- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

Promise people the sky and you're sure to get some attention. That's what the folks at FOSH automotive did and then turned around and suckered people into reading a pro-McCain, anti-abortion rant that, frankly, is pretty distasteful. Good thing we're going to remember just how low some people will stoop.
On the brighter side of things, we can at least dream of a Jaguar hybrid and a VW Polo in the U.S. while we wait for Daryl Hannah on the Daily Show. Really cleans the palette, doesn't it?
Fosh Automotive = Hoax (and an anti-Barack Obama one at that)
Spy Shots: First-ever Jaguar hybrid on its way?
Tesla Roadsters reportedly experience glitches during Euro test drives
Electric Vehicle Rolling Showcase brings Daryl Hannah to the Daily Show
Electric Jeep DJ-5E undergoing restoration in Canada
GM powertrain plans: high-tech, low weight
Will VW's Polo come to the U.S. market?
Big Ink's Prius fleet gets Ink-wrapped
Video: Oil addiction and biofuel dangers simplified
Market for heavy duty hybrids drives Eaton expansion
Toyota offers up social site Heya, but there's no Outkast beat
EnerDel ramping up battery production to supply Th!nk
Miles EVs doing Mile High duty for Dems in Denver
Toyota to crank up home market hybrid prices
Getting mores MPG from the Jaguar XK-R
Methane from landfills provides fuel for garbage trucks
July gasoline sales in Minnesota down 9% while E85 jumps 16%
Electric Vehicle Rolling Showcase brings Daryl Hannah to the Daily Show
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Cadillac, Rumormill

With enormous V8 land-yachts and even bigger Escalades rolling down America's boulevards, Cadillac doesn't have the most environmentally friendly of images. But that's a perception that the premium GM division is working hard to combat. After unveiling the Escalade two-mode hybrid, reports have begun to surface that Cadillac is considering a four-cylinder model for the American market like the Saab-based BLS it offers in Europe.
New emerging reports now suggest that Cadillac might get its own version of the highly-anticipated Volt plug-in hybrid from its sister-company Chevrolet. No telling at this point if the Cadillac version would be based on the Volt, transplant the Volt's powertrain into an existing Cadillac model, or breed an entirely new Caddy - or for that matter if there's any substance to the rumors - but sources suggest a higher sticker price than the Volt's anticipated $40k.
[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd) via AutoblogGreen]
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

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Design. It's certainly a cornerstone of the auto industry. And as cars get cleaner from a fuel/emissions perspective, the look often does, too. What should we make of the Hinterland 1 concept car, then? I think there might be clone troopers inside, while the exterior - and interior - of the new Ed Hardy(R) Smart is also a place where design runs wild. That should delight more than a few people. As for the design of the rumored Cadillac "Volt", well, we'll just have to wait and see.
Looks of a aerotank, heart of a hybrid: the Hinterland 1 concept car
Range-extended electric-vehicle to come from Cadillac?
Mahindra puts trucks on holding pattern till late '09
$84 million ZAP! plant for Kentucky to be announced today
Three of the fastest EVs meet for lunch
Will lithium battery costs ever come down?
Tatoos and upgrades galore on limited edition Ed Hardy(R) Smart
Cadillac to reportedly offer new smaller four cylinder sedan in 2010
Volvo launching hybrid bus at Hanover
BMW to focus on green tech, not supercars
Next-gen Saturn Astra to be built in the U.S.
Which cars would a President Obama or McCain promote?
IndyCars expected to switch to down-sized turbocharged engines
BYD getting Israeli partner to compete with Renault and Better Place
Seat Ibiza Ecomotive gets "most ecological vehicle award" in Germany
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Supercars, BMW

Click for a hi-res gallery of the BMW M1 Hommage
It's a sign of the times. After having rolled out the delectable M1 Hommage concept (pictured above), one BMW board member says that the Bavarian automaker has no intention of producing a supercar to compete with the likes of the Audi R8. Instead, BMW will focus on green technologies.
The news comes straight from Klaus Draeger, the board member at the helm of the EfficientDymanics initiative. While Audi continues to produce more powerful and more desirable versions of the R8, Mercedes prepares entirely new supercars and Porsche continues to do what Porsche has always done, the company that once hailed itself as the producers of the "Ultimate Driving Machine" is more concerned with hybrids than sportscars.
[Source: AutoTelegraaf via AutoblogGreen]
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

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Need a peek into the future? AutoblogGreen's got some spy shots of the interior of the next-gen Prius and the new Opel Meriva. Honda has also let loose images of the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, so that should keep you satisfied for a while, no? At the very least, it's something to look at until Jeremy Clarkson tackles the Tesla Roadster.
In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited FWD
Pics aplenty: 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
Spy Shots: New Opel Meriva caught in the wild
smart fortwo recalled for bad paint, could cause loss of roof or windshield!
Spy Shots: Next gen Prius interior snapped!
2008 Hydrogen Road Tour comes to an end in LA
Bentley buyers say "no" to diesels
Drill Here! Drill Now! Pay less!
Jeremy Clarkson to tackle Tesla Roadster on Top Gear, eventually
Mahindra planning 4-seat electric car
Honda Fit hybrid not coming to the U.S.
Cali. Senate approves bill to make hybrids noisier
Mercedes unveils Econic NGT Hybrid truck concept
More headlines after the jump.Continue reading AutoblogGreen for 08.25.08
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Autoline on Autoblog
THE DOWN SIDE TO LITHIUM BATTERIES
Uh-oh. In the pell-mell race to develop lithium-ion batteries for plug-ins, EV's and hybrids, has any automaker taken a hard look at where all that lithium is going to come from? Guess what? Not only are global lithium supplies pretty tight, prices are about to skyrocket.
Today, the United States imports almost all of its lithium. We get most of it from Chile, then Argentina, and a little bit from Canada and Zimbabwe. The only producer in America is actually a German company, Metallgesellschaft, which has a mine in Nevada. Yet, even though we import most of our lithium, the United States is the world's largest processor of the material.
John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to continue reading this week's editorial.Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
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- Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Tuners, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Toyota, Lifestyle

Click above to view video after the jump
We truly do appreciate the custom-car scene, in all of its various guises. There is, however, a problem with the custom Prius you see above and in the video embedded after the break. Generally speaking, the goal of modifying a car is to either A) make it go faster or B) make it look better.
When Classe Gustafson, Elvis Häggbom and Kenny Kyrk from Sweden had finished spending $184,000 customizing a Toyota Prius, they had accomplished neither. This Prius-trocity, which was modified for a television show, is anything but subtle. It lost two doors during its transformation from mild-mannered hybrid eco-mobile to whacked out sport compact that just happens to get good fuel economy, though it did get scissor-style portals that are nearly impossible to open in the process. And it also gained a huge honkin' stereo and the body-kit from a Volvo SUV. The over-the-top paint-job is the final touch. The Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, however, went untouched save for the obligatory fart-can exhaust. Nice.
[Source: Wired]Continue reading The most obnoxiously tuned Toyota Prius... Ever
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

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As much as we like to think about the latest eco-friendly technologies in our cars over at AutoblogGreen, we understand that they don't come cheap. All that battery power in the Prius means it's frugal, but is a Yaris cheaper to own? And how high does gas have to get for us to celebrate our staycations? But hope may be on the horizon: this is apparently going to be the cheapest hybrid in the world. Like it?
Is a Yaris cheaper to own and operate than a Prius?
EV1 - The Real Story, Part II
Paris Preview: Chevy Cruze official pics released
The cheapest hybrid will be sold ... in China
What I did on my summer staycation!
EcoMotors looking to expand in Michigan, build 100mpg diesel sedan
2009 Honda Fit will be available early next week - one month earlier than planned
Spy Shots: Volkswagen Scirocco TDI spotted in California
GM officially announces Chevy Cruze will be built in Ohio
GM plant in Maryland to get solar panels
Indiana offers Ener1 $7 million for new clean car tech jobs
Hyundai i10 "extremely unlikely" to come to the U.S.
Formula Zero revs up in The Netherlands on August 22
LA Preview: Hyundai Sonata hybrid coming, diesel Genesis unlikely
AutoblogGreen now available in iPhone format
Stop cabs from running empty in the UK
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

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AutoblogGreen discovered two unusual cross-country trips yesterday. In one, called WillieRun, the drivers plan to use just one* tank of biodiesel to go from NYC to LA. The other will see a wood-burning Dodge truck go there and back again. These trips both take place next month. What are you doing in September?
Trident Iceni, a biodiesel-powered supercar, would get 57 mpg for just £75,000
Michigan grad designs and builds Homeless Utility Vehicle
WillieRun - from New York to Cali on one* tank of gas
Charlie Rose talks to Wagoner, Volt price in the mid to upper 30s
Peugeot updates the 407 with improved 2-liter diesel and Flex-Fuel options
Paris Preview: Peugeot RC Hybrid concept
007's Ford Ka powered by hydrogen?
Bombardier signs $485 million dollar contracts for hybrid locomotives
Ex-Tesla employee electric motorcycle prototype gets driven
Continental introduces force feedback accelerator pedal
Volkswagen adds a new TSI engine to its lineup, goes common-rail as well
Green light for Bosch and Samsung's joint venture for battery development
Wood-burning Dodge trucks smoldering for coast-to-coast trip
GM Diesel engineering director describes the new Duramax 4.5L V8
China produces its first freight hybrid locomotive
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Supercars, UK

Click above for more images of the Trident Iceni
If the name 'Trident' has visions of Maseratis and vintage Triumphs dancing through your head, you are in for a big surprise. When we first looked at the Trident Iceni, it was powered by a 375-hp GM turbo diesel V8 mounted up front and producing 520 lb-ft of torque. After a year or two of development, it's even better according to its makers, with the latest version of the venerable Duramax diesel tweaked to offer 550 horsepower at 3,800 rpm along with an arm-wrenching 950 lb-ft at just 1,800 rpm. Trident claims the Duramax can slingshot the Iceni to 60 mph in well under four seconds and on up to a top speed easily surpassing 200 miles per hour. According to the British company, its modified GM/Isuzu engine is capable of running on any blend of biodiesel without voiding the warranty and returns 68.9 miles per gallon (or 57 mpg in U.S. gallons) at a steady 70 miles per hour. Is this the guilt-free supercar for the eco-conscious speed freak?
With an elaborate chassis folded from stainless steel and a composite body, the Iceni will not rot away. The rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission also allows for wide gearing, which is fortunate since the diesel engine isn't going to be a revver. The company is currently looking for funding and hopes to offer the Iceni for about £75,000 out the door. So far, Trident has mentioned no plans to send its wares across the pond to the U.S. Pity us poor Americans.
[Source: Trident Performance Vehicles]Continue reading Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true
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- Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.
Hyundai's first foray into the world of rear-wheel-drive needs to be a success in order to justify the development, manufacturing and launching costs. Hyundai's vice president for product development, John Krafcik, told reports that the automaker expects to sell 50,000 Genesis models annually in the U.S. - 20,000 sedans and 30,000 coupes.
But the Genesis is only part of Hyundai's image makeover. The Korean manufacturer intends to launch its first hybrid model by 2010, equipped with a next generation lithium-ion battery pack. According to Krafcik, "Our first U.S. hybrid is going to be the Sonata," however, Hyundai has no plans to offer the new sedan with a plug-in option. That's a strategy that's served Toyota well, and Hyundai is clearly trying to follow in the Japanese juggernaut's footsteps.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Misc. Auto Shows, FIAT

Click above to view the Fiat 500 Aria concept in hi-res
Having already had to increase production several times over, the Fiat 500 continues to win the hearts and minds of consumers around the world... tree-huggers included. But that isn't about to stop Fiat from seeking out even more buyers, especially those of environmental conscience. And so reports indicate that the Italian automaker is preparing a hybrid version of the popular retro-mini.
Previewed by the unveiling of the 500 Aria concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the 500 hybrid is tipped to join an electric motor and battery pack to Fiat's 0.9-liter two-cylinder gasoline engine. The diminutive yet stylish hybrid is also expected to employ start-stop technology and a dual-clutch transmission to further reduce emissions and increase fuel economy, which promises to increase the green factor for the entire Fiat group. Intriguingly, however, Fiat is reportedly planning to unveil the 500 hybrid at Goodwood Festival of Speed next summer.
[Source: Auto Express via AutoblogGreen]
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- Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Peugeot

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Peugeot RC...
With the semi-annual auto salon returning to Paris this fall, you can expect France's major automakers to make a big splash this year. Peugeot is preparing to unveil a new concept car, and has given us a bit of a heads-up in the form of a few images and some teasingly cryptic details.
With the name of the actual car not yet released, Peugeot is referring to the show car as the RC, adopting the same thematic nomenclature as the RC Spade and RC Diamond concepts from 2002 and the 908RC concept sedan from the last Paris Motor Show in 2006. Like those concepts, this one is not meant to directly preview a production car in the pipeline. However, it does foreshadow Peugeot's new design direction. The four-door concept's styling melds smooth flowing lines and sharp creases to make for a stunning shape, and moves the huge lion emblem farther south, not unlike the Audi R8's grille. The echoes of Ingolstadt aren't new for Peugeot, with many asserting that the 308 RC Z borrowed too heavily from the Audi TT. As for propulsion, Peugeot insists that "respect for the environment and driving pleasure can be compatible", and so have fitted the RC with an unspecified hybrid powertrain producing a maximum of 313 hp and emitting only 109 g/km of CO2 in gasoline mode and, of course, zero in electric.
Check out the press release after the jump and the gallery below to view the teaser shots of the upcoming Peugeot hybrid concept, and stay tuned as we close in on the Paris show for more details.
[Source: Peugeot]Continue reading Paris '08 Preview: Peugeot teases with RC... hybrid concept
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

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AutoblogGreen got a chance to take the new Honda Fit Sport out for a few miles recents, and we like what we saw and felt. There will be a full-on review of this stylish, high-mileage vehicle coming soon, but for now we understand what all the fuss is about. What we don't quite understand is what Newt was thinking. Or FOSH, for that matter.
ABG First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport
Report: Fiat readying 500 hybrid
Dumbest Quote of the Day: Newt says keeping tires inflated helps Big Oil
MDI puts the first AirCar on the road
Tesla talking about future product plans with Brit magazines, no SUV coming
Hyundai might bring the 47mpg I10 stateside
The "first unlimited mileage electric car" from FOSH is a no-show
Reducing GHG emissions by producing bioplastics alongside ethanol
Japanese sake brewer produces cellulosic ethanol
Velotaxis print now how much CO2 you saved
Ford expands fuel cell test fleet tests by two years
eBay Find of the Day: G-Wiz from Top Gear
Spain expands CO2 emission-based tax scheme to two-wheelers
Billions of gallons of gas could be saved by "Smart Intersections"
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

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A legal loophole lies behind the current generation of three-wheeled vehicles and has led to a few important questions: Are they legal? Should they be? Answers to these questions will be coming as legislators and companies work things out, but we can certainly answer today whether this customized Prius was a good idea (no). Schools around the country, meanwhile, have come to the conclusion that four-day school weeks are brilliant. Where were high gas prices when I was in school?
Why make three-wheeled vehicles? Are they legal? Should they be?
Customized Prius proves that hybrids and common sense do not correlate
When it comes to hybrid batteries, it's the U.S. of dependency
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDIs now available for customer delivery
Maine pulls ZAP Xebra registration despite compliance with the law
Jetstream SC250: An ethanol-capable track-day tool
Volkswagen gives environmental awards to employees
Imperium faces new setback with loss of major contract
Ford's EcoBoost engines reportedly to cost $700 extra
Electric Pinto only explodes off the starting line
Suzuki to introduce E100-capable flex-fuel models in 2010
AltWheels returns to Boston area next month
Chinese company begins exporting hydrogen mopeds
Volt design director Bob Boniface to chat on GMNext Tuesday
Schools go to four-day school week, make lots of other cuts thanks to high fuel prices
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