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i feel gassy
Pneumatic Hybrids: Urban Powertrain Of The Future?
Hybrid technology propels most fuel-efficient vehicles currently on sale in the U.S., but with costly battery packs and not-so-easy-on-the-wallet pricing; Are gas-electric hybrids long for this world? Could pneumatic hybrids be a cost-effective replacement? More » -
i feel gassy
Appliance-Driving American Consumers Still Stupid
Honda's Insight hybrid may fall 33% short of U.S. sales goals. Why? America's already forgotten last summer's record high gas prices. Even with a recent 30% price increase, gas's still cheap for the moment. So, are appliance-driving consumers just stupid? More » -
i feel gassy
The United States Map Of Higher Gas Prices
AAA reports the national average for a gallon of gas's up 62.1 cents over the last 48 days to $2.67. That's a 30.4% increase. But it ain't so expensive, or cheap, everywhere. Here's a current county-by-county nationwide pricing map.
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i feel gassy
Ballyhoed New CAFE Standards Riddled With Hummer-Sized Loopholes
When Obama unveiled new fuel standards we decried the end of fun cars and pointed out how far most automakers are from meeting new-for-2016 fuel standards. It turns out, thanks to Hummer-sized loopholes like your car's air-conditioning, automakers should be able to meet them with little fear. More » -
i feel gassy
California already plotting America's post-2016 fuel standards. [Reuters via AutoNews]
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i feel gassy
Obama Kills Fun Cars, Unveils 35.5 MPG Fuel Economy Plan By 2016
President Obama and distinguished hostagesauto execs just unveiled new emissions and fuel economy standards. The result? They've just killed all the fun cars. More » -
i feel gassy
Ebony And Ivory: Automakers Support Obama
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (NAMBLA), a trade association of 11 major automakers, back and plan to live together in perfect harmony with Obama's plan creating a unified auto emissions and fuel economy policy. More » -
i feel gassy
Obama To Announce New Fuel Economy, Emissions Standard Tomorrow
According to Politico, the Obama administration's announcing a new national auto standards policy for 2016. The plan supposedly marries U.S. fuel economy and emissions standards to California polices and be supported by automakers and policymakers. More » -
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i feel gassy
NASCAR Star Drives Ford Fusion Hybrid Slowly, Gets 1,445.7 Miles On Single Gas Tank
NASCAR star Carl Edwards, using eco-driving tips, drove this 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid non-stop 1,445.7 miles on one tank of gas. Over 69 hours he averaged 81.5 MPG and annoyed 5,180 fellow drivers.
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i feel gassy
Swine Flu Drives Panic Up, Oil Prices Down
With Swine Flu possibly threatening global economy recovery, oil futures fell 4.5% to $49.25 a barrel today. That's good news for those of us planning to ride out the Swine Flupocalpyse in our cars. [Marketwatch] -
2009 SAE
"100 MPG" Electric Hummer H3 Doesn't Actually Get 100 MPG
We're here at the 2009 SAE World Congress in Detroit, where California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up for the "100 MPG" Raser Electric Hummer H3 unveiling. Which, incidentally, does not actually get 100 MPG. More » -
i feel gassy
100 MPG Hummer H3: Volt Goes Off-Road
Raser Electric has built an extended-range electric Hummer H3 which will supposedly return 100 MPG when it hits the road. How did they do it? By building a simplified Chevy Volt before GM could. More » -
Hybrid Car Wars
New Prius Vs. Fusion Hybrid Vs. Honda Insight: Which Hybrid Should You Buy?
A battle even more hotly contested in the car world than the Muscle Car Wars: the introduction of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Prius and Honda Insight gives us the Hybrid Car Wars! Who survives? More » -
i feel gassy
CAFE: Fuel Economy Standards To Increase 8% To 27.3 MPG For 2011
The U.S. Transportation Department today will mandate the first passenger car fuel economy increase since 1975. The 2011 model year will require a fleetwide 8% increase above 2010 model year requirements to 27.3 MPG.
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i feel gassy
Denis Leary Wants To Create Biggest Carbon Footprint Possible
Comedian Denis Leary's always been controversial, but now he's sticking his finger in Hollywood's eco-friendly eye, claiming he needs trucks and his goal is to leave Earth with the biggest carbon footprint he possibly can. More » -
i feel gassy
BMW Partners With NASA On New Thermoelectric Exhaust System
BMW has revealed a partnership with NASA to develop thermoelectric generators for its next-generation Efficient Dynamics Mk2 system which uses a little bit o' ultrascience to make 200W from wasted exhaust gasses. More » -
i feel gassy
Cars Vs. People: What's More Fuel Efficient?
Ever wondered whether walking was more resource efficient than driving? Although we know we poop more when we exercise, this chart finally helps us to answer that question a bit more scientifically. More » -
i feel gassy
2010 Toyota Prius: At 50 MPG, Officially Highest-Mileage Retail Vehicle
Toyota announced this morning the 2010 Toyota Prius will officially be the highest-mileage retail vehicle available in the U.S. with a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 50 MPG. More » -
i feel gassy
Massachusetts Looking At "Hummer Tax" For "Gas-Guzzlers"
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday he's looking at what's being termed a "Hummer tax" — basically, higher registration fees for larger vehicles and discounts for those that do "less harm" to the environment. More » -
classic ad watch
1988 Geo Metro: No Matter What!
Unless you put a CBR900RR engine in one, the '88 Geo Metro hatchback is a downright cute little gas sipper. It's tough to argue with 53 city MPG, though we remain skeptical about that figure. -
i feel gassy
2010 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy Increased To 33 MPG, Matches Chevy Malibu
The newly-revealed 2010 Toyota Camry's fuel economy officially increased to 33 MPG, matching the previous high-mileage champs, the Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6. Well, that was a fun race, wasn't it? [Kicking Tires] -
classic ad watch
The 1962 Plymouths Deliver A Kick In The Teeth, Frankie Fontaine Weeps
When Chrysler made the '62 Plymouths get better mileage and require less maintenance, it was really all about crushing the American small businessman. At least, that's the message Frank Fontaine delivers in this ad. More » -
government
Sure, But Who Will Build Them?
As President Obama today addressed his desire for the fuel-efficient cars of the future to be built here, the following news flash shot across the bottom of the screen. Ironic? A bit, yes. [CNBC] -
fuel economy
REPORT: Obama To Allow California To Set Auto Emissions Standards
President Obama plans to remove federal opposition to statewide automobile emissions standards today, allowing California and other states to regulate emissions above-and-beyond federal guidelines and possibly putting political expediency above good public policy. More » -
2010 ford fusion
Ford Fusion New Mid-Size Fuel Economy Champ, Bests Toyota, Honda
The I4-equipped 2010 Ford Fusion is now the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan in America with fuel economy of 34 MPG highway and 23 MPG city, besting the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. More » -
detroit auto show
Official Euro Honda Insight Hybrid Fuel Economy Numbers Leak: Less Fuel-Efficient Than Toyota Prius
According to leaked info in Honda's official magazine in Belgium, the European 2009 Honda Insight is less fuel-efficient than the current Toyota Prius — but may only be about 1 MPG less. More » -
novelties
Contribute To The Environment Unconsciously With The Magic Power System!
What would you say to a £34.99 ($53.75) device that plugs into your car's lighter socket and gives you 10-30% better fuel economy, cleans the entire car electrically and improves audio sounds? We totally believe all those claims, and those are just a few of the benefits offered by the Magic Power System, aka Power Bar. How do you suppose this device works? Blood-magneto suction drums? Electrical system acupressure? Charm quark intimidation?
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classic ad watch
Look Out, Toyota Starlet! The '82 Sentra Gets 58 Highway MPG!
Of course we realize that the books were cooked on that 58 MPG figure; the old EPA test had about as much to do with real-world driving as the image of Sea Monkeys has to do with real brine shrimp. Still, though, the '82 Sentra sipped gas through a cocktail straw, and entry-level econoboxes 26 years later are guzzling the stuff by comparison. Would present-day car buyers find this Datsun intolerably loud, cramped, and bouncy, pissing themselves in terror every time an Expedition loomed in their field of vision… and what's with the hand-cranked windows and lack of air conditioning? Yeah, a car like this would have no chance today, but let's see what happens when gas hits 10 bucks per! -
Highest Fuel Economy Cars For 2009
New EPA Fuel Economy Guide Reveals Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles For 2009
The Environmental Protection Agency just released their 2009 EPA Fuel Economy Guide and we've pored through the hot-off-the-presses data to pull out this list of the ten most fuel efficient cars for sale in the US next year. Not surprisingly, the Toyota Prius once again tops the list with a combined 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway performance. Though hybrids take four of the top five spots, the Volkswagen Jetta/Jetta SportWagen Diesels cracked the top ten with a 30/41 mpg rating. Also showing up in the lineup for the first time is the new Chevy Cobalt XFE with a fuel economy rating of 25/37 mpg. The rest of the list and the top performers in each category below. More » -
vw jetta tdi
2009 VW Jetta TDI Achieves 58.82 MPG While Traveling Through Lower 48, Sets World Record
To raise awareness of the high mileage it’s possible to achieve by driving sensibly in a sensible vehicle, John and Helen Taylor traversed the lower 48 states in a stock 2009 VW Jetta TDI. Staying within 5 MPH of the posted speed limit, the couple used just 11 tanks of fuel on the trip resulting in an overall fuel economy of 58.82 MPG. Yes, you too can get nearly 60 MPG while driving a nice, normal car. More » -
i feel gassy
Watching Tonight's Presidential Debate?
If you're watching tonight's Presidential debate — and why wouldn't you be as energy policy will affect the price you pay at the pump — head on over to Gawker's live-blog of the debate. Who knows, it could be fun! [Gawker, Photo Credit: Chron] -
International Trucks
International Discontinues CXT, MXT And RXT Civilian Truck Line
International, makers of the stupidly huge and awesome CXT, MXT and RXT $90,000+ luxury consumer trucks, has killed its consumer products division. You can guess why: The rise of green fashion, gas prices and the whole "America doesn’t have money anymore" thing. The company will now focus exclusively on their commercial and military ranges. [Kicking Tires] -
volvo
Volvo Using Wind Tunnels To Help Save You A Buck At The Pump
It's no secret that a car with slick coefficient of friction will be better on gas. So Volvo decided to build a top-notch wind tunnel in Sweden that they claim is an improvement on traditional test facilities. Volvo's wind tunnel allows a simulated road under the car at-speed, while most tunnels just leave the wheels stationary. The whole thing is also climate-controlled, from 68 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing Volvo to test for temperature-induced changes in drag. Impressive, but we still miss the days when Volvos were shaped using nothing but straight lines and 90-degree angles. -
Chrysler ENVI Program
How Do The Chrysler Hybrids Match The Volt's EV Range?
When Chrysler dropped its bevy of extended-range electric vehicles in our laps today as part of the company's new ENVI program, we wondered how coincidental it was that Chrysler was claiming the same all-electric range as the much ballyhooed Chevy Volt. The Volt makes concessions to seating and obsessively maximizes aerodynamics to get its 40 mile range, but the Chrysler EV and the Jeep EV both claim 40 miles as well. No funny-shaped center consoles, no wacky aero-trickery, just batteries and electric motors. So what's the deal? Not surprisingly, it's mainly the batteries that make the difference here. More » -
Jeep EV
Jeep EV: Rock Crawling The Electric Way
Not content to let the Dodge EV and Chrysler EV hog the electrified-concept spotlight, the Jeep EV makes its debut as well, complete with range-extended electric status and the possibility of monster rock-crawling capabilities. This Jeep Wrangler Unlimited gets a battery pack, an electronics controller, and a 268 HP electric motor with 295 lb-ft of torque, while the big gas engine is subtracted in favor of a fuel-sipping generator. The knee-jerk reaction to an electrically motivated Jeep might be to recoil in horror at the thought, but think about it for a second — maximum torque at zero RPM, a power source unaffected by orientation, and no engine noise to get in the way of your spotter's directions. Okay, the likelihood of hitting the Rubicon Trail with this baby is small, but the idea isn't that far out. Details in the press release below. More » -
alternative energy
Honda Thinks Plug-In Technology Not Yet Up To Task
Apparently, even in light of Chrysler's announcement this morning, Honda thinks all this plug-in hybrid stuff is nonsense...at least until battery technology is up to the task, reports Bloomberg News. Masaaki Kato, head of Honda's research unit, said "For battery-powered vehicles to become more widespread, more popular in the market, we feel battery technology needs to advance further." Kato considers the rapid release of a plug-in hybrid when technology isn't quite up to the task could be a PR disaster, and he hints at such, remarking that the expectations for plug-ins are big and "we don't know that that could be sustained right now." Instead, Honda will continue work on its hydrogen fuel-cell FCX Clarity, which the company considers less technologically challenging than developing advanced batteries. More » -
Why Old Cars Are Better Than New Ones
Car And Driver Gives Five Reasons To Not Buy A Cheap Beater Car, We Disagree
Car And Driver realizes that while hybrids and alternative fuels may get all the hype, the solution for many people on fuel economy is still the simple old econo-bucket beater. However, they've come up with five reasons why buying something like a cheap old Geo Metro isn't a good idea. Car And Driver makes some valid points, but we're thinking we'd still rather have a old beater. Although our five reasons below the jump won't apply to most consumers — we think maybe consumers should just become more like us. More » -
eco-driving
British Driving Test Now Judges Eco-friendly Motoring Aptitude
The nanny state has added one more criteria to their driver licensing tests: Eco-friendly driving skills. The Telegraph reports that the new testing is being implemented to comply with EU regulations, with government officials stating that motorists practicing the eco-friendly driving techniques could see savings of up to a month's worth of fuel over the course of a year. Basically, it's the same thing our automakers are promoting with the help of Ah-nold, except ours isn't mandated or federally funded. Heck, we don't even have driver's ed! While motorists won't fail the test due to poor environmental scores, we figure it's only a matter of time before remote CO2 monitoring stations are around every bend, checking pollution output and photographing the plates of any gross offenders. You've been warned. [Telegraph.co.uk, Image: Getty Images] -
tesla roadster
Tesla Finalizes Single-Speed Transmission, Ups Output, Range
The thorn in Tesla's side, the troubled single-speed transmission for its all-electric Tesla Roadster, has finally been approved for production, and with it comes an announcement of more power and better range. After durability problems with the original single-speed transmission, Telsa was forced to used a two-speed cog swapper for production. But now, after re-sourcing the business to transmission mega-star Borg Warner, the redesigned single-speed is ready to go and offers big benefits. Because of the additional capability in the transmission, the peak torque has been raised from 211 lb-ft to 280 lb-ft; a heady number considering peak torque arrives at zero rpm with an electric motor. Despite the higher output, the EPA estimates show a 10% increase in range. That's a pretty neat trick. Complete details below. More » -
Mercedes C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
Mercedes C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Shows Off Next-Generation Benz Diesels
Mercedes has announced a new C-Class car with its next-generation four-cylinder diesel mill, uniquely titled "BlueEFFICIENCY." While we're not sure about the name, the specs are certainly impressive: Mercedes claims 204 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque from the 2.2-liter four, while returning a combined 45 MPG and meeting EU5 emissions standards in C-Class Prime form. Mercedes claims the BlueEFFICIENCY engine will replace four separate diesels at the company, and be offered in the E-Class, the new GLK-Class and in a future E‑Class Coupe in addition to the C-Class. More info and full release after the jump. More »







































