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Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Infiniti Essence Concept One of the hands-down sexiest cars at this years edition of the Geneva Motor Show was touting some green credentials beneath its curvaceous metal skin. The Infiniti Essence concept, meant to signify the, well, essence of all that is Infiniti , celebrates the luxury marque’s past and gives us hints of its future. At first glance, the styling appears to reflect European influences but we’re assured that it’s flow is inspired by Japanese calligraphy, its details from traditional Japanese items such as a hair pin used while a kimono is worn called the “kanzashi.” As impressive as the Essence looks, what’s more important are the bits that power this hybrid. Yes, it’s a hybrid, and the innovative system it incorporates will likely be impleted in an Infiniti next year . It borrows the 3D electric motor concept from the wheels of the bubblicious Nissan Pivo and places its 369 lb-ft of torque between the transmission and the 434 horses supplied by an efficient gas-powered, twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.7-liter DOHC V6. The result of all that tech is the ability to electrically glide between the traffic lights and, in theory at least, burn a modest 29.4 mpg while having 592 powerful horses underfoot and available if the “need” arises. This engineering exercise should translate quite nicely when transferred to a more prudent vehicle. Check out the sweet visuals in the galleries below, hit the jump for full press release and essential stats. Gallery: Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept [Source: Autoblog / Infiniti ] Continue reading Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence Auto Blog: Hybrid , Infiniti , Nissan , Geneva Motor Show , Europe/EU , Japan Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence

Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:21:00 +0000

While the partnership between Mitsubishi and Peugeot to bring electric vehicles to market has been officially official for some time, the deal we told you about that would see the Peugeot lion logo perched proudly on the nose of the Japanese automaker’s i MiEV hasn’t. Until now. On the eve of the unveiling of its ” Prototype iMiEV concept ” in Geneva comes word that the two have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would see them collaborating on vehicles based upon the iMiEV. We are guessing that the timing of this announcement and the imminent reveal of the slightly-upsized right-hand-drive prototype of the iMiEV is not coincidental. It is said that MiMoCo will be doing the manufacturing in Japan while the extra showroom floor space that Peugeot can offer in Europe should help boost sales volumes and keep costs down. While it is unknown what sort of sales targets the companies have for the car, we do know that GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi plan on making enough batteries for 10,000 i MiEVs once sales start with a doubling of that capacity within a year or two. As to what a Peugeot iMiEV will look like, until pictures are taken we can only lean on the magic of photoshop and present you the slightly altered image above. Press release after the break. [Source: Mitsubishi ] Continue reading Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Mitsubishi , Peugeot , Geneva Motor Show , Europe/EU Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs

Toyota will sell second-gen Priuses alongside 2010 models in Japan, not in U.S.

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:47:00 +0000

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Toyota Prius We’ve finally gotten some official confirmation from Toyota about the sell-two-Prius-models-at-once strategy we’ve heard so much about. During a recent media event where we drove the next-gen 2010 Toyota Prius (sorry, we can’t say much about that right now) we had a chance to talk with John McCandless, from Toyota corporate communications, and Masahiko Maeda, assistant chief engineer who was heavily involved with developing the 2010 Prius. They confirmed that both the current and next-gen models will be available for sale at the same time, but only in Japan. Here in the U.S., once the 2010 version hits the streets, that’s all she wrote for the old model. Well, except for dealers who participate in the Toyota’s Certified Used Hybrid Program . While Toyota hasn’t released pricing information for the new Prius, we’re pretty sure it’ll be more than the Honda Insight. Considering the strong sales the Insight has had in Japan thus far, keeping a cheaper Prius option around seems like a smart move for Toyota. Auto Blog: Hybrid , Toyota , AutoblogGreen Exclusive , Japan Toyota will sell second-gen Priuses alongside 2010 models in Japan, not in U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Toyota will sell second-gen Priuses alongside 2010 models in Japan, not in U.S.

Honda to build cellulosic ethanol research facility

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:14:00 +0000

One alternative fuel area where Japanese automakers have shown comparatively little interest, until recently, is biofuels. Toyota has announced plans to offer a flex-fuel version of the Tundra and Honda offers flex-fuel Civics in Brazil. Toyota also recently announced a cellulosic ethanol partnership . Honda has now announced plans to build a new R&D facility in Japan that will focus on producing biofuels from non-food feedstocks. The 1,050 m 2 lab is expected to be completed and operating by November of this year. Honda has been working with the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth since 2006 and began operating an experimental production facility in 2007. So far, Honda hasn’t given any indication that it will offer any flex-fuel vehicles in the U.S. market. Perhaps now that Honda has backed off from its plans to offer diesels in the U.S. market and only plans to offer hybrids in small cars, we may start to see the company embrace ethanol. [Source: Honda] Continue reading Honda to build cellulosic ethanol research facility Auto Blog: Ethanol , Honda Honda to build cellulosic ethanol research facility originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Honda to build cellulosic ethanol research facility

Japanese market to get Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid in October

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:29:00 +0000

Click the S400 for a high res gallery Aside from the United States, the biggest market for hybrid vehicles so far has been Japan. As a result, the Japanese won’t have to wait too long to get their hands on the first series production Mercedes-Benz hybrid. The S400 BlueHybrid launches in Europe this summer and should be available in the U.S. by September . The S400 is expected to arrive at Japanese dealers only a month later. When the hybrid S arrives it is also expected to be the first imported hybrid in Japan and it should qualify for new tax breaks on eco-friendly cars. The starting price in Japan is expected to be around $129,000-139,000. The big Benz will have a European combined mileage rating of 29.8 mpg (U.S.). Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid [Source: Green Car Congress ] Auto Blog: Hybrid , Mercedes Benz , Japan Japanese market to get Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid in October originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:29:00 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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Japanese market to get Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid in October

Honda Insight handily outselling projections in Japan

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Honda Insight So far, all indications are that Honda has got a hit on its corporate hands in the form of its new Insight hybrid hatchback . The automaker had been hoping to get 5,000 orders per month in its home market of Japan for the new Insight, but that sales target was eclipsed after just over a week on the market. According to Honda, there were already 5,000 advance requests for the car before it was even available to order. This early sales success may bode well for Honda, which will be launching the new Insight in Europe in March and in the United States in April. When it finally does reach dealerships, the Insight will cost well under $20K, undercutting its primary competitor, the Toyota Prius, by a few thousand dollars. It’s no secret that we’re in a tough market and it could have been a case of very bad timing to launch a brand new global vehicle line. Fortunately for Honda, this seems like the right car at the right time. It will certainly be interesting to watch Toyota roll out its new 2010 Prius hybrid later this year. Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight [Source: Detroit News ] Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc. Auto Blog: Hybrid , Honda , Japan Honda Insight handily outselling projections in Japan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:46:00 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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Honda Insight handily outselling projections in Japan

Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi to show prototype of global iMiEV concept

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:32:00 +0000

Click to enlarge At the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks, Mitsubishi will be showing a second electric car concept in addition to the iMiEV Sport Air they recently teased . This one is called the Prototype iMiEV concept and at first glance it looks much like the iMiEV that we’ve been seeing for the past year and a half . Those cars that we’ve been seeing and test driving are “Japanese Domestic Market” (JDM) models and are not legal in most places outside of Japan. The iMiEV is based on the “Kei-class” i mini-car and only comes in right hand drive for use on Japanese roads. According to the Mitusbishi press release, this new prototype concept shows a version adapted to other markets. That means left hand drive, a slightly wider track and longer overhangs to meet European safety requirements. No decision has been made yet on offering the iMiEV outside of Japan, but Mitsubishi will be using this concept to gauge potential interest. Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype iMiEV concept [Source: Mitsubishi] Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi to show prototype of global iMiEV concept Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Mitsubishi , Geneva Motor Show Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi to show prototype of global iMiEV concept originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi to show prototype of global iMiEV concept

First official teaser photo of the Tesla Model S appears

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:47:00 +0000

Click to enlarge When we spoke with Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad yesterday about some of the statements made CEO Elon Musk in the most recent company newsletter, she promised a teaser shot was on its way. That image has arrived and although we can’t see much, there are some conclusions that can be drawn. Compared to the arch-rival Fisker Karma, the Model S appears to be significantly shorter. That’s most obvious in the front end since the Tesla doesn’t have to accommodate an engine for the range extender. The passenger compartment also appears to be larger than the Karma. With its five door hatch body style, the Model S should also provide more utility than the Fisker. We’ll just have to wait until March 26 to see the whole car. Thanks to TeslaMotorsClub for the tip! Gallery: Tesla Model S Teaser [Source: Tesla] Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Tesla Motors First official teaser photo of the Tesla Model S appears originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Honda starts taking orders for new Insight in Japan

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Auto Blog: Hybrid , Honda Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Honda Insight The new 2009 Honda Insight is going on sale in Japan this week, starting at a base price of about $21,000. In Japan the rival Toyota Prius starts at about $25,700, so the Honda has a significant price advantage. Honda won’t be announcing U.S. pricing until closer to its April 22 on-sale date but it is expected to start under $20,000 here, perhaps as low as $19,000. Because of volatility in commodity pricing right now, Honda is waiting to set a price. The sales target for the Insight is 200,000 annually with half of those in North America and the rest split between Europe and Japan. Honda EVP Koichi Kondo acknowledged at the Japanese launch that the 100,000 sales figure in North America may not be met in the first year if the current sales slump doesn’t end soon. Related: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight, 63.4 mpg! Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight [Source: Detroit News ] Live photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc. Honda starts taking orders for new Insight in Japan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:21:00 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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Honda starts taking orders for new Insight in Japan

On again, off again Audi Q5 Hybrid is apparently back on again for 2010

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Auto Blog: Hybrid , Audi Click the Audi Q5 for a high res gallery Audi’s Q5 hybrid program has apparently been revived again with a production launch coming as soon as late next year. In a change from the usual pattern, this one is expected to launch in the U.S. market before the rest of the world gets it. Aside from Japan, the U.S. has shown a greater appetite than anywhere else for hybrids and we will determine if the European market gets a taste as well. Audi powertrain development boss Wolfgang Hatz told Automotive News Europe that the Q5 hybrid is needed to compete with the likes of the Lexus RX450h and the upcoming BMW X6 hybrid. In spite of the decision to proceed with the Q5 Hybrid for the U.S. market, Audi still believes that diesel is the best path for its vehicles. For the vehicles that Audi is producing, diesel is a more cost effective solution, especially considering the expected sales volumes. According to Hatz, it costs Audi about 50 percent more to develop a diesel powertrain compared to a conventional gas system. A hybrid powertrain costs 3-4 times as much to develop. If the demand for hybrids begins to significantly increase, the business case could change, but for now, Audi’s focus will remain on TDI. Gallery: 2010 Audi Q5 [Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd ] On again, off again Audi Q5 Hybrid is apparently back on again for 2010 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:23:00 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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On again, off again Audi Q5 Hybrid is apparently back on again for 2010