Autoblog

REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Supra HV-R GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's pulled out of F1, but that doesn't mean the company has lost its will to win with cutting edge tech. Rumors suggest it's dusting off the underpinnings of the Hybrid Supra HV-R it used to win the Tokkachi 24-Hour race two years ago, and staring at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a glint in its eye.

The Supra HV-R used a 473-horsepower V8 that gets help from regenerative braking, a quick-charging capacitor, and three additional electric motors: two in the front wheels, one in the back of the car. Toyota would need to upgrade the tech, prep the car for the GT1 class, and test it, so a 2012 race entry is hypothesized were such a thing to happen.

As far as we're concerned, anything that could lead to bringing back a Supra -- even if only in race trim to begin with -- is all right with us. Especially one with 473 horses, gobs of torque and a date with the Mulsanne straight. Toyota, please do this...

Gallery: Denso SARD Supra HV-R

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford

Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford has scored the biggest improvement in combined fuel economy of any major carmaker over the last five years. Between 2005 and 2009, Ford improved its fleet average by nearly 20 percent - almost twice as much as any other company. While Ford certainly made a lot of incremental improvements in the efficiency of its vehicles over that period, that wasn't the only factor.

That same time period saw a huge shift in the model mix at Ford. Sales of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition collapsed as consumers moved to crossovers like the Edge and Flex (oh, and we suppose a car or two). The Explorer has gone from more than 400,000 annual sales earlier this decade to just over 68,000 last year.

Ford has made actual improvements, as well, however, including the introduction of the Escape Hybrid and the roll out of six-speed transmissions. The next five years should see even bigger gains as Ford deploys millions of EcoBoost engines, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Ford's official press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda plans to settle Civic Hybrid mileage suit out of court. Is it a fair deal?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Honda, Earnings/Financials

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you buy a hybrid, you'll be rewarded with excellent fuel economy, right? Well, that's the idea, but sometimes things don't turn out exactly as we had hoped. Such is apparently the case with a number of Honda Civic Hybrid owners who claim that their vehicles don't even come close to achieving the mileage figures estimated by the EPA, leading to a class action lawsuit against Honda.

Back in the summer of 2007, we conducted a telephone interview with John True, one of the two men who started the suit. At the time, True claimed he only achieved, at best, 34.6 miles per gallon and had averaged well under that figure. The window sticker showed EPA estimates of 49 city and 51 highway, though the EPA's revised 2008 rating sits at 40 city and 45 highway.

For its part, Honda admits to no wrongdoing and points out that it was the EPA that estimated those mileage figures. Still, according to The New York Times, the Japanese automaker has agreed to settle the case out of court. If approved, owners of 2003-2008 Civic Hybrids will get a voucher worth up to $1,000 to purchase a new Honda or a check for $100 if they can prove they complained to Honda about their car's mileage.

Interestingly, the current Civic Hybrid, Insight and Fit - Honda's three most fuel efficient models - are excluded from the list of vehicles eligible for the trade-in or purchase voucher. The two plaintiffs would receive $12,500 and $10,000 and their lawyers would pocket $2.95 million. So, um, is it a fair deal? Perhaps more importantly, is Honda to blame here? Sound off in the comments.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

[Source: The New York Times]

REPORT: Honda plans to settle Civic Hybrid mileage suit out of court. Is it a fair deal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Truck, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ex-execs from Chrysler join startup green company

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology

Ex-Chrysler CEO and co-president Tom LaSorda (above) and ex-VP of North American sales Steven Landry have joined a small Detroit startup called ALTe. Focused on the fleet industry, ALTe aims to retrofit light trucks and vans, limos and taxis, and police cars with its flexible and proprietary plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

ALTe is headed by other former car industry alumna from Ford and Tesla. They formed the seed of technical know-how, and speculation is that they are looking to Lasorda and Landry to help them lure three groups: institutional investors, fleet operators and dealers.

At the moment ALTe is focused on acquiring the funds it needs in order to be approved for a DoE loan (it has to get money to make money). Eventually, based on global industry regulations alone the company stands to make a fortune... if it can just stay in business long enough to make that fortune.

[Source: Forbes | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Ex-execs from Chrysler join startup green company originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Humor, Electric

Chevrolet Volt Dance - Click above to watch the video after the break

"E for electricity, V for Chevy Volt and me..." Catchy little diddly, sure. But we were mostly willing to let the Chevrolet Volt song make the deep, dark trek into obscurity with nary another mention. That is, until today. What made us change our tune, you ask? Boy, are you in for a treat.

Witness the Chevy Volt dance. Yes, it is an official routine apparently commissioned by GM. Showgoers that meandered near the GM area at the LA Auto Show may already be familiar with this little number, but the video's just too good not to share with the rest of the class. We especially like it when the four-person crew stops whatever they're doing to throw us an "E" and a "V."

Trust us. You owe it to yourself to click past the break and watch the video. Here's hoping The General antes up to send these dancers around the country for the rest of the auto show circuit.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really.

VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid Concept teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota, the Undisputed Heavyweight Hybrid Champion of the World, has just announced that it will unveil a new gas-electric concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Beyond that, details are decidedly scarce. As a dedicated model, this apparently won't be a hybridized version of a current Toyota model but a new vehicle entirely, and, judging by the two teaser images released with the announcement, it doesn't appear to be quite like anything the automaker has shown us before.

With that out of the way, let's speculate a bit. We've been hearing that Toyota is considering expanding its Prius range with both a sporty coupe and a roomier wagon, so this could be a conceptual version of one of those models. Or not. We'll find out for sure on January 11 when we point our own DSLR lenses at the concept in Detroit. In the meantime, feel free to hit the jump for the extremely brief press release and peruse the two high-res teaser images in our gallery below.

Gallery: Toyota Hybrid Concept Teaser

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius PHEV - click above for high-res image gallery

In Japan today, Toyota officially launched its Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) lease program. Over the next six months, Toyota will be building and deploying 600 examples of the plug-in Prius for testing primarilly in Japan, United States and Europe. The Japanese market will get 230 units, with 150 coming to the States and 200 going to Europe. The cars will be leased to government, commercial, and university fleets for field testing that help to gather more data on how PHEVs are used in the real world.

To accommodate plug-in charging the Prius gets a 5.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack in place of the standard nickel metal hydride unit. The battery and associated charging hardware appear to be the only significant mechanical changes to the PHEV. The motor and other hybrid hardware are apparently carried over intact. Even with the standard motor, Toyota claims a maximum EV speed of 62 mph.

On the Japanese JC08 cycle, the Prius can run about 14.5 miles before depleting the battery. It's not clear what the performance level will be in EV mode and what sort of driving will trigger the engine to start up while the battery still has available power. Based on that driving cycle, the PHEV is rated at 72 mpg (U.S.) in post-EV hybrid mode which compares with the 50 mpg or so that we typically see in real use. Since the hybrid system is essentially unchanged, the 14 mile range is probably a bit optimistic. The combined efficiency based on a utility factor of .436 (43.6 percent of driving in EV mode) the Prius is rated at 134 mpg (U.S.). The PHEV Prius will undoubtedly get very good mileage, but we suspect that triple digits are unlikely for most people. During the presentation, Toyota also announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV of late 2011 at an "affordable" price. Video of the presentation and the press release are after the jump.

Presentations:

Gallery: Toyota Prius PHEV concept

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next generation Nissan GT-R to go hybrid

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Japan, Nissan, Rumormill

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Japan's Best Car magazine seems to be on a little bit of a hybrid high lately. Just a couple of weeks ago, the publication ran a story stating that Toyota is planning to revive its beloved MR2 nameplate with a new hybrid roadster. Now they're reporting that the Nissan GT-R will also gain a gas-electric drivetrain in its next iteration.

According to the report, the R36-generation GT-R will supplement its 440-horsepower gasoline engine - down from the current twin-turbo V6's 480 - with an electric motor worth about 160 galloping horses, for an overall equivalent of 600. That's a whole lot of power, and if the reports prove to be accurate, Porsche won't be the only one looking in the rear-view mirror when it comes along.

[Source: Best Car via 4WheelsNews.com]

Rumormill: Next generation Nissan GT-R to go hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another leaked brochure shows Honda CR-Z by Mugen

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z by Mugen - Click above for image gallery

With yesterday's leaked brochure of the production version of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, a Temple of VTEC member wasted no time uploading what could be the first Mugen variant of Honda's new hybrid hatch.

Details on the mods are minimal, but the tuner appears to be working on a dress-up package that includes a new front bumper/splitter, side skirts, rear bumper and wing. Naturally, a new set of wheels are part of the package -- what appears to be a set of 17-inch, seven spoke hoops, likely shod in stickier rubber.

Given Mugen's strong ties to Honda, expect the full kit to be available through dealers in Japan when the CR-Z goes on sale early next year.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z by Mugen Brochure

[Source: TOV]

Another leaked brochure shows Honda CR-Z by Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure - Click above for high-res image gallery

The variable valve-timing obsessives at the Temple of VTEC have scored a leaked brochure of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and in addition to getting a glimpse of the production version of the hybrid hatch, some specs and trim details were included in the document.

We finally have hard figures on the 1.5-liter engine's output (in JDM spec), with the diminutive four-cylinder putting out 112 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) on its own and another 14 hp from its electric motor. Just as importantly, the engine creates 107 lb-ft of torque (at 4,800 rpm) with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system boosting that by another 57 lb-ft at an oh-so-low 1,000 rpm. Coupled with either a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox, the CR-Z nets a relatively uninspiring 0 to 62 mph time of 9.7 seconds.

The dimensions haven't changed much from the "concept" we saw at the Tokyo Motor Show earlier this year, with a 160.6-inch overall length, 68.5-inch width, 54.9-inch height and a wheelbase that spans 95.9 inches. Unfortunately, no word on curb weight.

Since efficiency is the name of the game, the CR-Z will benefit from LED daytime running lights and turn signal indicators in the mirrors, along with three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Sport - each controllable from a dash mounted switch and with a different color surrounding the gauges based on the mode.

Check out the pics in the gallery below for more and get the full story in our CR-Z post from Tokyo.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Toyota

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

Consumer Reports has surveyed 380,000 subscribers to rank the most satisfied new car owners and a newcomer came in and dethroned the Toyota Prius. An amazing 92 percent of V8-powered Dodge Challenger owners said that they would definitely buy another Mopar pony car if they had the chance to do it all over again. That's a big-time win for Chrysler, as the Pentastar has been getting dinged badly in recent CR studies. Hybrids have been very popular in the satisfaction survey over the past few years, but the perennial champ Prius wasn't even the number one battery-assisted model. That honor goes to the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, which came in second overall with a 91 percent rating. The Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911 and Prius round out the top five. To make the top of the satisfaction list at least 80 percent of customers need to say that they would definitely buy the same vehicle again.

Detroit automakers substantially improved their standing in the annual survey versus last year, as nine percent of overall Motown models were at the top of the list. That's still down substantially against the 12 percent Asian automakers and 23 percent of European automakers scored in the top tier. While GM, Ford and Chrysler each found success at the top, each scoring a hit in the top five, two of the three automakers also filled out the entire bottom ten. Owners of the four cylinder Chrysler Sebring were the least satisfied among all surveyed. In all, GM had seven of the bottom ten while Chrysler had three unlovable losers. Head over to the Consumer Reports site for more details.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti Essence Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

When we first laid eyes on Infiniti's Essence concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show, we were, quite frankly, smitten by its voluptuous lines. We apparently weren't alone, as Infiniti exec Ben Poore has reportedly told Motor Trend that reaction to the concept was "phenomenal." When the Essence was unveiled, Infiniti told the audience at Geneva that the vehicle was concept-only and that future vehicles would be influenced by its stunning design. We were a bit disappointed by that news, because, of course, the world can never have too many stunning twin-turbo V6 hybrid coupes capable of a combined 592 brake horsepower.

But while we were let down by Infiniti's initial decision on Essence, we're at least encouraged by the fact that Poore recently told MT that that the concept is "only a show piece... for now." Could that mean that we could have a production vehicle based off of the Essence in the future? We hope so. Will it have a twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 with a lithium-ion backed disc-shaped electric motor? Perhaps not, but we wouldn't exactly be disappointed if it did.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.

Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW took advantage of California's proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW's first true hybrid, the X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn't really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.

The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW's Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase "L" model will start at $107,025.

The last car in the BMW eco show was the Vision concept. And never before has the phrase, "last but not least," been more appropriate. This thing looks like it could have come out of Minority Report, yet it has so much real world promise. We'll never see this car in production, of course, but don't be surprised to see many of its elements in future BMW models. We're still trying to decide whether we'd take this or the swoopy e-tron concept next door at Audi's stand, but why not have both?

Check out our gallery of live shots from LA by clicking below, or the official 7 Series pricing press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: BMW Active Hybrids and Vision Concept

Continue reading LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125

LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Honda P-NUT concept gets cracked open

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Honda, Electric

Honda P-NUT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Turns out that the Honda P-NUT is not some sort of twist on the UX-3 unicycle thing we saw in Tokyo recently. Instead, the concept vehicle is a three-seat thing enclosed in lots of glass and angular lines. Honda says the P-NUT is ready for one of three possible powertrains: an efficient gas engine, a gas-electric hybrid, or a pure electric set up. There's not a whole lot of room for any of these powerplants up front because the driver's leg room extends almost all the way to the front of the concept. Good thing the power source is intended to be mounted in the rear.

Let's be clear, this is a pure concept car. There are no side mirrors (but there is a back-up camera). Bumpers? Bah, Honda barely put headlights on this thing. Still, the Honda 'Personal-Neo Urban Transport' could make for a pretty sweet ride through a city, with lots of sight lines for the three inhabitants (a driver in the front middle, two passengers arranged behind and to either side) to see out of. The P-NUT does succeed in Honda's stated goal to get the most space out of a small footprint, and we wouldn't mind some sort of production version BEV someday. Chances are, though, that this is the last we'll ever see of it.

Gallery: LA 2009: Honda P-NUT

Gallery: Honda P-NUT

Continue reading LA 2009: Honda P-NUT concept gets cracked open

LA 2009: Honda P-NUT concept gets cracked open originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not counting full-size trucks, the meat-and-potatoes of the American car market remains the mid-size family sedan. For the past two decades, the undisputed kings of this particular segment have been the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, especially since the Ford Taurus fell off its pedestal right around 1992. Many have tried to knock the two Japanese heavyweights (now figuratively and literally) off the hill - and almost as many have failed. And while those two titans have remained atop the sales charts, other family sedans have met with considerable success. Perhaps most notably, the Hyundai Sonata, an unassuming car that has found its way into 1.2 million homes.

With beaming grins and news of Hyundai being named the most fuel efficient brand in America, Hyundai's brass took the wraps off their new-for-2011 Sonota. What strikes you instantly is the Sonata's curvy, slightly-hefty, almost organic shape. Hyundai calls the design language "Fluidic Sculpture," and while not quite as in-your-face as Mazda's signature Nagare styling language, we have a feeling it might prove nearly as polarizing. That's not to say the new Sonata is bad looking or ugly. But it is highly-stylized in a mid-size market that tends to reward the bland and middle-of-the-road.

But Fluidic Sculpture is what we've got - and not just on the Sonata. Hyundai's North American President and CEO John Krafcik promises that this design language will define the brand moving forward. Not surprisingly, Fluidic Sculpture originated right here in Southern California in Hyundai's Irvine design center. We really appreciate some of the finely wrought detailing, such as the grille, door handles, headlights and taillights (though those taillights appear to be lifted directly from the BMW 3 Series). We're just a wee bit uncertain of how the new Sonata will play in Peoria.

As for the non-design aspects of the 2011 Sonata, the big news is under the hood. Gone is the 3.3-liter V6, or for that matter, any V6. Instead Hyundai is offering consumers a choice of three four-cylinder engines. The first is a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) motor called the Theta II good for 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That much power from a 2.4-liter essentially puts the Sonata at the head of the four-cylinder class. But what about those pesky V6 cars? No problem, as Hyundai will launching a turbocharged version of the GDI Theta II. If direct-injection and turbocharging sounds a little EcoBoosty to you, well, it is. And that's a very, very good thing.

But what about hybrids? There will be a hybrid version of the Theta II. Hyundai's calling the technology Blue Drive,and it sounds pretty spiffy. Unlike other hybrids that use nickel hydride (or starting soon, lithium ion) batteries, the Hyundai system will use lithium polymer technology. According to Hyundai, lithium polymer leapfrogs lithium ion battery tech and within five years, the entire industry will switch to LP. Only Hyundai will be putting the tech on sale within the year. Big claims to be sure, but Hyundai's been defying conventions and expectations for quite a while now. Look for the Alabama-built Sonata to start at less than $20,000 and go on sale this January. Official press release after the jump, Jonny-on-the-spot photos below.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Continue reading LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid

LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric, Diesel

Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has just taken the cover off an all-new concept called the Up! Lite, a sinister looking diesel hybrid that gets (according to VW) 70 mpg combined. As in both City and Highway. Impressive, even if that only ends up being 90 percent accurate. In fact, should Volkswagen decide to green light the unfortunately named Up! Lite, it would be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly four seat vehicle on the planet. Again, if the Up! Lite comes to fruition, we'll all be impressed. Interestingly, this concept isn't the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly car on earth is because another Volkswagen -- the L1 from Frankfurt - is. But it only seats two.

Ready for the good parts? The aptly titled Up! Lite barely tips the scales at 1,530 pounds. There are Honda Goldwings flirting with that weight class. This svelteness is achieved via a mix of aluminum, lightweight steel and carbon fiber. For instance, the roof is made entirely from the expensive weave. And those amazing wheels consist of ten carbon-fiber spokes and an aluminum fairing. Nifty, no? The tiny, stylized winglettes replace conventional rearview mirrors and contain cameras instead of reflective glass. The same holds true for the interior mounted mirror, as has been replaced by a camera.

Up front, there's an active air dam that opens up as needed. The extra cooling will help out the TDI hybrid drive lifted from the two-seater L1. This 800cc powerplant transmits power to the wheels using a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Even though the diesel engine is teeny, when coupled to the electric motor, the Up! Lite can reach 100 mph and hit 60 mph in 12 seconds. Not fast by any means, but good enough - especially for an ultra-high mileage vehicle. And it can haul stuff, too - including humans. Unlike the Up! Concept we saw in Frankfurt, the Up! Lite seats four people, and with the rear seats folded, it can haul 30 cubic feet of stuff. Not bad at all.

Overall, we're pretty impressed by the looks and promise of the Up! Lite. In our estimation, there's absolutely nothing wrong with blending a Honda CRX with a Volvo C30. Will the Up! Lite ever make it to production? Who knows. VW claims the first Up!s(?) will go on sale in 2011. We get the sense that any future decision will be based on how the two-door Up! does. But we get the feeling the Up! Lite might give the people more of what they want. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source:Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation

LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Chevrolet, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

If environmentally-friendly transportation is your thing, there's no place like California. Not only is the state home base to Tesla - the first company to genuinely demonstrate that hugging a tree and hugging the road needn't be mutually exclusive - it was also chosen by General Motors as the launch site for its EV1 and by Honda for the FCX Clarity. It should come as no great surprise, then, that GM has just announced that its latest earthmobile - the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt - will launch in California first before being introduced in markets across the country.

Not only with the Volt be available in the nation's largest car market before any other, but The General is also partnering with a number of local electric companies to accompany the rollout. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and Sacramento Municipal Utility District, together with the non-profit Electric Power Research Institute, will help demonstrate the benefits and practicality of the Volt's hybrid powertrain, thanks in part to a $30 million grant from the federal Department of Energy's Transportation Electrification Initiative. Follow the jump to read all about it in GM's full press release.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Viridian Joule" picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt in Viridian Joule - Click above for high-res image gallery

The votes have been cast, the tallies tallied and the winner determined: Viridian Joule will be the official name of the silvery-green hue as seen on a slew of Chevrolet Volt marketing material for what seems like the last decade or so. So, um, what does Viridian Joule mean? We'll let the winner himself, 40-year-old David Thomas of Sanford, Florida, explain:

I looked at the photo of the Volt on the contest web site and thought it looked emerald in color, which led to jewel and then to an alternate yet appropriate play on that word - joule.

We needed a bit more help, so we looked up the word 'viridian'. So says Dictionary.com: a long-lasting, bluish-green pigment, consisting of a hydrated oxide of chromium. OK, fine. Joule wasn't so hard to figure out, but here's the definition anyway: a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere is passed through a resistance of one ohm for one second. So, there you have it.

Want to know more? Click past the break to read the official press release, and see the image gallery below for more views of a Viridian Joule Chevrolet Volt.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading "Viridian Joule" picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest

"Viridian Joule" picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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