2009 Buick Lucerne E85

Yesterday Beth Lowery, GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy, said that the 2009 model year Buick Lucerne will join GM's FlexFuel line-up. The 2009 Buick Lucerne will be capable of consuming regular gasoline or E85 fuel, or any combination of the two.
General Motors has previously stated that they want half of their US production to be flex-fuel capable by 2012. "We continue to believe that ethanol used in high blends like E85 offers the best near-term solution to offset increased oil demand," Lowery said.
The FlexFuel engine will come as a no-extra-cost option to the consumer and follows the Chevrolet HHR, Hummer H2 and Hummer H2 SUT in the E85 range.
"Using E85 fuel is an easy choice for consumers to make a difference for the environment and to reduce oil dependence," said Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager Jim Bunnell.
Source: GM Corp


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Fisker Karma Confirmed for Europe

Fisker Automotive is the new kid on the block, following Tesla and Venturi into the 'green' premium segment. The Tesla Roadster already went into production and yesterday news came that Europe will also see some of the in-high-demand green roadster.
The Fisker Karma is a four seater plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan and stunned many Americans at the 2008 NAIAS as well as Europeans at Geneva. There are no official performance specifications green sports sedan available yet, but Fisker Automotive have claimed a sub 6 second 0-100 km/h time, 200 km/h top speed and max torque available from stand still. The Fisker Karma is expected to cost about USD 80,000, a European price has not been announced but if we follow Tesla's example we end up with a price tag of about Euro 80,000 excluding taxes.
Karma Automotive hopes to build 15,000 Karma's annually with first deliveries starting in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2009. Fisker expects to export 50% of their cars to primarely Europe and has appointed their first European importer today, Fisker Italia in Italy. Fisker hopes to have retail representation in 44 states in the USA.
"We are thrilled at the interest Fisker Automotive is receiving in North America and particularly abroad," said Fisker Automotive Board Member and Director of Retail Development, Vic Doolan. "Fisker Italia is an elite international importer, and they demonstrate the resounding demand for 'style without sacrifice' we are receiving in both North American retail markets and abroad."
Source: Fisker Automotive





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Porsche Take On London Mayor's £25 Congestion Charge In The Courts

Porsche are pressing ahead with their judicial review aimed at quashing London Mayor Ken Livingstone's introduction of emissions-based congestion charging. The proposals, approved in February and due to take effect from October, outline a new £25 (50 USD) tier for entry of high-performance vehicles but also a number of large family cars and SUVs that emit over 225g/km of CO2.
Porsche's objections principally concern the 'disproportionate' new charging tier and the legality of such a measure, with Managing Director of Porsche GB adding: "The Porsche case is about protecting London and Londoners from a new tax that will not only fail to reduce CO₂ emissions in central London, but also increase congestion and damage air quality."
Alongside the introduction of an upper tier linked to higher-emitting vehicles, the scheme permits drivers of cars emitting less than 120g/km of CO2 free entry into the zone, expected to increase congestion and negate the positive effects of the congestion charge introduced in 2003. Adding insult to injury, Porsche drivers and other Band G vehicle owners presently eligible for the resident's discount will have that entitlement withdrawn, increasing the daily cost to some drivers by over 3000 percent.
For more information and to support Porsche's case, log onto porschejudicialreview.co.uk.
Source: Porsche GB


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Subaru R1e Headed to New York for Evaluation

New York Power Authority to drive it all summer
This week at the New York International Auto Show Subaru will announce that their small electric vehicle, the R1e, will be evaluated by the New York Power Authority all summer. Of course, the Subaru R1e will be on show at the NYIAS.
The Subaru R1e is not a new car, it has been thoroughly tested in Japan where it has won the ‘2006 Commendation For Global Warming Prevention Activity’ award. The 2+2 small car has been developed by Subaru, Tokyo Electric Power and NEC Lamilion Energy. Tokyo Electric Power hopes to have 3,000 R1e's on the Kanagawa prefecture roads by 2012.
The R1e electric vehicle has a range of 50 miles, roughly a quarter of the Tesla Roadster which went into production yesterday, but can be 'quick charged' in 15 minutes to 80% capacity (40 miles). A full recharge requires a regular power outlet, takes 8 hours and should cost no more than USD 2.
The Subaru R1e is powered by a 40 kW / 53 hp, AC permanent magnet synchronized electric engine and capable of a tops speed of 65 mph. The lithium-ion batteries are designed in layers to allow for easy recycling at the end of their 10 year life span.
Source: Subaru



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Tesla Roadster Goes Into Production

2008 MY Sold Out
It has been a bumpy ride for Tesla so far, it all started on a high note when they revealed the Tesla Roadster prototype in 2006 but troubles with the gearbox and airbag, in addition to organizational issues, threatened the electric sports car's existence before it began. After some delays, Tesla has yesterday finally begun regular production of the zero-emissions, EV (Electric Vehicle) sports car.
The new President and CEO at Tesla, mr. Ze'ev Drori stated on his blog: “Our key focus with the Roadster will be on gradually ramping up our production in a deliberate and controlled manner reaching a rate of over 100 Roadsters per month early next year.” With over 900 units already spoken for, the 2008 model year is sold out but reservations can be made for the 2009 MY.
Tesla is opening two stores, one in Los Angeles and the other at Menlo Park, close to San Francisco, where customers can take receipt of their zero-emissions performance car when they roll off the production line in San Carlos, CA.
By 2010 Tesla hopes to add a second model to its Electric Vehicle range, a five passenger sports sedan.
Source: Tesla







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Volvo ReCharge Will Base Research Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-in hybrid cars are being pointed out as the next step toward sustainable mobility and Volvo has already made a significant breakthrough with the Recharge, a C30-based vehicle that uses one electric engine in each wheel. This sort of technical arrangement will very likely be the one most cars in the future will use, since it presents many advantages: it frees space for luggage and passengers, since the engine compartment is not used and it eliminates the need of a steering system (turns are made by rotation differences among the wheels). Volvo and Saab have also announced a cooperation agreement, along with Vattenfall (Swedish electricity provider), ETC (Swedish batteries and fuel cells company) and the Swedish State, to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles. The news linking these two facts is that ten vehicles will be build to test the technology and there is one already on driving tests. Guess which one? The video will tell you, in case you have any doubts left.

The Recharge will be the base for building these ten cars, more in what relates to its technology than its appearance. Therefore, Saab’s vehicles may even use a different model to evaluate the plug-in hybrid system, such as the still not released 9-1, but we bet it will feature one electric engine in each wheel, each capable of 999 Nm of torque. That’s correct, people: each. The total amount of torque available for these cars will be 3,996 Nm.

Power will depend on the batteries provided by ETC. Nowadays, they are able to deliver 136 cv, with peaks of 204 cv for a few seconds. That limits top speed to 160 km/h, more than enough for most roads all over the world, but few cars would be able to accelerate so fast.

If the car counted only on its batteries, it would be able to maintain this top speed for only 10 minutes or to have an autonomy of 100 km, but this is when the “hybrid” part of the car gets in action. When battery charge is low, a 1.6-litre bioflex combustion engine starts to generate electricity. With this engine, the car can maintain 160 km/h for as long as there is fuel in the tanks or can run for about 680 km, if you add the 100 km the batteries can provide.

Since there are no mechanical links between components, all parts can be easily changed, such as the engine, which can be much smaller. At the same time it is an advantage, it is also the main challenge Volvo and Saab will have to face. After all, proving “by wire” systems safe, mainly brakes, may take a little more time than researchers would like to admit.

Source: Volvo




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Volvo, Saab, Vattenfall, ETC Joint Venture in Sweden for Plug-In Hybrids

In quite a welcome collaboration, Volvo Car Corporation is working with other interested parties in developing the electric vehicle of the near future. These other parties are Swedish competitor SAAB Automobile, ETC and Swedish state-owned controversial electricity supplier Vattenfall.

These vehicles are built on the premise of plug-in hybrid technology, which means normal people like us can bring home the car, pull out the extension cord and recharge, likely overnight. Fredrik Arp, who is President and CEO of Volvo said: “I see this project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it comes to innovations for advanced green-car technology. We want to be involved in setting up the rules for the future and to help build up broad-based competence in Sweden in this vital area.”

In the next five years Volvo is investing SEK10 billion/ €1.16 billion in developing greener ways of making cars, with emissions cutting and better fuel consumption being the primary objectives. Cars like the C30 Recharge Concept are examples.

Questions are constantly being asked though about all these new plug-in electric car concepts, the most common of which is: will we then not require more electricity in order to recharge our cars at home? If so, where will it come from? Shall we burn even more coal, or develop more nuclear power stations?

For now no one has clear-cut answers. Nevertheless companies like Volvo, in co-operation with the listed experts on their side, can hopefully find sustainable long-term solutions.
Source: Volvo






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Mercedes Announces BlueTEC Diesels For Their SUV Lineup

Mercedes-Benz has been one of America’s biggest promoters of diesel power and this fall the company will introduce BlueTEC diesel engines to their SUV lineup. Available the R, GL and recently refreshed ML, the new engines feature AdBlue (urea) injection which allows them to meet American Bin 5 emission limits and possibly even the upcoming EU6 standards.

The BlueTEC V6 engine produces 211 horsepower and 399 ft-lbs of torque, while providing a 20-40 percent increase in fuel economy compared to gasoline powered models. Fuel economy for the BlueTEC equipped models are 18/24 mpg for the ML and R class, and 17/23 mpg for the GL. This makes the GL 320 BlueTEC the most economical large SUV in America.

The new models also offer more standard equipment including a leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, four way adjustable lumber support for the front seats, updated telematics, a surround sound system, PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO head restraints.
Source: Daimler









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BMW May Join The Micro Car Fray

Fresh off recent success in India, BMW has announced the possibility of releasing a new micro car there. Their new concept programme would likely explore a truly luxury version of the micro car class. BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl confirmed that the company has already completed a study on a potential new product launch, but would not say what the company has planned.

According to the PTI news agency, Kronschnabl said, "I cannot say when the car would be launched in India. The market analysis for the launch is over and the discussions are on with the headquarters."

This past February, WCF reported on BMW redeveloping the classic Isetta bubble car, possibly with hybrid technology and high-performance petrol and diesel turbo engines. An all-electric city car is also a possibility. Our artist's rendering of the Isetta can be seen in the gallery. The Isetta, a highly successful microcar from the early 1950s, would likely be built on a platform that could realistically fight the Nano on its own. Add in the possibility of better performance and greener technologies and you could see a higher sticker price justified by a reduced operating cost.
The Indian press reported that Kronschnabl said a BMW micro car could cost around 2,000,000 Indian Rupees, or a bit over $49,000. However, it seems either the press misquoted the BMW executive, the executive misspoke, or the BMW Micro Car is not intended to compete in the same class as the Nano. It is pretty hard to imagine BMW selling a car slotted well below the 1-Series for the same price as a 535i Sedan.
After requesting clarification, a BMW spokesperson replied by e-mail, saying, "There are no plans to develop a Micro Car competing with the Tata Nano. Currently, BMW is thinking within a special project about several different ways and opportunities for the future mobility, but it's far too early to comment on any details, neither the size of these different concepts nor engine, price or anything like that."
The tiny Tata Nano squeezes four people into a car that retails for about $2,500. GM is supposedly working on a similar project in a Chinese joint venture. Their car would cost around $3,500. Toyota has recently hinted at entering the Micro Car Wars after announcing a huge expansion of their Bangalore, India, plant.

Kronschnabl spoke at an event marking the launch of the BMW M3 in the Indian market. After selling almost 1,400 units in India last year, BMW has authorized the increase of local production there to 3,000 units - a 76% increase. Of the BMW vehicles sold in India last year, 80% were locally made 3- and 5-series models.

In addition to the M3, BMW plans to further market the 6- and 7-series, the X3, X5, the 6 and 7 Individual Series, and other M models, according to a BMW statement released last month.
Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)



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Bentley to go green by 2012

Long gone are the days when Bentley was just a cheap Rolls Royce. These days the luxury marque owned by Volkswagen is selling thousands of cars per year, mostly in the US to you-know-who…

Not known for their frugality at the petrol pumps, Bentleys typically use only V8s and V12s to power their cars, featuring mainly superchargers as the protagonists in their quest for performance. The supercharger has been a Bentley trademark since the late 1920s. In 2012 however, things may change for Bentley as it strives to cut major emissions by then to 120 g/km of CO2 for every model in the range.


Consider that an Audi A3 1.9 TDI, BMW 118D and Fiat 500 1.2 Pop all come in at 119 g/km. Bentley says this goal is on a well-to-wheel basis, and that performance will not be affected by the new strategy. New “green” engines are the key to this, engines that will use renewable flex-fuels.


“By preparing our engines at an early stage for these fuels,” said Bentley CE Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, “we believe we will help accelerate their adoption, as the supply and market for them develop. Taken together, the measures we are announcing will make the entire Bentley fleet capable of delivering less that 120 g/km by 2012.”


If Porsche can turn Hulk on us within a short space of time, what’s stopping the likes of Bentley from going the same route? Now, when can we see that hybrid fuel cell-powered Veyron that no one is talking about?


Source: Bentley




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Sbarro Assystem City Car at the Geneva Motor Show

Some stuff are so interesting they must be shown at least twice. This is the case for Assystem City Car, a vehicle that has been designed by Franco Sbarro. It has first been presented at the Geneva Motor Show last year, but there it is, once again, in the 2008 edition. What makes it so special is the fact that it features some very original solutions for a variety of problems involving cars. Parking issues, for example

It is remarkably easy to park, and not only because of its compact dimensions (3.60 m long, 1.60 m wide and 1.60 m tall), or its light weight (only 600 kg), but also because it has three axles, a central one, with two wheels, and one wheel in each extreme of the car (front and end). These single wheel axles are the ones responsible for moving and turning the Assystem City Car. The front wheel is powered by an electrical engine with 20 kW (about 27 cv), which can push the car to 50 km/h of top speed and has 30 km of autonomy, basically what regular people need to go to work and back home every day.

For the roads, there is a little combustion engine that delivers 60 cv in the rear axle. It can lead the vehicle to a top speed of 130 km/h and, with its 30 l fuel tank, can carry the Assystem City Car to up to 600 km. Both engines can be used together, what turns this car into a hybrid.

This vehicle, albeit small, can carry up to five people and their luggage. It has a low gravity center, what enhances dynamics, its oval shape prevents serious accident consequences and, when visibility is low, a screen takes the place of the regular windshield and shows the driver infrared images of the road, guiding him/her safely to destination. These are characteristics Assystem points out in favour of their vehicle, but, since we did not have the chance to drive it, we may believe it or not. The company’s intention is to put the car on the streets in a short period of time.




Source: Assystem





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Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid Concept for Geneva

Premiering at Geneva is a new step for Volkswagen in the journey towards green motion. Combining advanced TDI technology with an electric motor and the latest seven-speed DSG transmission, the Golf TDI Hybrid Concept achieves efficiencies worthy of low emissions ratings and high fuel economy.
Setting out to create a vehicle capable of emitting less than 90g/km of CO2, Volkswagen engineers have produced a concept that fits the bill, generating emissions of only 89g/km of CO2 and allowing a suitably fuel efficient 83 miles to the gallon. The hybrid model fuses three technologies with VW's efficient three-cylinder 1.2-litre TDI diesel unit at its heart.

Developing 75 PS and 132 lb.ft. of torque, the diesel engine primarily supplements an electric motor generating 27 PS and 103 lb.ft. of torque, both of which can work independently of the other or simultaneously, the diesel kicking in for higher speeds or greater acceleration. Similar to most hybrid motors, an on-board generator recovers the energy otherwise lost during breaking.



Aiding in its aerodynamic efficiency but also sprucing up for show stand form are a range of minor tweaks. Among the most prominent of these is a modified grille design for improved air-flow, with further features include drag-reducing smaller front air intakes and stylish inserts for its alloy wheels to improve air-flow. The front splitter comes straight from the Golf GTI Edition 30, while a lower ground clearance further aids to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Although a concept vehicle, Volkswagen are keen to point out the Golf TDI Hybrid's production likelihood 'in the future'.




Press Release
83 MPG, 89 G/KM OF CO2: INTRODUCING THE GOLF TDI HYBRID CONCEPT

The challenge: to create a viable, highly-efficient family vehicle capable of emitting less than 90 g/km of CO2. The Volkswagen engineers’ solution, unveiled on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, combines an advanced diesel engine with an electric motor and the very latest generation of seven-speed DSG gearbox. The so-called Golf TDI Hybrid concept vehicle is capable of achieving 83 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 89 g/km of CO2 – while around town the vehicle reverts to purely electric mode to be emission-free.

At the core of the new Golf TDI Hybrid is a highly-efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine developing 75 PS and 132 lbs ft of torque. Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, if required, on its own, is an electric motor developing 27 PS and 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging.

It can also operate as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking to charge the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery which has a capacity of 1.4 kW hours.

In practice the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine only engaging should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. In these situations the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor only working if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking manoeuvres. When at a standstill the diesel engine shuts down completely to conserve fuel and increase efficiency. The energy split is relayed to the driver and passengers through a graphic display accessed through the touchscreen satellite navigation screen.

Drive on the concept car is channelled through the new seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox. This features a pair of dry clutches as opposed to the wet clutches and sets a new energy efficiency standard for automatic gearboxes.

Visual changes which differentiate the Golf TDI Hybrid include a new, unique grille design, smaller front air intakes to reduce aerodynamic drag and subtle ‘TDI-Hybrid’ badging. The Golf TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle.

The Golf TDI Hybrid is currently a concept vehicle, but a version of this vehicle is likely to go into production in the future.

This study follows the recent launch of the efficient new Golf BlueMotion. Adopting an optimised 1.9-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine linked to a revised gearbox and more efficient aerodynamics the Golf BlueMotion can achieve a combined 62.8 mpg while emitting just 119 g/km of CO2 meaning it will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge from October 27th onwards.

Timing
• Makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show
• The Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a future production vehicle
Key facts
• An engineering study aimed at extracting maximum efficiency from the combination of an advanced common rail diesel engine and a powerful electric motor designed to work in tandem; also uses very latest generation of seven-speed DSG gearbox
• The so-called Golf TDI Hybrid concept vehicle is capable of achieving 83 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 89 g/km of CO2; around town the vehicle reverts to purely electric mode to be emission-free
• Powered by a highly-efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine developing 75 PS and 132 lbs ft of torque. Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, if required, on its own, is an electric motor developing 27 PS and 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging
• The motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking to charge the 220 volt, boot-mounted 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery which has a capacity of 1.4 kW hours
• The electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine only engaging should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. In these situations the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor only working if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking manoeuvres
• When the vehicle is stationary the diesel engine shuts down completely to conserve fuel and increase efficiency. The energy split is relayed to the driver and passengers through a graphic display accessed through the touchscreen satellite navigation screen
• Drive on the concept car is channelled through the new seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox
• Visual changes which differentiate the Golf TDI Hybrid include a new, unique grille design, smaller front air intakes to reduce aerodynamic drag and subtle ‘TDI-Hybrid’ badging. The Golf TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag
Source: Volkswagen




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