autoMedia Auto News Blog : Hybrids

Fisker Buys GM Factory to Build Plug-In Hybrids

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:42:00 GMT

As the auto industry emerges from crisis , new hope is given to a General Motors factory town with today’s announcement that Fisker Automotive will purchase the Wilmington Assembly plant in Delaware. Vice President Joe Biden and Delaware Governor Jack Markell were on hand for the news that Fisker signed a letter of purchase intent for $18 million. An additional $175 million will be spent to refurbish and retool the factory over the next three years. The funds come from a conditional loan of $528.7 million the Department of Energy awarded the company in September. The facility that previously built the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky will be overhauled to assemble an “affordable” plug-in hybrid sedan dubbed Project NINA. Production is expected to begin in late 2012, and Project NINA is optimistically forecast to support 2,000 factory jobs and more than 3,000 vendor and supplier jobs by 2014, as production ramps up to full capacity of 75,000-100,000 vehicles per year. More than half of the sedans are expected to be exported. The car itself is estimated to cost about $39,900 after federal tax credits. Learn about the Fisker Karma , a luxurious plug-in hybrid that delivers an estimated...(read more)

Automotive X Prize Announces Finalists

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:50:00 GMT

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize announced the 43 teams that will advance in its international competition to develop a marketable car that achieves 100 miles per gallone equivalent (MPGe). The teams are campaigning 53 vehicles total that have passed expert review for business plans and technical specifications. These vehicles will progress to the performance and safety testing in the spring as they compete for the $10 million prize. In total, almost 100 entries had been submitted for the contest. The finalists represent 18 states, 10 countries, and six fuel types, signaling the contest’s reach and diversity. Cars on hand at Manhattan’s Classic Car Club for the announcement included the narrow Amp Sky, Commuter Cars Tango, and three-wheel Zap Alias. At the event, X Prize also opened the registration for the DASH+ contest. Funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant, this parallel competition challenges high schoolers to design the dashboard of the future. School teams can register at FuelOurFutureNow.com , where they can learn more about the related sciences involved in interior design. The qualified teams are listed below, along with their fuel or energy type. Mainstream...(read more)

Honda Fit Production Likely to be Moved to U.S.

Editor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:59:00 GMT

In an interview yesterday with Automotive News , Honda Motor Company president Takanobu Ito said that moving production of the popular Honda Fit subcompact from Japan to the United States is a "highly likely possibility" in order to reduce the company's financial losses attributed to the yen's eight percent increase in value against the dollar since August. "Considering the foreign exchange, such a structural reform might be called for," Ito said. "That is sort of the direction we are considering." According to Automotive News , approximately 80 percent of all of the cars Honda sells in the United States are built here. The Honda Fit, with U.S. sales nearing 56,000 year-to-date 2009, is imported from Japan. While the Fit has weathered the financial storm this year better than other Honda models, the yen's rise threatens the Fit's profitibility. No announcement was made yet as to when or where in the United States the Honda Fit will be built. ~ Deborah Neal, editorial director, autoMedia.com...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 10-16-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:24:00 GMT

It is the week ending October 16, and we have browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each....(read more)

Could Quiet Cars Get Custom Soundtracks?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Safety experts have become so concerned that today's whisper-quiet hybrid and electric cars may pose a danger to visually-impaired pedestrians that they've introduced a study to investigate whether such vehicles should have artificial soundtracks to help people nearby hear them....(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Editor — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:17:00 GMT

If you’re looking for great fuel economy, you have lots of choices. There’s a cornucopia of small cars on the market and, if you need more space, there are some larger hybrid vehicles that still turn in impressive numbers at the pumps. But let’s say you want more. How about a good-sized vehicle with wonderful road feel and driving fun? That car is the Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel sedan. If you haven’t been around diesels lately, you might still think they’re the smoky, stinky, slow models that have been around for a couple of decades. But you’d be wrong. Today’s diesel has been to the gym, quit smoking and—with an impressive 31mpg city/40 mpg EPA fuel economy rating—doesn’t drink much either. The Jetta TDI gives you a choice of either sedan or wagon (or SportWagen), and both are handsome vehicles. Our four-door sedan looked very German in its reflex silver metallic. While our TDI sedan test car was thrifty on fuel, there was nothing low-rent about its interior. Like all modern Volkswagens, the design is clean and efficient, and the quality of the materials sets the standard for its class. The best part of the Jetta TDI experience, though, was in the driving. Start up was smooth...(read more)

Sneak Peek: 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:54:00 GMT

Infiniti will launch its first hybrid vehicle when a gasoline-electric M sedan joins the range for the 2012 model year. The redesigned M line goes on sale in spring 2010, with a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines. When it hits the market a year later, the hybrid version will use a 3.5-liter V-6 with an electric motor acting largely in an assistance role. The combination promises improved fuel economy and performance, in the spirit of current Lexus LS600h and Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. The Infiniti M Hybrid will be able to operate solely on electric power in certain conditions. It will use a laminated lithium-ion battery pack. Infiniti claims it will be the same size as other packs, though boast twice the power and better reliability. More details will be released closer to production. Late to the game, trailing Lexus and Mercedes-Benz by years, Infiniti will still likely beat other lux brands to market with a hybrid. See our sneak peek of the 2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 ....(read more)

Updated: 2010 Nissan Altima

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:58:00 GMT

Nissan has freshened the Altima for 2010, giving the popular, well-regarded coupe and sedan a midlife update. Most noticeable, the Altima has a new hood, grille, front bumper, and wheels. Inside, the Altima has new upholstery, trim, and revised option packages. Stability control is standard on all models.

The infotainment factor is turned up to 11 for the new year, with an available premium Bose audio system. This new stereo boasts nine speakers, 4.3-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation, XM satellite radio, and a rearview camera. Also available is a hard-drive-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch screen, Zagat ratings, XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, Bluetooth streaming audio, DVD player, and 9.3 gigs for music storage.

What hasn’t changed is the base price, which remains at $19,900 for the 2.5 S sedan. The coupe climbs several hundred dollars to $22,440.

2010 Nissan Altima suggested retail prices

2010 Altima Sedan	Engine/Transmission	M.S.R.P.
Altima Sedan 2.5 S	2.5L I4 CVT	$19,900
Altima Sedan 2.5 S	2.5L I4 CVT	$21,840
Altima Sedan 3.5 SR	3.5L V6 CVT	$24,520

2010 Altima Coupe	Engine/Transmission	M.S.R.P.
Altima Coupe 2.5 S	2.5L I4 6MT	$22,440
Altima Coupe 2.5 S	2.5L I4 CVT	$22,940
Altima Coupe 3.5 SR	3.5L V6 CVT	$27,270
Altima Coupe 3.5 SR	3.5 V6 6MT	$29,600

2010 Altima Hybrid	Engine/Transmission	M.S.R.P.
Altima HEV	2.5L I4 eCVT	$26,780

The engines carry over, with a 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower four-cylinder and 3.5-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 providing competitive performance for the coupe and sedan. Both engines are refined, powerful, and fuel efficient. For even greater fuel economy, there is the Altima Hybrid with a 2.5-liter Four that produces a combined 198 horsepower, while delivering 35 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Read our latest Nissan Altima review.

Frankfurt: Mercedes-Benz Demos EREV BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:36:00 GMT

Mercedes-Benz released its own Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motorshow this week. The five-seat, four-door BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS hatchback promises a total range of about 370 miles, of which about 60 can be traveled solely using electricity.

The E-CELL PLUS is part of a trio of BlueZERO concept vehicles, each with its own drive system. Mercedes-Benz feels it won't be just one technology that paves the way to sustainable mobility in the future, so the company is presenting several alternatives.

The first in the trio -- the BlueZERO E-CELL -- was released in Detroit at the beginning of the year. Propelled exclusively by a battery-powered electric drive, this pure electric vehicle is projected to be able to travel more than 120 miles on a single battery charge and will be completely free of tailpipe emissions. The third vehicle will be the Hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered BlueZERO F-CELL, promising a range of nearly 250 miles on electric power and also without creating tailpipe emissions.

The E-CELL PLUS revealed at Frankfurt operates in a similar fashion to the highly anticipated Chevy Volt EREV: The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is stored in the subfloor, and can hold an energy content of up to 17.50 kWh. The compact 100-kW electric motor of the BlueZERO E-CELL is powered solely by the battery, which receives range-extending energy from an additional three-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine. Installed near the rear axle, this compact engine can produce 50 kW of power to charge the battery while the car is being driven.

During rapid charging with a high-capacity 20 kW connection, Mercedes-Benz claims the high-performance lithium-ion battery of the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough power in 30 minutes to provide a 30-mile cruising range. The complete electric range of 62 miles requires a rapid-charge time of somewhat more than an hour. Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3.3 kW is approximately six hours.

Like its two sister models, the BlueZERO E-CELL and the BlueZERO F-CELL, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in less than 11 seconds. To ensure optimum range and energy efficiency, its top speed is electronically limited to about 90 mph. The five-seat compact cars measure about 13.5 feet long, but are spacious enough to carry 17 cubic feet of cargo, or haul 1000 pounds of gear.

Mercedes anticipates producing the first fuel-cell-powered vehicles later this year, and hopes to produce the electric/battery-powered models in 2010. Read more reviews of Mercedes-Benz vehicles here at autoMedia.com.

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com contributing editor

Frankfurt: VW Debuts Nine New Models Including E-Up!

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:36:00 GMT

Volkswagen presented a large selection of small cars at the 63rd International Motor Show (IAA) being held in Frankfurt this week. The nine premieres ranged from the zero-emissions E-Up! concept to a near-production prototype of the sensational 1-Liter car, the L1; the economical Polo three-door; and super-efficient BlueMotion versions of the Polo (71 mpg), Golf (62 mpg) and Passat (53 mpg). Volkswagen also showed a supersporty the Golf R, and the new generation of the Multivan / California . Many customized models - such as three new, dynamic R-Line versions (Golf, Scirocco and Passat CC) and the first vehicle under the new top label Volkswagen Exclusive (Golf Estate) - completed the range of IAA premieres.

Most notable is the zero-emissions E-Up! Concept, which is based on modules of the New Small Family Volkswagen is expecting to release for the 2011 model year. This super tiny ultra-compact pure electric vehicle measures in at just under 10 and a half feet long (compare that to the Smart fortwo at 8 feet, 2 inches or a Honda Fit, which is just over 13 feet) features an 18kWh lithium battery pack with a range of 84 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. Promising seating for three adults and one child, the extra-lightweight electric vehicle weighs just under 2400 pounds - though 500 pounds of that are the lithium batteries, which can be charged in about five hours from a standard household outlet.

We're also especially intrigued by the two-seat L1 concept. The L1 concept is constructed from a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body that weighs about 840 pounds and is powered by a new common rail two-cylinder turbo-diesel and an electric motor. Passengers are seated behind the driver, like an amusement park ride. With its average fuel consumption of 158 miles per gallon, this extremely aerodynamic L1 (Cd 0.195!) promises to become the most fuel-efficient hybrid automobile in the world. Volkswagen claims that if the L1 lightweight car concept were to also go into production in 2013, it would introduce a new era in automotive production.

As cool as these concepts appear, you don't have to wait until 2011 to drive a highly efficient vehicle from Volkswagen: the Volkswagen Jetta TDI already in production promises fuel economy in excess of 40 per gallon. Read more about it in our 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review, and research VWs in the 2009 new car buyer's guide here at autoMedia.com.

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com contributing editor

Sneak Peek: Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Concept

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:53:00 GMT

In a few days, Lexus will pull the wraps off this compact hybrid concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Designed in California, the LF-CH will make its North American debut in December at the LA Auto Show. This latest concept hybrid vehicle from Lexus explores a more dramatic package than the brand currently offers. Given that the unique styling is attributed as a key factor the success of the Prius, and that hatchbacks are essential for overseas sales, this is a natural direction to pursue.

Lexus is mum on the powertrain, saying only that it is powered by "the latest generation of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology." It isn’t a big leap to assume it shares its hybrid system with the Lexus HS 250h, teaming a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission, and electric motor, producing a combined 187 horsepower. Directing the high-tech car’s character, the driver could then select between four modes: Normal, Eco, and EV plus a Sport mode that amplifies throttle response.

The LF-Ch concept was designed by Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center located in Newport Beach. While production intent has not been announced, the company sounds serious about this model.

Calty President Kevin Hunter said, “The LF-Ch concept is the next evolution of the compact luxury vehicle.”

That evolution brings a clean, deceptively simple interior with an asymmetrical dash and abundant premium touches from leather and metal trim. Blue accent lights gives the car a futuristic glow, from the instrument panel to the four bucket seats. The center stack has a simple configuration, looking no more complicated than a traditional single-DIN stereo head unit—a welcomed alternative to the current trend for luxury cars to have a legion of Chiclet-type buttons. The key is a remote touch controller, like that found in the HS 250h, which allows the driver to move an onscreen cursor to operate audio, climate, and navigation systems. Easier to use than competitors rotary dial controllers, this hand-friendly input device is effective, but in the end it can be hard to beat a simple flick of a switch.

We hope to learn more from Lexus once this car makes its debut. Ultimately, feedback from auto show attendees and prospective customers may have a large impact in the car’s production potential.

Read our Lexus HS 250 h review.

Charge! 2010 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Debuts in Frankfurt

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:29:00 GMT

Hybrid powertrain pioneer and marketing wizard Toyota will debut a 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) concept vehicle next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Toyota has shown and field tested second-generation Prius plug-in hybrids, furthering the development of this third-gen model. (Also see the Fisker Karma plug-in scheduled to be shown in Frankfurt.)

Using lithium-ion battery technology, this plug-in hatchback boasts electric operation at higher speeds and longer distances than conventional hybrids. When fully charged, the vehicle will achieve an electric-only range of approximately 12 miles and will be capable of achieving highway speeds in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the PHV concept reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. The ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure electric vehicles.

Toyota will distribute a 500-unit test fleet worldwide later this year, with 150 plug-ins planned for evaluation in the United States. No widespread production has been announced, though this marks a significant step forward as Toyota seeks to further develop the infrastructure and create market awareness that could pave the way for mainstream sales.

Read our 2010 Toyota Prius review and "Plug-in hybrids ready for prime time."

403-hp Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid to Get 67 mpg

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:45:00 GMT

Fisker has released a bevy of numbers ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, where the boutique automaker will make a splash with its four-door Karma next week. (We last saw the Karma at the New York auto show.) The curvaceous plug-in hybrid electric will be touting its fuel economy figures of 3.5L/100km, based on Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) methodology. That translates to about 67 mpg. Calculations developed by SAE estimate carbon dioxide output will be less than that of today's cleanest production cars and 75 percent less than that of competing vehicles, on average, according to Fisker.

Fuel economy is the bragging rights future cars will hang their reputation on. Take the Chevrolet Volt, for example. General Motors created big buzz with a marketing campaign centered around a claimed 230 mpg city rating, 100 mpg overall, based on development testing using a draft EPA federal fuel economy methodology for labeling plug-in electric vehicles. This high claim may come back to bite GM, as it is only theoretically achievable. On the other hand, this figure from Fisker appears quite fair on the surface. Only real-world testing will show how practical the rating is.

However, there is another key figure to consider: horsepower. With 403 horsepower on tap, and supercar-grade torque, the Fisker threatens to deliver serious performance, especially for a green machine. Claimed 0-60 mph times are about six seconds, with a maximum speed of 125 mph.

Fisker expects the Karma will be the first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) when it goes on sale in 2010, though clearly many companies will be hot on its heels.

autoMedia CARnival 9-4-09: This week in the auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:44:00 GMT

It's the week ending September 4, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Cash for Clunkers and Papa John's Camaro remain in the headlines for another week, and David E. Davis says he wishes Jean Jennings was dead, but besides all that, we've also got plenty of other unusual news sure to delight the automotive fan.

Cash for Clunkers rebates undoubtedly fueled robust August car sales, with manufacturers showing increased sales over the same time period a year ago, and even better increases over their sales just one or two months ago. Motor Trend's Todd Lassa shares an astute analysis of these figures, with detailed insights into the best-selling models and manufacturers.

Classic Car Examiner Jim Cherry knows cars have had a long and colorful history on TV from the 1966 Batmobile, to Entourage's Maserati Quatroporte, to Starsky & Hutch's Grand Torino. Knight Rider's Kitt car was so popular that Hasselhoff's series was revived years later in the vain hope of selling more lunchboxes. The right car makes the right statement on TV. They hop things up, express characters' characters, provide dramatic action and provide plenty of merchandising oppoutunities. Check out his slideshow of the top nine classic TV cars at examiner.com

AutoBlog files this under "No Cool, Wacky Deed Shall Go Unlitigated." John Schnatter, Papa John of Papa John's Pizza, put out a $250,000 A.P.B. to find his long lost 1971 1/2 Camaro Z28. Papa John Schnatter says the money was for the person whose name was on the title of the car as a reward for selling the car back to him. When the Sloanes of Indiana helped point Schnatter to Jeff Robinson, the current owner, Schnatter offered them $25,000 for the assist. Now the Sloanes aren't happy about "only" getting $25,000 and want a bigger piece of the pie. More details can be found at this local Kentucky news website. Naughty, greedy people get no sympathy from me. Take your finder's fee and quitchurbitchin...

The Detroit Bureau asks if U.S. buyers are ready to return to Motown and buy American for their transportation needs? According to Paul Eisenstein, that's the rather surprising indication of a new survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. This first-ever survey of motorist intentions found that about 80% of new-car buyers said they would be likely or very likely consider a Detroit product, compared with just 47% who said the same thing about an Asian model, and 46% who'd similarly consider a European offering. The CR survey results show good news for the American automakers, as most respondents said the most important consideration in deciding which vehicle to buy is price, followed by fuel economy, safety, and quality.

It's difficult to find the words to describe the highlight of this segment of "Autoline After Hours" being served at TheTruthAboutCars. Let the headline be your guide: "David E. Davis: Fired for Truth Telling, Wants Jean Jennings Dead." Fast forward 15 minutes in, when David-E wishes a piano would land on her head. Yeah: He says that.

In one article, AutoBlogGreen says Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen, says the Chevy Volt is "a car for idiots," and says pure electric vehicles are "for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are." In another article he denies using those words. Well, of course, he has to, especially now that Audi is revealing an all-electric R8 concept car at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Harrumph.

Honda fans across the internet unleashed "Haterade" on first official Crosstour photos released at Facebook: Honda responds by blaming it on insufficient photography and promises additional photos will come soon. Jalopnik says "We're sorry, but if your vehicle is ugly from 3/4 front and 3/4 back it's just ugly and we doubt more detail is going to change that."

If you've heard the accusations that the rare metals required for production of hybrid car motors and batteries are in short supply and that the mining of such metals is disastrous for the environment, then you'll want to read this report at HybridCars.com which declares such concerns are overblown. In fact, the article states that if domestic and other Canada-based mining concerns go back into production at currently dormant mines, hybrid and electric car production will "not only be on track, it could be done in the United States," within three to four years.

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

CARS Program Declared 'Wildly Successful'

Brandy Schaffels — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Barely a month after The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program was first enacted, the second leg of the pivotal program also known as "cash for clunkers," wrapped up boasting nearly 700,000 car sales and improved fuel efficiency.

In a statement released by U.S. Department of Transportation, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood declared the program "wildly successful" citing not just the number of vehicles sold, but also good news for the environment. The average fuel economy of the vehicles traded in was 15.8 miles per gallon and the average fuel economy of vehicles purchased was 24.9 mpg - a 58 percent improvement helped by the fact that 84 percent of consumers traded in trucks and 59 percent purchased passenger cars.

According to the report released today, cars purchased under the program were, on average, 19% above the average fuel economy of all new cars currently available, and 59% above the average fuel economy of cars that were traded in. This means the program raised the average fuel economy of the fleet, while getting the dirtiest and most polluting vehicles off the road.

All in all, it appears the program has served its purpose, as according to a preliminary analysis by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, the CARS program will:

Boost economic growth in the third quarter of 2009 by 0.3-0.4 percentage points at an annual rate thanks to increased auto sales in July and August.
Will sustain the increase in GDP in the fourth quarter because of increased auto production to replace depleted inventories.
Will create or save 42,000 jobs in the second half of 2009. Those jobs are expected to remain well after the program's close.

"This is a win for the economy, a win for the environment and a win for American consumers," said Secretary LaHood. The dollar value of the 690,114 vehicle transactions presents a total dollar value of $2,877.9 million! Broken down, the ten states to benefit the most from these purchases are (based on dealer voucher requests):

California..............$326,822,000
Texas....................$183,776,500
New York .............$156,292,000
Florida..................$146,565,000
Illinois...................$143,613,000
Pennsylvania........$138,651,500
Ohio .....................$136,267,000
Michigan...............$132,407,500
New Jersey...........$103,375,500
Virginia.................$98,523,500

After the stampede of sales ends, the Department of Transportation is now augmenting a 2000-person team to process dealer rebate applications.

See our previous reports on "Top 10 Trade-Ins and Purchases" and "What Automaker Sold the Most Cars?"

Learn even more from "Cashing in on Clunkers."

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com contributing editor