EveryJoe » diesel-hybrid

Fiat shoots for gas and diesel hybrids by 2011

Hilary — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:19:19 +0000

Now that they’ve proven themselves on the marketplace, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to use them toward his ultimate goal of producing cars with the lowest emissions in Europe by 2012. To do that, he’s focusing both on gas and diesel hybrid models. You can read more about their plans here.

It’s no coincidence that European laws are set to change that year. More proof that regulations do effect the market in environmentally positive ways.

And now, for some more Euro-car action … I was amused when I first learned of these automatic stop sign roadblocks that (in some European countries) rise right up out the street. I guess they were news to this feller, too.
[img source Fiat]

Post from: EveryJoe

Fiat shoots for gas and diesel hybrids by 2011

More info on diesel-hybrid Golf

Hilary — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:58:01 +0000

Prospective owners may be disappointed to learn the recently hyped Volkswagen Golf won’t be hitting US soil for several years, and a hefty chunk of cash. According to AutoblogGreen, Volkswagen is projecting fuel efficiency to ring in at nearly 70 mpg. Wired’s running photos, and some extra tidbits from the Geneva Auto Show – including the fact that VW is saying this is strictly a concept [read: fantasy] car though other sources claim production is underway.

While no figures are being named at the moment, CNNMoney.com has an article detailing what it will take to a) be sold in the US, b) sold at an affordable cost. Will the diesel hybrid be a hit in Europe? We yanks can only hope. It seems the only way N.A. buyers will get a chance.

No word yet on whether it will run on bio-diesel or not. :p

Post from: EveryJoe

More info on diesel-hybrid Golf

Mercedes-Benz offers first w/ Lithium ion

Hilary — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 22:19:09 +0000

Wackadoo! Is it possible Daimler beat GM to the punch? With the Chevy Volt supposedly coming out in 2010, General Motors certainly seemed like they were the cutting edge, but they’re efforts are being sniped by none other than … Mercedes-Benz.

The company has solved the overheating problems involved with using lithium ion batteries using an intricate cooling system, and expects their S400 BlueHYBRID to hit US markets late next year. Fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, it’s 299 hp come with low emissions and an estimated 30 mpg.

This will be quickly followed by the release of a diesel-hybrid version of the S300. A sale date has not been announced, but specs indicate the 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder “twin-turbocharged” diesel engine will garner 44 mpg.

Sources:

Daimler, GM Juice up Hybrid Plans

AutoWeek

Post from: EveryJoe

Mercedes-Benz offers first w/ Lithium ion

VW’s Diesel-Hybrid

Hilary — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:20:36 +0000

There’s been a lot of speculation over which car will be chosen for Volkswagen’s diesel-hybrid project. Some said the Jetta. Other’s said the Toureg. Did anyone figure it would be the Golf?

I didn’t, but that’s what’s coming from German blog, Auto Bild (via Autoblog).

This is one time when learning German would be really helpful, not as much as while flirting with major high school crush Nils -the Arrow- Schumacher, but still. At least back then I was … erm, helping someone learn English. Yeh. That’s it. English.

Anyway, technically speaking, the Golf makes a lot of sense. It’s VW’s top selling car. Sales of the classic hatchback model increased dramatically in North and South American markets, as well as throughout Europe.

With the momentum behind this model, it was a common sense choice for a hybrid version … but will consumers feel the savings in fuel and emissions will be worth the increase in price? It’s worked for other cars, but the Prius has been the top hybrid on the market since it’s introduction, making me wonder if the exclusivity of a hybrid-only model doesn’t make more sense. (Yes, I know … the Insight. What can I say? Two-seaters don’t count??)

Post from: EveryJoe

VW’s Diesel-Hybrid