Hyundai i20 Blue Study with a Fuel Economy of 63 MPG

When Hyundai says Blue, what the Korean automaker actually means is green as the i20 Blue concept study that will debut in Paris incorporates a number of modifications to enhance the standard car’s environmental credentials. Based on the all-new i20 supermini, the ‘blue’ package involves revisions to the i20’s powertrain efficiency, aerodynamics and chassis that result to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. -Continued

The i20 Blue runs on a 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine producing 90PS and 220 Nm of torque, matted to a new six-speed manual gearbox – instead of the car’s usual five-speed unit – in which the ratios have been modified in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. Hyundai’s engineers updated the engine’s electronic software and at the same time improved performance by minimizing driveline friction and utilizing high-performance, low-friction engine oil. Furthermore, the i20 Blue benefits from the addition of a Hyundai-specific ISG Start-Stop system.

In terms of aerodynamics, Hyundai reduced ground clearance by 15mm, added a full-length underfloor cover and performed subtle changes to the design of the grille and bodywork. The package is complemented by a set of Michelin Energy low rolling resistance tires

Together, these changes offer the i20 Blue a reduction of 15 percent in CO2 emissions over the standard car to just 99g/km and an improvement of 15 percent in fuel efficiency consuming 3,75 liters/100km or 63.7 MPG US. As for performance, the i20 blue accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 13 seconds and achieves a top speed of 176km/h or 110 MPH.

GEM Peapod: Chrysler Introduces Smart Like All-Electric Minicar

This strange looking minicar is the all-electric GEM Peapod that is scheduled to enter production in 2009. GEM, which stands for GreenEcoMobility, is a small company owned by Chrysler LLC that specializes on electric vehicles (EV). Since its founding in 1998, GEM produced around 38,000 EVs which are primarily used in settings such as city centers, military bases, college campuses and national parks. According to Chrysler, the plug-in Peapod EV features a newly designed center console that will offer iPod integration, as well as hands-free operation of the iPhone while other innovations include supportive, mesh seating, which enables air circulation for comfort and uses eco-friendly recycled and recyclable materials. -Continued

“We have evolved the GEM design language to better reflect its eco-friendly performance and its upbeat, positive image,” said Peter Arnell, Chrysler LLC’s Chief Innovation Officer who led the design process. “These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. So whether it’s a trip around the neighborhood or the drive to school or work, the GEM Peapod is the ideal way to contribute to a greener planet, and a healthy lifestyle."

During the presentation of the 4-seat minicar, GEM’s CEO Bruce Coventry said that the Peapod represents the first in a series of product launches that will redefine the future of electric vehicles. The company did not reveal any technical details on the Peapod.

Opel Insignia Gets Two New Turbo Engines and ecoFLEX Variant

At next month’s Paris motorshow Opel will debut two new engines for the Insignia range that comprises a 4door sedan, a 5door fastback and the Sports Tourer which also makes its world premiere at the French capitol. The new powertrain options for Opel’s mid-size model are a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel with clean tech combustion system delivering an output of 190 HP and the downsized 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine that generates 180 HP. The new additions complement the range of seven motors – all Euro 5-certified – that are already on offer for the Insignia. -Continued

In addition, Opel will unveil the new Insignia ecoFLEX that promises to offer lower CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption without compromising on performance. Although the German automaker hasn’t given out any further details, expect to see the same kind of modifications on the Insignia as with other ecoFLEX variants in Opel’s range, including improved aerodynamics, the addition of low rolling resistant tires, a longer axel ratio and reduced weight.

Greenpeace Targets Mercedes in Germany, Presents the Pig-Class

Last year it was Porsche, now it was Mercedes-Benz’ turn to get a taste of how it feels to be targeted by Greenpeace. The self-proclaimed eco-warriors staged a protest in front of a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Cologne, Germany. As they did last year at Porsche central offices in Stuttgart, Greenpeace activists accused Mercedes-Benz of manufacturing “Climate Pigs”. And just in case someone did not value the meaning of the term, the demonstrators presented a pink ML-Class all dressed up in pig ears and snout. -Continued

We hope that next time Greenpeace decides to target a car manufacturer they’ll come up with something a bit more creative as to be totally honest, the piggy theme is starting to get old.

Photo: UP

2011 Chevrolet Volt : Official High-Res Images of Production Version

Following a series of spy images, teaser shots and even pictures from the Volt’s mini role in the forthcoming Transformers 2 film, we finally get to see the first official photos of the (pre)production version of Chevy’s promising all-electric sedan. From what it seems, GM’s designers remained pretty faithful to the concept car's original styling. We don’t have the official press release in our hands yet, but we gather that GM might not wait for the scheduled release date on September 16 to reveal the initial details on its new electric-powered sedan.

We remind you that the concept version that premiered at the 2007 Detroit Show was equipped with an internal combustion engine and a battery-powered electric motor. Unlike current hybrids, the Volt utilizes the internal combustion engine not to propel the car itself but to feed the online generator that in turn produces electricity for the electric motor. The Volt also recaptures energy from braking which is stored in the Lithium-ion battery. Check out our high resolution image gallery of the production Volt after the jump and tell us what you think about its design. -Continued

Honda Insight Hybrid Revealed Prior to Paris Show Debut!

Finally, after all that talk about Honda’s Prius-fighter, the Japanese automaker has released the first photos of its all-new dedicated hybrid model that will bear the name Insight after Honda’s first hybrid model. Although the Japanese company has labeled the Insight as a concept car, don’t expect to see many differences on the production model that’s slated to go on sale globally in mid-2009.

Clearly, the stylistic inspiration for the Insight was Honda’s fuel-cell powered FCX Clarity. As with all cars of this sort, the Insight’s design is more about aerodynamics and function than it is about style. We must say though that we we’re expecting something a bit more futuristic and adventurous from Honda.

The dedicated hybrid vehicle that will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers is built on a newly developed platform. Power will come from an improved version of the Civic’s IMA hybrid drive system mated to a petrol engine, details of which will be announced at a later date. -Continued

The Japanese automaker’s engineers have mounted the compact control unit and the conventional nickel metal hybrid battery beneath the boot space to give the Insight both a low centre of gravity and the practicality of a conventionally powered hatchback

According to Honda, the Insight will benefit from a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components resulting in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. Sources state that the Insight will be priced in the U.S. from around $18,000 undercutting the Prius by several thousands of dollars

"The original Honda Insight launched in 1999 was the pioneer of hybrid technology in Europe and remains an iconic symbol of Honda's environmental innovation," said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. "This new Insight will also break new ground by providing an affordable hybrid to an expanded number of customers craving great fuel economy and great value."

The new Insight will be built alongside the Civic Hybrid at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan which recently expanded its hybrid motor production line. The Insight will go on sale in Europe, Japan and North America during the first half of 2009.

Pictures Edited by Carscoop

Hyundai i20: Getz Replacement Revealed, to Compete against Yaris and Fiesta

Hyundai has released the first photo of its all new i20, a five-door hatchback designed to replace the Getz and compete in the B-Segment against cars like the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris and Fiat Grande Punto. Set to be launched early 2009, the new i20 will fit right between the new i10 and i30 in the Korean automaker’s European range. Styled at Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new five-door supermini is based on a new platform that has a longer wheelbase than the existing Getz, promising to offer improved interior space.

“The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs,” said Kun Hee Ahn, president of Hyundai Europe. “It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive. At HME, we are confident the i20 will succeed in the fast paced sub compact sector, as it offers much more in terms of standard equipment, fuel economy, interior space and style than many of its competitors,” he added. -Continued

Hyundai has yet to release any details on the new i20’s powertrain options, but expect to see a range of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline engines as well as a new 1.4 turbo diesel unit delivering 90 PS. The Korean automaker said that alongside the standard i20 it will also reveal at the Paris Auto Show an eco-friendly concept version wearing the ‘i-blue’ moniker.

Based on the i20, the i-blue concept will incorporate a series of modifications to reduc the standard model’s CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Power comes from Hyundai’s new 1.4 CRDi diesel engine, which produces 90PS and generates 220Nm of torque. Key modifications include the replacement of the standard car’s five-speed manual gearbox with a six-speed unit, full-length under floor covers, a 15 millimetre reduction in ground clearance, changes to the front and rear aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires and high performance, low friction engine oil.

The result is a CO₂ output of just 99g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 68mpg UK which translates to 57mpg US or 4.2-liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres. The production version of the i20 i-blue is expected to arrive in the European market along with the three-door variants of the Korean supermini in mid-2009.

Toyota Begins leasing its Fuel-Cell Hybrid Vehicle for $7,700 a month

With the lease term for Toyota’s next-generation fuel cell hybrid vehicle set at 30 months at a cost of 840,000 yen or about $7,700 per month, the experimental FCHV-adv isn’t for you everyday Joe. So it’s no surprise that Toyota announced that it has begun leasing the FCHV-adv to Japan's Ministry of the Environment. The Japanese automaker said that it also plans to lease the fuel-cell hybrid model to other national government entities, local governments and companies in or related to the energy industry. -Continued

Japan's top automaker, which has already won the bet with its petrol-electric hybrids, will use the lease vehicles to obtain real-world feedback for further development, including efforts to improve the durability and reduce the cost of its proprietary high-performance polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the Toyota FC Stack. You can read more details about the FCHV-adv by clicking here.

Proton Launches Dual-Fuel GEN-2 ecologic LPG Range

Malaysian automaker Proton has expanded its GEN-2 range in the U.K. with the introduction of two ‘ecoLogic’ dual fuel models that are able to run on either petrol or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, the GEN-2 ecoLogic is available in both sedan and hatchback forms priced at £10,995 and £10,795 respectively. That means Proton is offering its dual-fuel models at the same price as their petrol equivalents, saving motorists about £1,500-£2,000 in conversion costs. According to Proton, based on an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles and the prices of petrol and LPG at £1.12 and 58p respectively, owners of the LPG models can save over £500 a year. -Continued

Proton says that the GEN-2 ecoLogic starts on petrol and then switches to LPG when it’s most efficient to do so, which is usually after about 20 seconds. The only visible addition to the interior is a switch on the centre console that shows the fuel level while on the outside, there is a second filler cap next to the petrol cap, which is matched to the exact colour of the car. As for the LPG tank, it is located in the spare wheel well.

New SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive with Low Emissions and Reduced Consumption

After the unveiling of the top-of-the-range Cupra model –see here, SEAT introduced its most frugal and eco-friendly version of the new Ibiza. Available in both 5-door and SportCoupe (3-door) forms, the Ibiza Ecomotive is equipped with VW Group’s 80 HP 1.4 TDI turbo diesel engine with a DPF particulate filter. According to the Spanish carmaker, the Ibiza Ecomotive features a reduced CO2 emissions figure of only 99 g/km while consumption is also low; however, SEAT hasn’t released any official figures yet. -Continued

Along with the updated engine software, the Ibiza Ecomotive also features revisions to the gearbox and the gear ratios, low resistant 175/70 R14 tires and improved aerodynamics through the new closed front grille and new rear spoiler that reduce resistance to movement and therefore decrease mechanical effort as well as fuel consumption and emissions.

Opening picture edited by Carscoop

New Opel Astra ecoFLEX: Lower Emissions and 4.5lt/100km or 52.3 MPG

GM’s European subsidiary Opel has launched a new eco-friendly version of the subcompact Astra model with lower CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption thanks to a series of modifications. The most economical Astra in range which is available as a 5-door, 3-door and station wagon, comes equipped with a tweaked 1.7-liter turbo diesel engine producing CO2 emissions of 119g/km and fuel consumption of just 4.5lt /100 km or 52.3mpg US / 62.8mpg UK on the combined cycle. -Continued

Matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 1.7 CDTI common-rail diesel engine has a maximum output of 110 HP, torque of 260 Nm at 2,000 rpm (192-lbs/ft) and a top speed of 188 km/h or 117mph.

To achieve these fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures, Opel’s engineers selected a longer axle ratio, optimized the engine management system and reduced the engine idle speed. In addition, the Astra ecoFLEX’s curb weight has been reduced by 30kg or 66lbs, while aerodynamics have been improved by lowering the suspension, modifying the front air intakes and fitting a drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. Engineers also reduced the power steering pump’s idle speed and fitted low rolling-resistance 15-inch tires (16-inch optional).

Trident Iceni: 200mph & 57mpg Eco-Conscious BioDiesel Supercar

Trident is yet another small automaker that promises to save the world’s fuel supplies and at the same time allow us petrol heads to have a blast while we’re at it. The British firm said today that the Iceni, which has been under development for quite some time now, is nearing production. The compact two-seater that weighs in at 1,480 kg or 3,262 lbs is powered by a massive 6.6-liter V8 turbo diesel engine that can run on any kind of biodiesel without any invalidation of warranty, adjustment to the engine or affect on performance. -Continued

The 6.6 V8 develops an output of 550 bhp at 3,800 rpm and an outrageous 950lb/ft of torque at just 1,800 rpm. The British automaker claims that the rear-wheel-drive Iceni can sprint from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in just 3.7 sec and achieve a top speed in excess of 200mph or 321 km/h. At the same time Trident supports that its sports car can manage 68.9mpg UK (57.3mpg US or 4.1lt /100 km) at constant speed of 70mph or 112 km/h. Of course we’ll have to wait for an official figure on the combined cycle to make any serious conclusions, but the Iceni does sound promising.

Trident Iceni – specification

• On the road price £75,000.00
• Insurance group (est) 18
• 0-60mph 3.7 seconds
• Top speed 200mph+
• At constant 70mph 68.9mpg+
• Wheelbase (mm) 2650
• Front track (mm) 1650
• Rear track (mm) 1690
• Overall length (mm) 4200
• Overall width (mm) 1950
• Overall height (mm) 1220
• Kerb weight (kgs) 1480
• Engine 6.6 TD V8
• Max power 550bhp@3800rpm
• Max torque 950lb/ft@1800rpm
• Secific output 83bhp per litre
• Power to weight ratio 402bhp per tonne
• Installation Longitudinal, front, rear-wheel-drive, rear gearbox
• Construction Alloy heads and iron block
• Valve gear 4 per cylinder
• Ignition and fuel Bosch sequential injection, fly-by-wire throttle
• Gearbox type 8-speed automatic
• Final drive 2.56
• Suspension Front & rear double wishbones, coil springs, anti- roll bar
• Steering Rack & pinion, power assisted, 2.7 turns lock to lock to lock
• Brakes front dia (mm) 365
• Brakes rear dia (mm) 320
• Wheels front 20” x 9.5”
• Wheels rear 20” x 11”
• Tyres front 255 x 35 x 20
• Tyres rear 335 x 30 x 20