May 16, 2012 The Lexus RX 450h is a gas-electric hybrid version of the RX 350 crossover sport-utility vehicle. By any standard, it has been a smash success for Lexus since it first launched as a 2006 model. A significant number of Lexus SUV buyers have opted for the “hybrid upgrade,” making the Lexus RX 450h the most popular hybrid sport utility in 2012.
For 2013, Lexus has given the RX 450h and its gasoline sibling a mild face-lift, revisions to the backside and a modest interior makeover. The RX 450h is available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) model with a base price of $45,910, an increase of $675 over the 2012 model, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) version starting at $47,310, up $465.
May 16, 2012
The emissions-free B-Class F-CELL is now rolling in California. Actress Diane Kruger is one of more than 35 environmental enthusiasts and early adopters to drive the fuel cell-powered vehicle.
This electric vehicle with fuel cells from Mercedes-Benz generates electricity on board in a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. With a range of around 245 miles and short refueling times, the B-Class F CELL combines locally emissions-free mobility with suitability for long journeys.
The vehicle produces no emissions, but only pure water.
May 16, 2012
Audi is presenting, starting today, the Audi e-bike Wörthersee – at Wörthersee in Carinthia, Austria.
Wörthersee is the location of a sizeable Volkswagen-Audi culture show being held every year in the region of this Austrian town. This year marks the show’s 31st year.
“When developing the Audi e-bike Wörthersee we drew on motor racing design principles for inspiration,” explains Hendrik Schaefers, one of the designers at Concept Design Studio Munich. “The e-bike appears incredibly precise, highly emotional and strictly functional. Indeed, the design effort focused on its function as a sports machine. All design elements are thus firmly aligned to the technical features.”
May 16, 2012
Mercedes says it is introducing a range of new engines for its latest A-Class in Europe, three gasoline motors and two diesels.
All have been designed to meet stringent Euro 6 emissions requirements, while delivering superior fuel economy compared with their predecessors. In fact, Mercedes says that the 1.8 and 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engines, will achieve 62 miles per gallon and 55 mpg respectively. The 1.8 will be offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox in the A-Class or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 2.2-liter diesel will only be offered with the automatic. In terms of emissions output, both deliver low ratings, 98 grams per CO2/km and 112 grams per CO2/km respectively.
May 15, 2012
The government of British Columbia, Canada, announced today a $62 million incentive program to promote the adoption of natural gas vehicles in the province.
The B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines launched the Greenhouse Gas Reduction regulation that advances the adoption and deployment of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in BC.
Westport Innovations, supplier of solutions that allow engines to operate on clean-burning fuels, said this important program will benefit British Columbia's economy, environment and transportation options for industry.
