These CAD renderings, brilliantly pilfered from presentations given by Ford last month to the Department of Energy and Society of Automotive Engineers by PickupTrucks.com, show the first detailed look at the new engine that's expected to achieve fuel efficiency gains of somewhere between 25-30% over a standard gasoline engine. That'll even be a 5-10% increase over the EcoBoost engines!

PickupTrucks.com claims, through a load of math-type stuff, that:

"...an experimental 3.5-liter GTDI EcoBoost engine modified with E85 direct injection and gasoline port fuel injection run on a dynamometer achieved a BMEP score of 305 psi (27 bar), which translates to approximately 553 pounds-feet of torque and 316 horsepower at 3,000 rpm (flat torque curve from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm). The experimental engine was limited by the engine block's ability to handle higher compression ratios."

That means it could have been even higher! For comparison purposes, a standard GTDI EcoBoost engine on a dyno was rated at 17 bar, which translates to approximately 350 lb-ft of torque and 300 HP at 4,500 rpm. Wowzers.

And at first we were just impressed with those pink double Air/Water-heat exchangers sitting on top of the engine.

But what's really cool about this technology is it's precisely how Ford expects to rech the new 2016 fuel economy numbers just announced by the Obama administration. No neutered hybrid pickup trucks needed. [PickupTrucks.com]

But, of course, the problem with ethanol remains one of economics rather than availability. E85 costs about 18% less nationwide than a gallon of gasoline despite containing 23-28% less energy. When the cost to grow, process, distill and transport that ethanol is taken into account, the math just doesn't work out in favor of corn likker . But we are glad our farmer friends are finally able to afford those new Sea Rays. [Green Car Congress; Image Credit: EPA]

Ordinarily, we wouldn't have given SwiftFuel a second glance due to the snake-oil style claims it makes. But in this case, the information came with a whiff of credibility thanks to a writeup by columnist Robert X. Cringely at PBS.org, including an interview with Mary Russek, half of the husband and wife team behind the company. Factor in the company's web site and a mention on Slashdot, and that's four different places you can find SwiftFuel on the internet. But is there any real information?

First, we looked at Swift Enterprises' claims about SwiftFuel, which are easy to spot thanks to the light-blue 20-point text on their MySpace entry:

• 
  
• Completely renewable with no petroleum: Fair enough, it's 100% ethanol based, so that claim seems plausible enough.
  
• 50% improvement in mileage over E-85 and 10-15% improvement over gasoline: I grouped these together since the math is basically the same. Still, this is a huge claim, considering that ethanol has only 75% of the energy density of gasoline. To achieve the required energy density, one would need to boost ethanol with another chemical or create a new hydrocarbon from the ethanol base stock.
  
• 20% fewer emissions than gasoline: You had me at "a 15% improvement in mileage." But the global warming benefits are certainly icing on the cake, and seem to point toward an oxygenate in the fuel.
  
• No engine modifications, additives or stabilizers are needed: In other words, you don't need a FlexFuel engine to run SwiftFuel, nor do you have to dump a quart of STP in the tank to keep from burning a valve. So, whatever they're using is chemically inert.
  

So is SwiftFuel real? To paraphrase legions of X-Files fans, "We want to believe!" But we don't. When Robert Cringely and the Ruseks swing by our office with a jerrycan full of SwiftFuel for us to test, we'll bring you more. Until then, SwiftFuel belongs in the same category as Water 4 Gas and the Tornado.
[Slashdot]

Editor-in-Chief

It took a bit of poking and prodding, but we managed to round up four "green" track cars for the Grassroots Motorsports Ultimate Track Car Challenge on Sunday. We have two Jetta TDIs—the Chili Pepper Racing TDI and the Kerma TDI. We'll also have the AC Propulsion eBox, which currently holds the 1/8th mile record with the National Electric Drag Racing Association for a street conversion. And finally, we have the Organic Racing Lotus 7 replica (an E85-powered WCM Ultralite S2K). These four will compete to see who's the fastest, and who's the greenest. Stay tuned for full coverage of Sunday's event at Buttonwillow.

Of course! You see, as former Jalopnik Mike Austin found out a couple of years back, Coors has been putting beer to debatably better use by harvesting ethanol out of wasted malted carbonated hops during the manufacturing process. Sure, ethanol may help with the performance of your car, but how's it going to fraternity parties nationwide to not have access to cheap beer because Coors is busy spending time on getting Ethanol out of waste matter? Seriously, the nerve of some companies.

Anyway, the Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Co., is capable of producing three million gallons of ethanol per year. The link to the Democratic National Convention is a distant one, at best — although if you've been covering the process of choosing a Democratic party candidate this election cycle you'll realize how important it would be to have three million gallons of beer at the convention rather than ethanol. Not that the convention being held in Denver will need three million gallons of ethanol, as Coors will provide the ethanol to power the flex-fuel vehicles being used for the convention.

But, Coors will also be the official beer sponsor of the convention as well — just hope those hog-wild Democrats can differ between the two prior to consumption in case they accidentally do bring a case or two of the wrong alcohol mixture with them. [Newsblaze] (Image via Getty)

Saab 9-X BioHybrid: Boosting Efficiency in Compact Design and Performance

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab's award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM's next-generation Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate release for details).

The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a 'low friction' loading system.

"This car is all about efficiency in design and performance," says Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its 'turbine' wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact 'hatchback' looks.

The smooth 'fuselage' bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold 'wraparound' window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupé concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car's distinctive 'shooting brake' silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. "You could say we designed this car from back to front, "says Lo. "The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space."

Echoing Saab's roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag - and fuel consumption - at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver- focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be 'frozen' in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by 'high friction' rubber carpeting, which 'grips' items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It's a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons

"This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format," adds Anthony Lo. "It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car."

Technical Specifications

BioPower Engine:
Transversely-mounted, front wheel drive
1398 cc. Four cylinders Bore/stroke: 73.4/ 82.6 mm. Aluminum cylinder head, cast iron block
DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder.
Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminum pistons, oil spray cooled.
Direct Injection with centrally-mounted injectors. VVT, inlet and exhaust
Sodium-filled exhaust valves
Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1
Intercooled turbocharger. Max. Boost Pressure: 1.6 bar
Dual-mass flywheel. Saab engine management

Max power (E85): 200 hp (147 kW) @ 5000 rpm.
Max.torque (E85): 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) @ 1750-5000 rpm
Max power (gasoline): 170 hp (125 kW) @ 5200 rpm.
Max.torque (gasoline): 230 Nm (170 lb.ft) @ 1500-5200 rpm

Hybrid System
Electric motor/generator with lithium ion battery pack.
Electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off, automatic engine re-start

Transmission:
6-spd manual gearbox, automated clutch, sequential gear selection, steering wheel controls

Suspension:
Front: Damper/coil struts, aluminum lower A-arm. Anti-roll bar.
Rear: Torsion beam, two trailing links, coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar
Steering:
Rack and pinion, Electrical power assistance.

Wheels, Tires:
21inch, 245/35R21
Brakes:
Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs: 345 mm / 345 mm (all ventilated)

Performance Data
(projected figures)

0 - 100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7.9 secs (E85)
8.3 secs (gasoline)

80 -120 km/h (50-75 mph), 5th gear: 8.8 secs (E85)
11.2 secs (gasoline)

Top Speed, 6th gear: 216 km/h /134 mph (E85)
192 km/h / 119 mph (gasoline)

Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.4 l/100km (E85)
4.9 l/100km (gasoline)

CO2 emissions 105 g/km (E85)
117 g/km (gasoline)

[source: Saab]

Press Release on E85

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2008 - Today at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.

Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 - the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. These additional product actions are part of Ford's sustainability strategy, which also includes high-volume introductions of EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct injection engines.

Speaking today at Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally met with industry leaders and media to share today's announcement and discuss how Ford is accelerating the development of new products and technologies customers want and value. Mulally also reaffirmed that Ford will reach benchmark levels of new or significantly freshened products, delivering a showroom with 70 percent new or freshened vehicles by the end of 2008 and 100 percent by 2010.

"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Mulally said. "We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year."

At the Washington Auto Show, Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, outlined the company's high-volume customer-focused strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

"Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers," said Cischke. "In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we're delivering today."

No emissions targets or environmental impact limits have been set. While we would love to see racing reduce its impact on the world around us, thus furthering research into enabling passenger cars to do the same, we can't help but feel efforts like this merely pay lip service to being environmentally friendly in order to placate critics.

In addition to establishing standards by size and weight, a plan to give fuel economy credits for producing ethanol-capable flex fuel vehicles has made the bill more platable to automakers. It is anticipated that the bill will require ethanol consumption to increase by billions of gallons along with other alternative fuels while accelerating the implementation of new fuel-saving technolgies. By the middle of the next decade, more than half the cars in production are expected to make use of advanced technologies. So does the new bill mean the end of rear-wheel drive and big V8s before the Muscle Car Wars even got started? The full impact won't become clear until the deal is completed, all of the details are revealed and the experts have weighed in. For now, just remember: if you can't afford a $35,000+ V8, do your duty and buy a disastrously slow subcompact so the rest of us can buy that sweet gas-guzzling brute. [The Detroit News]

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Announces First E85/FlexFuel Branch in St. Louis; Latest Move in Nationwide Commitment to New, Clean Fuels and Technologies

As part of its nationwide commitment to promote the increased availability and use of new, clean fuels and technologies throughout the United States, Enterprise Rent-A-Car today dedicated its first "E85/FlexFuel branch" in the St. Louis area, located at 11135

Manchester Road in Kirkwood. Officials from Enterprise, General Motors, fuel supplier J.D. Streett & Co. Inc., the City of Kirkwood, St. Louis Regional Clean Cities and the Missouri Corn Growers Association will be on hand as the Enterprise branch begins fueling its FlexFuel vehicles from Kirkwood's first E85 fuel pump, at the nearby ZX SMACK Shoppe Inc., at 10921 Manchester Rd. Enterprise will fuel the vehicles at noon during the ZX station's one-day promotion offering E85 to customers at $1.85 per gallon.

For Enterprise, the move is the latest addition to a comprehensive, long-term environmental stewardship platform, and follows the launch in recent months of similar E85/FlexFuel branches in Washington, D.C., and in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton, Ohio.

"As the owner of the world's largest vehicle fleet, we are committed to fueling our FlexFuel vehicles with E85 and sending a strong message that we are ready to embrace new technologies and alternative fuels as they become commercially viable," said Tony Moise, vice president and general manager of Enterprise's operations in the St. Louis area. "Those who produce and sell FlexFuel vehicles and E85 fuel need to know that if they make it, we will buy it, and we will encourage our customers to use it as well.

"Today we are honored to back that commitment by establishing our first E85/FlexFuel branch in our hometown of St. Louis," Moise said. "About 25 percent of our fleet at that branch will be GM FlexFuel vehicles, and we are committed to keep them fueled with E85 from ZX's fueling station. It's a pleasure to join with others who share our commitment to environmental stewardship."

The Taylor family of companies, which includes Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, has the world's largest fleet of FlexFuel vehicles - more than 54,000 cars and trucks that have the ability to burn E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Nationally, Enterprise is actively deploying as many of its FlexFuel vehicles as possible near E85 fueling stations in order to build consumer awareness and increase the number of cars being fueled with E85. According to the EPA, E85 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent.

"E85 ethanol is the biofuel most likely to reduce our demand for oil, and GM offers 11 E85 models," said Frank Ellis, fleet account executive for General Motors. "We're happy to work with Enterprise to help promote and expand the availability of E85 fuel in St. Louis, and in more and more communities across the country."

The Enterprise E85/FlexFuel branch will have about 35 GM FlexFuel vehicles available for rental. To educate customers about E85, Enterprise will provide in-car materials showing the locations of other St. Louis-area E85 fueling stations, and offer information on the environmental benefits of the fuel.

"At Enterprise, we know there are two things we need to be successful for the long term - cars and fuel," said Moise. "We need access to both and both must be acceptable to society. For us, environmental stewardship is about sustaining our business for the long term by addressing the parts of the world our business touches. Embracing renewable fuel blends like E85 and alternative technologies like FlexFuel is a step in the right direction to reduce vehicle emissions and cut our dependence on fossil fuels.

"Part of our goal as a company is to reduce the environmental impact of our fleet," Moise added. "But we know our customers care about the environment, too. We want to make it easier for them to make sustainable choices. In St. Louis, this focus on E85 and FlexFuel vehicles will help us accomplish that goal."

In addition to this initiative to embrace E85, FlexFuel and other new, clean technologies, the other major elements of the company's environmental platform include:

— Offsetting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions - Beginning in January 2008, Enterprise - along with National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car - will offer customers the opportunity to benefit the environment by offsetting the CO2 emissions generated by their car rentals.

— The world's largest fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles - More than 440,000 cars in the combined Enterprise, National and Alamo worldwide fleet average a highway fuel efficiency rating of 28 mpg or better, and more than 237,000 average at least 32 mpg. In addition, 264,000 have earned the U.S. EPA's SmartWay certification mark - a distinction the EPA grants to vehicles that emit relatively low levels of both regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases such as CO2.

— Research - In February 2007, the Taylor family gave $25 million to create the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, one of the world's foremost plant research centers. The institute works to develop acceptable alternatives to finite fossil fuels by finding new ways to create fuel from renewable, reliable plant sources.

— Conservation - The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation is funding the planting of 50 million trees over the next 50 years at a total cost of $50 million through the 50 Million Tree Pledge, a public/private/non-profit partnership with The National Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. The trees are being planted on public lands in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
[PR Inside]

Diesel- and Hybrid-Powered Vehicles Can Provide More Societal Benefits than Gas-Powered Autos

Cars and light trucks powered by advanced diesel technology or hybrid technology can provide larger societal benefits than traditional gasoline-powered automobiles, according to a RAND Corporation working paper presented today.

The research by RAND, a non-profit research organization, also found that light trucks and cars continuously fueled by a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - known as E85 - compare unfavorably with the other two alternatives.

"Rising oil prices coupled with concerns about global climate change are driving debate about which fuels and engines should be used to power the 17 million new cars and trucks sold each year," said John Graham, dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate School and senior author of the research paper.

"Advanced diesel and hybrid technologies show very well in this study, in terms of benefits to the individual and society overall," Graham said. "E85 simply doesn't provide the same benefits."

Graham presented the results of the research today at the annual meeting of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management in Washington, D.C. The peer-reviewed paper is available online as part of RAND's working paper series in which initial research results are shared publicly to solicit additional technical feedback.

The research examines the benefits and costs of three alternatives to the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine for the 2010-2020 period: gasoline-electric hybrid technology (as found in the Toyota Prius or the Ford Escape SUV Hybrid), advanced diesel technology (such as the Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan), and dual-fuel vehicles that are powered continuously by E85.

Each alternative has the technological potential for significant market penetration in the near term, the research finds.

Additionally, each technology was compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle. Comparisons were made for three vehicle types: a mid-sized car, a mid-sized SUV and a large pick-up truck. The cost-benefit comparisons were made from the perspective of individual consumers and society in general, on a per-vehicle basis over the life of the vehicle.

The paper ranks the four technologies using benefit-cost analysis. Using most reasonable assumptions, the results placed advanced diesel technology first, followed by hybrid technology, the gasoline engine and E85 technology.

The consumer perspective accounted for technology cost, fuel savings, mobility and performance. The societal perspective also included tailpipe pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and "energy security costs" for the fuels - the costs to society as a whole from greater dependence on expensive and unstable foreign oil supplies.

Fuel taxes are excluded in the societal case, which is typical of benefit-cost analysis. And the costs are estimations that illustrate relative performance.

The results assume fuel prices of $2.50 per gallon for gasoline, $2.59 per gallon for diesel fuel, and $2.04 per gallon for E85 (including tax credit). The report also examines scenarios where fuel costs are much higher and much lower.

Among the key findings from the consumer perspective:

* For all three vehicle types, the advanced diesel offers the highest savings over the life of the vehicle among the options considered. These savings increase with the size and fuel use of the vehicle: $460 for the car, $1,249 for the SUV and $2,289 for the large pick-up truck;
* The hybrid option has smaller but still considerable savings for SUV applications ($1,066), moderate savings for pick-up applications ($505) but minimal savings over the life of the vehicle for car owners ($198);
* The vehicles operating on E85 cost all three owners more over the vehicle life, with a greater net cost burden for larger vehicles and increased fuel consumption: (-$1,034 for cars, -$1,332 for SUVs, -$1,632 for pick-ups).

Both the hybrid and diesel vehicles are more fuel efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts: 25 to 40 percent better for hybrid and 20 to 30 percent for diesel, depending on the vehicle.

"While it is assumed that the hybrid vehicle will save more fuel than the advanced diesel, the overall advantage goes to the diesel because of its lower technology costs and better performance such as increased torque," Graham said. "For E85, it is the cost of producing the fuel, not vehicular changes, that drives the negative results."

The key findings from the societal perspective are similar to those of the consumer perspective, including:

* The advanced diesel again shows the most promise, particularly for the larger vehicles: $289 for cars, $1,094 for SUVs and $2,199 for large trucks.
* The net benefits for hybrids are somewhat less positive, with moderate-to-small values of $481 for SUVs and $132 for light trucks, and an increased cost for cars (-$317) over the life of the vehicle
* Results for E85 remain uniformly negative, even more so for larger than smaller vehicles: -$1,046 for cars, -$1,500 for SUVs and -$2,049 for light trucks

"While the net benefit of E85 is generally unfavorable compared to hybrid and advanced diesel technology, the diesel's edge over the hybrid is not as significant," Graham said. "If the cost of hybrid technology falls significantly, the benefits of the hybrid could equal or exceed the diesel."

The report finds that E85 does not generate net societal benefits unless a breakthrough reduces ethanol production costs or gas prices stay near their current high levels for a sustained period of time.

"Hybrid and diesel technology are close, but diesels have the advantage for the typical motorist, and provide a strong edge for drivers who require towing, hauling and rugged capabilities such as those offered in pick-ups," Graham said. "Hybrids have a competitive edge for urban consumers who experience more stop-and-go city traffic."

Graham said it is unlikely that market forces alone will result in widespread use of any of the three technologies, noting that federal consumer tax credits improve the benefit-cost estimates of the advanced diesel and hybrid technologies.

The paper, "The Benefits and Costs of New Fuels and Engines for Cars and Light Trucks," can be found at www.rand.org.

The research was funded through philanthropic support for the Pardee RAND Graduate School, including contributions by DaimlerChrysler, The Dow Chemical Company, DuPont, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, General Motors and Toyota.

Other authors include Ryan Keefe and Jay Griffin, doctoral fellows at Pardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica, Calif.

The Pardee RAND Graduate School was founded in 1970 as one of America's original eight graduate programs in public policy and remains the only one based at a think tank. The interdisciplinary doctorate in policy analysis offered by the school is designed to train creative thinkers to play important roles in solving major problems facing the world. [RAND via EarthTimes]

Herr Wert tossed one up about the '34 Chevy Coupe with the 2.0-liter, 500 HP Ecotec E85 turbo mill. To which we can only say, "Hot damn!" Commenter danms6 however, had a slightly different take:

I wouldn't be surprised if GM made this FWD.

FLEXFUEL CHEVY HOT ROD DEMONSTRATES VINTAGE STYLE AND MODERN ALTERNATIVE-FUEL PERFORMANCE

With a 500-horsepower engine, a channeled body and a chopped top, GM's custom street rod looks right at home on the salt flats of Bonneville. But instead of a traditional gasoline V-8, this '34 Chevy replica rod sports a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec engine that runs on E85 ethanol. Appropriately, it has been dubbed the FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod.

"Since the 1930's, hot rods have embodied American ingenuity, aesthetic flair and the quest for performance," said Bryan Nesbitt, vice-president of General Motors North American Design. "The ethanol Hot Rod is a modern statement that today's hot rodder can address energy concerns about the consumption of petroleum without sacrificing performance or style."

The car's low-slung stance and stripped-down essence suggests track cars and speed racers of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Open hood sides reveal the high-powered Ecotec engine, which has been pumped up with the help of GM Performance Parts' Stage III performance kit and a larger turbo. The higher octane of E85 enabled engineers to tune the engine for more power. It is backed by a GM Powertrain 5L40 five-speed automatic transmission.

"The engine was built using the basic recipe that is available in the Ecotec performance book available from GM Performance Parts," said Al Oppenheiser, GM Performance Division director of concept and vehicle integration. "Also, the E85 conversion is based on a kit that GM is exploring for regular production engines."

True hot rod aesthetic

Like hot rods built for the last 60 years, the FlexFuel Hot Rod is built from an assemblage of factory and aftermarket parts. The frame and body are based on the 1934 Chevy, but both were fabricated by the craftsmen at the GM Performance Division (GMPD). The body has been sectioned and channeled to give the car its true hot rod aesthetic, while the frame is a one-off piece designed, engineered and built by GMPD. The slanted grille - with a unique chrome mesh pattern - and hood are integrated for a smoother look, which includes a sun visor characteristic of period hot rod racers.

Like any good rod worth its salt, there are no fenders or running boards; the 10-inch headlamps are mounted to the core support. The front suspension is all custom-built, complete with period-perfect lightening holes drilled in it.

A sturdy 8-3/8-inch Winters Quick-change rearend is suspended by a parallel four-link suspension. It is filled with 5.20 gears, which are used to generate brisk acceleration with 35-inch-tall, racing-type Excelsior rear tires and 29-inch-tall front tires. The tires are mounted on custom 18-inch front and 20-inch rear "kidney bean"-style wheels from Budnik.

Steering comes from a custom-fabricated linkage that is connected to a reversed Corvair steering box. The linkage is mounted to the outside of the frame rail.

Hand-crafted cabin

Inside, the FlexFuel Hot Rod maintains its racing-inspired minimalist theme, but with contemporary feel. Hand-formed sheet metal and earth-friendly materials were used to trim the cabin, as well as the racing-style aluminum seats. The dashboard was hand-finished, too, and filled with traditional-looking Stewart-Warner gauges.

One of the interior's central points of interest is the racing-style driveshaft tube, which covers the custom driveshaft. It is a prominent fixture in the cabin because the body has been lowered around the chassis to achieve the streamlined appearance that was characteristic of old-school hot rods.

Road ready

More than just a conceptualized vision of an alternative-fuel street rod, the FlexFuel Hot Rod is a driver that GM Performance Division will press into service for a number of road events and tests.

"This thing is going to rack up a lot of miles," said Oppenheiser. "With the FlexFuel conversion, it can run purely on E85, gasoline or any combination of the two. That means it can be refueled anywhere the road takes it."
# # #

GREEN AND MEAN: JAY LENO'S E85-CAPABLE Z06-INSPIRED C6RS CORVETTE BOASTS 600 HP AND ALTERNATIVE-FUEL CAPABILITY

LAS VEGAS - "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's predilection for performance cars is no secret, but many fellow enthusiasts may not know that he is keenly interested in alternative fuels. To prove that red-blooded power mixes easily with a touch of green, Leno partnered with Pratt & Miller - the engineering company that builds and campaigns C6.R Corvettes - to develop a modified Corvette Z06 that is capable of running on E85 ethanol. It was unveiled at the 2007 SEMA Show.

More than merely a conversion of the stock LS7 engine to E85 capability, Leno's alternative-fuel supercar is powered by a custom, 8.2L (500-cubic-inch) all-aluminum small-block V-8 that pumps out approximately 600 horsepower and 585 lb.-ft. of torque.

"The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts," said Leno. "I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline."

The engine is built around a custom aluminum cylinder block that was CNC-milled from a single block of billet aluminum. And while the cylinder heads, intake system and dry-sump oiling system are stock LS7 components, the engine - which has larger bore and stroke dimensions than the 7.0L (427-cubic-inch) LS7 - uses a one-off reciprocating assembly, including a forged steel crankshaft, forged rods and forged pistons. Katech Engines, the company that builds engines for the Corvette C6.R racing program, developed the engine.

The fuel system and engine control computer were modified to accommodate E85, and spent gases exit through a Corsa exhaust system. Supporting the 600-horse engine's power is a blueprinted and strengthened T-56 six-speed transmission and a high-performance Centerforce dual-friction clutch.

C6.R inspiration
On the outside, Leno's bad and black C6RS emulates the styling of C6.R racecars, with wider front and rear fenders and a wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler on top and a racing-style diffuser at the bottom (the diffuser incorporates an LED-lit backup lamp). A C6.R-style waterfall hood front fender louvers, rockers and lower grille opening further define this special Corvette - and all of the car's front-end panels are made of carbon-fiber, including custom brake air ducts routed through the front fenders. With all of its body modifications, Leno's C6RS is 1.6 inches wider than stock.

The C6.R's - and production Corvette's - aerodynamically styled bodywork is designed to slice efficiently through the wind, which helps enhance fuel mileage.

The race-ready look of the car is enhanced with a quartet of BBS wheels that feature racing-type locking center hubs. The forged aluminum 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels ride on Michelin P295/30ZR18 and P345/30ZR19 tires, respectively.

Adding authenticity to the car's custom bodywork was the involvement of Pratt & Miller. The company took on the task of crafting Leno's Corvette into a street-going replica of the racecars, which included installing or fabricating a host of unique components, including:
• A custom DeWitt high-capacity radiator with dual cooling fans
• A carbon-fiber ram-air induction system
• Carbon-fiber inner fender panels that vent hot air from the engine compartment
• Brembo brakes with six-piston mono-block calipers in front and four-piston rear calipers
• Dyna-Mat used throughout the cabin and chassis to reduce interior noise

While the exterior and drivetrain were inspired by the racetrack, the C6RS's cabin exudes luxury, with premium touches and enhancements from Genuine Corvette Accessories that include a two-tone shift knob and boot; leather-covered console armrest, parking brake handle and boot; an interior trim kit, racing-style pedal covers and more.

With its 600 horses on tap and domestically produced E85 fuel in the tank, Jay Leno's alternative-fueled C6RS is an all-American supercar that proves high performance and environmental consciousness go together like the Corvette and checkered flags.

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State Senate Hearing to Focus on Flex-Fuel Vehicle Purchases [mercurynews.com]

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