speed record]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/watch-volvos-hybrid-semi-truck-set-a-land-speed-record/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/watch-volvos-hybrid-semi-truck-set-a-land-speed-record/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/watch-volvos-hybrid-semi-truck-set-a-land-speed-record/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo hybrid semi truck speed record

Volvo is taking its Mean Green hybrid truck on U.S. tour for a few months. One of the stops between Toronto Tuck World and the Volvo Ocean Race in Miami was Wendover, UT, to attempt a couple of record-breaking speed runs.

Mean Green uses a 16-cylinder engine that puts out 1,900-horsepower, tied to an electric motor that adds 200 hp and 885 pound-feet. With that package, the Swedish Viking Speed Records Team and pilot Boije Overbrink were aiming for 165 miles per hour in the flying kilometer. They didn't quite make that lofty goal, but they did well enough to break not one, but two world records. Scroll down for the story of the day.

Continue reading Watch Volvo's hybrid semi-truck set a land speed record

Watch Volvo's hybrid semi-truck set a land speed record originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 02 May 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flying kilometerhybridhybrid truckmean greenmean green volvostanding kilometervolvovolvo trucksworld recordWed, 02 May 2012 19:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20229638/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20229638/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/watch-volvos-hybrid-semi-truck-set-a-land-speed-record/20229638/article-detail.xml 20229638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volvo-hybrid-semi-speed-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volvo-hybrid-semi-speed-record.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf heads to the GT Academy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/nissan-leaf-heads-to-the-gt-academy/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/nissan-leaf-heads-to-the-gt-academy/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/nissan-leaf-heads-to-the-gt-academy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan Leaf GT Academy

Nissan and Polyphony Digital, the studio behind the Grand Turismo franchise, have made a habit of giving gamers a shot at becoming professional race drivers through the GT Academy. Players from all over the world compete virtually for a chance to put down the controller, lace up their driving shoes and compete head-to-head in a variety of real-world challenges. Last year, Bryan Heitkotter won the first-ever U.S. GT Academy, thereby joining the ranks of former winners like Lucas Ordonez, Jordan Tresson and Jann Mardenborough.

This year's competition is already in full swing, and while we're used to seeing our virtual screens filled with machines like the Nissan 370Z and GT-R, the Leaf has made it into the fray as well. Why the Leaf? It's no secret that slow cars quickly bring to light a driver's inadequacies on the track. With so little horsepower, it's more difficult to overcome even small mistakes.

Nissan Leaf heads to the GT Academy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogt academyleafnisaan leaf gt academynissannissan leafpolyphony digitalWed, 02 May 2012 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20229477/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20229477/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/nissan-leaf-heads-to-the-gt-academy/20229477/article-detail.xml 20229477 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-leaf-gt-academy-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-leaf-gt-academy-628.jpg <![CDATA[SAE Congress: Honda CR-Z Racer asks to move]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/sae-congress-honda-cr-z-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/sae-congress-honda-cr-z-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/sae-congress-honda-cr-z-racer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SAE World Congress 2012: Honda CR-Z Racer

The Honda CR-Z Racer is not a new car - a version of it took to Le Mans last summer - but we got to see it for the first time at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit and realized this thing is indeed ready for the track.

Compared to the street version of the CR-Z, the Racer has an improved powertrain that pairs an in-line, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine - 6,300 rpm redline - with an electric powertrain that uses nickel-cobalt magnesium batteries. The engine and the electric motor put out 200 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Oh, and the Racer also needs to burn high-octane unleaded racing fuel.

Inside, the Racer has only one seat (which leads to reduced mass, of course) and it has 17-inch racing tires at the corners. Thanks to an overall lower center of gravity and that spoiler, when we see this sporty hybrid, we just want to see what the car can do when it's moving.

SAE Congress: Honda CR-Z Racer asks to move originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zcr-z hybridcr-z racercrzcrz hybridhonda cr-zhonda crzhonda racersaesae congress 2012sae world congressFri, 27 Apr 2012 08:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224338/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224338/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/sae-congress-honda-cr-z-racer/20224338/article-detail.xml 20224338 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sae-world-congress-2012-honda-crz-racer-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sae-world-congress-2012-honda-crz-racer-628.jpg <![CDATA[Killacycle battles Predator head-to-head, new record set]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/killacycle-battles-predator-head-to-head-new-record-set/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/killacycle-battles-predator-head-to-head-new-record-set/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/killacycle-battles-predator-head-to-head-new-record-set/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

predator vs. killacycle

The weather wasn't cooperative for the EV drag racing faithful at the recent Bookman's Spring Thaw, but with the largest assemblage of top machines and drivers on hand ever, even a little rain and wind couldn't completely get in the way of some battery-powered racing awesomeness. With the action being postponed for one day though, the "money match-up" - a head-to-head contest between the Killacycle and Predator - could only be held once. Luckily for us, tape was rolling.

It was a pretty epic race. Jeff Disinger on his Predator seemed to own the contest, but when the bikes crossed the line a 1/4 mile from the start, Scotty Pollachek had managed to pull out the win for the Killacycle team by .005 seconds with an 8.3002 time. That's close! And quick!

With travel pressures intervening, that was the last run of the day for the Killacycle, but the Predator was just getting warmed up. With a pair of hyperspeed runs, one at 7.9 seconds and another at 7.843, Disinger took back the record from the Killacycle in the DMC/A class (drag motorcycle, less than 300 Volts).

Scroll down for the head-to-head race and record breaking runs. (NSFW expletives on both). We also have footage of the White Zombie running a 10.5 against a somewhat hampered DC Plasma below and a video of the Smoke Screen electric pickup truck doing some bracket racing.

Continue reading Killacycle battles Predator head-to-head, new record set

Killacycle battles Predator head-to-head, new record set originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric drag racingelectric vehicleelectric vehicle racingev drag racingev racingjeff disingerkillacyclepredatorScotty Pollacheksmoke screenwhite zombieThu, 26 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218985/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218985/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/killacycle-battles-predator-head-to-head-new-record-set/20218985/article-detail.xml 20218985 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/killacycle-vs-predator-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/killacycle-vs-predator-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 E-Tron test mule does quick but quiet hot laps on Nürburgring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi R8 E-Tron caught lapping at the Nürburgring

Imagine you're a spy shooter at the Nürburgring. You've got your ancient Ford Scorpio parked nearby, but you've hoofed it up to the top of a hill in the hopes of getting the perfect angle on the track. Three heavy cameras are strung about your body like you're a contestant in The World's Strongest Man competition. It's early and you are tired. And cold. The morning temperature was in the single digits Celsius, and while you're not exactly sure what that translates to in the Fahrenheit scale, this certainly ain't Miami.

Your job is boring. Boy racers driving all manner of would-be performance cars squeal by, inexpertly holding a line that betrays their inexperience. "Go back to your video games, kids," you think as you nurse your cramped and sore legs. You shift your position and the wait resumes. Sport bikes zip by and the wail hurts your ears. You get up and stretch before resuming your regimen. A momentary break in the traffic causes you to do a mental rehearsal, double-checking your gear.

Then you hear it: The tires, disembodied from the roar of an engine, but creating their own telltale sound. You reach for the camera with the longest lens and barely get it up to your eye as the electric sports car whooshes towards you, followed by the loud rumble of something more internally combusted. The camera is now firing on all cylinders as you expertly track the car's pace for the few seconds it's in your field of vision. A Porsche enters the viewfinder and you exhale, lowering the camera and turning your back to the track.

The Audi R8 E-Tron will take just one lap of the Nürburgring that day, but you were there to capture it. It may not surface again before it goes on sale next year, but you don't care about that. You need to hustle back to the car to download the images, so the world can see what an R8 without exhaust pipes looks like, so the fanboys can obsess about the extra cooling vents in the hood for the batteries and the blacked-out rear window.

You will e-mail the photos across the Continent, across the ocean, back home. You'll get a few bucks deposited in your German bank for your trouble, but that won't happen for a while yet. By then you will have taken more photos and sent more e-mails.

And drank countless lagers. It is still early, but you think of the cliche about it being noon somewhere and head off home. Nobody will be in your favorite expat bar at this time, but you think there must be at least one bottle left in your refrigerator.

Audi R8 E-Tron test mule does quick but quiet hot laps on Nürburgring originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi r82014 audi r8 etronaudiaudi e-tronaudi etrone-tronelectric vehicleetronnürburgringr8r8 e-tronr8 etronspy shotsWed, 25 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224307/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224307/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/20224307/article-detail.xml 20224307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/audi-etron-lapping-nurburgring-spy-shots-001-opt-1335371641_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/audi-etron-lapping-nurburgring-spy-shots-001-opt-1335371641.jpg <![CDATA[Ford releases photos of Focus Electric NASCAR pace car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/ford-releases-photos-of-focus-electric-nascar-pace-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/ford-releases-photos-of-focus-electric-nascar-pace-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/ford-releases-photos-of-focus-electric-nascar-pace-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last week, Ford announced that it would be creating the world's first all-electric pace car in the form of the Focus Electric hatchback. Set to lap the oval at the Richmond 400 at the end of this month, the official Focus Electric NASCAR pace car was unveiled to the public at Richmond International Raceway today, showing off the battery-powered vehicle wrapped in its decidedly modest racing livery.

We recently had our first opportunity to drive Ford's all-electric Focus and find it to be a pleasant and engaging - if inconspicuous - EV. These large decals certainly help the BEV to stand out, and we're interested to see how the Focus Electric looks while its whirring along in front of some power-hungry NASCAR racers.

Scroll through our high-resolution image gallery above to see a few shots of the zero-emission Focus pace car, and scroll down for Ford's original press release.

Continue reading Ford releases photos of Focus Electric NASCAR pace car

Ford releases photos of Focus Electric NASCAR pace car originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford focus electricelectric vehiclefocusfocus electricfordnascarpace carWed, 25 Apr 2012 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224266/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20224266/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/ford-releases-photos-of-focus-electric-nascar-pace-car/20224266/article-detail.xml 20224266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectric628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectric628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Focus will be first all-electric pace car in NASCAR]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-focus-will-be-first-all-electric-pace-car-in-nascar/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-focus-will-be-first-all-electric-pace-car-in-nascar/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-focus-will-be-first-all-electric-pace-car-in-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you thought pacing a NASCAR race with a Ford Fiesta was an odd choice, prepare to be properly shocked. Ford has announced the company is once again heading out onto the nation's tri-ovals, this time with the Focus Electric. The automaker claims the battery-powered hatchback will be the world's first all-electric pace car when it leads the field at the Richmond 400 later this month. The public will get its first shot at seeing Focus Electric Pace Car on April 25, when Lt. Governor Bill Bolling drives the EV to Richmond International Raceway.

Earlier this year, Ford announced the Focus Electric will offer buyers a range of around 75 miles depending on driving conditions. We assume that figure will fall off precipitously at pace speed. With around 123 horsepower on hand, Ford has been quick to brag that the company's EV offers buyers more horsepower than the Nissan Leaf. Of course, at $39,200, it is also $4,000 more expensive.

Continue reading Ford Focus will be first all-electric pace car in NASCAR

Ford Focus will be first all-electric pace car in NASCAR originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric pace carelectric vehiclefocus electricfocus electric pace carfordford focus electricford focus electric pace carnascarrichmond 400Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20216772/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20216772/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/ford-focus-will-be-first-all-electric-pace-car-in-nascar/20216772/article-detail.xml 20216772 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectric81hr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectric81hr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Propane-powered Maxximus LNG 2000 sets three new world speed records]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/15/propane-powered-maxximus-lng-2000-sets-three-new-world-speed-rec/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/15/propane-powered-maxximus-lng-2000-sets-three-new-world-speed-rec/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/15/propane-powered-maxximus-lng-2000-sets-three-new-world-speed-rec/#commentsFiled under: ,

Maxximus LNG 2000

It may not fit everyone's definition of green, but the supercar you see above did manage to hit 134 miles per hour in the quarter mile without burning a drop of gasoline. The 1,600+ horsepower, carbon-fiber-bodied Maxximus LNG 2000 can burn propane (a fossil fuel, also known as LPG), and it did so when driver/designer Marlon Kirby roared the car down the track in March to set the following benchmarks, all world records for an LPG-powered car, according to Maxximus Technology:

0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds
134 mph in 1/4 mile
1/4 mile elapsed time: 10.28 seconds

The Maxximus LNG 2000 is based on the Ultima GTR and the team behind the car, Centaur Performance Group, now calls it "the fastest powered street-legal car ever created." The multi-fuel powerplant can also burn liquified natural gas (LNG), which it did in January to better results:

0-60 mph in 1.96 seconds
159.9 mph in 1/4 mile
1/4 mile elapsed time: 9.63 seconds

The LNG 2000 is second-generation model of the Maxximus G-Force, which we covered back in 2009, and can also burn CNG. If that kind of fuel flexibility sounds intriguing, keep an eye out for the upcoming line of vehicles that the Centaur Performance Group is working on. Called Centaur Dragonfly models, these cars will be able to be powered by four fuel types: gasoline, LNG, LPG and CNG and will come with "cutting-edge onboard technology" that will point the driver to whatever type of fuel is available cheapest, locally.

You can watch a video of the January speed run below.

Continue reading Propane-powered Maxximus LNG 2000 sets three new world speed records

Propane-powered Maxximus LNG 2000 sets three new world speed records originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>centaur performance groupcngland speed recordlnglpgmaxximusmaxximus g-forcemaxximus lng 2000propaneSun, 15 Apr 2012 08:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20214626/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20214626/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/15/propane-powered-maxximus-lng-2000-sets-three-new-world-speed-rec/20214626/article-detail.xml 20214626 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/maxximuslng-628-1334349179_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/maxximuslng-628-1334349179.jpg <![CDATA[Spring Thaw will bring flood of electric racers to Tucson this weekend]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/spring-thaw-will-bring-flood-of-electric-racers-to-tucson-this-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/spring-thaw-will-bring-flood-of-electric-racers-to-tucson-this-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/spring-thaw-will-bring-flood-of-electric-racers-to-tucson-this-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although it's been a pretty mild winter across most of the U.S., electric racers are planning a serious Spring Thaw celebration down in Tucson, AZ this Saturday. And by serious, we mean multiple NEDRA-record-holder serious.

Attendees can expect to see old favorites, such as John Wayland's White Zombie, along with relative newcomers like DC Plasma, the quickest door-slammin' Fiero ever, take to the quarter-mile strip. Perhaps against each other.

The action won't be limited to four-wheeled vehicles either. Perhaps the most anticipated head-to-head match-up will be that between Bill Dube's Killacycle and Jeff Disinger's Predator.

Last weekend, with team pilot Scotty Pollachek in the saddle, the Killacycle snatched the DMC/A class (drag motorcycle, less than 300 Volts) record away from Predator with a 8.159-second-at-166.66-miles-an-hour performance. Jeff has already let them known he intends to take it back. Expect a battle royale.

The action won't be limited to the track though. The event, which is being organized by NEDRA, the Tucson Clean Cities Coalition, the Pima Association of Governments and the Southwestern International Raceway, will also feature a "Green" pavilion with alternative-energy exhibits and there will be a live band to entertain.

You can get more info from the Bookman's Spring Thaw website.

Spring Thaw will bring flood of electric racers to Tucson this weekend originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookmans spring thawdc plasmaelectric vehicle racingev drag racingev racingkillacyclenedrapredatorspring thawwhite zombieWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212059/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212059/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/spring-thaw-will-bring-flood-of-electric-racers-to-tucson-this-w/20212059/article-detail.xml 20212059 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/spring-thaw-314_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/spring-thaw-314.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Men's Health</i> looks to set coast-to-coast electric-vehicle record in Ford Focus Electric]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/07/mens-health-looks-to-set-coast-to-coast-electric-vehicle-record/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/07/mens-health-looks-to-set-coast-to-coast-electric-vehicle-record/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/07/mens-health-looks-to-set-coast-to-coast-electric-vehicle-record/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

mens health ford focus
It's not exactly the Cannonball Run, but, hey, it's for a good cause.

Men's Health is looking to set what it says will be a coast-to-coast record-time drive in an electric vehicle while raising money for military families when it sponsors the drive of a Ford Focus Electric in its so-called Electric Car Challenge across the country starting next week.

Top Gear USA co-host Tanner Foust, IndyCar racer Martin Plowman, ex-Navy SEAL commander Coleman Ruiz and Miss Indiana 2009 Nicole Pollard will be among the road-trippers who will depart New York City on April 11 in a Focus Electric loaned out by Ford and make what looks to be a 10- to 12-day trip across the country. The drivers, who expect to recharge the car every 40 to 55 miles, are shooting for getting to Santa Monica Pier by April 22, which is Earth Day.

Speed won't be paramount since highway driving tends to drain an EV's battery at a quicker rate, and the drivers will be looking to readers and other supporters with a 240-volt electric supply to string their power supply across the country, since much of the nation doesn't have an electric-vehicle charging infrastructure in place (yet). Of course, having a recent Miss Indiana along for the ride probably won't hurt that effort.

Along the way, Men's Health, which is owned by Rodale, will raise money for Carry the Load, a foundation supporting families of U.S. military members killed in combat. Ruiz is executive director of the organization.

The Ford Focus Electric started sales on the U.S. East and West Coasts in November, though won't be available nationwide until this September. Ford, which is base-pricing the car at $39,200 before the $7,500 federal tax credit, has said the car can go as far as 100 miles on a single charge.

Continue reading Men's Health looks to set coast-to-coast electric-vehicle record in Ford Focus Electric

Men's Health looks to set coast-to-coast electric-vehicle record in Ford Focus Electric originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coast-to-coastelectric vehiclefocus electricfordford focus electricmens healthSat, 07 Apr 2012 08:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209865/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209865/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/07/mens-health-looks-to-set-coast-to-coast-electric-vehicle-record/20209865/article-detail.xml 20209865 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focusmenshealth_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focusmenshealth.jpg <![CDATA[QuimeraRR AEDC racer looking for fresh livery in all-electric drift contest]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/quimerarr-aedc-racer-looking-for-fresh-livery-in-all-electric-dr/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/quimerarr-aedc-racer-looking-for-fresh-livery-in-all-electric-dr/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/quimerarr-aedc-racer-looking-for-fresh-livery-in-all-electric-dr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

QuimeraRR AEDC

Doesn't that car look a little bit naked?

The vehicle in question is the QuimeraRR AEDC, which is being called "the world's first all-electric car purpose-built for drifting" by the team behind the car, Quimera Responsible Racing and Electric K1 founder Alex Letteriello. To gussy up the AEDC, QuimeraRR has launched a design competition that is looking for a "contemporary livery designed to showcase its unique attributes."

The AEDC will be used in a new, worldwide "non-fossil fuel-based" motorsport championship that will start in 2013. Quimera, the International Motor Sport Association and the American Le Mans Series are working together on the project for which the AEDC will be the standard-bearer. Eleven judges, including IMSA and ALMS president Scott Atherton and Formula Drift co-founder Jim Liaw, will look over the livery contest submissions, awarding the winner tickets to the car's October unveiling at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA and $5,000. If you're interested in trying your hand, you can find the details here. Contest closes May 14.

The AEDC is a successor to Quimera's all-sexy, all-electric AEGT01, which you can read about here, bonus video included. In January 2012, Quimera announced the new racing series, saying that vehicles in the drifting class could be "up to 250kW" and the series will "comply with all sanctioned safety regulations." Just so we're clear on that.

Continue reading QuimeraRR AEDC racer looking for fresh livery in all-electric drift contest

QuimeraRR AEDC racer looking for fresh livery in all-electric drift contest originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This year, Pikes Peak will once again be crawling with electric vehicles. Mitsubishi will be there with its i-MiEV-based racer and the Pikes Peak EV Challenge Committee has just announced it will bring a new all-electric car to scale the 14,110-foot height in Colorado this July.

The prototype vehicle will be developed by Team APEV, where APEV stands for the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles, and will be driven by Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. Tajima has won the contest for the last six years, breaking the ten-minute barrier for the first time last year. But that was in a gas-powered car, which isn't nearly as cool as doing it with zero emissions. The coolest part, for real, is that Team APEV and Monster Sports will be participating to help victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake disaster as well as promoting environmental education projects for children and "projects to promote active participation from the senior citizens of Japan."

In 2011, two EVs, a Nissan Leaf and a custom EV from AC Propulsion, made the climb.

Monster Tajima ready to tackle Pikes Peak in an all-electric prototype originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apevNobuhiro Monster TajimaNobuhiro Tajimapikes peakPikes Peak EV Challenge CommitteePikes Peak International Hill Climbteam apevThu, 29 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20204104/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20204104/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/monster-tajima-ready-to-tackle-pikes-peak-in-an-all-electric-pro/20204104/article-detail.xml 20204104 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pikes-peak-tajima-team-apev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pikes-peak-tajima-team-apev.jpg -1 2