Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Production Citroen C-Cactus images leaked online?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/spy-shots-production-citroen-c-cactus-images-leaked-online/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/spy-shots-production-citroen-c-cactus-images-leaked-online/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/spy-shots-production-citroen-c-cactus-images-leaked-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Judging by a few grainy leaked images from Auto Express of what appears to be a production-ready version of the Citroen C-Cactus concept from the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall of 2007, the French automaker has taken out some of the quirkiness that made the original vehicle so memorable... and added a whole new bunch of new and strange styling cues to pick up the slack.

This new model is rumored to be planned for sale in 2012 and will be the first model under Citroen's new Essentiele eco-friendly moniker. It's thought that the production C-Cactus will carry on with the concept's bare necessities approach, eschewing unnecessary bits - simplifying construction and lowering costs in the process.

Rumors contend that the upcoming Citroen will feature a three-cylinder diesel powerplant mated up with some unknown low-cost hybrid system. We'll see soon enough.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Production Citroen C-Cactus images leaked online? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 citroen2012 citroen c-cactus2012 citroen essentiele2012Citroen2012CitroenC-cactus2012CitroenEssentielec cactusc-cactusCCactuscitroencitroen c cactuscitroen c-cactuscitroen c-cactus conceptcitroen essentieleCitroenC-cactusCitroenC-cactusConceptCitroenCCactusCitroenEssentieleTue, 29 Sep 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mahindra TR40 tested in U.S. spec]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/spy-shots-mahindra-tr40-tested-in-u-s-spec/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/spy-shots-mahindra-tr40-tested-in-u-s-spec/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/spy-shots-mahindra-tr40-tested-in-u-s-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We really do think that a small, fuel efficient and comparatively inexpensive pickup truck powered by a modern diesel engine is a good thing for the American market... it's just too bad that it has to come in such an ungainly package. While the standard-fare pickup from Mahindra isn't exactly a looker in its base form, the American-spec TR40 seen in these spy shots is arguably even less attractive after its updates.

Up front is a front bumper guard that PickupTrucks.com says will be standard here in the States. At the back is a new stamped-steel rear bumper. Both of these updates are reportedly required to meet U.S. regulations. Inside, while the furnishings aren't up to luxury car standards and panel gaps seem rather large, the look isn't necessarily unattractive and this is probably a pre-production model.

Under the hood will be a 2.2-liter diesel engine that should put out somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission option is expected to be a six-speed automatic. We're hearing that this powertrain combination should offer 30 mpg, 1.3-tons of payload and 5,000 pounds of towing ability. If those numbers prove accurate and Mahindra is able to come in with an attractive base price, perhaps the styling won't matter. We'll see.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: Mahindra TR40 tested in U.S. spec originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel truckDieselTruckmahindramahindra dieselmahindra diesel truckmahindra pickupmahindra tr20mahindra tr40mahindra truckMahindraDieselMahindraDieselTruckMahindraPickupMahindraTr20MahindraTr40MahindraTruckWed, 23 Sep 2009 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/spy-shots-2011-vw-touareg-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/spy-shots-2011-vw-touareg-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/spy-shots-2011-vw-touareg-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back in February, Volkswagen announced it would introduce a new hybrid version of its Touareg SUV in late 2010. This being the case, it's not surprising that the German automaker would be caught testing its new fuel-saving 'ute out in the hot, barren stretches of a U.S. desert.

VW's hybrid hardware will combine the new 333 horsepower supercharged 3.0L TSI V6 from the Audi S4 with a 38 kW electric motor sandwiched between the engine and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Add it all up and you get a total output of 374 horses and 406 lb-ft of torque, sufficient to push the heavy Touareg to 60 in under seven seconds and pull up to 7,700 pounds while returning a combined rating of 26 miles per gallon.

Expect the introduction of the hybrid powertrain to closely follow the introduction of the next-generation Touareg for the 2011 model year. Included in the refresh will reportedly be a revised front fascia, a new third row of seats and a 300 kilogram (660 pound) weight reduction.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Spy Shots: 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 vw touareg2011 vw touareg hybrid2011VwTouareg2011VwTouaregHybridspy shotsSpyShotstouaregtouareg hybridTouaregHybridvolkswagenvolkswagen touaregvolkswagen touareg hybridVolkswagenTouaregVolkswagenTouaregHybridvw touaregvw touareg hybridVwTouaregVwTouaregHybridWed, 12 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid caught in the desert]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/spy-shots-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-caught-in-the-desert/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/spy-shots-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-caught-in-the-desert/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/spy-shots-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-caught-in-the-desert/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai plans to launch its first-ever hybrid in America, based on the next-generation Sonata midsize sedan, in late 2010. As we can see from this series of spy shots, testing is well underway as the Korean automaker was spotted out and about in the desert with a heavily camoflauged 2011 Sonata Hybrid - and there were hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima in tow.

Hyundai has taken a slightly different approach to energy storage, using flat lithium polymer battery packs holding 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts in lieu of nickel metal hydride or lithium ion technology. Expect the hybrid bits to add 30kW of power to Hyundai's 2.4-liter Theta II four cylinder powerplant mated up with a six-speed automatic transmission. A quick glance underhood shows the telltale bright orange wiring normally associated with hybrid automobiles.

A closer look at the spy photos shows that Hyundai will apply the currently-popular four-door coupe trend to its next Sonata. We also clearly note radically sweeping headlamps that stretch all the way past the front wheel arches, a rising bodyside ridge and a vaguely Genesis-esque front grille treatment. Expect all of these styling elements on both the standard 2011 Sonata and its accompanying hybrid sibling.



Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid caught in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai sonata2011 hyundai sonata hybrid2011HyundaiSonata2011HyundaiSonataHybridhyundaihyundai hybridhyundai sonatahyundai sonata hybridHyundaiHybridHyundaiSonataHyundaiSonataHybridsonata spy photosonata spy photossonata spy shotSonataSpyPhotoSonataSpyPhotosSonataSpyShotspy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsMon, 10 Aug 2009 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Is this Porsche 911 mule hiding a shocking secret?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-is-this-porsche-911-mule-hiding-a-shocking-secret/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-is-this-porsche-911-mule-hiding-a-shocking-secret/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-is-this-porsche-911-mule-hiding-a-shocking-secret/#commentsFiled under: , ,

No automaker is immune to the global environmental pressure to reduce pollutants and limit carbon dioxide emissions. Even Porsche has gotten into the green game with both diesel and hybrid options for its current Cayenne - along with an expected hybrid for its Panamara range. Could that fuel-saving technology make a move closer to Porsche's sportscar roots? If so, would the battery pack go under the front hood or a rear-engined car?

According to a series of spy photos from our friends at NextAutos.com, the answer to those questions may be yes and yes. Although there aren't any logos on the car - save for the well-placed Batman stickers (are we looking at the next Tumbler? Nah) - the profile undoubtedly screams 911 while the details leave us scratching our heads. What's with the oddly shaped bulge (complete with what appears to be a lightning bolt graphic) on the hood or the fact that the photogs claim the car made virtually no noise as it sped away at high velocities?

For what it's worth, in addition to the hybrid Cayenne and Panamera programs, we also know that the German automaker is keenly interested in electric vehicles, including its iconic 911. In other words, these are spy shots that have our interest piqued even more than usual.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Is this Porsche 911 mule hiding a shocking secret? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911 hybrid911Hybridbreakingelectric 911electric porscheelectric porsche 911Electric911ElectricPorscheElectricPorsche911hybrid porscheHybridPorscheporscheporsche 911porsche 911 hybridporsche hybridPorsche911Porsche911HybridPorscheHybridTue, 28 Jul 2009 09:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: BMW X6 hybrid spotted stateside]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-bmw-x6-hybrid-spotted-stateside/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-bmw-x6-hybrid-spotted-stateside/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spy-shots-bmw-x6-hybrid-spotted-stateside/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Although we've seen spy shots of BMW's new X6 hybrid in Bavaria, we're new getting images of the vehicle stateside, with South Carolina plates. BMW's powertrain approach for this model is more evolved than the relatively simple stop & start systems that populate most 4-cylinders in Europe. It's a powered with a 4.4-liter engine mated to the two mode hybrid system that BMW co-developed with GM and Daimler. This should be good for a fuel efficiency increase of 20 percent compared to the "normal" version. The window sticker is also undergoing a bit of an increase: it is expected to be over $70,000 when the X6 hybrid arrives in early 2010.

[Source: Hybridcars / Le Blog Auto]

Spy shots: BMW X6 hybrid spotted stateside originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW is expected to roll out the production version of its new 755ih hybrid luxury sedan later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With little to differentiate the new gas-saving 7 Series from the rest of the German automaker's thirstier 7s, it's not surprising that the vehicle has been spotted out an about on European roadways with absolutely zero camouflage. The only way to tell it's a hybrid are small HYBRID Erprobungsfahrzeug (HYBRID Vehicle Testing) badges.

Under the 755ih's long hood sits a version of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 powerplant that's been mated up to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a 20kW pancake electric motor sandwiched in between. The AC motor can provide an impressive 155 lb-ft of torque to the already potent 400-plus horsepower gasoline mill.

BMW is claiming a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency from the mild hybrid over the standard 7 Series V8, along with a bit more performance and, naturally, a slightly higher price tag.

Gallery: LA 2008: BMW Concept 7-series ActiveHybrid


[Source: BMW Blog]

Spy Shots: BMW 755ih spotted undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 bmw 7 series2010 bmw 755ih2010Bmw755ih2010Bmw7Seriesbmwbmw 7bmw 7 seriesbmw 7 series hybridbmw 7-seriesbmw 755bmw 755ihBmw7Bmw7-seriesBmw755Bmw755ihBmw7SeriesBmw7SeriesHybridTue, 23 Jun 2009 08:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Is this the all-electric Renault Twingo ZE?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-is-this-the-all-electric-renault-twingo-ze/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-is-this-the-all-electric-renault-twingo-ze/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-is-this-the-all-electric-renault-twingo-ze/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Late last week, the Internet rumormill was abuzz with reports that Renault would bring a trio of electric vehicles to the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. Might one of those zero-emission automobiles be the Twingo ZE? According to Auto Express in the UK, a clay model for an all-electric Renault Twingo was spotted by French journalists from Auto Plus, and it will reportedly hit the market next year £13,000 plus a lease for the battery.

If there's any truth to this particular rumor, the three-seat Twingo ZE will be powered by a 59-horsepower electric motor that's capable of pushing the car to 60 miles per hour in around 10 seconds and up to a top speed of 80 mph. Regenerative braking will be included in the package, which helps push maximum range to around 100 miles.

Of course, the car will be equipped with a plug that allows the car to be recharged from home, though we're not sure about the four-hour time that's being reported. Further, Renault dealerships would be equipped with battery swapping capabilities, probably using the Better Place technology.

Gallery: Renault Twingo


[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Is this the all-electric Renault Twingo ZE? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric renaultelectric renault twingoElectricCarElectricCarsElectricRenaultElectricRenaultTwingofrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowrenaultrenault twingorenault twingo zeRenaultTwingoRenaultTwingoZeMon, 22 Jun 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Could this be the face of BMW's Project i?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/spy-shots-could-this-be-the-face-of-bmws-project-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/spy-shots-could-this-be-the-face-of-bmws-project-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/spy-shots-could-this-be-the-face-of-bmws-project-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Take a good look at the spy shot above. The car you see is obviously a MINI of some sort, though nobody seems quite sure what to make of it. There's certainly a possibility that it's nothing more than a clay mock-up of a possible design direction that didn't make it into production, but it could also be some sort of early prototype for a future vehicle.

L'Automobile Magazine, the French site that the images originate from, seems to believe that this is a new version of the MINI Cooper that will be ready sometime in 2011. If so, it's clear that the car's basic shape will remain the same while details like the droopy front grille and oval-shaped head lamps will be borrowed from the MINI Crossover Concept that debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2008.

According to World Car Fans and BMWBlog, there also exists the possibility that this is the upcoming Megacity electric vehicle, an eco-friendly offshoot of the MINI family that's part of parent company BMW's Project i initiative. So, just what is this thing exactly? Dunno. We're taking the wait-and-see approach.

[Source: L'Automobile Magazine - translated]

Spy Shots: Could this be the face of BMW's Project i? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 14 May 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw megacitybmw project iBmwMegacityBmwProjectIminimini coopermini megacityMiniCooperMiniMegacityThu, 14 May 2009 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: Bentley gets ready to run the 'Ring in the E85 Continental Supersports]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/spy-shots-bentley-gets-ready-to-run-the-ring-in-the-e85-contin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/spy-shots-bentley-gets-ready-to-run-the-ring-in-the-e85-contin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/spy-shots-bentley-gets-ready-to-run-the-ring-in-the-e85-contin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Bentley unveiled its first-ever flex-fuel car, the Continental Supersports. Not only is this car the first production Bentley that will be capable of running on either gasoline of E85 ethanol, it also happens to be the most powerful production Bentley ever, putting out a staggering 621 horsepower.

Running on ethanol is the first stage of Bentley's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, at least when measured on a well-to-wheel basis. Before Bentley puts its new flex fuel, reduced-mass coupe on sale around the end of this year, though, it has some testing left to do. To that end, the engineers are hitting the Nurburgring this week to see how it does in what's quickly becoming the new standard test for high performance vehicles, and these spy shots show a matte black Supersports getting ready for this baptism of fire.




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

Spy shots: Bentley gets ready to run the 'Ring in the E85 Continental Supersports originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 13 May 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission One testing at Infineon - Click above for a high-res image gallery

There's just 45 days until the running of the world's first zero emissions motorcycle time trial, and a number of the teams that plan to compete in the Isle of Man's carbon-free Grand Prix are hard at work testing their creations. One such machine, the Mission One from Mission Motors, has recently been testing at Infineon Raceway in California, and here's a series of images to prove it. Good news: everything looks exactly as we'd expect from this potential front-runner.

Judging from these shots, the electric bike is obviously being ridden hard, and that bodes well for its chances at the upcoming event. The rider seen in these shots is Tom Montano, a man with 25 years of motorcycle racing experience who also happens to hold the title as the fastest American to ever lap the famed Isle of Man time trial.

Gallery: Mission One in action


[Source: TTXG Blog]

Spy Shots: Mission Motors TTXGP entry snapped at Infineon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric motorcycleelectric motorcycle raceelectric motorcycle spy shotselectric motorcyclesElectricMotorcycleElectricMotorcycleRaceElectricMotorcyclesElectricMotorcycleSpyShotsisle of manIsleOfManmission motorsmission motors mission onemission onemission one evmission one ev sport bikeMissionMotorsMissionMotorsMissionOneMissionOneMissionOneEvMissionOneEvSportBikettxgpTue, 28 Apr 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Kia Soul Hybrid spotted ahead of Shanghai debut]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spy-shots-kia-soul-hybrid-spotted-ahead-of-shanghai-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spy-shots-kia-soul-hybrid-spotted-ahead-of-shanghai-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spy-shots-kia-soul-hybrid-spotted-ahead-of-shanghai-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Kia Soul Hybrid spy shots - Click above for an image gallery

Last year at the Paris Motor Show, Kia showed off a version of the Soul mini CUV that was equipped with a transparent hood and floorpan so show-goers could see the inner-working of the Korean automaker's hybrid drivetrain. At that time, the hybrid Soul wasn't yet in its final form. That all seems to have been rectified based on these spy shots of what appears to be a production-ready a Soul Hybrid, which were reportedly snapped ahead of the official start of the Shanghai Motor Show.

The story that accompanies these photos is woefully short on any actual data about the car, but the concept in Paris was equipped with a 1.6L four cylinder engine mated up with a 15kW electric motor. The dual powerplans send their horses through a CVT transmission to the front wheels to offer up an estimated 48 miles per gallon and CO2 emissions of just 117 g/km.

Gallery: Shanghai Motor Show: Kia Soul Hybrid spy shots


[Source: Auto.Sohu.com]

Spy Shots: Kia Soul Hybrid spotted ahead of Shanghai debut originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kia soulkia soul hybridKiaSoulKiaSoulHybridshanghai motor showShanghaiMotorShowMon, 20 Apr 2009 05:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Dodge HEMI Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/19/spy-shots-dodge-hemi-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/19/spy-shots-dodge-hemi-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/19/spy-shots-dodge-hemi-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like the Dodge Ram Hybrid is on target to be released as a 2010 model, as this series of spy shots proves. Expect a version of the 2-Mode hybrid powertrain Chrysler co-developed with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and General Motors. In the case of the Ram, a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine with cylinder deactivation will be hooked to the sophisticated automatic transmission that features twin 60 kW electric motors. A similar setup is used by General Motors for its Chevy Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid, which we recently got the chance to take out for a test drive.

We're not yet certain what kind of batteries Chrysler is planning to use in the Ram Hybrid, but General Motors uses a 300V nickel metal hydride unit in its 2-Mode hybrids. Regenerative braking is expected, as is the ability to travel under light throttle conditions using no gasoline at all at up to about 25 miles per hour. We're happy to see that testing of the hybrid truck is well underway, we just wish it were being joined by the 5.0L Cummins diesel engine that had also been planned for 2010.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: Dodge HEMI Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sources suggest that General Motors is readying the Opel Ampera for an expected debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Ampera will be the first production vehicle in Europe using the Voltec powertrain that should make its first appearance in the Chevy Volt in 2010. We got an early sneak peek at the general shape of the Ampera earlier this week from the European Office for Harmonization of the Internal Market, aka the patent office. Now, some sleuthy spy shooters in Germany have managed to catch the car completely naked while posing at an unnamed German facility.

We can clearly see that this car will share most of its sheetmetal with its sibling from America, with most of the changes being most apparent in the Cylon-like front fascia. Underneath that skin, we are not expecting to see any real changes to the specifications outlined by the Chevy Volt, which means an electric-only range of 40 miles that's augmented by a small 1.4-liter four cylinder engine. Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: Autocar]

Opel Ampera caught undisguised in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Although it was unveiled back in 2007 during the Frankfurt Motor show, the quirky X6 with a hybrid powertrain has just now been spotted in the wild. French website Le Blog Auto found it on a street in Munich, Germany, where it was not disguised at all, with the HYBRID Erprobungsfahrzeug (hybrid test vehicle) badge on the sides and the BMW badges covered with black duck tape. Not much of a disguise. Then again, the X6 hybrid isn't exactly a fuel miser, either, what with its 4.4-liter V8 engine mated to the two mode hybrid system that BMW co-developed with GM.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Spyshot: hybrid BMW X6 spotted in the wild originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As much as we'd like to tell you that General Motors is considering adding a small diesel engine to its GMT 355 platform, we're not going to. While we do have visual evidence that an Isuzu D-Max, which is built atop the same underpinnings as the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado pickup trucks, has been testing on American roads with a 3.0L four cylinder turbodiesel engine, it's likely just an engineering mule that a powertrain supplier like Bosch or AVL is testing. Too bad. Aside from a mildly crushed front fender, this is one good-looking machine, and the large displacement four-banger would surely be more efficient than either the base 2.9L four, 3.7L inline-five or newly optional 5.3L V8. Sure, that new eight-cylinder engine may offer plenty of grunt, but it leaves plenty to be desired when it comes time to fill the beastie back up with gas. Oh well, at least we can enjoy the photos.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Diesel-powered Isuzu D-Max caught testing in US originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're anxiously awaiting the debut of the Lexus HS250h dedicated hybrid model at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, but we can at least tide ourselves over with a few spy shots of the sedan being tested in all of its camo'd glory. As we can clearly see, this is not a hatchback like the Prius - which Lexus is also expected to get a version of - but a sedan, complete with the trunk out back that most Americans seem to prefer. We're still unclear on exactly what will power the new sedan, though a version of the Camry Hybrid's 2.4L four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and hybrid system seems a distinct possibility. Alternatively, an enlarged version of the new Prius' powerplant could be used.

A Toyota version of the HS250h is also expected that will likely use the same powerplant but get fewer luxury goods to go along with its lower price. Expect a nickel metal hydride battery pack and fuel mileage in the 40s.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Detroit Preview: Lexus HS250h spied testing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When we first saw the three electric concepts from Chrysler, we immediately began thinking that the Dodge EV, with its Lotus-based chassis and electric drivetrain from UQM, would be the easiest to get on the road in a timely manner. After all, it would require the least amount of extra engineering from Chrysler. Looks like those early predictions were accurate, as spy shots of the Dodge EV being tested on real roads have surfaced.

As you might expect, the Lotus-derived shell has seen some major styling revisions to make it look more like a Dodge, especially in the front end, which now has the familiar Ram-style crosshair grille. In fact, the EV now shares more than a passing resemblance to the Dodge Demon concept from the Geneva Motor Show in 2007 and the Razor that we had suggested may be a good choice of styles to ape. Now that Chrysler appears set to get an infusion of cash from the Feds, we have high hopes that the automaker can actually get an EV into production in short order.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Spy Shots: 2010 Dodge EV out testing already originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ever since Ford's U.S. operations decided to forego the second-generation Focus in favor of a freshened version of the first generation model, Americans have been complaining that we can't get the best Focus. In fact, the essential underpinnings of that C1 Focus have been available here under two other brands. The pricier Volvo C30/S40/V50 and the current Mazda3. The Mazda has actually been quite popular here and it looks like it will be getting a mid-cycle refresh soon. Judging from the batch of spy photos that has popped up on a Czech website it won't be an all-new car. That's probably a couple more years away when the next-gen Focus comes to the U.S. market. Instead, the 3 is getting some new bodywork from the belt-line down. The greenhouse looks carry-over from the current car, while the front fender area in particular looks all new. The 3 looks set to inherit the arching wheelhouses used by other current Mazdas like the 6, CX-7 and CX-9 as well as the tiny Mazda2 that's not available here. Since they have taken off most of the heavy camouflage, it seems likely the 3 will be introduced fairly soon, probably at either the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Show. Thanks to Kris for the tip!

[Source: news.auto.cz]

Spy Shots: New Mazda3 caught with most of its covers off originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There is no doubt that Jaguar is hard at work designing various hybrid systems for its upcoming products. In fact, the recently-sold automaker is receiving some assistance from the UK government to fund the research into dual gas and electric powertrains, as is sister company Land Rover. Recent rumors indicate that the automaker is considering going hybrid for its next XJ sedan. Now, new spy shots indicate that the automaker is currently testing a hybrid drivetrain in its sportier XK coupe as well, as photographers near Germany's famed Nürburgring circuit claim that very little noise is coming from the Jags as they circle the track at high speed. Normally, when racing around a circuit such as this, an abundance of engine roar can be heard for miles, so the lack of sound leads us to believe that there's something different about this car. Could it be a parallel hybrid? Of course, we don't know... but feel free to speculate away in the comments as you see fit.

[Source: Next Autos]

Hybrid Jag spotted lapping the 'Ring? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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