The Auto Blog .ru

Prospective owners of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf shouldn’t get too excited about driving in California carpool lanes as soon as they take delivery. Late Tuesday night California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 535 into law, extending access to the high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes to certain very low and zero emissions vehicles. This new class of vehicles known as Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (enh-ATPZEVs) and includes plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles like the Leaf and Toyota’s Prius PHEV.

Unfortunately, there are some caveats. SB 535 doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2012 and even then only 40,000 of the special stickers needed for HOV access will be made available. In order to qualify, the vehicle has to be rated as an enh-ATPZEV, which brings up the second problem for Volt drivers. A General Motors spokesperson confirmed that the 2011 and 2012 Volt will not be enh-ATPZEV certified. The requirements to earn the enh-ATPZEV label are significantly tougher than the standard ATPZEV. Given the escalated development of the Volt, GM didn’t have enough time to calibrate and verify that the plug-in hybrid would meet the standard over a 10-year/150,000-mile period.

That’s also why the Volt battery only has the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty required for the non-enhanced ATPZEV. GM spokesman Rob Peterson verified that the Volt will be updated to enh-ATPZEV in mid-2012 when the 2013 model is introduced. In the meantime, you’ll just to make sure to bring a friend if you want to ride in the carpool lane.

[Source: General Motors]

Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012

Mazda gave us a glimpse of its next-generation Sky-G (gas) and Sky-D (diesel) powertrains at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, as well as its new Sky-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. These engines are currently running the testing gauntlet, as the first applications are expected to show up as early as next year in the refreshed Mazda6 sedan.

Car and Driver was able to snag an early test of a 2.0-liter Sky-G engine, which will reportedly achieve 30 miles per gallon in the city and 39 to 40 mpg on the highway when used in a Mazda3. This puts it in the same territory as the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta TDIs, not to mention besting smaller offerings like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

C&D also got the skinny on Mazda’s 2.2-liter Sky-D diesel powertrain, which the automaker has confirmed for application in its “next-generation mid-size sedan” (*cough* Mazda6 *cough*) which will achieve up to 43 mpg on the highway. Take that, Fusion Hybrid. Head over to Car and Driver’s full deep-dive for a raft of details about both of the new engines.

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Car and Driver]

Prototype Mazda3 with 2.0L Sky-G engine gets 30/40 mpg

Last time we talked about the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg R it was to relay rumors that the high-performance SUV might drop the automaker’s venerable 5.0-liter diesel V10 TDI engine in favor of a V8 hybrid powertrain. Car and Driver is kicking the ball the other way with a report that the next version of the Toureg R will indeed still be a diesel, although carrying over the V10 probably isn’t in the cards.

Instead, C/D reports that VW will be using its new 4.2-liter diesel V8 already available in the European Touareg. For Touareg R duty, the oil burner will likely be pumped up from its current 340-horsepower output to 380, along with delivering enough torque to move the SUV with irresponsible abandon. That’s more power than the V10 TDI produced in the old Touareg R at 350, and probably enough for the new Touareg R to keep pace with other high-performance SUVs in the segment.

The bigger news is that C/D claims the next-gen Touareg R will actually be available for sale in the U.S in 2012 as a 2013 model. The new 4.2-liter diesel V8 will apparently meet current U.S. emissions standards, at least when installed under the hood of a Touareg R.

To date, the only R model ever offered by VW in the States was the Golf-based R32. We’ve never had a shot at a Touareg R, though VW did intermittently sell a version of the last-generation Touareg here with the same diesel V10 TDI as the R model in Europe (also called the R50), though tuned for less power and minus the performance goodies.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: Volkswagen Touareg R will be sold in U.S. with a diesel by 2012

EPA Fuel Economy Sample Grades – Click above to view entire list

Twenty years ago, the federal government made it mandatory for most food products to carry nutrition information based on a 2,000 calorie diet in the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Information Act. In doing so, the feds simultaneously ensured that graphic designers the world over would run into the headache of squeezing the now-familiar Nutrition Facts chart onto food packages and that the public at large would have at least some clue as to what they were shoving down their pie-hole. Now the EPA and the DOT are in the process of pulling a similar maneuver for vehicle fuel economy.

Needless to say, this has made us a little curious as to how the current fleet of vehicles being sold here in the states would fare in the new rating system. Fortunately, the EPA has answered that very question. Buried deep in the 242-page explanation of the label is a table that breaks down a handful of vehicles by grade. At the very top of the list, earning an A+ are EVs, followed quickly by plug-in hybrids. A little bit lower on the list in the A- category are cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

As you might expect, larger vehicles and those with gargantuan engines fall lower down the grading scale. The lowest example on the list? That would be the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti at a lowly D.

[Source: EPA]

How EPA’s new fuel economy label would grade current cars

California commuters will either celebrate or curse SB 535, a new law that extends hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles’ usage of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in the Golden State.

Introduced by Sen. Leland Yee and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the new law expands the ability for hybrid, electric and natural-gas powered vehicles fitted with the ubiquitous yellow bumper stickers to drive solo in the carpool lanes during designated hours. Additionally, it increases the number of permits to 40,000 and widens the eligible vehicles to include the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and the Nissan Leaf EV.

Some lawmakers opposed the bill, citing that California’s carpool lanes are already congested with alt-fuel vehicles and additional permits will exacerbate the issue. And this shouldn’t come as a surprise, but General Motors sponsored the bill.

[Source: LA Times]

Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf allowed to use California HOV lanes

With the Paris Motor Show a mere month away, automakers from around the globe are unleashing a barrage of teasers and rumors that hint to what will be on display. According to Auto Express, Jaguar is the latest company to let slip what it has planned. The murky report says the Leaping Cat will pull the covers off of an XK-sized sports car inspired by the Porsche 918. While that likely means the concept will boast a fantastical hybrid drivetrain with more torque than sense, it doesn’t mean that Tata is going to fast-track this car for production. Auto Express says the car is more to flex the company’s styling muscles than anything else.

While that means we likely won’t be seeing another sultry two-door in the Jaguar stable any time soon, the new concept will give us some insight into what’s coming down the pike in terms of Jaguar design. That may include some new, oblong grille language to replace the slinky oval of the E-Types of old. Supposedly the company’s designers are having a hard time maintaining the oval grille’s proportions on the company’s new widebody platforms.

[Source: Auto Express Image: Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL]

Report: Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris

	LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid Perhaps you’ve met its cousin, the Nissan Fuga hybrid?		Smart’s problems mean sales will likely be under 100,000 units for 2010 Next-gen and EV models can’t get here soon enough.
	Toyota considers hybrid version of subcompact Etios for Indian market It’s still highly unlikely that the subcompact will ever come to the U.S.	Other news: Automakers, suppliers lobby Washington to promote green efforts Demand for ethanol-free gas still growing Has hybrid demand peaked? Probably not and here’s why

AutoblogGreen for 09.01.10

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z

It may not be the CRX redux we’d hoped for, but the CR-Z is one version of the future, and it isn’t so bad.

Ferrari 599 Roadster preview in Pebble

Sources confirm that Ferrari did reveal the 599 Roadster in Pebble Beach and we’ve got the details.

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Taming the Mt. Washington Auto Road

One Mountain. One man. One Subaru. We take our long-term Legacy up Mt. Washington and tell the tale.

Also of interest:

• LA Preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid
• NHTSA looking at 2009 VW Jetta stalling issues
• Fiat wants to sell 50,000 500s in the U.S. through 165 dealers
• NHTSA investigating steering issues on 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.31.10

We’ve all but assumed Maybach was a goner. With the economic downturn and sales hovering around the 300-unit mark annually, Mercedes-Benz‘ rebadged uber-lux brand makes a hard business case for itself. However, Automobile reports that Maybach may be down, but it’s not out, and a range of new products are on the way.

With the S-Class due to be replaced in 2012, the range-topping Benz will offer up its revised platform for five new Maybach models. The standard 57 and 62 will benefit from upgraded sheet metal, interiors and electronics, while a CLS-like four-door “coupe” will be added to the line-up along with the oft-rumored long-wheelbase convertible – a sort of mash-up between the 62 Laundaulet and Mercedes’ Ocean Drive concept from 2007.

Despite M-B’s ongoing issues with CAFE standards, motivation will continue to be provided by the same 6.0-liter V12 powering current Maybachs, although horsepower is expected to rise, torque output could crest 850 pound-feet and Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic will be part of the package.

More intriguingly, Automobile says that with the new transmission, an electric motor could be fitted, boosting output by 20 hp and allowing the massive sled to drive in full electric mode for up to 10 miles. There’s also talk of a new nine-speed automatic transmission being fitted and fuel economy rising by around 25% – so figure around a 2-3 mpg improvement for both the 545-hp and 630-hp versions.

In order for Maybach to survive, it has to be more than just a reworked S-Class and to that end, an insider told Automobile that future models will be “jewels on wheels and at last worthy of the brand.” We shall see…

[Source: Automobile]

Report: Maybach will soldier on, gain hybrid

Take off your rose-colored glasses, CRX fans

Okay, so the 2011 Honda CR-Z isn’t exactly the modern-day CRX redux that we were all hoping for. Mildly upsetting, yes, but perhaps this disappointment tarnished our initial impression of this newest hybrid offering from Honda. We still have many questions about its form and function, but need to accept the fact that times have changed, Honda’s product strategies have been realigned to the times and the CRX shall remain a modern classic – especially the Si. Besides, this little two-seat hybrid isn’t really all that bad. Really.

What we have here is an inherently good vehicle that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. It only has two seats and its EPA fuel economy numbers are underwhelming. A Ford Fiesta, for example, is more functional, less expensive and gets nearly the same combined fuel economy – at least compared to a manual-equipped CR-Z like our tester.

But don’t write off the CR-Z completely. It may be a tough sell when looked at from a big picture perspective, but on its own, it’s a pretty good little whip. Follow the jump to find out why.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z

A Norwegian website claims to have snagged the first official photo of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat from one of the automaker’s European retailers (they didn’t, see the UPDATE below), and sources suggest we could see the restyled mid-size sedan as early as the Paris Motor Show this October.

There’s still some question about what engines will be available when the new Passat arrives in Europe, but VW’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is sure to make an appearance, while a new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 will be available in higher-spec trims, along with the normal assortment of diesel mills. A hybrid model has also been confirmed by VW, and soon after the sedan launches abroad, the wagon variant will debut, along with a possible R36 model. Expect the full details to be revealed before the end of the month.

UPDATE: Looks like the Passat pic is a rendering by the artists from Autobild.

[Source: DadBladet via WCF]

First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE]

Infiniti has officially announced plans to debut its first hybrid sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The M35 hybrid first appeared – badged as the Nissan Fuga hybrid – at last fall’s Tokyo Motor Show, propelled by Nissan’s first in-house hybrid system. The M35 is powered by a retuned Atkinson cycle version of the 3.5-liter VQ V6 paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack that uses the same type of cells that power the Nissan Leaf.

The motor is a disc-type unit packed between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission in a similar fashion to the systems from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Porsche. Infiniti claims the M35 will deliver V8 performance with the fuel consumption of a four cylinder. While the Fuga is set to go on sale in Japan this fall, the M35 hybrid arrives in the U.S. next year as a 2012 model.

[Source: Nissan]

LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid

When gas prices hit the stratosphere in 2008, car buyers began a frenzied search for fuel efficient transportation. One of the big winners as a result of pricey petrol was the little Smart Fortwo. A surprising 25,000 copies of Daimler’s diminutive two-seater flew off dealer lots that year, followed by solid though less spectacular sales throughout much of 2009.

There is little doubt that the Fortwo started off on the right foot here in the States, but Smart’s feel-good story in the U.S. took a turn for the worse in 2010. Through the first seven months of this year, Automotive News reports that Smart has sold only 4,000 Fortwos. German news source Der Spiegel says that U.S. Smart sales will likely be only one third of the 25,000 units sold in 2008. Because of these low U.S. sales numbers, Smart is in danger of selling fewer than 100,000 units worldwide for the year, down considerably from the 114,000 units sold in 2009.

Is it surprising that the Fortwo’s luster has worn so thin so fast here in the U.S.? We don’t think so, especially considering the Fortwo’s fuel economy numbers of 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg highway aren’t as good as far more functional hybrids like the Toyota Prius and are even beginning to be matched by larger gas-powered vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Cruze. Nor were we that thrilled with the Fortwo when we reviewed a 2009 model. At this point, the only way Smart will get back on track in the U.S. is if gas prices spike again, or if the upcoming revival of the Smart Forfour takes this country by storm.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Smart pummelled by U.S. sales freefall, tipped to sell under 100,000 globally?

EPA/DOT Proposed Fuel Economy Labels – Click above for high-res versions

According to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation are charged with designing new fuel economy labels for vehicle stickers that appear in the window of new vehicles at the dealership. Today the two agencies have put forth a pair of design proposals and are asking the public to comment on which they like better and why.

Both labels have been designed to better incorporate new vehicle types that aren’t represented well by the current labels, including mainly electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In addition to information already provided (fuel economy and estimated annual fuel cost), the new labels would also add such things as indicators for carbon dioxide and other smog-promoting emissions, fuel cost savings compared to an average gasoline-powered vehicle of the same model year and even a QR code that allows smartphones to collect the data.

In order to accommodate the growing crop of EVs and plug-in hybrids, the new proposed labels would also translate the energy usage of such vehicles into a miles per gallon equivalent, or MPGe. In the case of the first label design (the tall, thin one), a letter grade would also be featured prominently that corresponds to a vehicle’s overall environmental performance.

You can check out both designs in the gallery below, or head over to epa.gov/fueleconomy and tell these agencies what you think directly. Either way, a new label’s on its way, so speak now or forever hold your tongue.

[Source: EPA]

New fuel economy labels proposed by EPA and DOT

The inaugural Baltimore IndyCar race set for Labor Day weekend next year has a new friend: the American Le Mans Series. ALMS will host a race the day before the IndyCars race, with trials being run the same day as IndyCar qualifying. Nothing else has been revealed at the moment, with the folks in charge, Baltimore Racing Development, having scheduled a press conference for September 2 to officially announce the double bill.

This will mark the first time in nine years that ALMS visits the D.C. area, and if ALMS communications director Bob Dickinson gets his way, it could be first opportunity for U.S. racing fans to watch the Peugeot 908 diesel-hybrid running the series in anger. Hat tip to hoov23

[Source: Baltimore Sun]

Report: ALMS race to join Indy Car in Baltimore

While recently shooting some cloaked Chrysler and Hyundai prototypes, Automotive Traveler’s Rich Truesdell came across several completely undisguised Ram 1500 pickups the other day. As Rich tells it:

Upon closer examination, I figured out why: They are near-production-ready versions of the rumored 2-Mode Hybrid version. Judging by the complete lack of cloaking, I’d assume they are undergoing final validation, possibly to establish their published tow ratings. Don’t be surprised if the Ram is an early-introduction 2012 model to reach showrooms in the spring.

We’ve talked about these hybrid pickups before, and if a schedule posted at Allpar is to be believed, Chrysler will kick off production of this new Ram 1500 Hybrid on November 16, so they may be badged as MY2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrids and not MY2012 as Rich supposes. Either way, the hybrid Ram is expected to employ the same 5.7-liter Hemi V8, two-mode hybrid powertrain that was used in the short-lived Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen hybrids in 2008, backed by a transmission supplied to Chrysler by General Motors. Expected mileage ratings should be similar to GM’s hybrid trucks, with a city number of about 21 to 22 mpg.

Check out Automotive Traveler for more photos of the 2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrid.

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: 2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid uncloaked

When Kia Motors unveiled its EcoDynamics sub-brand at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the company claimed its new badge would begin to appear on U.S.-bound models soon. In fact, Kia promised that its eco-friendly moniker would be attached to several models sold worldwide. Now, Orth Hedrick, director-product planning at Kia Motors America, tells Ward’s Auto that the company has nixed plans to introduce the EcoDynamics name in the U.S. Hedrick cited cost issues as the primary reason for the company’s reversal, stating:

The issue is it’s yet another brand. And given the fact we’re trying to allocate our resources to other areas that make the most sense, does it make sense to introduce another brand out there?

The U.S. automotive market, in its still-depressed state, simply cannot support additional brands. The Detroit Three have pared down by axing Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Mercury, so Kia’s move to drop EcoDynamics fits the trend. Jim Hume of Phire Branding Co. says Kia’s decision makes sense. Hume told Ward’s:

My guess is that they realized the concept of EcoDynamics created not only another brand, but also created the need to educate consumers – an expensive proposition. In this particular case the delineation is tricky. Kia setting apart Earth-friendly vehicles via a sub-brand may have taken away from any Earth-friendly story in Kia-branded vehicles. It is better to highlight everything Kia is doing under one strong brand umbrella.

Though the EcoDynamics badge will not adorn Kia’s U.S.-bound models, the fuel-saving innovations and other elements that were to be featured under the new sub-brand are already appearing on some Kia models headed to dealerships across the nation.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S.

	Would a carbon tax help or hurt the auto industry? The floor is yours.		EVTV Smart fortwo conversion to outdo Daimler for under $25,000 Smart ED’s got competition.
	Why the sub-30 MPG claim for Chevrolet Volt is misleading [w/video] GM and the EPA could end the debate by announcing the number, but until then …	Other news: GSA clarifies that it will buy more hybrids in the future, says costs are worth it AutoblogGreen Q&A with Transonic Combustion: can supercritical fluids give a 30% mpg boost? Variable displacement oil pump helps Chevrolet Cruze hit 40 mpg

AutoblogGreen for 08.27.10

The GT Channel crew have snagged a handful of shots of a widebody Honda CR-Z being built for an unknown venue, and while it could just be an elaborate show car for this January’s Tokyo Auto Salon, it’s possible Honda is prepping the CR-Z for a run in Japan’s SuperGT touring car series.

With one of the Honda HSV-010 teams holding down second place in the GT500 class this season, HoMoCo could be looking to capitalize off its success – and the popularity of the hybrid hatch in Japan – by fielding a CR-Z is the GT300 class. The engine and chassis restrictions are less rigid compared to the top-tier SuperGT racers, so the mid-mounted V6 (or V8?) shown in the gallery below is a-okay with JAF (the regulating body behind SuperGT) – even with a set of turbos.

If the build is taking place now (check the carbon fiber doors coming out of the autoclave), Honda or one of its racing affiliates is likely to start testing the CR-Z racer this fall before the new season kicks off in March of 2011.

[Source: GT Channel]

Widebody, mid-engine Honda CR-Z coming to SuperGT?

The words “performance” and “hybrid” are typically only bandied about in the same sentence by marketing types. Here in the real world, lugging around an extra few hundred pounds of batteries is no way to sharpen a vehicle’s dynamics, but if the rumors kicking around the interwebs are to be believed, that’s exactly what Volkswagen has planned with a new R version of the Touareg. Auto Evolution reports that engineers are hard at work on a new version of the CUV that will pack a punch from both a gasoline V8 and a powerful electric motor.

As you might imagine, specs for such a monstrosity aren’t exactly solid, but the Italian rag says VW is shooting for 500 horsepower from the V8 and 47 horsepower from an electric motor. Sure, that means the high-rider will pack a grand total of 547 ponies, but we’re more interested in the mountain-moving levels of torque available from such a combination. Sounds like a fine way to embarrass a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, if nothing else.

Photos by Jonathan Ramsey/ Copyright (C)2010 AOL
[Source: Auto Evolution]

Rumormill: Volkswagen Touareg R Hybrid under consideration