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Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO2 and 62 mpg U.S.

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:58:00 +0000

Click above for a high res gallery of the SEAT Leon Ecomotive Concept Amid all of the fanciful green concept cars debuting in Geneva like the Rinspeed iChange and the Magna Steyr Mila EV comes something a little more standard looking: the SEAT Leon Ecomotive concept. As you can see from the large lettering all over the car, this concept seats four while emitting just 99 grams of CO 2 per kilometer. The low emissions come from a 105 PS 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine with a particulate filter paired with automatic stop-start technology. But the “automatic” part of that requires a little bit of work: Among the new features debuting on the Leon is an Auto Start/Stop function. When the car comes to a halt – for instance at a traffic light – and the driver selects neutral and takes his foot off the clutch, the Start/Stop function automatically switches off the engine. As he prepares to move off again and depresses the clutch, the engine is re-started and the car can be driven as normal. The concept also uses “a form of brake energy recovery.” SEAT says that this concept car is the next step in building range-extended electric vehicles. See more details after the jump. The SEAT Leon Ecomotive concept gets a combined fuel economy rating of 74.3 mpg (62 mpg U.S.) on the European cycle. We’ll have live pics from Geneva up soon. Gallery: SEAT Leon Ecomotive Concept [Source: SEAT] Continue reading Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO 2 and 62 mpg U.S. Auto Blog: MPG , Geneva Motor Show , SEAT Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO 2 and 62 mpg U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Geneva 2009: Seat Leon Ecomotive with 99 g/km of CO2 and 62 mpg U.S.

Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster evolves the electric Porsche concept

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:12:00 +0000

Click the Ruf Greenster for a high res gallery Last fall, Porsche high performance tuning specialist Ruf announced that it had built a prototype electric sports car called the eRuf which was essentially a lithium ion battery-powered 911. That was just the beginning of the story as the company has brought the Greenster here to Geneva. The Greenster is a targa top 911 in the old style with a chopped speedster type windshield. In the back sits a 270 kW Siemens electric motor with 695 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack system has been improved and is now 30 percent smaller in volume, restoring the front trunk space that was lost on the original. The battery pack now has greater power capacity allowing it to release and absorb power faster, enabling more regenerative braking capacity. The battery can apparently be charged in only one hour from a 400V outlet. The next iteration will switch to a twin motor setup and the company is planning a small series production run in 2010. Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Porsche , Geneva Motor Show Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster evolves the electric Porsche concept originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Which cars in Europe have Stop & Start technology? These do

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Stop & Start technology, also known as mild hybrization, is a relatively simple technology that can easily reduce fuel consumption in vehicles. Regular readers already know how it works. Basically, in most instances, the engine shuts down instead of idling, for instance at traffic lights, and stores enough energy to start right back up when the driver presses the gas pedal or shifts into the first gear. This technology can now be found in most car types, and is especially popular in Europe. It will surely become even more widespCar Blog Greenonce new CO 2 legislation is enforced across Europe. We’ve got a list of 19 models (most of them available now, the rest coming soon) that offer Stop and Start on the continent. [Source: Auto News ] Continue reading Which cars in Europe have Stop & Start technology? These do Auto Blog: Hybrid , BMW , Hyundai , Kia , Land Rover , Mazda , Mercedes Benz , MINI , Porsche , SMART , Toyota , Volkswagen , Fiat , Citroen Which cars in Europe have Stop & Start technology? These do originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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VIDEO: Toyota iQ gets tested by the other British car show

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:39:00 +0000

Auto Blog: Toyota Toyota created its new iQ with the intention that it be smarter than a Smart ForTwo. Unlike the Daimler-made micro car, the iQ has room for more than two passengers. The crew at the British car show that doesn’t feature Jeremy Clarkson sampled the iQ and found it quite impressive. With its 1.0L three cylinder engine, the iQ is rated at 54 mpg (U.S.) and 99 g/km of CO 2 . Toyota touts the iQ as a 3+1 seater thanks to its clever packaging. On the passenger side, Toyota claims a 5’10″ passenger can sit in the back behind another similarly tall occupant if the seat is moved forward. The tester found this to be accurate, just. Not bad for a car barely over nine feet long. Of course, only a small child or amputee could sit behind the driver, but sacrifices must be made. See also: acceleration, which is leisurely at 14 seconds to 60 mph. Of course, that stomps the 19 second run we had for a diesel Smart so it’s not all bad. Hopefully, Toyota will see fit to letting Americans try out the iQ, perhaps as a Scion. Check out the video after the jump. [Source: YouTube ] Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota iQ gets tested by the other British car show VIDEO: Toyota iQ gets tested by the other British car show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Tire pressure monitoring systems to become mandatory in the EU

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Auto Blog: Emerging Technologies , Legislation and Policy , Europe/EU , Germany The European Union is set to make tire pressure monitoring systems ( TPMS ) mandatory in 2012. This measure is intended to not only improve vehicle safety, but also to reduce CO 2 emissions. Only correctly inflated tires run with the intended low rolling resistance and hence deliver maximum fuel efficiency – tire manufacturer Continental states says CO 2 emissions can drop by 45 percent with correct inflation. Consider this: one out of three cars in Germany are driven with underinflated tires and studies show that car running costs in Europe alone could be reduced by 3.4 billion euros a year if all tires were kept at optimum pressure (although a British study found that to be exaggerated). Although the EU is considering systems that would inform the driver when pressure dropw below 25 percent, Continental believes that this limit should be set at 10 percent, because some drivers would drive around on underinflated tires simply because manual tire checks would be regarded as inconvenient and they will wait for the alarm warning. [Source: Continental ] Continue reading Tire pressure monitoring systems to become mandatory in the EU Tire pressure monitoring systems to become mandatory in the EU originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Car exhaust shown to alter weather patterns

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:12:00 +0000

Auto Blog: Etc. , Green Daily Click above to enlarge We’re anything but weather experts around here, but we were still interested in new data that shows how weather patterns are altered by automotive exhaust. Apparently, it’s been known for quite some time that the fumes from our cars and trucks causes stronger updrafts and larger clouds, which has the effect of modifying rainfall patterns. New information, though, shows that an increase of lightning activity can accompany those rainy weekdays. This new information is based on 10 years worth of data collected by by the ground-based National Lightning Detection Network in the United States in the months of June to August. The hardest hit areas were in the southeastern states, where lightning strikes increased by 25 percent on high-pollution workdays. Interestingly, rural areas and suburbs of big cities recorded the highest gains in lightning activity. “There is a misconception that if you get away from cities, you get away from the pollution. Actually, it follows you for hundreds of miles,” according to Daniel Rosenfeld of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Good to know, sort of. [Source: New Scientist via Jalopnik ] Car exhaust shown to alter weather patterns originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Ex-Mclaren designer now plans electric sportscar

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:02:00 +0000

Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Green Daily Click above to enlarge the JJAD P1-E Gordon Murray isn’t the only ex-McLaren F1 designer that is now branching out into greener pastures. Jim Dowle from JJAD has announced plans to build a new electric sportscar, and it sounds like a winner. A lithium ion battery pack is said to provide a range of 230 miles, though that figure will surely go down as the driver explores its amazing acceleration. How’s a run to sixty miles per hour in 2.9 seconds sound? Such performance is capable due to the P1-E’s dual electric motors that provide the gullwing-doored coupe all-wheel drive. Assuming that JJAD gets the necessary funding, Dowle expects to have running prototypes created within the year and hopes for production shortly thereafter, with prices for the P1-E coming in at around £55,000 (about $75,000). If that happens, Tesla is going to have some rather serious competition in the all-electric sportscar market. See the full press release after the break. [Source: JJAD] Continue reading Ex-Mclaren designer now plans electric sportscar Ex-Mclaren designer now plans electric sportscar originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Congress looks again at Cash for Clunkers program

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:59:00 +0000

Auto Blog: Legislation and Policy , Green Daily , USA We knew it was coming. Right on schedule, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D, Calif.) has introduced legislation to Congress that would pay drivers of older vehicles a predetermined sum to replace them with new or newer cars. Depending on the year of the vehicle being traded in, a voucher for up to $4,500 would be granted to the driver. This voucher could be used to purchase a car manufactured after 2004 that has an EPA fuel mileage rating that is at least 25 percent better than industry average for its class. Alternatively, a card for a smaller amount could be redeemed for mass transit fare. Many in Congress are said to believe such a program could speed up the turnover from older and dirtier vehicles to newer, more fuel efficient models as well as stimulate the economy and provide a boost for the ailing auto industry. If passed, the plan will reportedly cost as much as $2 billion per year to operate and would remove around 1 million older cars from the roads per year. [Source: Detroit News Photo: Jot Powers - CC 2.5 ] Congress looks again at Cash for Clunkers program originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Lexus Unveils 2010 HS 250h Hybrid; Second Hybrid-only Vehicle in Toyota Line-up

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:14:08 +0000

Lexus revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the first luxury dedicated hybrid vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HS 250h will be Toyota Motor’s second hybrid-only vehicle (after the Prius) and will be Lexus’ fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design. The HS 250h sedan’s expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30% better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup, while earning a SULEV emissions rating utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline. Although the EPA numbers have not been finalized, city mpg for the HS 250h should be higher than that of the smart fortwo, said Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, at the reveal. (The 2009 smart fortwo coupe has an EPA city rating of 33 mpg US.) The 250h represents Lexus’s first use of a four-cylinder gasoline engine. The 2.4-L Atkinson-cycle engine, as part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive System, contributes to a combined 187 hp (39 kW) for the total system. The efficient Atkinson-cycle engine, enabled by the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, allows the expansion/power stroke to be longer than the compression stroke, resulting in the more effective use of combustion energy for engine power. Among the technologies adopted in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine are cooling piston oil jets; an optimized balance shaft rate for improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) characteristics; and a hot-air venting system mounted behind the radiator. Like the new 2010 RX 450h hybrid utility vehicle that made its debut in November (earlier post), the HS 250h will include a new exhaust heat recovery system designed to improve efficiency. The system consists of a thermostatically operated butterfly valve behind the catalytic converter which restricts the exhaust stream during warmup, and diverts much of the exhaust heat to a heat exchanger. Heat from the heat exchanger warms up engine coolant, which then transfers heat to intake manifold coolant passages as well as the cabin heater circuit, enabling the internal combustion engine to turn off earlier, more often, and for longer periods of time, while maintaining low emissions at startup. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. A windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties, which helps keep the interior cooler, has been adopted in order to decrease the amount of air conditioning needed to lower the cabin temperature. In addition to the exhaust heat recovery system and the IR windshield, available power-saving LED headlamps also contribute to improved fuel efficiency and emissions. The HS 250h sedan’s 0.27 drag coefficient (Cd) makes it among the most aerodynamic in its class. A gull-wing-shaped roof-panel design reduces mass and overall vehicle height, thus reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. The front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear under spoiler, and diffuser fins all reduce turbulence. Smooth A-pillar shape and the optimized angle and curvature of the bumper side panels also reduce wake turbulence, as does the increased taper of the fender side panels. The under-floor covers have been optimally positioned for reduced drag, while airflow restriction in the engine compartment has been lowered by optimizing the air-duct profiles around the radiator. The aerodynamic design also contributes to decreased wind noise. A smoother transition between windshield (complete with a sound-insulating inner layer) and roof line has improved air flow and reduced turbulence. The HS 250h incorporates plant-based, carbon-neutral “Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics in specific interior areas. Ecological Plastic emits less carbon dioxide during a product’s lifecycle than plastic made solely from petroleum. Among the areas of utilization will be an industry-first use in luggage-trim upholstery. Other areas are the cowl-side trim, door scuff plate, tool box area, floor-finish plate, seat cushions, and the package tray behind the rear seats. Overall, approximately 30% of the interior and luggage area is covered with Ecological Plastic. Over the estimated lifecycle of the vehicle, the HS 250h will have approximately 20% fewer carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of utilizing the Ecological Plastic trim pieces. The rack-and-pinion steering system utilizes a brushless Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor on the steering column, which provides improved steering feel, a reduction in harsh feedback, and better fuel economy and emissions by not draining engine power like conventional hydraulic systems. The EPS is an integral part of an available lane keep assist system, a new driver assist that adds smooth steering torque to help the vehicle stay in the center of the lane. The amount of assisted torque is dependant on a lane-marker detection camera. It includes a lane departure warning feature that is designed to detect possible lane departure; it then gives the driver an audible warning and provides feedback via the steering wheel to encourage corrective action. The HS is slightly longer than the IS and is taller than both the IS and ES. It also has a greater couple distance (distance hip to hip between front and rear passengers) than any other vehicle in its class other than the ES. The contoured front-seat backs also add to increased rear-seat legroom. The HS 250h will also offer Lexus’ telematics systems, Lexus Enform and Safety Connect. Safety Connect will provide automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, 24/7 emergency and roadside assistance. The 2010 HS 250h will reach dealerships nationwide in late summer.

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Lexus Unveils 2010 HS 250h Hybrid; Second Hybrid-only Vehicle in Toyota Line-up

Mercedes Benz unveils all-new E-Class

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:26:16 +0000

The AMGsports package gives the new E-Class a similar look to the 525hp E63 due later in the year. In and amongst all the releases for new vehicles and concepts for this month’s Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes Benz has decided to quietly reveal details for its all-new E-Class sedan, which is set to go on sale in Europe this March following a debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new model features more than 20 new or further technical developments, with a bevy of advanced safety features including Attention Assist, Adaptive Main Beam Assist and automatic emergency braking. The car also sports a new bodyshell that is 30% more rigid than the outgoing model, as well as further improved seats and a newly developed suspension whose shock absorbers automatically adjust to the current driving situation. The optional air suspension also now works together with an electronic damping system. Engineers have also made the new E-Class much more efficient, with direct-injection technology enabling the range to be, on average, 23% more fuel-efficient. The most frugal model is rated at 44.3mpg (5.3L/100km) for fuel-economy. All the engines also meet the EU5 emission standard, and in the case of the E350 BlueTEC the emissions are already below the EU6 limits planned for 2014. The range of engines available for the new E-Class comprises four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 100 kW/136 hp to 386 kW/525 hp – the top end model being the E63 from AMG. The four-cylinder engines are newly developed direct-injection units, which develop a higher output and torque than the comparable V6-engines of the preceding series despite a smaller displacement. The top model in the new E-Class diesel range is the six-cylinder E350 CDI with an output of 170 kW/231 hp, which uses 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres less fuel than the previous E320 CDI. Safety features include an optional Adaptive Main Beam Assist, which uses a camera on the windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead, and controls the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle. Also new is a Lane Safety package, which includes a Blind Spot Assist feature and Lane Departure warning system that causes the steering wheel to vibrate gently if it detects the car is leaving its lane. Night View Assist from the S-Class is also available as an optional extra for the new E-Class. Engineers have improved this system with a special pedestrian detection function – as soon as Night View Assist Plus recognises pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display to provide a greatly enhanced warning effect. One other feature is Attention Assist, which monitors how drowsy a driver is using a steering wheel angle sensor and can alert them if they start to dose off. continued…. With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, the new E-Class has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model. Another new feature is the active bonnet, which raises the rear section of the bonnet by 50mm within milliseconds of an accident to protect pedestrians. A similar system has been used in the Jaguar XK and Nissan GT-R. For improved comfort and style, Mercedes has added seat-piping, a new massage function from the S-Class, and an optional rear seat unit consisting of two individual seats. Standard specifications include 16in light-alloy wheels in a nine-spoke design, eucalyptus or embossed aluminum trim (optional) and a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel lined Nappa leather with chrome inserts. Also included in the standard equipment is the Audio 20 CD infotainment system with a twin receiver, CD-player, eight loudspeakers and a Bluetooth interface for a mobile phone. The colour display in the centre of the dashboard can be operated by the driver or front passenger, using the Controller on the centre console. Once again, the E-Class can be ordered in the Elegance or Avantgarde lines of trim, and there is also an AMG sports package that adds a bodykit, sport seats with enhanced lateral support, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddles, perforated disc brakes with the Mercedes logo and 18in light-alloy wheels in an AMG design. The specifications listed are primarily for the European models, though we do expect some of the above trims to come to the U.S. Official details for the new 2010 U.S. E-class will be revealed closer to the launch date. source:motorauthority

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Mercedes Benz unveils all-new E-Class