Monday, July 30, 2007

Best UK CO2 car rankings go live

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Starting right about now, the UK's Department for Transport's 'Best on CO2' car rankings are on the air (if you're familiar with Weird Al's UHF, imagine this announcement being made by Stanley Spadowski). Actually, they're just on the 'net, but I still like that movie. Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick launched the new site today, in conjunction with What Car? magazine.

The Best on CO2 site makes buying a low-CO2 emitting vehicle easier by asking shoppers what kind of vehicle (category, transmission and fuel type) they're interested in, and then spits out a list of models with the lowest CO2 emissions. Pretty slick idea. The database uses emissions information from the DfT's Vehicle Certification Agency and the categories - supermini, small family, family, estate, MPV, compact executive, executive, coupe, open-top, hot hatch, compact 4x4, large 4x4, luxury, performance car - were developed by What Car? Perhaps soon Britain's wealthy will want to check the site out.

Related:
[Source: Department for Transport]

 

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New BMW four-cylinder diesel engine for Australian market

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Mated to the small SUV X3, the top-seller engine of the brand in Europe goes to Australia although Ozzies could buy the engine already installed in the 120d. The 4-cylinder is now made from aluminium, saving 20 kg (45 pounds) on the scale and getting 10 percent better fuel mileage and it's claimed to work as smooth as a 6-cylinder by means of two balance shafts

The 2-liter engine is good for 125 KW (165 HP) and 340 Nm of torque (250 lb. ft.). Fuel consumption (European mixed cycle) is 7.0 l/ 100 km (33 MPG) and emissions, 185 g CO2/km. These are respectful figures for such a relatively hefty car, which comes with 4-wheel drive (called x-Drive at BMW) as standard.

Prices start at 62,900 AUD.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]
NEW ALL-ALUMINIUM FOUR-CYLINDER DIESEL PERFORMANCE FOR BMW X3
07/30/2007

A newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine, featuring third-generation common-rail fuel injection, will expand the successful BMW X3 model range in November.
Widely lauded for its superior agility and driving dynamics, the BMW X3 now also offers top marks in its segment for fuel efficiency.

The new BMW X3 2.0d, which is being offered for the first time in Australia, is the second BMW model, following the recently updated 120d, to benefit from the new all-aluminium four-cylinder diesel.

Developing maximum output of 125 kW and maximum torque of 340 Nm, the new BMW X3 2.0d offers a significant increase in power and pulling force compared to the previous engine.

Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is a very modest 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The new X3 2.0d is exclusively equipped with a particularly dynamic six-speed automatic transmission.

"The new BMW X3 2.0d offers by far the best balance of driving pleasure and fuel economy in its segment, once again setting the benchmark against the competition," said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Mr Guenther Seemann.

"The arrival of the new BMW X3 2.0d expands our diesel offering to six models and will consolidate BMW's position in Australia as the leading luxury supplier of sporty, dynamic, yet frugal diesel engines," said Mr Seemann.

Thanks to the latest innovations based on BMW EfficientDynamics and the outstanding competence of BMW in the development and production of power units, the new four-cylinder diesel is now able to offer the same standard of dynamic performance in a larger vehicle only a six-cylinder - at best - was able to provide in the past, while at the same time retaining all the advantages of a four-cylinder in terms of fuel efficiency.

Similarly, BMW's current six-cylinders rank right at the top in their segment in terms of both fuel consumption and emissions, even though they provide all the power and performance of an eight-cylinder.

The BMW X3 is fitted as standard with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive technology and with the arrival of the new four-cylinder diesel will be available with two ultra-modern petrol and diesel engines.

The absolute pinnacle in terms of efficiency is the new BMW X3 2.0d, its all-aluminium four-cylinder diesel featuring third-generation common-rail fuel injection, with fuel being dosed by piezo-injectors and injected into the combustion chambers with absolute precision under a pressure of 1,800 bar.

Compared with the former engine, which was not available with the X3 in Australia, the new four-cylinder diesel offers a 20kg weight saving, an increase in power of 10 kW and a reduction in fuel consumption by 10 per cent.

The new BMW X3 2.0d establishes a new benchmark not only in fuel economy, but also in CO2 emissions, with 185 grams per kilometre setting a new standard in this segment.

The refinement of the entry-level model leading into the BMW X3 family has also been improved. To reach this objective, the balance shafts for the four-cylinder diesel take the specific layout and the space available in an all-wheel-drive vehicle into account, the two balance shafts running in needle bearings against the engine's direction of rotation being fully integrated at the side in the crankcase. This position makes the integration of balance shafts possible also on the BMW X3 equipped with xDrive.

Thanks to its unusually agile driving characteristics, the BMW X3 was an outstanding performer in its segment right from the start - and now the superior dynamics offered by the car is being joined by exemplary efficiency as the best prerequisite for continuing a remarkable story of success.

Sales of the BMW X3 in Australia have risen seven per cent in 2007 with 552 units delivered to the end of June.

BMW's premium SAV is the world's best-selling vehicle in its class, with production of approximately 114,000 units in 2006.

In Germany the BMW X3 accounted for a market share of 10.3 per cent in the offroader segment in the overall statistics for 2006, with numerous prizes and awards likewise confirming the great popularity and success of the BMW X3.

Only recently, for example, BMW's premium SAV was lauded as the "Offroader of the Year" in the readers' choice of "OffRoad", a specialist motoring journal. And readers of "Auto Bild Alles Allrad" also awarded the BMW X3 in both 2006 and 2007 "All-Wheel-Drive Car of the Year".

Standard specification for the new BMW X3 2.0d matches the high levels of the 2.5si petrol model and includes: Parking Distance Control (PDC) front and rear; Dynamic Stability Control DSC including ABS, ASC-X, DBC, CBC, DTC, increased braking readiness, fading compensation, dry bake function, Hill Descent Control; airbag for driver and front passenger with seat occupant detector; head airbags for front and rear; side airbags for front and rear; emergency spare wheel; toolkit with warning triangle; fog lights; Brake Force Displace with brake intensity geared to brake force (two stage); rain sensor with automatic headlight activation; roof rails; 17-inch light alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres; leather upholstery; automatic climate control; ski bag; multifunction leather steering wheel; cruise control; AUX connection; preparation for mobile phone with Bluetooth interface; and, diesel particulate filter.

The range of paintwork options for the BMW X3 is also being enlarged with two attractive new BMW Individual colours Moonstone Metallic and Ruby Black Metallic.

Like the rest of the BMW X3 family, the new four-cylinder diesel is also available with the optional BMW M Sport Package featuring M Aerodynamics package, M leather sports steering wheel, 18-inch M light allow wheels, sport suspension, sports seats, Anthracite roof lining, high gloss shadowline and M door sills.

The recommended retail price for the new BMW X3 2.0d Automatic is $62,900.

 

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Shamed! UK luxury car buyers opting for higher-CO2 models in 2007

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If you're in the mood to lash out at the rich, here's some argument ammunition, thanks to Clean Green Cars: CGC data shows that for the first half of 2007 luxury car buyers are buying higher CO2 vehicles when compared to the first half of 2006. CGC publisher Jay Nagley breaks it down why part of the problem lies with the British government's definitions of CO2 road-tax bands. As I'm woefully under-informed about UK road tax bands, I'll let CGC's press release clue us in:

The recent increase in Band G road tax (technically known as Vehicle Excise Duty or VED), has led to buyers trading down from models just over the threshold. That would be very good news - except the threshold is in the wrong place. Virtually all cars currently on sale (99.8%) emit somewhere between 100 g/km and 450 g/km CO2 - yet the top band is set at just 225 g/km. Therefore someone wanting a large off-roader is going to pay the same tax on a Land Rover Discovery TDV6 (244 g/km) as a Range Rover Supercharged (376 g/km). With no incentive to downsize, luxury car buyers are actually buying higher polluting cars in the first half of 2007 than they did in the equivalent period of 2006.

Nagley is suggesting a new Band H set at around 275 g/km to give luxury car buyers a reason to take CO2 emissions into account when they're shopping. As Nagley concludes, "luxury car buyers decide they may as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb." A financial incentive to opt for a car somewhat lower on the CO2 scale is good news even for the wealthy.

Read the full report here.

[Source: Clean Green Cars]

 

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Time for Another ABG Economics Lesson

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Dear ABG Readers: I have seen your comments and know some have nearly had their fill of posts about economics. I was going to lay off for a while BUT this (subs req'd) Paul Krugman NYTimes column was too good to pass up. Being green means holding onto your green, so please bear with me. It all begins with the recent stock market decline . . .

Krugman writes about three things in our current economy. One is the fear of bad credit - hedge fund problems impacting the stock market. The second is the magnitude and duration of the current housing slump. But outta the blue came the third major cause - no, it wasn't Britney Spears, Paris Hilton or even Lindsay Lohan. It is the persistent rise of oil prices - something I thought most everyone had gotten used to.

Krugman sees us as already coping with three years of high oil prices and that has happened without any big disruption in world supply to trigger it. It is just that supply is tight and that most new production makes up for the drop off in old field production. That is why oil prices are high - over $70 a barrel and staying so - despite no hurricanes, wars, terrorism or acts of God having happened. Where will prices go when those events do occur? Not down.

So keep reading ABG and trying to time what vehicle decisions you will be making in the near future. How far are you willing to drive to that new job? Should you move out to the ex-urbs? Whether you want new technologies or new fuels or both in your next vehicle purchase? The future has a knack of becoming the present pretty fast.

I live near a bus line. How about you?

[Source: New York Times]

 

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Yet another way to save some pollution with "simple" engineering

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Have you ever heard about the Pantone system? We're not speaking about the color-matching system used by graphical designers but a system that is claimed to optimize combustion in engines and reduce pollution.

The name of the system comes from Paul Pantone, an American who thought, "If 40 percent of the hydrocarbons that enter the motor are left unburnt, how can we help to achieve full combustion?".

The solution was rather simple: using the heat from the exhaust pipe to pre-heat the gas/air or diesel/air mixture before reaching the motor. Sometimes, even water vapor is added to further heat the mix. Applying some basic thermodynamics, the hotter the gas is, the more space it needs. Considering that the space available is the same, the mix that arrives is poorer in hydrocarbons and already hot, thus easier to burn.

A website offers results which look quite interesting. Follow the jump to read them. As always, take this with a little bit of precautions. It's good, however, to know that there's a way to go to improve current combustion engines until the best options arrive.

Related: [Source: Econologie (link is in French)]
No pantone testing. Base results
Idle: CO = 4,5 % CO2 = 1.7%, ppm HC = 7000, O2 = 13%.
Medium revs: CO = 5.04 % CO2 = 1.9%, ppm HC = 8200, O2 = 13.7%.
Top revs: CO = 6.4 % CO2 = 3.6%, ppm HC = 3850, O2 = 11.4%.

Pantone installed
Idle: CO = 0.7 % CO2 = 4.6%, ppm HC = 88, O2 = 13.6%.
Medium revs: CO = 0.03 % CO2 = 6.4%, ppm HC = 95, O2 = 11.9%.
Optimum revs: CO = 0.06 % CO2 = 6.2%, ppm HC = 000, O2 = 12.2%.
Top revs: CO = 0.01 % CO2 = 6.2%, ppm HC = 000, O2 = 12.1%.

 

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Japanese brewer gets into biofuel production

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Another brewery wants to get involved in biofuel production, this time in Japan. The second largest brewer in the land of the rising sun, Kirin will build a small scale experimental ethanol plant this fall. The plant will use the residual barley malt from brewing as a feedstock and should start production by the end of 2007. The plant, to be located on Hokkaido, will initially have a capacity of about 4,000 gallons a year.

Related:
[Source: The Auto Channel]

 

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2008 Prius price drop with the new standard model

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If $1,225 is all that's been holding you back from buying a new Prius, August could be your month. Toyota announced today a new expanded line-up for the 2008 Prius, and the new standard model has a low MSRP. Toyota suggests that the 2008 Prius versions sell for between $20,950 (the standard model) to $23,220 for the Touring model.

While Toyota says the total Prius average MSRP increases by $150 (0.7 percent), the low-end 2008 Prius is quite a bit cheaper ($1,225, to be exact) than the lowest-priced 2007 version.The MSRP for the 2007 Prius is $22,175 - $23,070.

You can find the 2008 Prius in dealerships in August. Toyota also announced prices for the 2008 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma and Sienna.

[Source: Toyota, h/t Linton/Hugg]

 

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BART riders can earn free rides with new credit card

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Over the past decade, affinity credit cards have become increasingly popular as the groups who sign up get a cut of the healthy profits and issuing banks can encourage card holders to use the cards more often. The latest organization to jump on the bandwagon is the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system with a new MasterCard from FirstUSA.

Card holders can earn points with their purchases that can be used toward free BART tickets or even cash. Using the card to buy BART tickets earns 5 points per dollar. Spending $500 will get you a free $25 BART ticket. There's no annual fee but the interest rates are pretty steep. If you live in the Bay Area, ride the system and pay off your card every month, you might want to consider one of these.

[Source: San Jose Mercury News, thanks to Damon for the tip]

 

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Italian-made Elettrica EV makes London-to-Brighton drive "with battery capacity to spare"

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It may look like an AEV Kurrent to American eyes, but the car in the photo here is an Elettrica. It may share the look of the Kurrent, but the Elettrica is an Italian-made electric car that recently proved it has a range of at least 50 miles during a drive from London to Brighton without recharging. Indeed, it had "battery capacity to spare." Is 50 miles far? No, but it's a way to introduce this car to England.

The Elettrica will be sold in the UK by Travelelectric starting in September. Travelelectric is adapting the Elettrica "into a form more suitable" for the UK. This means the British Elettrica has a range of 60 miles per 5-hour charge and a top speed of 40mph. The batteries are made of aircraft-grade lithium-cobalt.

[Source: Green Car Guide]

 

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New Ovonic residential solar system installed on Habitat for Humanity home

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During the recent National Governors Association Conference in Traverse City, Michigan, several of the governors participated in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home. What made this one worthy of mention here is that the construction included the installation of a new UNI-SOLAR residential solar system. The UNI-SOLAR is produced by United Solar Ovonic and is being to be low cost and easy to install. The system is designed to be integrated as both a power generation and roofing system. This could be just the thing to power your new plug-in series hybrid.

[Source: ECD Ovonics]

 

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No kiddin' - U.S.'s largest biodiesel refinery will be in Texas (Houston)

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While the Midwest is ethanol production territory, biodiesel in America is a little more mobile. Sure, there are Midwest biodiesel plants, but we also find them in Texas, Louisiana, Oregon and other places. But no one is going to have a larger biodiesel refinery than Houston, Texas, where GreenHunter BioFuels has just gotten the permits it needs to build the "Country's Largest Biodiesel Refinery" (I wish we had a carnival lights font for that).

The new refinery, capable of making 105 million gallons of the biofuel a year, will be located on the site of the old Channel Refining Corporation waste oil/chemical refinery near Galena Park at the Houston Ship Channel. GreenHunter is converting this facility and will also build a methanol distillation plant on the site. GreenHunter's permit allows it to use variable feedstocks (soy bean oil, palm oil, jatropha oil and/or animal/poultry fats) from domestic or international sources. Since the "new" plant will be converted from the old one, GreenHunter expects to be producing fuel by March 2008.

[Source: GreenHunter Energy, Inc.]

 

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Mondragon University studies two ways to reduce weight in cars

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The Mondragon Unibersitatea (University of Mondragon, Spain) is currently leading a development project focusing on reducing car weight. It's estimated that reducing by 10 percent the weight of a car saves 7 percent of fuel at the pump. This project, called Automotive Lightweighting Materials is currently financed by 17 development centres and companies from different European countries. It's not news that reducing weight reduces pollution but what are the means MU will use to achieve this?

Current findings for this project are two new techniques that reduce weight while keeping material resistance. First, by optimising the manufacturing process of so-called "advanced high-resistance" steel, they can be from 15 to 25 lighter (it wasn't explained how the process works). Secondly, carbon composites, already used in high-end vehicles, can save from 25 to 70 percent. Speaking about the latter, research is focused on finding cheap carbon fibers, by means of researching nanoparticle-reinforced polymers and smart materials able to retain all mechanic properties at at least half of the cost of current carbon composites. Other aspects in which research is focused are the own structure of vehicles, in order to improve resistance with lower weight, increase security, material fatigue as well as the road comfort.

However, MU is also taking into consideration the ways a car can be disassembled for repairs and recycling once the vehicle is no longer needed.

Related:
[Source: Diario Vasco (link is in Spanish)]

 

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Another car that is made from biomass ... wood

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This is the second vehicle that we've shown you which is made almost entirely of biomass. The first one was undoubtedly cool and used hemp materials for the bodywork. That car ran on ethanol and would be a first class ride for the right person, and it was capable of 150 miles per hour. This one, on the other hand, is made entirely of wood. The source article does not mention if it was nailed, screwed of glued together... maybe all three. I would not recommend such high speeds in it, which is alright 'cause it's probably not capable of them anyway. Well, maybe rolling down a hill with one heck of a tail wind! Anyway, the idea of actually driving a car of wood is rather scary, I don't think I'd do it. That other biomass car, the Eco One, would look absolutely perfect in my driveway!

[Source: Gizmodo via Jalopnik]

 

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Quantum to deliver 10 hydrogen-fueled vehicles to Iceland

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Since Iceland is so geographically remote and lacking in a lot of natural resources they have been looking for ways to harness the power they do have. Two things that Iceland does have in abundance are ice and geothermal energy. Iceland has been making a major push into using hydrogen as a fuel and producing it locally with the heat energy from within the earth.

Quantum Technologies will be providing hydrogen-fueled hybrid Priuses for Iceland's SMART-H2 project. The hydrogen powered vehicles will be used by local energy companies and the local Hertz agency. If things work out, the program will be expanded in 2008-9.

[Source: Talk About Cars]

 

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WTF?!? Rush Limbaugh touts GM's green efforts, loves his Escalade and Suburban

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File this under do as I say, not as I do.

Crooks and Liars has a, shall we way, interesting clip of an ad by Rush Limbaugh promoting General Motors vehicles. In the spot, the paragon of right-wing bluster praises GM's latest environmentally-friendly vehicles and technologies (hybirds, hydrogen, etc.). He starts the ad by saying how GM's vehicles have never been better. Oh, and he loooooves his Escalade and Suburban SUVs. What?!? Who makes an ad praising greener driving and then name drops those two gas-suckers?

Oh. Right.

And why is GM using a figure who thinks global warming is bogus to sell green cars? It's hard to tell, but remember there are the people who brought you the Aztek. We have a lot of good things to say about GM's work on cars like the Volt, but I'm having a hard time seeing how the decision to release this particular commercial ends up gaining GM anything.

Listen for yourself.

[Source: Crooks and Liars]

 

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Nissan halves precious metal content in catalytic converter

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As the cost of precious metals like platinum and rhodium has been rising, car makers have been working on reducing the content of those materials in their catalytic converters. Nissan has been using nano-technology to help keep the application of the catalytic materials more uniform. The new catalyst design will be going into production on a new vehicle in late 2008, early 2009 and will be shared with partner Renault.

This idea of catalyst thrifting is not unique to Nissan. It is also one of the keys to General Motors' efforts to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of their fuel cells. By creating a more uniform surface of the catalytic materials, less material can react more completely.

[Source: Reuters]

 

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Biodiesel facility reopens closed factory in Florida

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In many places in the Western world, globalisation made some factories redundant. Such was the case of Lykes Pasco plant, in Dade City, FL, 35 miles north of Tampa. Until 2003, that factory pressed 15 million oranges every day and sent the concentrate by rail. Then the factory closed and it all seemed to be left for rusting.

However, the factory is back, and now it's producing biodiesel. Agri-Source Fuels bought the 60,000 sq. ft. factory and expects to reach full production in four months. If they succeed, they will be able to produce 120 million gallons of biodiesel per year (sorry, Texas), becoming the biggest biodiesel producer in the US. 60 of these million gallons will be sent to Mclure Oil Co., in Atlanta, GA, in charge of distributing it to 120 pumps around the Sunny state.

The big containers in the factory, which used to store 180,000 gallons of orange juice will contain soya and fish oil, as well as other source materials suitable for biodiesel manufacturing. However, the first batches are currently being made with chicken fat imported from Alabama.

Related:

[Source: elnuevoherald.com (link is in Spanish)]

 

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Frankfurt preview: Mitsubishi Concept-cX, a clean diesel, Euro V-compliant CUV

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On September 11, 2007, Mitsubishi will release the details of its Concept-cX, a clean diesel, Euro V-compliant CUV at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show). Today we got a little preview, in the form of a sketch (above) and a short press release (after the jump).

This is a pretty aggressive-looking CUV, but it's not too harsh on the environment. Under the hood, the Concept-cX has a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, which features a variable geometry turbocharger. In the exhaust system, the Concept-cX has a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter so it's compliant with Europe's Euro 5 emission standards. Inside, Mitsubishi is using "Green Plastic" made from plants.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

MITSUBISHI Concept-cX Global unveiling of at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

Tokyo, July 30, 2007 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will unveil The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX* at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) in September. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.

The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX represents a new-generation compact SUV, realizing an ideal balance between environmental and everyday practical performance. The concept car uses a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for compliance with Europe's Euro 5 emission standards. Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) adds superior power transmission efficiency for a powertrain that delivers nimble performance alongside excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Among the number of new environmental technologies applied in the Concept-cX is the extensive use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic - made from bamboo and other plant-based resins - in a step to stop global warming and slow the depletion of our oil reserves.

MITSUBISHI Concept-cX offers a number of proposals for better utility and road performance. Its high seating position expands the driver's field of view, providing the drivability expected in a SUV; the 4100 mm compact body makes for easy maneuvering around town; and the split tailgate - already well received on other Mitsubishi models - makes for easy loading and unloading of luggage. In the performance department, Concept-cX uses Mitsubishi's electronically controlled 4WD system driven through large 225/45R19 tires to deliver intuitive handling and outstanding stability on all road surfaces.

* 'Compact crossover' concept vehicle

 

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Microsoft vs Google: Brute force vs finesse

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Google has always been very conscious of energy efficiency, as much for economic reasons as environmental. After all when you're operating dozens (hundreds?) of data centers filled thousands (millions?) of servers storing every conceivable bit of information about everyone, electricity costs can add up really fast. They've also been involved with running hybrid and electric vehicles on their campus and even funding plug-in conversions.

The latest battleground between Google and Microsoft is adding street level imaging to their online mapping applications. Microsoft has always thrown everything they can at the products they design whether it is needed or not. How many of the features in Office do you actually use? Google takes a more minimalist approach as evidenced by their classic plain white search page.

Generating all those street view images requires actually going out into all the cities and taking billions of images. Both Microsoft and Google have put together fleets of multi-camera vehicles and their choices reflect the same attitude they take to other products. The team from Redmond Washington have selected Chevy Tahoe SUVs to drive around take pictures while Google has gone to the opposite extreme and equipped mounted their cameras on Chevy Cobalts.

[Source: Gizmodo]

 

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Sunday, July 29, 2007

Wood burning stove - check. Wood burning... car? Check!

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I know that this is not the first example of an internal combustion engine using wood based fuel. In fact, it was quite common in World War II, when Germany realized that there were many obstacles in the way of their importing enough petroleum into their country to fuel it's fleet of tanks and other vehicles. But, I bet that this is the first Yugo to be such equipped.

As a side note, I just watched an episode of "Boneyards" on the History Channel. It turns out that many of the old railroad ties which are pulled up off the ground are being shredded down and used to generate electricity. Sounds like a pretty good use, but I wonder what happens when the wood is burned, because those railroad ties are soaked in chemicals and are sure to have been dripped on by many hazardous chemicals over the years. Anybody else out there have any input on that?

[Source: Jalopnik]

 

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New study says higher CAFE will mean big help for the Big Three

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The question of how higher fuel standards will affect domestic auto companies is being debated by governors and many others. While the govs see proposed increases in fuel mileage as kicking Detroit while it's down, a report by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) says hold that thought.

There were two headlines in the press release announcing UMTRI's study: "New Study Finds Higher Fuel Economy Standards Yield Larger Big Three Gains" and "New CAFE design increases Detroit market share and profits." That sure sounds unequivocal, and it gets better. UMTRI found that "under the highest proposed fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler stand to make $14.4 billion by 2017 -- over $6 billion more than the competition."

The study is named "The Impact of Attribute-Based Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards on the Automotive Industry" and was headed by UMTRI's director of Automotive Analysis Division, Walter McManus. The attribute-based CAFE standards under discussion in Congress, take "into account the differences between vehicles and light trucks, which will have lower targets than cars. The new system doesn't penalize the Big Three for making large cars and trucks, but it does require that they improve the fuel economy of those vehicles. In so doing, they will gain market share and boost profits," McManus said in a statement.

UMTRI released a similar study last fall that found with high gas prices, fuel-efficiency equals profits (there's a big no kidding). The new UMTRI study can be read here and I've included three main findings for you after the jump.

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[Source: University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute]
From UMTRI:
  • An attribute-based CAFE would mean lower standards for Detroit's automakers. Under a size-based standard of 35 mpg, the Big Three could be required to meet a 33-mpg standard, while the rest of the industry would have to meet a 38-mpg standard.
  • An attributed-based CAFE yields greater gains in market share and profits for the Big Three than for the rest of the industry. Detroit automakers stand to receive more of the profit gains from higher CAFE because they will be making improvements that have higher market value and higher profit margins.
  • Higher CAFE standards yield higher profits. The strongest CAFE proposal currently under consideration in Congress (Markey-Platts) provides the greatest profit for Detroit automakers. GM, Ford and Chrysler have projected profits of $14.4 billion by 2017 -- more than twice as much than the weaker proposal under consideration (Hill-Terry).

 

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The Norwich Area Global Warming Action Group puts on a hybrid car race

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Besides this one example, I can't think of too many races that a Honda Insight has taken part in. Well, I know that there are some "Insights" in name only that are set up for drag racing for Import races, but they don't really count. But, if the race was all about fuel economy, then the good old Insight certainly stands a much better chance. In fact, it would win - at least it won this example of just such a race by averaging 74.9 miles per gallon over a distance of 25 miles.

"It was a pretty outstanding race," according to Bill Champagne, who organized the event. "We hope to do it bigger and better in the fall," he said. That would be pretty easy to do with the backing of Toyota, and reportedly, they are interested in sponsoring another race like this. In case you were wondering, the loser was a Volvo station wagon which only managed 20.9 miles per gallon. That car was included as a control, to represent an average sized gasoline-powered vehicle driven over the same roads under the same conditions. Sure, it may not be as exciting as racing a Tesla, but for our readers who are more interested in going far than going fast, this race may be more to their liking.

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[Source: Norwich Bulletin]

 

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Citroën's biodiesel-ready (B30) SUV now on sale in the UK

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click to see a high-resolution gallery of the C-Crosser

We've told you about the Citroën C-Crosser before, and noted back in October 2006 that you'd be able to put B30 into the tank with Citroën's blessing. Well, if you've been awaiting your chance to grab one of these off the lot, today's the day. The C-Crosser is now on sale in the UK. You'll have to keep waiting (forever) for a chance to buy the crazy six-wheeled Cruise-Crosser, though.

Prices for the C-Crosser range from £22,790 to £25,490, and the 2.2HDi common rail diesel engine (with six-speed manual gearbox) will get driver "nearly 40mpg" on the combined cycle while emitting "as little as 191g/km of CO2." So, do you think this SUV is green enough? Or is it just headed in the right direction?

More details in the release after the jump.



[Source: Citroën]
Stylish, Practical and Environmentally-Friendly - The New Citroën C-Crosser

Citroën's first ever SUV, the C-Crosser, is now available in showrooms across the country.

The four-wheel drive C-Crosser breaks new ground for the Company, combining distinctive Citroën qualities - strong styling, practicality and sound green engineering - to provide buyers with a sleek, spacious, robust and comfortable car with a flexible seating lay-out and a new, clean, fuel efficient HDi diesel engine with a Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS).

The C-Crosser will be offered in two well-specified trim levels - VTR+ and Exclusive. Both models feature automatic air conditioning, six airbags, alarm, a 5+2 seating configuration, cruise control, automatic headlamps, ABS and ESP with traction control as standard, while the Exclusive adds leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, 18" alloys and a 6 CD autochanger. Recommended retail prices are £22,790 for the VTR+ and £25,490 for the Exclusive.

And it's into a healthy marketplace that the C-Crosser arrives. Since 2000, registrations of 4x4s in the UK have increased by 55%, so that by the end of 2006 they represented 7.5% of the total car market.

The arrival of the C-Crosser represents the beginning of a new chapter in Citroën's often overlooked history of producing vehicles with off-road capability. These have included 4x4 versions of the BX, Méhari and 2CV as well as the current Berlingo XTR+ enhanced traction light commercial vehicle, not to mention the Company's dominant World Rallying credentials and futuristic four wheel drive concepts like the C-Buggy.

At the front, its style is distinctly Citroën. The design and detail, from the signature badging to the chrome trim, work together to create an image that emphasises style, class and solidity. With its expressive, chevron-embellished bonnet, sloping roofline and eye-catching headlamps, the C-Crosser presents a non-aggressive design for the SUV market. The look is complemented by the high waistline, curvaceous wings and chunky wheel arches that house the distinctive two-tone alloys.

On the inside there is a continuation of the exacting standards with high quality, robust materials used throughout. The simple yet stylish dash features smart aluminium trim and a special soft finish, whilst all occupants benefit from the ergonomically designed seats and, on Exclusive models, luxurious leather upholstery.

Perfectly highlighting Citroën's penchant for functionality and innovation, both models feature a flexible 5+2 seating configuration. Making it easy to exit the third row seats, or to reconfigure the boot lay-out, two buttons located internally next to the rear wheel arches allow the second row seats to be electronically folded forwards. The two occasional use seats in the rear can be cleverly folded away under the floor, while the second row of seating also slides and reclines for greater comfort.

When it comes to luggage, the maximum boot capacity stands at a useful 510 litres with five seats in place, or a massive 1,686 litres with all the rear seats folded away. For added convenience, the lower section of the C-Crosser's two-piece tailgate can be dropped down to lower the sill to 600mm. Once down, it also doubles as a handy bench, supporting loads of up to 200kg.

The C-Crosser is a responsible alternative for 4x4 buyers who are also looking for a vehicle that minimises its impact on the environment. It is equipped with a fuel-efficient, low emission 2.2HDi common rail diesel engine fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Boasting nearly 40mpg on the combined cycle, the powerplant emits as little as 191g/km of CO2. Particle emissions are reduced to virtually immeasurable levels thanks to the advanced DPFS, while it can also run on 30% bio-diesel without any modification.

As for performance, this state-of-the-art engine produces an impressive 280lb.ft of torque at just 2000rpm as well as 156bhp (CEE). This powers the C-Crosser from 0 to 62mph in under 10 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph.

With three different driving modes available, selected using a simple control next to the gear lever, the C-Crosser driving experience is as flexible as its seating lay-out. Its frugal performance is helped by its ability to travel in permanent two-wheel drive (2WD mode), keeping fuel usage and CO2 emissions to a minimum.

When the conditions become more challenging, drivers can opt to use four-wheel drive (4WD mode), giving the C-Crosser improved stability, while the full LOCK mode is designed to help in very low grip conditions like mud, snow and ice. This 4WD arrangement is managed via an electronically controlled clutch located in front of the back axle.

Produced in conjunction with leading 4x4 specialist Mitsubishi, the C-Crosser strikes an ideal balance between comfort and performance, as has come to be expected of Citroën cars. The marque's engineers refined the steering, running gear and suspension, while the fitting of additional soundproofing and special Michelin tyres further enhances the driving experience.

Safety is a high priority, hence the standard fitting of six airbags along with ABS, EBD and ESP with traction control. Combined with the rigid bodyshell, these help to provide very high levels of occupant protection. To minimise pedestrian injury, the C-Crosser has been engineered to ensure that there is suitable cushioning between the panels and the internal structure, allowing them to deform easily on impact.

Citroën UK's managing director Xavier Duchemin commented: "The C-Crosser will add a new dimension to the already diverse Citroën range and ensures that we have a vehicle to suit all our customer needs, whether it be an SUV, an executive saloon, a compact MPV or a supermini."

 

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