Mazda has recently announced their intentions to up the fuel efficiency on their entire lineup of cars by 30%. The new engines will reportedly make their debut sometime in 2011 with the automaker first focusing on their 2.0-liter 4 cyclinder engine.

Mazda says that new technology coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission will give the engine a city fuel efficiency boost from 22mpg to 32mpg and a highway boost from 32mpg to 42mpg. There’s no official word on which Mazda model will be getting the boost first but Automotive News believes the MX5 or Mazda5 are likely candidates.

We’ll keep you posted as more news is made available.

Tags: 6 speed transmission, epa, fuel efficiency, MPG, rating, technology

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Having announced that the Volt would get 230mpg, GM most likely thought that they would have other automakers shaking in their booties. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case with Nissan who have stepped in to say that their Leaf EV is also a very fuel efficient car. Just how fuel efficient, you ask? Something to the tune of 367 mpg.

Below is a tweet from Nissan’s EV twitter account:

Nissan Leaf = 367 mpg, no tailpipe, and no gas required. Oh yeah, and it’ll be affordable too!

While this most likely isn’t confirmed by the EPA either, Nissan seems pretty confident that their Leaf EV will be far more fuel efficient than GM’s Chevy Volt. We’ll have to wait until both cars hit the market before we pass final judgement.

Tags: all electric, epa, ev, leaf, MPG, Nissan

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One of the most anticipated cars set to come out, the 2010 Chevy Camaro has chosen ExxonMobil’s Mobi 1 as the factory and service fill endorsed motor oil for its new line of vehicles. The new 2010 Chevy Camaro is equipped with the high-performance Corvette-inspired LS3 engine, which is a 6.2 liter, V-8 engine that can deliver up to 426 horsepower enabling the Camaro to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. It is available in either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and gets an estimated 24 mpg on the highway.

With such a powerful engine from one of the highly anticipated cars set to be released, there is no question why Mobi 1 was selected. The 2010 Chevy Camaro is set to be released by 2010 in North America. A convertible version will also be available by 2011. The vehicle is currently available in Middle East.

(Source) Press

Tags: 7 seconds, automatic transmission, Cars, chevy camaro, Corvette, exxonmobil, high performance, horsepower, liter, mobi, motor oil, MPG, north america

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GM today has updated the highway ratings of its upcoming Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models to 22 mpg, bringing these full-size pickups to a best-in-class fuel efficiency.

“We’ve enhanced the trucks’ fuel-saver mode, which optimizes shift patterns in the six-speed transmission for the best fuel economy,” Chevrolet spokesman Brian Goebel said. “Also, Active Fuel Managment is now able to hold four-cylinder mode longer. Plus, we’ve added variable valve timing to the engine.”

The Silverado and Sierra will be out soon.

via Leftlane

Tags: chevrolet silverado, gmc sierra, highway rating, MPG

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There is something about the Toyota Urban Cruiser that makes it tick in the UK market, especially during these times when people are whittling down their transport needs. We are all aware that many are putting into consideration a lot of factors, fuel consumption which is perhaps the prime one.

However, new as it may seem, the new Toyota Urban Cruiser seems to possess something that is drawing attention. It is built in the same infrastructure as the Toyota Yaris and boasts of clever spacing for the family trips.

The car is for those who want the rugged four by four feeling without the ‘Chelsea Tractor’ image and is a softer alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Aimed at singles and couples in their thirties and forties, rival models include the Suzuki SX4, the Kia Soul and the much-publicised Nissan Qashqai.

Two models are currently available; the two-wheel drive 1.3 litre petrol and the four-wheel drive 1.4 litre diesel. Both models produce around a humble 130g/km of CO2 and with the Toyota ‘Optimal Drive’ feature, official fuel figures are an impressive 51.4-mpg for the petrol and 57.6-mpg combined for the diesel.

(Source) Press

Tags: co2, diesel, drive feature, family trips, forties, four wheel drive, fuel consumption, KIA, MPG, Nissan, pentagon, petrol, publicised, rival models, suzuki sx4, thirties, toyota land cruiser, toyota yaris, waves

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To many, it will most likely be familiar as the controversial Cash for Clunkers deal. But regardless, Suzuki Motor Corporation is all for it, looking forward to the formal implementation of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).

The new CARS law will provide consumers up to $4,500 when they trade-in their old cars for a new one. The qualifying cars under this new law signed by U.S. President Barack Obama covers cars, mini vans, SUVs and small light-duty trucks that get less than 18 mpg, and large light-duty trucks that get less than 15 mpg city/highway combined.

However there are certain conditions for passenger cars. If the new vehicle is at least four mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, consumers will receive a $3,500 voucher toward a new vehicle. If the new vehicle is at least 10 mpg more fuel efficient than the old vehicle, the voucher is good for $4,500.

For reference purposes, here are the cars that Suzuki detailed as eligible for the new CARS law:

• All SX4 Crossover models
• All SX4 Sedan models
• All Grand Vitara models
• All XL7 models
• All Equator models (4-cyl and 6-cyl)

(Source) Press

Tags: Barack Obama, car allowance, consumers, Crossover, Grand Vitara, mini vans, models, MPG, new cars, passenger cars, rebate system, Suzuki, suzuki motor corporation, voucher

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Those looking to get a more economical vehicle will might want to set their eyes on the 2010 Subary Legacy which sports a EPA of 31 mpg highway and 23 in town on the 2.5i model with CVT transmission.

Also offered is a 6MT transmission with 27 mpg highway and 19 in town. The Legacy 2.5 GT with manual tranmission and the 3.6R with 5-speed auto will net you 25mpg on the highway and 18 in town.

Whatever model you choose you’re getting AWD, room for 5 passengers and enough power to please any motor head (ok maybe not any). But you’ll get all of this at a modest $19,995.

Read (Autoblog)

Tags: 2, 3.6r, 5 gt, AWD, CVT, epa, Legacy, MPG, Subaru

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The world’s first purpose-built vehicle was officially introduced in the market by Bright Vehicles. The vehicle is called the IDEA, the multi-use vehicle falls into the light truck classification. The company announced it plans to produce 50,000 vehicles annually by 2013, providing businesses and government agencies with a highly durable, cost-saving and eco-friendly new vehicle, and creating thousands of American jobs.

Bright Automotive showed a fully operating concept version of the vehicle to a crowd that included Members of Congress, White House Officials, media, and customer and supplier representatives.

“We created the IDEA by starting with a clean sheet of paper, listening to customer needs, and using breakthrough technologies and materials,” said John E. Waters, President and CEO of Bright Automotive. “The IDEA leverages Bright’s highly experienced team and delivers a lower cost of ownership than competing vehicles. At the same time, the IDEA demonstrates technological leadership for the American auto industry and will create thousands of new ‘green collar’ jobs here at home.”

High volume production of the IDEA will begin in the U.S. by the end of 2012 — with an annual run rate of 50,000 units beginning in 2013. To produce its vehicle, the company plans to create over 5,000 jobs — directly and through suppliers — by 2013.

(Source) Press

Tags: american auto industry, breakthrough technologies, ceo, cost of ownership, government fleets, jobs, MPG

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A new electric-powered SUV may be seen soon as Raser Technologies has announced that they will be unveiling a 100+ mpg SUV at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, Michigan April 20-23, 2009. The Vehicle is powered by Raser’s E-REV powertrain and was developed in conjunction with Raser’s integration partner, FEV and a global automaker.

The full-size SUV is a four-wheel drive Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) designed to achieve over 100 mpg in typical local daily driving with near zero emissions by driving up to 40 miles per day in all-electric mode.

Just one year ago, at the SAE World Congress, Raser announced it was developing an E-REV powertrain for use in full size SUVs and light trucks and had teamed with a leading OEM to build a demonstration SUV. This highly anticipated vehicle, featuring Raser’s electric powertrain, is now in road testing and will be unveiled and on display at this year’s show in FEV’s booth. In addition to SUVs, the powertrain is sized for application in many popular light trucks.

(Source) Press

Tags: electric mode, electric vehicle, fev, integration partner, light trucks, MPG, powertrain, raser technologies, sae world congress, society of automotive engineers, suvs, wheel, zero emissions

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Bright Automotive is busy developing their own version of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that will achieve 100 mpg for the average customer. Also, the name has been finally revealed. The car will be called the IDEA. A concept version of the IDEA will be shown to the public for the first time on April 21, 2009 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

“We named our first vehicle the IDEA because of the role it will play in helping revolutionize American transportation and moving the country toward a more secure and sustainable energy future,” said John Waters, CEO and President of Bright Automotive. “We know it is possible to achieve dramatic, breakthrough fuel efficiency and deliver tremendous customer value. This is the compelling idea that drives our company and it is fully captured in our first vehicle.”

Bright Automotive (www.brightautomotive.com) has the most experienced PHEV, hybrid and electric vehicle team in the industry. Waters developed the battery pack for General Motors’ first production electric vehicle, the EV1, and other company executives and engineers have spent years working for major auto manufacturers and suppliers. Bright Automotive will begin high volume production by the end of 2012 – with an annual run rate of 50,000 units. To produce its vehicle, the company plans to create over 5,000 jobs by 2013.

(Source) Press

Tags: american transportation, auto manufacturers, battery pack, capitol hill, customer value, dramatic breakthrough, electric vehicle team, EV1, fuel efficiency, General Motors, high volume, hybrid electric vehicle, john waters, major auto, MPG, phev, sustainable energy future, volume production

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With April being tagged as National Car Care Month, Subaru of America has pledged its support for the nationwide month-long program focusing on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. To celebrate the occasion, participating Subaru dealers are offering free vehicle diagnostic inspections to Subaru owners, emphasizing items that affect fuel economy and offering driving tips for optimizing fuel mileage.

“April is always a good time to assess any needed maintenance or repairs resulting from winter driving, and to make sure your vehicle is ready for summer travel,” notes Jim Sinclair, Vice President, Service, Subaru of America, Inc. “And in today’s economy, the increased fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs that come with a well-maintained vehicle are more important than ever.”

To help owners get the best possible fuel mileage, dealers will be performing the “MPG Inspection.” While the vehicles will receive a thorough check-up of all major operating systems, the MPG (”Maintenance Preserves Gas”) Inspection puts extra emphasis on the systems that directly impact fuel mileage. Drivers will receive a written report on the vehicle’s condition plus helpful driving tips for maximizing fuel efficiency.

(Source) Press

Tags: Care, impact, Jim Sinclair, maintenance, MPG, Subaru

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