Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Could U.S. become net exporter of gasoline?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/could-u-s-become-net-exporter-of-gasoline/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/could-u-s-become-net-exporter-of-gasoline/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/could-u-s-become-net-exporter-of-gasoline/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A number of factors are conspiring to create a situation that recently would have been unthinkable: the United States as a supplier of gasoline to world markets. According to Booz & Company, those factors are the rise of biofuels in the West, the introduction of plug-in electric and other alternative fuel vehicles, and the growth of the really cheap car, like the Tata Nano.

The United States imports oil to feed its gasoline habit, but the U.S. has refining capacity that developing nations cannot match. The U.S. is also lowering its reliance on traditional gasoline due to the price, states' mandates on switching to biofuels, and the dawn of mass market alternative fuel vehicles. This adds up to the United States importing oil, and then selling it to nations like India and China to feed their larger appetites for gasoline.

In the middle of all of this are the refineries, who made predictions for today's business plans two decades ago. Sure, no one is crying for them -- they need extra pages to include the zeros on their profit statements -- but they have to start figuring out who's going to need which products and how they are going to deliver them. And, by refining company standards, they need to do it quickly, which is a method of operation they aren't well versed in.

[Source: Green Car Congress via Kicking Tires; Photo CC 2.0 - National Archives]

 

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]]>alternative fuelalternative fuelsAlternativeFuelAlternativeFuelsgasgasolineoilrefineriesrefining2008-08-28T17:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mazda testing Chevy Volt competitor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-mazda-testing-volt-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-mazda-testing-volt-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-mazda-testing-volt-competitor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Chevy Volt is unique in that its engine is really just a generator that produces electricity for the batteries, which then power an electric motor that turns the front wheels for propulsion. While the Volt powertrain is pretty spectacular, it may not be unique for long. British car site AutoCar is reporting that Mazda is not only interested in a similar setup for a future plug-in hybrid, but it already has a working prototype on the road. Mazda engineers told AutoCar that a battery pack charged by a rotary engine is already being used in a Mazda5 mule, and that management is encouraged by the early results but wants to see battery costs go down before proceeding.

If Mazda is working on a series hybrid like the Chevy Volt, that means its owner, Ford, would have direct access to the same technology. We do, however, find it odd that Mazda would use a rotary engine in this setup. While the Wankel engine is very compact and light, it's not very efficient and sucks oil, at least in the RX-8. When it comes to plug-in hybrids, though, we're with AutoblogGreen in saying the more the merrier.

Gallery: Production Chevy Volt


[Source: AutoCar]

 

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]]>chevy voltChevyVoltelectric carElectricCarhybridlithium ion battery packLithiumIonBatteryPackmazda2008-08-28T16:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shot: Production interior of Chevy Volt (maybe)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/spy-shot-chevy-volt-interior-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/spy-shot-chevy-volt-interior-maybe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/spy-shot-chevy-volt-interior-maybe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to enlarge

General Motors continues to eek out teaser shots of the production Chevy Volt, but it appears that an image of the production interior has slipped through the Empire's net of control. All we have to go on for this image posted on the Motivemag.com forums is the image itself, which is part of a display panel at what appears to be a sneak preview of the vehicle for god knows who. What we see is a sleek, all-white center console with virtually no buttons. The controls appear to be touch sensitive instead, leaving the face of the console as smooth as a Frigidaire. Good luck installing an aftermarket stereo in this one. Completely flush air vents flank the console, which stands out in contrast to the black dash panel. On top of it all sits the information display, seen here showing the relationship between the "range extending" engine and lithium-ion batteries. What say you? We all know the production Volt isn't going to be as wild as the concept, but does this innovative center console meet your expectations? Also keep in mind that this might not be the real deal, but it seems to be from all appearances. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!

Gallery: Production Chevy Volt


[Source: Motivemag.com]

 

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]]>breakingchevychevy voltChevyVoltproduction volt interiorProductionVoltInteriorvoltvolt interiorVoltInterior2008-08-28T15:21:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.28.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/autobloggreen-for-08-28-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/autobloggreen-for-08-28-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/autobloggreen-for-08-28-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


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If you've ever wanted to drive coast-to-coast in an electric car, you're not alone. Hopefully you can make the trip in a slightly less expensive manner, though, as $150,000 is a bit much for that car. Speaking of pricey, is the Viper too much these days? If you think so, take a look at the new Fiesta. Sane, practical, frugal. Would you get one?

 

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]]>2008-08-28T06:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.27.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/autobloggreen-for-08-27-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/autobloggreen-for-08-27-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/autobloggreen-for-08-27-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


Promise people the sky and you're sure to get some attention. That's what the folks at FOSH automotive did and then turned around and suckered people into reading a pro-McCain, anti-abortion rant that, frankly, is pretty distasteful. Good thing we're going to remember just how low some people will stoop.

On the brighter side of things, we can at least dream of a Jaguar hybrid and a VW Polo in the U.S. while we wait for Daryl Hannah on the Daily Show. Really cleans the palette, doesn't it?

 

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]]>2008-08-27T05:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Cadillac to get its own Volt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With enormous V8 land-yachts and even bigger Escalades rolling down America's boulevards, Cadillac doesn't have the most environmentally friendly of images. But that's a perception that the premium GM division is working hard to combat. After unveiling the Escalade two-mode hybrid, reports have begun to surface that Cadillac is considering a four-cylinder model for the American market like the Saab-based BLS it offers in Europe.

New emerging reports now suggest that Cadillac might get its own version of the highly-anticipated Volt plug-in hybrid from its sister-company Chevrolet. No telling at this point if the Cadillac version would be based on the Volt, transplant the Volt's powertrain into an existing Cadillac model, or breed an entirely new Caddy - or for that matter if there's any substance to the rumors - but sources suggest a higher sticker price than the Volt's anticipated $40k.

[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd) via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>cadillaccadillac hybridcadillac voltCadillacHybridCadillacVoltchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltvolt2008-08-26T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.26.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/autobloggreen-for-08-26-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/autobloggreen-for-08-26-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/autobloggreen-for-08-26-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


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Design. It's certainly a cornerstone of the auto industry. And as cars get cleaner from a fuel/emissions perspective, the look often does, too. What should we make of the Hinterland 1 concept car, then? I think there might be clone troopers inside, while the exterior - and interior - of the new Ed Hardy(R) Smart is also a place where design runs wild. That should delight more than a few people. As for the design of the rumored Cadillac "Volt", well, we'll just have to wait and see.

 

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]]>2008-08-26T02:39:00+00:00<![CDATA[No Audi R8 competitor coming from BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/no-audi-r8-competitor-coming-from-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/no-audi-r8-competitor-coming-from-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/no-audi-r8-competitor-coming-from-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for a hi-res gallery of the BMW M1 Hommage

It's a sign of the times. After having rolled out the delectable M1 Hommage concept (pictured above), one BMW board member says that the Bavarian automaker has no intention of producing a supercar to compete with the likes of the Audi R8. Instead, BMW will focus on green technologies.

The news comes straight from Klaus Draeger, the board member at the helm of the EfficientDymanics initiative. While Audi continues to produce more powerful and more desirable versions of the R8, Mercedes prepares entirely new supercars and Porsche continues to do what Porsche has always done, the company that once hailed itself as the producers of the "Ultimate Driving Machine" is more concerned with hybrids than sportscars.

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage


[Source: AutoTelegraaf via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>audi r8 competitorAudiR8Competitorbmwbmw audi r8bmw m1bmw m1 homagebmw m1 hommageBmwAudiR8BmwM1BmwM1HomageBmwM1Hommage2008-08-25T08:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.25.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/autobloggreen-for-08-25-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/autobloggreen-for-08-25-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/autobloggreen-for-08-25-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


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Need a peek into the future? AutoblogGreen's got some spy shots of the interior of the next-gen Prius and the new Opel Meriva. Honda has also let loose images of the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, so that should keep you satisfied for a while, no? At the very least, it's something to look at until Jeremy Clarkson tackles the Tesla Roadster.


More headlines after the jump.

Continue reading AutoblogGreen for 08.25.08

 

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]]>2008-08-25T05:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THE DOWN SIDE TO LITHIUM BATTERIES

John McElroyUh-oh. In the pell-mell race to develop lithium-ion batteries for plug-ins, EV's and hybrids, has any automaker taken a hard look at where all that lithium is going to come from? Guess what? Not only are global lithium supplies pretty tight, prices are about to skyrocket.

Today, the United States imports almost all of its lithium. We get most of it from Chile, then Argentina, and a little bit from Canada and Zimbabwe. The only producer in America is actually a German company, Metallgesellschaft, which has a mine in Nevada. Yet, even though we import most of our lithium, the United States is the world's largest processor of the material.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to continue reading this week's editorial.

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]]>autolineautoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitautolinedetroitAutolineOnAutoblogjohn mcelroyjohn mcelroy autoblogJohnMcelroyJohnMcelroyAutoblog2008-08-24T12:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[The most obnoxiously tuned Toyota Prius... Ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/the-most-obnoxiously-tuned-toyota-prius-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/the-most-obnoxiously-tuned-toyota-prius-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/the-most-obnoxiously-tuned-toyota-prius-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

We truly do appreciate the custom-car scene, in all of its various guises. There is, however, a problem with the custom Prius you see above and in the video embedded after the break. Generally speaking, the goal of modifying a car is to either A) make it go faster or B) make it look better.

When Classe Gustafson, Elvis Häggbom and Kenny Kyrk from Sweden had finished spending $184,000 customizing a Toyota Prius, they had accomplished neither. This Prius-trocity, which was modified for a television show, is anything but subtle. It lost two doors during its transformation from mild-mannered hybrid eco-mobile to whacked out sport compact that just happens to get good fuel economy, though it did get scissor-style portals that are nearly impossible to open in the process. And it also gained a huge honkin' stereo and the body-kit from a Volvo SUV. The over-the-top paint-job is the final touch. The Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, however, went untouched save for the obligatory fart-can exhaust. Nice.

[Source: Wired]

Continue reading The most obnoxiously tuned Toyota Prius... Ever

 

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]]>Classe GustafsonClasseGustafsoncustom priusCustomPriusElvis HggbomKenny Kyrkmodified priusModifiedPriussweden2008-08-22T19:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.22.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/autobloggreen-for-08-22-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/autobloggreen-for-08-22-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/autobloggreen-for-08-22-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


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As much as we like to think about the latest eco-friendly technologies in our cars over at AutoblogGreen, we understand that they don't come cheap. All that battery power in the Prius means it's frugal, but is a Yaris cheaper to own? And how high does gas have to get for us to celebrate our staycations? But hope may be on the horizon: this is apparently going to be the cheapest hybrid in the world. Like it?

 

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]]>2008-08-22T06:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.21.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/autobloggreen-for-08-21-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/autobloggreen-for-08-21-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/autobloggreen-for-08-21-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


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AutoblogGreen discovered two unusual cross-country trips yesterday. In one, called WillieRun, the drivers plan to use just one* tank of biodiesel to go from NYC to LA. The other will see a wood-burning Dodge truck go there and back again. These trips both take place next month. What are you doing in September?

 

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]]>2008-08-21T05:51:00+00:00<![CDATA[Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the Trident Iceni

If the name 'Trident' has visions of Maseratis and vintage Triumphs dancing through your head, you are in for a big surprise. When we first looked at the Trident Iceni, it was powered by a 375-hp GM turbo diesel V8 mounted up front and producing 520 lb-ft of torque. After a year or two of development, it's even better according to its makers, with the latest version of the venerable Duramax diesel tweaked to offer 550 horsepower at 3,800 rpm along with an arm-wrenching 950 lb-ft at just 1,800 rpm. Trident claims the Duramax can slingshot the Iceni to 60 mph in well under four seconds and on up to a top speed easily surpassing 200 miles per hour. According to the British company, its modified GM/Isuzu engine is capable of running on any blend of biodiesel without voiding the warranty and returns 68.9 miles per gallon (or 57 mpg in U.S. gallons) at a steady 70 miles per hour. Is this the guilt-free supercar for the eco-conscious speed freak?

With an elaborate chassis folded from stainless steel and a composite body, the Iceni will not rot away. The rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission also allows for wide gearing, which is fortunate since the diesel engine isn't going to be a revver. The company is currently looking for funding and hopes to offer the Iceni for about £75,000 out the door. So far, Trident has mentioned no plans to send its wares across the pond to the U.S. Pity us poor Americans.

Gallery: Trident Iceni


[Source: Trident Performance Vehicles]

Continue reading Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true

 

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]]>biodieselbiodiesel supercarBiodieselSupercardiesel supercarDieselSupercartrident icenitrident performance vehiclesTridentIceniTridentPerformanceVehicles2008-08-20T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundai to sell 50,000 Genesis per year, Sonata hybrid coming in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/hyundai-to-sell-50-000-genesis-per-year-sonata-hybrid-coming-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/hyundai-to-sell-50-000-genesis-per-year-sonata-hybrid-coming-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/hyundai-to-sell-50-000-genesis-per-year-sonata-hybrid-coming-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

Hyundai's first foray into the world of rear-wheel-drive needs to be a success in order to justify the development, manufacturing and launching costs. Hyundai's vice president for product development, John Krafcik, told reports that the automaker expects to sell 50,000 Genesis models annually in the U.S. - 20,000 sedans and 30,000 coupes.

But the Genesis is only part of Hyundai's image makeover. The Korean manufacturer intends to launch its first hybrid model by 2010, equipped with a next generation lithium-ion battery pack. According to Krafcik, "Our first U.S. hybrid is going to be the Sonata," however, Hyundai has no plans to offer the new sedan with a plug-in option. That's a strategy that's served Toyota well, and Hyundai is clearly trying to follow in the Japanese juggernaut's footsteps.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan


Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>coupegenesishyundaihyundai genesis coupehyundai genesis sedanhyundai sonata hybridHyundaiGenesisCoupeHyundaiGenesisSedanHyundaiSonataHybridsedansonata hybridSonataHybrid2008-08-20T15:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Fiat 500 hybrid to debut at 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/fiat-to-debut-500-hybrid-at-goodwood-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/fiat-to-debut-500-hybrid-at-goodwood-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/fiat-to-debut-500-hybrid-at-goodwood-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the Fiat 500 Aria concept in hi-res

Having already had to increase production several times over, the Fiat 500 continues to win the hearts and minds of consumers around the world... tree-huggers included. But that isn't about to stop Fiat from seeking out even more buyers, especially those of environmental conscience. And so reports indicate that the Italian automaker is preparing a hybrid version of the popular retro-mini.

Previewed by the unveiling of the 500 Aria concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the 500 hybrid is tipped to join an electric motor and battery pack to Fiat's 0.9-liter two-cylinder gasoline engine. The diminutive yet stylish hybrid is also expected to employ start-stop technology and a dual-clutch transmission to further reduce emissions and increase fuel economy, which promises to increase the green factor for the entire Fiat group. Intriguingly, however, Fiat is reportedly planning to unveil the 500 hybrid at Goodwood Festival of Speed next summer.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Aria concept


[Source: Auto Express via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>fiatfiat 500fiat 500 hybridfiat goodwoodfiat hybridFiat500Fiat500HybridFiatGoodwoodFiatHybridgoodwood2008-08-20T11:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paris '08 Preview: Peugeot teases with RC... hybrid concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/paris-08-preview-peugeot-teases-with-rc-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/paris-08-preview-peugeot-teases-with-rc-hybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/paris-08-preview-peugeot-teases-with-rc-hybrid-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Peugeot RC...

With the semi-annual auto salon returning to Paris this fall, you can expect France's major automakers to make a big splash this year. Peugeot is preparing to unveil a new concept car, and has given us a bit of a heads-up in the form of a few images and some teasingly cryptic details.

With the name of the actual car not yet released, Peugeot is referring to the show car as the RC, adopting the same thematic nomenclature as the RC Spade and RC Diamond concepts from 2002 and the 908RC concept sedan from the last Paris Motor Show in 2006. Like those concepts, this one is not meant to directly preview a production car in the pipeline. However, it does foreshadow Peugeot's new design direction. The four-door concept's styling melds smooth flowing lines and sharp creases to make for a stunning shape, and moves the huge lion emblem farther south, not unlike the Audi R8's grille. The echoes of Ingolstadt aren't new for Peugeot, with many asserting that the 308 RC Z borrowed too heavily from the Audi TT. As for propulsion, Peugeot insists that "respect for the environment and driving pleasure can be compatible", and so have fitted the RC with an unspecified hybrid powertrain producing a maximum of 313 hp and emitting only 109 g/km of CO2 in gasoline mode and, of course, zero in electric.

Check out the press release after the jump and the gallery below to view the teaser shots of the upcoming Peugeot hybrid concept, and stay tuned as we close in on the Paris show for more details.

Gallery: Peugeot RC... concept


[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Paris '08 Preview: Peugeot teases with RC... hybrid concept

 

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]]>parispeugeotpeugeot conceptpeugeot rcpeugeot rc...peugeot rc... conceptPeugeotConceptPeugeotRcPeugeotRc...PeugeotRc...Concept2008-08-20T10:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.20.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/autobloggreen-for-08-20-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/autobloggreen-for-08-20-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/autobloggreen-for-08-20-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


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AutoblogGreen got a chance to take the new Honda Fit Sport out for a few miles recents, and we like what we saw and felt. There will be a full-on review of this stylish, high-mileage vehicle coming soon, but for now we understand what all the fuss is about. What we don't quite understand is what Newt was thinking. Or FOSH, for that matter.

 

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]]>2008-08-20T07:50:00+00:00<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 08.19.08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/autobloggreen-for-08-19-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/autobloggreen-for-08-19-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/autobloggreen-for-08-19-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


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A legal loophole lies behind the current generation of three-wheeled vehicles and has led to a few important questions: Are they legal? Should they be? Answers to these questions will be coming as legislators and companies work things out, but we can certainly answer today whether this customized Prius was a good idea (no). Schools around the country, meanwhile, have come to the conclusion that four-day school weeks are brilliant. Where were high gas prices when I was in school?


 

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]]>2008-08-19T05:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Larger of view of production Volt, debut at centennial?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/video-larger-of-view-of-production-volt-debut-at-centennial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/video-larger-of-view-of-production-volt-debut-at-centennial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/video-larger-of-view-of-production-volt-debut-at-centennial/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch a video with slides of the production Chevy Volt

We got our first sneak peek at the production Chevy Volt last week, but a recent presentation by Bob Boniface, director of design for the Volt, has revealed a bit more. We've pasted a video of the presentation and slide show after the break, and in it Boniface notes how the concept's straight lines and tight corners have been smoothed over and rounded out in an effort to reduce turbulence. This streamlining improves the Volt's fuel mileage, range on electricity and the amount of regenerative braking that can be captured. Also seen for the first time is a rear shot of the Volt, showing a pronounced "vertical fin," and a new rear spoiler design. Likewise, the side-view mirrors' mounting arrangement was revised for reduced aerodynamic drag. These changes, along with countless others which have not been fully revealed, have allowed the Volt's engineers and designers to increase EV-only range by six to seven miles.

While we're salivating over all the little tidbits of information on the Volt, we look forward to its official debut expected in Paris at the Motor Show this October. However, recent rumors indicate that the extended-range electric-vehicle could be seen at GM's Centennial celebration on September 16. Thanks for the tip, Emil!

Gallery: Production Chevy Volt


[Sources: GM-Volt, Green Fuels Forecast, The Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading VIDEO: Larger of view of production Volt, debut at centennial?

 

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]]>bob bonifaceBobBonifacechevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltproduction chevy voltproduction voltProductionChevyVoltProductionVoltvolt presentationVoltPresentation2008-08-18T15:30:00+00:00