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[A 41-minute video about why the Fisker Karma infotainment system gets an F]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

fisker karma infotainment center review

The Fisker Karma might look good from the outside, but the view from the driver's seat is anything but infotaining.

That's the detailed, expert opinion of Brian Greenstone, an Austin, TX-based programmer who owns both a Karma and an Aston Vantage, according to The Truth About Cars. Greenstone also has enough time and passion for his cars that he recorded a 41-minute video about just why the Karma's infotainment and climate control panel, the Command Center, is so tremendously bad (he also made a 27-minute video reviewing the car as a whole. Both are available below). Greenstone gives the system an F. That's up from an F- before a recent software update. These are grades only an owner can give, someone who's spent time getting to know the car. He says:
  • Automatic climate control? It "basically doesn't work."
  • Bluetooth? The screen "gives you no information."
  • Changing audio inputs using the steering wheel controls? "I have no idea what audio mode I'm in."
  • System settings? "I've got to take a breath before I start talking about this. This is awful. This makes you wonder what two-year-old designed it."
In short, Greenstone doesn't like the Command Center. Fisker, since these are mostly software issues, the ball is in your court to improve things. Do a good job and Greenstone might just bump you up to a D-.

Continue reading A 41-minute video about why the Fisker Karma infotainment system gets an F

A 41-minute video about why the Fisker Karma infotainment system gets an F originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian greenstonecommand centerelectric vehiclefisker karmainfotainmentkarmaplug-in hybridWed, 23 May 2012 17:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243845/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243845/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/41-minute-video-fisker-karma-infotainment-system-fail/20243845/article-detail.xml 20243845 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-karma-infotainment-review_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fisker-karma-infotainment-review.png <![CDATA[Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

chevy volt zombie ad

Did you know the Chevrolet Volt can outrun a gaggle of slow-rambling zombies? Did you know that even in an apocalyptic wasteland, beautiful women will drive freshly washed cars? These are two of the messages in a new ad (of sorts) for the plug-in hybrid that was created by Josh Soskin for the Mofilm Barcelona 2012 Video Contest.

The spot, viewable below, makes an odd case against gas anxiety (for lack of a better word) by showing a mid-1980's Mazda 323 running out of gas, which then allows a brain-hungry zombie horde from catching up. The deus ex machina turns out to be a Volt, which carries our heroes to safety. The big question: does that Volt include zombie-killing shotguns, hung from a gun rack?

Now, a fully charged, fully refueled Volt can go around 375 miles. If these guys really want to go the distance, what they really need is a good hypermiler and/or a diesel car (1,600+ miles!). Or, if the gasoline supply has been damaged, how about a solar-powered long-distance vehicle, something like the Solar Taxi. But that's applying logic to what's supposed to be a commercial, which is always a losing experiment. The ad is still kind of funny. Watch it here, and you can see the contest's runners-up here.

Continue reading Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde

Chevy Volt escapes the zombie horde originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelona video contestchevroletchevrolet voltchevy voltelectric vehicleplug-in hybridvoltvolt zombieszombiesMon, 21 May 2012 19:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242080/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242080/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/chevy-volt-escapes-the-zombie-horde/20242080/article-detail.xml 20242080 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevy-volt-zombie-ad_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevy-volt-zombie-ad.png <![CDATA[Toyota Prius Habitent turn your hybrid into a sleeper car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/toyota-prius-habitent-turn-your-hybrid-into-a-sleeper-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/toyota-prius-habitent-turn-your-hybrid-into-a-sleeper-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/toyota-prius-habitent-turn-your-hybrid-into-a-sleeper-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

toyota prius tent

Sold on eBay for $90 (plus a $10 shipping fee), the Habitents Toyota Prius tent turns your Liftback model (2003-present model years) into an efficient little camper. We're not sure why using this is any easier than just setting up an actual tent or what, really, it gets you, but maybe we're just not the target market. At least the Habitent packs small - the sellers say it fits into the glove compartment - which appeals to our sense of frugality. It's better looking than the Prius Relax Cabin conversion, that's for sure.

When all set up, the Prius tent offers around 80 by 40 inches of sleeping space and a large zippered door and windows. Of course, if you're going to be using your Prius as your bed, you can't be carrying too much luggage as it's just take up your napping area. We suppose you could put your stuff into waterproof - maybe animalproof, depending on where you're camping - containers to leave outside overnight, so the right person or couple could make this work.

Check out a video of how to set up the Prius tent below.

Continue reading Toyota Prius Habitent turn your hybrid into a sleeper car

Toyota Prius Habitent turn your hybrid into a sleeper car originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car tenthabitentpriusprius camperprius tenttoyotatoyota prius campertoyota prius camper vantoyota prius tentMon, 21 May 2012 12:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20241788/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20241788/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/toyota-prius-habitent-turn-your-hybrid-into-a-sleeper-car/20241788/article-detail.xml 20241788 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/habitents-toyota-prius-tent_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/habitents-toyota-prius-tent.png <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf ensures high-quality whisky from Isle of Islay]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/nissan-leaf-ensures-high-quality-whisky-from-isle-of-islay/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/nissan-leaf-ensures-high-quality-whisky-from-isle-of-islay/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/nissan-leaf-ensures-high-quality-whisky-from-isle-of-islay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan Leaf Scotch whisky

The Bruichladdich Distillery has been making artisan single malt Scotch whisky since 1881 on the Isle of Islay in the UK. As the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, you may not expect the island's 620 square kilometers (239 square miles) to be the ideal habitat for electric cars.

Apparently, though, the Nissan Leaf works out quite well for Mark Reynier, managing director at the distillery. The island's inhabitants are also benefited, says Reynier, by Nissan's Power Control System, which allows the Leaf's high-capacity lithium ion battery to power other devices - important when a single storm can completely cut the island's link to the outside world.

Watch Reynier describe how the Nissan Leaf has improved his life and his distillery in the video below. And, if you're interested in other ways to use Bruichladdich's whisky as a biofuel, you can also watch James May run a Radical SR4 race car on the spirit in a separate video.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf ensures high-quality whisky from Isle of Islay

Nissan Leaf ensures high-quality whisky from Isle of Islay originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BruichladdichBruichladdich distilleryelectric vehicleisle of islayleafnissanscotchscotch whiskywhiskyThu, 17 May 2012 19:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240344/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20240344/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/nissan-leaf-ensures-high-quality-whisky-from-isle-of-islay/20240344/article-detail.xml 20240344 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-leaf-distillery_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-leaf-distillery.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[IIHS crowns Prius c and Malibu Eco Top Safety Picks [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-prius-c-and-malibu-eco-top-safety-picks-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-prius-c-and-malibu-eco-top-safety-picks-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-prius-c-and-malibu-eco-top-safety-picks-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Toyota Prius C

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crowned two eco-friendly new models as Top Safety Picks: the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and 2012 Toyota Prius c. The redesigned 2013 Malibu joins its 2012 model-mate as a Top Pick, and the 2013 earned a good side impact rating even without its optional side airbags.

The Prius c also has siblings that have won the award, the Prius and Prius v. Also earning top honors in the latest round of testing is the redesigned Hyundai Azera. The Top Pick moniker is given to vehicles that score "Good" in the IIHS's front, side, rollover and rear-impact tests.

Have a look below for video of the Malibu and Prius c going through their side-impact exams.

Continue reading IIHS crowns Prius c and Malibu Eco Top Safety Picks [w/video]

IIHS crowns Prius c and Malibu Eco Top Safety Picks [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 hyundai azera2012 toyota prius c2013 chevrolet malibu ecochevroletiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetymalibupriusprius cTop Safety PicktoyotaThu, 17 May 2012 09:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20239689/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20239689/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-prius-c-and-malibu-eco-top-safety-picks-w-video/20239689/article-detail.xml 20239689 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-prius-c_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-prius-c.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic examines the power of plug-in hybrids for commercial fleets]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ALTe Ford F-150

The crew at Translogic took the time to stop by and see the the team at ALTe Powertrain Technologies. Founded by a group of former Tesla Motors executives, the company focuses on building plug-in hybrid conversions for fleet vehicles. From creations like a Ford F-150 with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two 60 kW electric motors to full-size delivery trucks, buses and vans, the company is focused on reducing fuel consumption on some of the largest and hardest-working machinery out there. ALTe says the F-150 conversion supplies up to 465 pound-feet of torque, which is more than the old 4.6-liter V8.

Most of the truck conversions come with 22 kWh lithium-ion battery packs, yielding 25-40 miles of all-electric range. From there, the four-cylinder kicks in to keep the batteries charged and the motors spinning.

ALTe says the company has focused on Ford conversions first, since the F-Series is the best-selling pickup in the country. While E-Series and Panther-based creations are also on the docket, ALTe is also focusing on partnering with OEMs in China. Scroll down below to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Translogic examines the power of plug-in hybrids for commercial fleets

Translogic examines the power of plug-in hybrids for commercial fleets originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altealte powertrain technologiesev conversionf-150fordford f-150hybridplug-inplug-in hybridtranslogicWed, 16 May 2012 17:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20239341/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20239341/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/translogic-examines-the-power-of-plug-in-hybrids-for-commercial/20239341/article-detail.xml 20239341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alte-ford-f-150_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alte-ford-f-150.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[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[Gasoline subsidies total $200 billion a year, making it dirt cheap in some countries]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/gasoline-subsidies-total-200-billion-a-year-making-it-dirt-che/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/gasoline-subsidies-total-200-billion-a-year-making-it-dirt-che/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/gasoline-subsidies-total-200-billion-a-year-making-it-dirt-che/#commentsFiled under: ,

oil platform sunset

The price of gasoline varies by a ridiculous amount around the world, from pennies for a gallon in some countries to the equivalent of $10 in others. One of the big reasons for this variation is fossil fuel subsidies.

Driving The Nation's Lou Ann Hammond recently interviewed Renault's Philippe Schulz about these subsidies (video below), and he said that global gasoline subsidies total about $200 billion dollars a year. Hammond also spoke with the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Lew Fulton, who said a subsidy is "any government action that lowers the cost of energy production, or lowers the price paid by energy consumers." As we noted late last year, the IEA calculated that all fossil-fuel consumption subsidies totaled around $409 billion in 2010, almost $110 billion more than they were in 2009. That's not progress.

Iran is still one of the biggest subsidizers of fuel. China recently dropped a few places on the list of most subsidizing countries when it let the price of fuel rise, but many countries in the Middle East and Asia are still among the ones that have a heavy hand in defining what it costs their citizens to fill up. Here in the U.S., the government doesn't subsidize gasoline per se, but the gas tax is quite low. As we recently discussed, this is causing a problem for American highways.

Continue reading Gasoline subsidies total $200 billion a year, making it dirt cheap in some countries

Gasoline subsidies total $200 billion a year, making it dirt cheap in some countries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gasoline subsidiessubsidiessubsidyMon, 07 May 2012 09:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232357/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232357/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/gasoline-subsidies-total-200-billion-a-year-making-it-dirt-che/20232357/article-detail.xml 20232357 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/oil-platform-sunset_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/oil-platform-sunset.jpg <![CDATA[Rimac Concept_One shreds tires, misconceptions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/rimac-concept_one-shreds-tires-misconceptions/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/rimac-concept_one-shreds-tires-misconceptions/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/rimac-concept_one-shreds-tires-misconceptions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

rimac concept one

When the Concept_One electric supercar from Rimac Automobili first went on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, there were those who assumed that it was more of a pedestal princess than an actual operational vehicle. They were proven wrong when footage emerged of it moving stealthily about the vicinity of the company's Croatian headquarters.

Then, the charge became that it wasn't capable of the high performance that was being touted. Consider that accusation confronted in fine rubber-burning fashion. Rimac is putting together a video that features the car flaunting its fantastic stuff, and has released a few excerpts from that film that will both excite the faithful and quiet the cynics.

This latest footage, however impressive, isn't meant to imply that all its development work has been completed. Indeed, the man behind the machine, Mate Rimac, tells AutoblogGreen that its 0-60 acceleration is still "only" around 3 seconds, with the torque vectoring and traction control systems still in need of tweaking. He also reminds us that this is just a prototype. The production version will be different. And by "different", we assume he means the final product will get even more awesome sauce.

The clip opens with a slow pan of the Concept_One's new custom HRE wheels and Vredestein tires, then, after a few measured glimpses of other portions of its sexy real estate, wistful slide guitar gives way to a drumbeat that underlays the beautiful wail of that aforementioned rubber being tortured through a series of accelerations and opposite-lock flinging about.

The $980,000 superlative is scheduled to make an on-track appearance at 24 hours of LeMans, as well as being displayed at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. There are also credible rumors of it becoming intimately acquainted with the Nürburgring. While you'll have to wait a bit before being able to see it perform in those venues, you can watch it get fast and furious now by simply scrolling down.

Continue reading Rimac Concept_One shreds tires, misconceptions

Rimac Concept_One shreds tires, misconceptions originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 07 May 2012 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept oneelectric hypercarelectric supercarelectric vehiclerimacrimac automobilirimac automobili concept onerimac concept oneMon, 07 May 2012 07:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232106/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232106/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/rimac-concept_one-shreds-tires-misconceptions/20232106/article-detail.xml 20232106 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rimac_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rimac.png <![CDATA[SAE Congress: GE charges up Nissan's EV plans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/06/sae-congress-ge-charges-up-nissans-ev-plans/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/06/sae-congress-ge-charges-up-nissans-ev-plans/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/06/sae-congress-ge-charges-up-nissans-ev-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

nissan leaf at SAE World Congress 2012

Nissan and GE shared a booth at the SAE World Congress in Detroit recently to emphasize the way the two companies want to connects your car and various appliances to the emerging smart grid.

The common piece of equipment is the new WattStation, which is an electric vehicle charging station that - along with the companion piece of software called WattStation Connect - gives plug-in vehicle drivers "the ability to manage and set customer pricing for EV charging, provide access control at their facilities, generate valuable reports and engage with customers in new ways." Some of those new ways include powering your home from your electric car, keeping track of electricity usage and having the charging stations (when used publicly) talk to navigation software to broadcast availability. Rental company Hertz was also involved in the development of the WattStation Connect software. You can see a video of the WattStation at the Congress down below.

Nissan was also proudly displaying a placard about the expansion of the CHAdeMO fast-charging protocol. It said that when the CHAdeMO association was established in March, 2010, there were just six CHAdeMO DC quick charger manufacturers, all of them Japanese, and only 192 chargers were installed globally. Two years later, at the end of March 2012, there are 33 manufacturers and 1,071 DC quick chargers installed around the world. Those are good numbers for the charging protocol, but a challenger is coming in the form of a new, eight-automaker-approved alternative fast-charging standard being unveiled at EVS26 this week. How these two options will battle it out in the coming years will be most interesting to watch.

Continue reading SAE Congress: GE charges up Nissan's EV plans

SAE Congress: GE charges up Nissan's EV plans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 06 May 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chademodc fast chargerelectric vehiclegenissannissan dc fast chargernissan geplug-in hybridsmart gridwattstationwattstation connectSun, 06 May 2012 08:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20229480/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20229480/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/06/sae-congress-ge-charges-up-nissans-ev-plans/20229480/article-detail.xml 20229480 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-leaf-chademo-fast-charger-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-leaf-chademo-fast-charger-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt takes a dip in the pool at Coachella. With bikinis.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/chevy-volt-takes-a-dip-in-the-pool-at-coachella/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/chevy-volt-takes-a-dip-in-the-pool-at-coachella/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/chevy-volt-takes-a-dip-in-the-pool-at-coachella/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Voltchella: The Chevy Volt Pool Party

The PR department for the GM Western Region swears there's Chevrolet Volt in the image above. We think we can spot it, but we're not sure. The still is taken from a promotional video for the Volt Recharge Lounge at the Coachella music festival in California recently.

Called "Voltchella: The Chevy Volt Pool Party," the clip is a minute of attractive people in bathing suits alongside a Volt floating in a pool. Seriously. There's not much else to say about it, because all the video shows are the people - including celebrities like Paris Hilton and some actor from The Hunger Games - and the car. The coolest part? When we see a tall crane shot of the Volt being lifted into place. The rest? Well, it's not the most pointless Volt video we've ever seen, but it's pretty close. See for yourself down below.

Continue reading Chevy Volt takes a dip in the pool at Coachella. With bikinis.

Chevy Volt takes a dip in the pool at Coachella. With bikinis. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletcoachellaelectric vehicleplug-in hybridvoltvoltchellaVoltchella: The Chevy Volt Pool PartySun, 29 Apr 2012 17:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20226793/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20226793/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/29/chevy-volt-takes-a-dip-in-the-pool-at-coachella/20226793/article-detail.xml 20226793 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/chevy-volt-coachella-1335734068_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/chevy-volt-coachella-1335734068.png <![CDATA[Rimac Concept_One shows up in Monaco with $980k sticker price [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rimac Concept One

It takes a lot to stand apart at an exposition as jam-packed with glitzy treasure as the Frankfurt Motor Show and impress the hordes of automotive journalists there assembled, but we were suitably impressed when we laid eyes upon the Rimac Concept_One at the Messe this past September. The Croatian upstart put together a supercar of (figurative, if not literal) Bugatti proportions, but instead of building it around a fossil-guzzling conventional powerplant, Rimac designed its hypercar with the equivalent of 1,088 horsepower worth of electric motors.

With a 92-kWh battery powering the electric motors at each wheel, the Rimac is said to be capable of rocketing to 62 from a standstill in just 2.8 seconds while traveling as far as 372 miles on a single charge. The team of former Pininfarina designers penned an attractive shape to go with it, the Bulgarian leathercrafters extraordinaires at Vilner were brought in to work on the interior, HRE developed a unique set of monoblock alloys and Vredestein debuted its new Ultrac Vorti tires designed by Giugiaro all for the Concept_One.

Impressive specs, all, but what's most impressive is that the Concept_One is no mere concept - you can actually buy it, assuming you've got the scratch. Upon showcasing the electric supercar at the Top Marques show in Monaco, Rimac announced a limited run of 88 examples will be built, each fetching $980,000 - a price as princely as the regent who was on hand to check it out in Monte Carlo. Which only goes to prove that you can, indeed, have your cake and eat it too, but it'll cost you dearly.

Take a closer look at the fresh crop of high-resolution images added to the gallery above, and check out the bonus video of the car moving under its own power below.

Continue reading Rimac Concept_One shows up in Monaco with $980k sticker price [w/video]

Rimac Concept_One shows up in Monaco with $980k sticker price [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept oneconcept_onemonacorimacrimac automobili concept onerimac concept onerimac concept_onetop marquestop marques monacoSat, 28 Apr 2012 08:23:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20226285/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20226285/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/28/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/20226285/article-detail.xml 20226285 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webrimac_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webrimac.jpg <![CDATA[Smart EDs play modified pong game called EBall (seriously)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/smart-eds-play-modified-pong-game-called-eball-seriously/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/smart-eds-play-modified-pong-game-called-eball-seriously/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/21/smart-eds-play-modified-pong-game-called-eball-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , ,

smart eball

Electric-drive vehicles are efficient, but not when they are used as video game joysticks. Then they're just silly.

But that's kind of the idea behind EBall, a strange, "hey-look-at-this" promotion for the Smart ED that was held in Germany last year. Footage from the games was just put together to show the world that you can, in fact, play pong with the all-electric version of the Fortwo.

Two driver participants from the crowd were allowed into the game at a time. Flanked by spectators - Smart claims over a half-million people watched 3,000 games during the Frankfurt Motor Show - the drivers went back and forth, controlling little Fortwo-shaped paddles on a giant screen with the car itself. The idea is kind of cool and certainly garnered some attention, but we'll be much more interested when we can play Mario Kart with one of these things. Watch yourself some EBall by scrolling down.

Continue reading Smart EDs play modified pong game called EBall (seriously)

Smart EDs play modified pong game called EBall (seriously) originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-balleballelectric vehiclesmart e-ballsmart edsmart electric drivesmart evSat, 21 Apr 2012 17:11:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20220883/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20220883/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/21/smart-eds-play-modified-pong-game-called-eball-seriously/20220883/article-detail.xml 20220883 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/smart-e-ball-628_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/smart-e-ball-628.png <![CDATA[Tesla Model S prowls across the ice and snow]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model s cold weather testing

Seeing electric vehicles prance around in the snow is becoming a common occurrence, whether done by journalists, speed demons or EV fans. But we never mind seeing more, especially when it's the Tesla Model S.

Tesla engineers took the Model S to the Automotive Enviro Testing center in Baudette, MN this winter when the temperature dropped to between -10 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit. For a few days, they made sure the Model S could weave between some colorful cones on frozen ground. Tesla says the Model S went through 19 different courses and has provided us with a video of some of these runs, and it looks like fun. It was effective as well, as Tesla says, "After days of rigorous testing, we left more confident than ever that Model S will set the standard for premium performance - no matter what's in the forecast." We're curious to know about the car's real-world cold-weather performance - including things like how using the heater affects range - but for now we'll just watch.

Continue reading Tesla Model S prowls across the ice and snow

Tesla Model S prowls across the ice and snow originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 tesla model scold weather testingelectric vehicleminnesotamodel steslatesla model sTue, 10 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212483/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212483/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/tesla-model-s-prowls-across-the-ice-and-snow/20212483/article-detail.xml 20212483 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tesla-model-s-cold-weather-testing-1334079580_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tesla-model-s-cold-weather-testing-1334079580.png <![CDATA[Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on <em>The Colbert Report</em>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bob Lutz takes on Stephen Colbert in a push-up contest

Former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz went bicep-to-bicep with "America's ballsiest pundit," Stephen Colbert, last night - and came out ahead. Ostensibly, Lutz was on Colbert to talk about his new book, Car Guys Vs. Bean Counters, but as one might expect, the discussion veered into Mitt Romney vs. President Obama territory pretty quickly.

The actual car industry part of the discussion, though, revealed more potential good news for the Chevrolet Volt, the car that Lutz is obviously trying to make his legacy and called "a huge success." Sure, Colbert talked about what his friends over at Fox News have been saying, but Lutz responded by predicting that sales would be "about 3,000 a month from here on out." This would not only set a new record (Volt sales for March 2012 were 2,289, the highest so far) but would also put GM's plug-in car into the 36,000-a-year range. That's commendable, but still not where GM CEO Dan Akerson said last December things would be this year. Of course, Akerson's 60,000 number could have included the Opel Ampera and its Vauxhall twin. In any case, things are looking up for the Volt, and that's something Lutz is more than happy to tell Colbert or anyone else. Watch the video - including an impromptu push-up contest between the two - right now by scrolling below.

Continue reading Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on The Colbert Report

Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on The Colbert Report originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltamperabob lutzchevroletchevychevy voltcolbertcolbert reportlutzstephen colbertvideovoltTue, 10 Apr 2012 12:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212409/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20212409/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/20212409/article-detail.xml 20212409 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lutz-vs-colbert-push-ups_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lutz-vs-colbert-push-ups.jpg <![CDATA[Lutz blasts 'right-wing talk show guys' for Volt criticism, predicts record sales in March]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/lutz-blasts-right-wing-talk-show-guys-for-volt-criticism-pred/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/lutz-blasts-right-wing-talk-show-guys-for-volt-criticism-pred/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/lutz-blasts-right-wing-talk-show-guys-for-volt-criticism-pred/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Bob Lutz may no longer work for General Motors, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the Chevrolet Volt's back.

The developer of the extended-range plug-in, in an interview with Plug In America's Jeff U'Ren, blasted what he called "the right-wing talk show guys" for what he said was a deliberate attempt to trash the Volt in the wake of a vehicle fire that occurred weeks after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test. NHTSA in January concluded after a two-month probe into the situation that neither the Volt nor other electric vehicles are a greater fire risk than conventional vehicles.

Lutz, who spearheaded the Volt development as GM's former vice chairman, said such efforts "put a severe kink in the sales curve" of the model and necessitated the five-week production shut-down that began earlier this month. Lutz was also somewhat critical of GM's marketing approach, calling early advertising efforts "a little bit tepid." GM fell about 2,400 units short of its goal to sell 10,000 Volts in 2011, though the Volt boosted sales to 1,023 vehicles last month from 603 cars in January. Lutz predicted that March would be "a record month" for Volt sales.

He also hoped that the Volt's recently being named European car of the year would like help sales. "You would think that would get a little attention in the media, but don't wait for (Bill) O'Reilly to say it," Lutz cracked. See for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading Lutz blasts 'right-wing talk show guys' for Volt criticism, predicts record sales in March

Lutz blasts 'right-wing talk show guys' for Volt criticism, predicts record sales in March originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzchevroletelectric vehiclefirelutznhtsaoreillyplug-in hybridvoltvolt productionvolt salesFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20204416/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20204416/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/30/lutz-blasts-right-wing-talk-show-guys-for-volt-criticism-pred/20204416/article-detail.xml 20204416 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volt0309-1333068956_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volt0309-1333068956.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo "unboxes" V60 diesel plug-in hybrid, then tears it down]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/volvo-unboxes-v60-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-then-tears-it-down/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/volvo-unboxes-v60-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-then-tears-it-down/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/volvo-unboxes-v60-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-then-tears-it-down/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

volvo v60 diesel plug in hybrid

Taking its cue from Internet consumption-centric "unboxing" and "teardown" videos, Volvo would like to introduce you to its new V60 plug-in hybrid.

In two new videos, Volvo seems to think people want to see what it would be like if PHEVs came packaged like new iPads. First, we get to carefully open the origami layers of the box to reveal the new iDevice car and then peel back the clear stickers that kept your new phone car scratch free until you picked it up. So much sexier than a vehicle transporter truck.

In the second video, Volvo's lab crew dismantles the car, showing off the seats while a voice says this is Volvo's "most human-centric car ever." We then get to see the through-the-road powertain, with the five-cylinder, 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine up front and the electric motor in back that, together, offer up to 280 horsepower. More specs here and you can see both videos after the jump.

We already know the V60 PHEV crashes well, so what's next? Do we find out if it blends?

Continue reading Volvo "unboxes" V60 diesel plug-in hybrid, then tears it down

Volvo "unboxes" V60 diesel plug-in hybrid, then tears it down originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleplug-in hybridtear downunboxingv60v60 phevvolvo v60 plug in hybridFri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20204135/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20204135/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/30/volvo-unboxes-v60-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-then-tears-it-down/20204135/article-detail.xml 20204135 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/screen-shot-2012-03-29-at-1.35.57-pm_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/screen-shot-2012-03-29-at-1.35.57-pm.png <![CDATA[Translogic tackles how Parisians share transportation]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/translogic-tackles-how-parisians-share-transportation/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/translogic-tackles-how-parisians-share-transportation/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/translogic-tackles-how-parisians-share-transportation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Translogic visits Paris

This week, our sister site Translogic heads off to Paris to check out the Vélib' bike-sharing and Autolib' electric-vehicle sharing programs.

Vélib' boasts 20,000 bikes and 1,800 stations throughout the city, where anyone with a credit card can check out a bike on the fly. More exciting is the EV-sharing program, which uses Pininfarina-built Bollore Blue Cars that are available to subscribers for rental at rates ranging between €9 (around $12 USD) and €16 per hour (@ $21). The program was launched in December 2011, with 250 cars and 250 stations, and though it has faced some problems, the number of cars is expected to increase to 3,000 by next year.

Click past the jump to watch the full episode.

Continue reading Translogic tackles how Parisians share transportation

Translogic tackles how Parisians share transportation originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autolibbicycle sharingbike sharingcar rentalcar sharecar sharingcarsharingelectric vehicleev sharingfranceparistranslogicvelibvideoWed, 21 Mar 2012 08:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197441/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197441/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/translogic-tackles-how-parisians-share-transportation/20197441/article-detail.xml 20197441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/xl-paris-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/xl-paris-opt.jpg -1 2