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Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Since the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, then in Europe and North America in 2000, total cumulative sales through April 2008 hit 1,028,000 units, with—believe it or not—most units being sold in North America. Toyota says it believes that, compared to emissions of straight gasoline-powered vehicles, this many Prius hybrids on our earth’s roadways have done their eco-friendly part, resulting in a 4.5 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions—that nasty stuff environmentalists and other people who like to breathe believe to be a big cause of global warming. In their quest to build and sell even more fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota also offers other hybrids, such as the Camry and Highlander , and various Lexus models, like the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans and RX 400h luxury crossover SUV. They’re not alone in their efforts, though, as more and more manufacturers are aiming to do the same with their own brand of gasoline/electric hybrid technology, from compact cars to midsize sedans and SUV s.
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Ford will debut the 2009 Focus coupe in an “American Idol” music video on Wednesday, revealing a modest update inspired by customer feedback, including new front and rear fascias, and a new roof-line spoiler. The SES series also gets standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES series. These changes will further differentiate the Focus coupe from the sedan. To better target the young Millennials demographic drawn to the coupe, the design team made the two-door’s appearance sportier, notably toning down the Bic-shaver grille and removing chromed front-fender vents. Fog lamps are now standard. The result is a less flashy appearance. For 2009, the Focus SES coupe features more horsepower (up three to 143) and a throatier sound, thanks to a new sport-tuned exhaust. The SES coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission will have a new 4.2:1 final drive ratio to deliver better off-the-line acceleration. Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). Both engines deliver 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, according to EPA ratings. Electronic stability control (ESC) is now available. The 2009 Focus Coupe, available...
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As American motorists grapple with elevated fuel prices, many drivers are trying to maximize their mileage using techniques called hypermiling . So-called hypermilers take extreme care to improve their fuel economy by modifying their driving style, with results that can significantly exceed the EPA ratings for their vehicle. Even with simple adjustments to how you drive, the average motorist can make a measurable gain in fuel economy. Hypermiling techniques center around lawful, strategic driving. Fuel savings should never take priority over safety, and we urge you to be courteous to fellow motorists when trying to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption. That said, the benefits of hypermiling are significant. If you give this gentle driving style an earnest chance, you will see a difference in your weekly gas bill. Considering the big picture, these techniques could make a notable reduction in our need for imported oil if they were widely adopted by today’s motorists. So do pass these tips along. To help you get the most from each precious gallon, we present the following gas-saving advice, tips, and hypermiling tricks: Keep a logbook, noting miles driven, fuel consumed, and type of...
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Chrysler has launched its own so-called economic stimulus plan, the “ Let’s Refuel America ” promotion, which guarantees enrolled Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep customers gasoline prices fixed at $2.99 a gallon. The automaker notes customer feedback has 76 percent of respondents citing rising gas prices as a “top concern.” Given that Chrysler sales for April are down 23 percent from the same period last year, this campaign should help address corporate concerns, as well. Customers who purchase an eligible new model from now till June 2, 2008 may elect to participate in the gas card program over accepting other available incentives – a decision to weigh carefully. Participants will use a special gas card for fuel purchases, with the transaction routed through their personal credit card, which will be charged $2.99 per gallon. There are a few limitations on the fuel type and quantity; offer valid with up to 87 octane regular unleaded fuel, E85 fuel, or diesel fuel only, depending upon purchased vehicle. The following vehicles are not eligible for the Let’s Refuel America program: All SRT models, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab, Chrysler Crossfire, Jeep Wrangler, and Dodge...
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The unveiling of a Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 pace car is like opening a present. Bowtie enthusiasts clamor to see the memorable designs that distinguish the pace car and can quote the year on site. After all, the image of a purple convertible with bright yellow wheels can be hard to forget, even if you try. The 92nd Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008. It will be the Corvette’s 10th appearance as the official pace car – a record unmatched by any other vehicle. This year, Chevrolet has treated fans to two pace cars, a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept and a black-and-silver car that pays tribute to the original black-and-silver 1978 coupe. A true collectible, a ‘78 will be on hand to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Corvette’s pace car heritage leading “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Based on the production Z06, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car has fuel system and powertrain controller revisions required to run E85. The head-turning coupe is coated in Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint with a checkered flag pattern. Besides safety equipment and strobe light, the Z06 concept pace car is mechanically stock. The 30th anniversary commemorative edition...
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General Motors announced a new partnership with Mascoma Corp. to develop cellulosic ethanol from non-grain sources. As an investor, GM will aid in the development of renewable fuel for the more than 7 million flex-fuel vehicles on U.S. roads, including 3 million GM cars and trucks. In January, GM announced a partnership with Coskata Inc., a start-up with promising thermo-chemical technology for creating ethanol from practically any renewable source, including garbage, old tires, and plant waste. ( Photo shows the 2009 Buick Lucerne, the first flex-fuel capable Buick passenger car.) Mascoma uses a single-step biochemical conversion that convert biomass cellulose into ethanol. Their process lowers costs by limiting additives and enzymes used in other biochemical processes. Based in Boston, privately held Mascoma is using proprietary microorganisms developed at the company's laboratories in the process. In addition to funds from GM, Mascoma has received a $26 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. GM looks to be smartly positioning itself as an automaker and fuel creator, while further the corporation’s environmental initiatives. In addition, through its investments, GM...
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Following up on the Energy Bill that passed through Congress in December 2007, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters celebrated Earth Day by announcing a more-aggressive proposal that would see fuel economy for passenger vehicles increase 25 percent by 2015. For passenger cars, the proposal would increase fuel economy from the current 27.5 miles per gallon to 35.7 miles per gallon by 2015. For light trucks, the proposal calls for increases from 23.5 miles per gallon in 2010 to 28.6 miles per gallon in 2015. The tightening standards focus on vehicle attributes, such as size, allowing a reduction in fuel consumption without sacrificing safety. “This proposal is historically ambitious, yet achievable,” Secretary Peters said. “It will help us all breathe a little easier by reducing tailpipe emissions, cutting fuel consumption, and making driving a little more affordable.” All told, the proposal will save nearly 55 billion gallons of fuel and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions estimated at 521 million metric tons, according to a Department of Transportation release. The plan will save America’s drivers over $100 billion in fuel costs over the lifetime of the vehicles covered...
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With Earth Day, we were wondering just how popular hybrid cars have become, when we found that R. L. Polk & Co has done the research for us. According to their calculations, nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 350,289 in 2007, marking a 38 percent increase from 2006. The hybrid rock star Toyota Prius continued to lead the segment with 179,178 total new registrations, claiming a simple majority of hybrid market share at 51.2 percent. With the national gasoline prices averaging $3.50 a gallon, it is no surprise that this sales trend looks to continue. The Prius hybrid gasoline-electric mid-sized sedan posted best-ever March sales of 20,635, an increase of 16 percent from last March. (Conversely, Hummer has seen the greatest decrease in sales per dealership, according to Automotive News .) The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape share leadership positions in the SUV hybrid segment, according to Polk. Learn more about green cars from our DriveSmart articles. Research the Toyota Prius in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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The 2009 Buick Lucerne sedan joins the growing list of General Motors' flex-fuel vehicles that can run on either ordinary gasoline or E85, or any combination of the two. The Lucerne, the first flex-fuel capable Buick passenger car, will be among more than 15 GM models with flex-fuel capability in 2009, up from 11 offerings this year. "We continue to believe that ethanol used in high blends like E85 offers the best near-term solution to offset increased oil demand," said GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy Beth Lowery at the Department of Energy's Biomass Conference. "There are more than 7 million vehicles today that can use E85. The key is to increase the number of stations that offer the fuel." E85 ethanol (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), is a cleaner-burning alternative fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 23 percent compared with gasoline. However, vehicles are less-fuel efficient when running on E85 than gasoline. Learn about alternative fuels . Research Buick in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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The Toyota Prius has been the poster car for the hybrid movement, though the Chevrolet Volt hybrid is fast becoming the high-voltage icon for the next automotive revolution. Since it has made the auto show circuit, General Motors has been unusually forthright in communicating with media and consumers regarding the Volt’s full-throttle race to production in approximately 2010. Here’s the latest update on the Volt: Batteries Developing the right battery technology for the Volt that can go the distance in the wide-array of abusive consumer use was always expected to be the most daunting challenge. Chevrolet is focused on advanced lithium-ion battery technology, and Volt engineers have just developed a new computer algorithm to accelerate battery durability testing. This advanced computer program duplicates real-life vehicle speed and cargo-carrying conditions, and compresses 10 years of comprehensive battery testing into the Volt’s brisk development schedule. The key is around-the-clock testing in both Michigan and Germany. Vehicle engineering With the battery technology determined, the structural engineers are working through fitting a six-foot long battery pack that weighs almost 400...
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Scion proved its hip to be square with its original xB, being affordable, frugal, and urban chic. Nissan has been watching the success of that enthusiast-rallying box from afar, while offering its own successful take in Japan, the Cube. Over the past few years, the Cube has made token appearances at international auto shows with side comments made by officials about consideration for the United States. Well, that trend has extended now to New York, with the announcement that we can expect the next-generation Cube to reach our shores. The Denki Cube concept on display at the NY auto show gives Americans a close look at an asymmetrical design that looks like it popped right out of an iMac computer. The word “Denki” is Japanese for “electric,” hinting at the electric powertrain demonstrated in this show model. To spark conversation about its future alternative-vehicle strategy, Nissan replaced the Cube’s standard 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility...
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General Motors will green up the dirt-loving Hummer brand starting with 2009 H2 and H2 SUT, which will become its first flex-fuel models. The announcement was made at Classic Chevrolet/Hummer in Dallas, Texas, the dealership who sold the most Chevrolet Trucks in 2008 and who has spent $500,000 to install nine pumps dedicated to E85, E10 and biodiesel. This grand-opening event marked the first public biofuel pumps in the nation owned by a new car and truck dealership. Given the partnership GM has with Coskata , an innovative firm that is striving to commercialize its unique process for turning biomass into ethanol, this may be just the beginning. Fewer than one percent of filling stations nationwide offer E85 fuel . If GM wants to increase flex-fuel vehicle sales, providing E85 at the dealers could spur sales and potentially create another revenue stream. Elevated gas prices have increased consumer interest in reducing our national dependency on imported oil, helping make E85 a household name. However, many car buyers do not realize that E85 has about 25 percent less fuel economy than gasoline. In other words, a truck that normally gets 20 mpg on gasoline would return 15 mpg on E85....
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Honda unveiled the all-new 2009 Honda Fit at the New York International Auto Show, revealing a model that has evolved from the first-generation car without changing the successful formula. During the press days, Honda remained tight-lipped on technical details, especially for a car that is already on sale in overseas markets. What we do know is that the ’09 Fit is incrementally longer and wider than the outgoing model, with the base of the windshield moved five inches forward—increasing the interior space. This change allows for larger glass sail panels in the forked base of the A-pillars, enhancing visibility. Less obvious changes include a focus on improved structure for occupant safety, adapting the much-touted Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design approach. The fancy acronym boils down to a dedicated, computer-engineered structure that addresses common collision parameters and smartly controls forces to best protect passengers. Good stuff. In addition, the Fit includes active head restraints, side and side-curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is available. Comfort is improved by addressing driver leg room and offering a tilt/telescope steering...
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At the North American International Auto Show, aka Detroit auto show , Honda displayed a hybrid concept vehicle whose appearance and name instantly conjured fond memories of the sporty, second-generation CRX. It feels like the right model, at the right time – an affordable, hybrid coupe radiating personality. Thus far, Honda has been mum on technical details, but it is presumed to have an evolution of the Civic Hybrid’s powertrain. Placed in a smaller, lighter-weight car, this mild powertrain would have more verve than in the staid sedan, though the sports character would likely come from its handling acumen. In theory, such concepts are shown at major auto shows to gauge attendee reaction and prepare the public for a production model. However, there isn’t always a means to give direct feedback. In this case, Honda has posted a survey on its consumer site. ( CR-Z survey .) It also has a special section for previewing other concepts and future models, including the redesign Fit schedule to debut next week. We’ll have the scoop here once the cover is pulled back in New York. For now, what do you think of the CR-Z? Fill out the survey, and share your comments below. See our highlights...
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The latest report from J.D. Power and Associates reveals an “inconvenient truth” of the environmental movement – car buyers may talk green , but only 11 percent are "very willing" to pay more to do so. In the 2008 Power Auto Offline Media Report, the study findings reveal that new-vehicle buyers who express a strong willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly vehicles are more likely to be female and are highly educated. The concentration of consumers who express willingness to pay extra for an environmentally friendly vehicle is highest in the western United States and lowest in the Midwest. According to the study, among these environmentally conscious consumers, approximately one in 10 actually purchased a new hybrid vehicle. "The marketing buzz in the automotive industry is all about green cars and trucks," said Jon Osborn, research director at J.D. Power and Associates. "While most consumers immediately think of hybrids when considering an environmentally friendly vehicle, the price premium of hybrids may be prohibitive. However, consumers don't have to buy a hybrid vehicle to be environmentally friendly. One can still be environmentally conscious...
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