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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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The 2009 Nissan Murano was the best performer in the latest crash tests conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ). Results from this group of midsized SUVs saw span the safety spectrum, with only the Murano earning a Top Safety Pick award for good performance in front, side, and rear tests and including electronic stability control as standard equipment. All is not perfect for Nissan; The recently redesigned Murano has also been the subject of a safety recall to address airbag-related software. Results were largely mixed from the other nine SUVs. For example, the lowest-ranked model, the Kia Sorento did earn a good rating for front crash protection and a good for rear protection, a score many vehicles fall short of. However, it got the lowest rating of poor for side protection, despite being equipped with front and rear head-curtain airbags. The rear measure assesses mainly the whiplash risk. While whiplash is a very common, often long-term injury, it is seldom fatal. The greater physical risk is with a harsh side impact that can cause significant trauma, hence the greater importance for the side rating. The general rule that vehicles are getting better every year...
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At the 2008 Chicago Auto Show , Hummer will introduce its much-anticipated H3T pickup truck. Shown in concept form as a standard-cab model, this 2009 production vehicle is based on the H3 platform stretched 22 inches, for a 134-inch wheelbase. Like the H3 SUV, this crewcab model will be powered by a choice of five-cylinder and V8 engines. The H3T has a five-foot bed with a removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. Hummer has a slew of bed accessories for launch, including removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender. There is no convenient “Midgate” to allow the cargo space to expand to the interior, like with the Chevrolet Avalanche. Hummer claims the bed is wide enough to accommodate a 4x8 sheet. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed. The H3T is otherwise similar to the H3, sharing interior design and features. There are fewer H3T flavors for now, with major choices being between powertrain and suspension related. For the chassis, buyers can stick with the standard “Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering” package, or for serious off-roading...
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