Autoblog

Valentin Technologies releases teaser images of 170-mpg IngoCar

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Hatchback, Specialty, Design/Style

Valentin Technologies IngoCar - Click above for high-res image gallery

Interested in a five-seat, four-door, sportwagen that "is brimming with innovation" and was designed in Elm Grove, WI? How about if the car were to get 170 miles per gallon? Yeah, that got our attention, too.

The car in question is the IngoCar from Valentin Technologies. But how does this midsize passenger car wring that much distance out of a gallon of fuel? Here's how Valentin describes the powertrain:

This extraordinary fuel efficiency is achieved by a revolutionary hydraulic-fluid drive. This hybrid gasoline/hydraulic drive system can deliver acceleration from 0-60 in 4 seconds. Using a small gasoline engine, fluid is pumped into an accumulator. The fluid then drives hydraulic wheel motors for shiftless acceleration. During braking, motors are reversed and pump the entire recuperated braking energy back into the accumulator. This innovative technology and the car's light weight give an estimated range of 1,000 miles for a full 6 gallon tank of fuel.

Sound reasonable? It could work, but energy isn't free and we don't know how much of the energy spent to move the vehicle forward is recuperated back into the accumulator. Still, Valentin Technologies has a been working on hydrostatic powertrains for a while, so we're willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for now. An earlier version of the IngoCar got "just" 130 mpg and, but the designers dropped 600 pounds (down to 1,600 lbs.) and improved the engine efficiency by 20 percent. We want to see the technology in action, but Valentin says that $3.8 million would be needed to prototype the IngoCar.

For now, we'll have to make due with the video posted after the jump and the first teaser sketches by Davide Tonizzo, of designD, from Toronto. Sure is a lot of the original Honda Insight and the Nissan Leaf in the rear end, don't you think? You can hear Tonizzo discuss his design on the CBC Radio show Metro Morning. Find the March 5th episode and click on "Futuristic Car Design" to listen.

Gallery: IngoCar teaser sketches

[Source: Davide Tonizzo]

Continue reading Valentin Technologies releases teaser images of 170-mpg IngoCar

Valentin Technologies releases teaser images of 170-mpg IngoCar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Ghosn on the Leaf and EVs: "There is no competition."

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Diesel

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Will Nissan's upcoming Leaf electric car compete directly with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt? Well, that depends on who you ask. Apparently, Nissan head Carlos Ghosn doesn't believe the two eco-friendly automobiles will be competing on a large scale. Says Ghosn:

"Frankly, I mean so far there is no competition. Let's be serious. It's not because someone is coming with a prototype and one car that this is competition. The question is how much capacity are you building... What I am sure is that in 2011, I am going to be the only one on the market."

Ghosn wasn't necessarily referring directly to the Chevy Volt when he made those comments at the Geneva Motor Show, but the sentiment would surely include General Motors' extended-range electric vehicle by proxy. We'd imagine that a good deal of Leaf or Volt buyers would consider the other car a competitor for their hard-earned dollars.

If the issue between the two electric cars is production numbers, Nissan certainly takes the (currently theoretical) win as it plans to build 500,000 Leaf EVs by 2012. By way of contrast, GM has been mum on actual production goals for its Volt program, but we know the initial launch at the end of 2010 will be a comparatively small one.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Carlos Ghosn on the Leaf and EVs: "There is no competition." originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: More hybrids, EVs coming from Audi

Michael Harley — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Crossover, Audi, Electric

Audi A8 Hybrid concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to the Volkswagen Group's strategy to be the leading player in the alternative-powertrain market within the next decade, Audi has announced a rapid expansion of hybrid and electric vehicles over the next few years. The German automaker wants to improve efficiency of its internal combustion engines (both gasoline and diesel) by 30 percent - and it wants five percent of the brand's model line to be electric. "In the future, our customers will be able to choose from an increasingly broad range of driveline technologies," said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler.

Joining the A8 Hybrid sedan, shown in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show, will be the A6 Hybrid arriving on its next-generation platform within the next two years. That will be accompanied by the soon-to-be-launched Q5 Hybrid crossover. Audi intends to brand its "e-tron" name to represent the company's electronic mobility lineup (just like it did with "quattro" - now synonymous with all-wheel drive). Unlike its competitor BMW, which is working on smaller commuter-type urban-based EVs, Audi is engineering its vehicles for a more expensive niche. The new models are expected to debut in 2012.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: More hybrids, EVs coming from Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota agrees with NHTSA investigation of runaway Prius, but not calling Sikes a liar

John Neff — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota walked a fine line this afternoon when it revealed that its own two-day investigation of last week's runaway Prius near San Diego, CA had reached the same conclusion as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's investigation. That is, the brakes on Jim Sikes' 2008 Toyota Prius should have been able to stop the car. Toyota did not, however, go so far as to call Sikes a liar.

The investigation determined that the front brake pads were worn so far down from overheating that the rotors were scraping the pads' metal backings. According to investigators, this could have only happened if the brake pedal were applied lightly (less than 50% or so) for an extended period of time, not pressed firmly to the floor as Sikes claimed he was doing. Only by "dragging" the brakes lightly could they become so overheated and worn, as firmly pressing the brake pedal while the car is accelerating would engage the brake override system that cuts engine power.

Though asked repeatedly if they had concluded that Sykes was lying, representatives for Toyota insisted that was not their judgment to make and they could only say that the investigation's findings were not consistent with the scenario that Sikes describes.

Follow the jump for Toyota's official statement in which it details all eight points of its findings.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota agrees with NHTSA investigation of runaway Prius, but not calling Sikes a liar

Toyota agrees with NHTSA investigation of runaway Prius, but not calling Sikes a liar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: SNL pokes fun at runaway Prius with fake Ford commercial

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Toyota, Humor

SNL fake Ford commercial - Click above to watch the video after the jump

With all of the buzz surrounding Jim Sikes and his "runaway Prius" last week, it doesn't surprise us that the funny folks at Saturday Night Live have spoofed the situation in one of their infamous fake advertisements.

As you'll recall, Sikes claims that his Prius started to accelerate unintentionally and that he couldn't stop the car by simply hitting the brakes. Big news, indeed. Late last week, however, new details were uncovered to suggest that the whole incident may have just been one big scam. Toyota will be releasing the full results of its investigation later this afternoon, so we'll wait until we have the official word before we start pointing any fingers. Hit the jump to watch the SNL commercial.

[Source: NBC]

Continue reading Video: SNL pokes fun at runaway Prius with fake Ford commercial

Video: SNL pokes fun at runaway Prius with fake Ford commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official investigation of runaway Prius begins to answer questions

John Neff — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota

A joint investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Toyota into the highly publicized incident last week of a runaway 2008 Toyota Prius near San Diego, CA may begin to answer questions raised after the owner's credibility was challenged. In particular, the brakes reportedly exhibit a pattern of wear that's inconsistent with the story told by the vehicle's owner, James Sikes. According to a draft memo written for the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the condition of the brakes suggests that they "weren't applied at full force over a sustained period at high speeds" reports the Wall Street Journal, but rather "the driver may have intermittently applied moderate pressure on the brakes."

Representatives from NHTSA and Toyota also couldn't duplicate the sudden unintended acceleration in testing that was allegedly experienced in the same car last week, though Sikes' lawyer claims these findings are not surprising: "I don't think that is surprising insofar as NHTSA has never been able to recreate these events and Toyota has denied that they even occur."

Finally, Sikes said after the incident that his accelerator pedal was stuck to the floor and he was braking hard at the same time. His particular Prius, however, is fitted with a brake override system that cuts engine power if the accelerator pedal and brake are applied at the same time. Investigators from both NHTSA and Toyota reportedly tried to recreate the same scenario with the vehicle in question and failed due to the brake override system performing as it was intended.

Toyota has announced a press conference for later today to share more of the investigation's results, which will likely further erode confidence in Sikes and his story. Some experts have questioned why Sikes didn't follow the advice of a 911 operator and shift his Prius into Neutral, as well as his explanation later of being afraid that the car would flip if he took it out of Drive. Also, Jalopnik.com reported last week that Sikes is some $700,000 in debt as well as behind on lease payments for the Prius in question. Puzzling behavior and circumstantial evidence aside, this investigation appears to offer the first hard evidence that what happened on Interstate 8 last week may not have been Toyota's fault.

[Source: Wall Street Journal, CNN, Jalopnik | Image: Toyota]]

Official investigation of runaway Prius begins to answer questions originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z enjoying high early demand in home market?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

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

The new Honda CR-Z has only been on sale in Japan for two weeks, and already the automaker has received over 7,000 orders for the small hybrid. This represents about 60 percent of the 12,000 units that Honda anticipated to sell domestically in the hatch's first year of production. If this trend continues, Honda may have to ramp up production of the CR-Z in Japan to meet the high demand.

The CR-Z's fortunes in other markets will be every bit as interesting to watch, of course. In the United States, for example, doubters (full disclosure: ourselves included) question whether Honda's idea of a sports hybrid that takes just under 10 seconds to hit 60 miles per hour might not be what the doctor ordered, especially when paired with surprisingly disappointing fuel economy figures. Of course, that's largely just what the online enthusiast community is saying at the moment, and not necessarily any indication of the car's eventual marketplace success whatsoever.

As fans of the long-gone CRX, we sincerely hope that the new CR-Z carries the torch in a way that does not appear to be conveyed by these early performance numbers. Either way, watching the CR-Z's long-term sales prospects both at home and in other markets will be far more important to the model's fortunes than an early sales boom in Japan and pre-launch online skepticism.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: MarketWatch]

Honda CR-Z enjoying high early demand in home market? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Noblesse-tuned Honda CR-Z on-track - Click above to watch video after the jump

A couple of days ago, we wrote about the specs for the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and most commenters weren't all that impressed. Spoon then let a little bit slip about what it was doing to make the hybrid coupe a little more engaging, but those were merely words. Now we have what is said to be track footage of Japanese tuner Noblesse in one of their tuned CR-Zs at Suzuka, and it might put people in a mind to at least reserve judgment.

It's all in-car video, and yes, Noblesse is primarily known for their bodykit work, not for actual performance parts. All which makes this footage a little tough to gauge, but there were moments when we did find ourselves thinking, "Hey, this could be something." And yes, we will only accept fully blacked-out CR-Zs from now on. Follow the jump for some Suzuka lapping, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Thanks for the tip and images, Chris!

Gallery: Honda CR-Z tuned by Noblesse at Suzuka

[Source: Six Sylinder]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche really, really wants to build 918 Spyder. Really.

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We still haven't stopped drooling over the Porsche 918 Spyder concept, a car that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It's a sexy infusion of both Boxster and Carrera GT influences, with a dash of hybrid power thrown in for good measure. What's not to love about a 500-horsepower, V8-powered roadster that can hit 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds? Oh, and did we mention that, because of its additional electric motors, Porsche claims that the 918 can also achieve up to 78 miles per gallon? We highly approve.

According to Autocar, we aren't the only ones swooning over the 918. In fact, Porsche is apparently fully committed to building a serial version of the Spyder. No official confirmation has been made, but in speaking to Autocar, Porsche boss Michael Macht says, "There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918," later adding, "The 918 Spyder proves the answer to whether there can be high-performance cars in the future." If this concept does get the green light for production, we could likely see it hit the streets within the next five years. We'll do our best to remain patient.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Porsche really, really wants to build 918 Spyder. Really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Another Prius accelerates unintentionally in New York and crashes

John Neff — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota

Not one day after a high-profile incident involving a Prius taking off on its owner in Southern California, we're hearing reports that another one of Toyota's popular hybrids has suffered unintended acceleration in New York. This time, instead of the car eventually succumbing to the will of its braking system, it crashed into a stone wall. Fortunately the owner was reportedly just pulling out of her driveway in Harrison, NY and the car only accelerated across the street, though the collision allegedly sent "some pretty big boulders" flying, said one police chief.

The 56-year-old driver reportedly suffered non-life threatening injuries, and like the incident in Southern California a day earlier, a floor mat trapping the accelerator pedal has been ruled out as a cause. The 2005 model year Prius' driver side floor mat was reportedly tied to the seat base with plastic ties.

The 2004-2009 Prius is included in an earlier Toyota recall for floor mats that may entrap the accelerator pedal, but the Japanese automaker does not have a fix ready for the cars, which may include reshaping their pedals, replacing floor mats and altering the shape of the floor. These cars are not, however, included in Toyota's other major recall involving drive-by-wire accelerator pedal assemblies that could stick due to wear and other environmental conditions. That leaves no obvious explanation as to why these two Prius models took off on their owners. Toyota has stated it will join California and the U.S. government in investigating the first vehicle, though hasn't commented on whether it will investigate the vehicle in New York yet.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Report: Another Prius accelerates unintentionally in New York and crashes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury, Off-Road

First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

In the wake of yesterday's "runaway Prius" in San Diego, Toyota says it's still working on a fix for the thousands of hybrids included in the 4.36 million vehicles recalled last November. The source of the unintended acceleration on these affected Prius models is the same as the other vehicles involved in the recall: A floor mat that gets jammed up against the throttle. Unfortunately for Toyota, the owner of yesterday's "runaway Prius" claims the floormat wasn't his car's problem.

Regardless, Toyota says that new, smaller pedals and redesigned floor mats are in the works for these vehicles, but modifications haven't begun because the automaker is still working on a more specific solution. Yeah, we're a bit confused as well.

Contrary to a report by the Wall Street Journal, a new recall isn't in the cards for the last-gen Prius and Toyota spokesperson Brian Lyons told The Detroit News that while he can't disclose exactly when this floormat fix will happen for affected Prius models or how the correction will be implemented, the changes will take place "sometime this year." Here's hoping it's sooner rather than later.

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Sources: Detroit News, Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST

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

Spoon Honda CR-Z - Click above for image gallery

With Honda's in-house parts department in the game and Mugen developing it's own line of kit for the CR-Z, the tuner trifecta is almost complete with the release of Spoon's performance parts for Honda's hybrid hatch.

While we thought bright blue wheels went out of vogue (even in the U.S.) in 2008, Spoon has coated its CR93 rollers in the company's signature hue, along with upgraded calipers clamping onto 15-inch slotted discs. A ride height lowered by 50mm comes courtesy of front coilovers and a spring and shock combo in the rear, while the body has been subtly altered with the addition of a carbon fiber hood, mirrors and front lip spoiler.

More importantly, a new N1 exhaust has been fitted and Spoon is fiddling with the ECU to churn out a few extra (and much-needed) ponies. There's no word on what the rejiggered computer and exhaust is good for power-wise or how Spoon is manipulating the hybrid drive system to boost performance, but considering the company's past endeavors, we're expecting good things.

Gallery: Spoon Honda CR-Z

[Source: Spoon via 7Tune]

Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Honda execs relate CR-Z to the original CRX - Click above to view the video after the jump

Looking at the 2011 CR-Z, it's hard not to think back to the original Honda CRX. The two-seat configuration, double-paneled glass hatch and sport compact styling are what made the CRX a huge hit for Honda buyers some two decades ago, and the automaker is hoping to recapture that magic with the CR-Z, though with a slightly different approach.

The big difference with the CR-Z is that it uses a hybrid powertrain rather than a standard petrol mill. And while the automaker's decision to give the CR-Z a gas/electric powertrain isn't necessarily sitting well with everyone, Honda reassures us that the fundamental values that made the CRX a success are very much present in the CR-Z. John Mendel, executive vice president of auto sales, says, "We hope consumers look at this car and see all the passion around the original CRX, but [we're] taking that passion and moving it into a whole new generation." See what other Honda execs and enthusiasts have to say about the CR-Z by watching the video after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX

Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Videos, Lotus

The manufactured sounds of the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above to watch video after the jump

Two years ago, we wrote about Lotus' Safe and Sound hybrid technology which added a V8 soundtrack over the quietude of a hybrid's electric motor. That demonstrator was a Toyota Prius, but at the Geneva Motor Show Lotus had an Evora 414E Hybrid equipped with several versions of aural enjoyment: a V6, a V12 and a non-ICE audio stab at what an electric car could maybe possibly sound like. Think Buck Rogers. Car and Driver magazine's technical editor Michael Austin sat with a Lotus engineer and tried it out. Follow the jump for the first strains of the future.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin

Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: San Diego 'runaway Prius' has media buzzing

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Toyota

Runaway Prius in San Diego - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Both the second- and third-generation Prius are part of Toyota's massive recall - the former for floormat problems, the latter for braking issues - but a new incident from California has the automaker looking into more potential issues with the second-generation car.

As CNN tells it, Jim Sikes was driving his Prius on Interstate 8 in San Diego County when he pushed the gas pedal to pass a slow-moving car, but then, as Sikes says, "[the pedal] did something kind of funny ... it jumped and it just stuck there." Sikes called 911 for assistance, but a California Highway Patrol officer caught up to the car, and the officer used a loudspeaker to give Sikes instructions on how to safely stop the vehicle with the emergency brake. "As it was going, I was trying the brakes... it wasn't stopping," Sikes recounts. The highway patrol officer said that Sikes had reached speeds of over 90 miles per hour.

Neither Sikes or any other drivers were hurt during this alleged unintended acceleration incident. In a statement issued Monday night, Toyota says that it has dispatched a field technical specialist to investigate the case. Click through the jump to watch the CNN video and you can read more about it in Los Angeles Times link below. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: CNN, Los Angeles Times]

Continue reading Video: San Diego 'runaway Prius' has media buzzing

Video: San Diego 'runaway Prius' has media buzzing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

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

Norio Tomobe, chief engineer of the Honda CR-Z, said "The CR-Z is supposed to be an intelligent sports car." We can spend a fair bit of time debating the 'intelligence' of a sports coupe that gets from 0-to-60 in 9.7 seconds and has just two seats but gets worse gas mileage than a Toyota Prius. However, we won't really be able to decide on the issue until we drive it, and that is apparently what it takes to feel the love for it.

According to Automotive News, back when the CR-Z was being designed to house a traditional gasoline-only drivetrain, Tomobe said he and his team dug deep to come up with a new idea for the car, which ended up being a hybrid drivetrain and a six-speed transmission. But that wasn't until after they had tried to kill the project. Twice. And that didn't stop the president of American Honda Motor from repeatedly telling Japan the U.S. didn't need or want a sporty hybrid, which he thought would confuse customers. Until he drove it, and then all was go.

The hybrid's compromises remain a subject on everyone's minds. Tomobe wants more horsepower, and rumors began a month ago about a Type-R iteration. Even though Tomobe claims "We are not pursuing absolute maximum speed," we can't help but wonder if this first version of Honda's 122-horsepower future satisfies his own aspiration that "What we aim for is a car that is exhilarating to drive."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Annual Energy Outlook predicts "alternative vehicles" won't top 50% market share in 2035

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Electric, Diesel

Just because it's difficult to predict the future doesn't mean people won't try. See, for example, the CEO of Shell, who said last week that he expects plug-in vehicles to make up 40 percent of the new car market in 2050. The U.S. Energy Information Administration isn't looking that far ahead with its latest prediction - and it isn't trying to convince stockholders of one thing or another - but it sees "alternative vehicles" (which includes flex fuel, hybrids and diesel) making up 49 percent of new vehicle sales by 2035. In 2008, this category only made up 13 percent. Why should we expect the increase? Higher CAFE standards and climbing fuel prices will force the issue.

The breakdown of this "alternative vehicles" category is interesting, too. In 2008, flex fuel vehicles made up around 80 percent of the total, with hybrid electrics making up most of the rest. By the time we get to 2035, the EIA says flex fuel vehicles will make up less than half of the category, with hybrids and diesels all growing to fill the gap. Plug-ins? Well, the EIA thinks they'll reach around five percent of the total market in 25 years. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

[Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration]

U.S. Annual Energy Outlook predicts "alternative vehicles" won't top 50% market share in 2035 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Maserati, Rumormill, Luxury

What's the world coming to when two of Italy's most storied supercar manufacturers - we're talking Ferrari and Lamborghini here, in case you couldn't tell - are planning to launch hybrid automobiles? Well, actually that'd be three of Italy's most storied automakers, now that rumors of just such a Maserati are making the rounds on the Interwebs.

We'd agree with the boys at Inside Line when they suggest that Maserati will likely borrow hybrid technology from fellow Fiat-owned Ferrari, especially since the two business units already share a number of drivetrain components. If that's the case, the three-pointed Trident brand could potentially get a version of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS for short) that Ferrari showed off on its 599 HY-KERS earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Word has it that Maserati is also joining Ferrari in its quest to shed a few unwanted pounds on its automobiles, which will have dual benefits for both brands - namely, improvements in both performance and fuel efficiency. Now there's a win-win scenario if we've ever heard one.

[Source: Inside Line]

Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced

Chris Shunk — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Diesel

The votes from 59 international journalists have been counted and the finalists for World Car of the Year have been named. The Detroit News is reporting that the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made the final cut, and the three vehicles will go toe-to-toe on April 1st (no foolin') at the start of the New York Auto Show, which is where the World COTY award is announced.

On the performance vehicle front, the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California are jockeying for the big prize. We feel sorry for the judges who have to choose from among these three junkers, but we're sure they'll somehow make it fun for themselves.

Design finalists are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro, and from the green category we have the previously mentioned Prius, the Honda Insight and Volkswagen's BlueMotion diesel offerings. Check back on these pages to see the winners of the individual categories when they are announced in New York on April Fool's Day.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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