Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Gas 2.0

Gas 2.0

Would You Pay A “Voluntary” Gas Tax?

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 03:29 PM PST

Most politicians won't even consider pushing for higher federal gas tax. But what about a voluntary gas tax? Would you give up a little extra money every time you fill up?

I would not…unless the money went towards a project that had a direct impact on my community. And that is apparently the idea behind the Voluntary Gas Tax program, which originated in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Like-minded people are getting together, bringing with them their gas receipts and then they are donating money based on how much fuel they collectively used. splinter groups have also been founded in Davis, California and Goshen, Indiana. To date, the Harrisonburg group has raised over $9,000 over the past seven years, donating the money towards groups advocating for local bike paths, giving reflector lights to people at a halfway house for their bikes, and other such initiatives.

So this isn't a tax, per-se, but more of a guilt-driven donation. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Obviously the money is going towards good causes, and it's a different take on the whole donation idea. I'm still not sure I'd give up what little extra money I have, but on the same token, I'd love to give back to my community in a bigger way. However, gas needs to go over $7 a gallon for most Americans to seriously consider giving up their petrol addiction, and even with gas sitting around $3.50 a gallon right now, we’re only halfway there. Even Bob Lutz, the man behind the new Camaro and the Chevy Volt, thinks a higher gas tax would help get America off of oil.

Would you willingly apply a voluntary gas tax to your life if it meant giving back to your local community?

Source: Treehugger via Voluntary Gas Tax

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.

Diesel-Electric Puegeot 908 HYbrid4 Set for 2012 Le Mans Debut

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 11:00 AM PST

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest motorsports endurance race, a proving ground for performance and, surprisingly, fuel efficiency. Peugeot's 908 diesel-electric hybrid racer, unveiled in Geneva, is set to debut at the 2012 Le Mans race.

Peugeot's 550 horsepower 908 diesel racers were heavily favored to win last year's, especially after taking the top four qualifying spots. However, it was Audi that took him the trophy after the Peugeots were down and out for regular repairs. This year Peugeot is still sticking with the same diesel engine formula, even though the FIA now allows hybrids to compete in the storied endurance race in an effort to both green the race, and make it more exciting. Fuel efficiency plays a huge role in endurance racing; it doesn't matter if you have the most powerful engine by a 1,000 horsepower. If you're always in the pits for refueling, you are going to lose. By allowing hybrids entry into this racing series, there will be fewer pit stops and more passing.

However, for 2012, Peugeot will enter a new version of its 908 racer, called the 908 HYbrid 4, which will feature the same 550 horsepower diesel 3.7 liter V8 engine now mated to a 80 horsepower electric motor. This electric motor will provide an extra "burst" of power at the push of a button, not unlike Porsche's own 911 GT3 KERS racer. The energy recovery system will store power from the brakes in a lithium-ion battery. While it may not seem like it, the technology that goes into these hybrid racers has a direct effect on the showroom product, which can be seen in Peugeot’s own 3008 HYbrid4, the world’s first diesel-electric production car. Racing technology directly influences that cars us regular consumers buy, so before you dismiss this as some sort of “greenwashing,” remember that technologies like fuel injection, anti-lock brakes, and all-wheel drive were often found on race cars before they made it to production cars.

Peugeot's diesel racers have dominated before, taking home the Le Mans victory in 2009 and dominating the 2010 American Le Mans series as well. They are no doubt out for blood this year, and will even be testing the 908 HYbrid4 at the pre-qualifying round at the 2011 Le Mans. It won't make its official racing debut until next year though. I can hardly wait.

See? Hybrids CAN be exciting. More please!

Source: Peugeot

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.

Nissan 370Z Hybrid Could Change How We Look At Hybrids

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 07:35 AM PST

Nissan is positioning itself to be a world leader in electric cars as well as hybrids, but it still has a lot of performance enthusiasts to impress. So can it blend efficiency and performance in a Nissan 370z Hybrid?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Toyota has created this dull, boring image of hybrids that other automakers have followed, leaving an awful taste in the mouth of those of us who enjoy torque and throwing a car through the twisties. That may work for a bland carmaker like Toyota, but Nissan is saying no to boring hybrids, starting with the Infiniti M35h hybrid sedan. It is the only car that will be sold in America with over 350 horsepower and a combined mileage of 30 mpg, stealing some thunder from the 31 mpg, 305 horsepower 2011 Mustang V6. Sure, it costs twice as much as the Mustang (starting at almost $54,000) but for the person looking to blend fuel efficiency and performance, there will be few other options save perhaps the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

So to me, it is only natural that Nissan will move this hybrid drivetrain from an Infiniti performance sedan to its fabled sports coupe, the 370z. The 370z has a 3.7 liter, 332 horsepower V6 engine, which is a bigger version of the 3.5 liter V6 found in the M35h. However, when you take into account the electric motor, the M35h makes 360 horsepower and over 450 ft-lbs of torque, which blows the 370z's 270 ft-lbs of torque out of the water. What's more, the M35h's 30 combined mpg rating is much better than the 23 combined rating of the 370z. More horsepower, torque, AND fuel economy? This is a real no brainer, and Nissan apparently already has a hybrid 370z test mule running about, and rumors of a hybrid or electric Nissan sports car have been circulating since last summer. Combined with the ESFLOW electric sports car concept and rumors of a hybrid GT-R supercar, Nissan really seems to be pushing a blend of efficiency and performance that I can really get behind.

If automakers want hybrids to have a more mass appeal to customers, they've got to break this image of dull, boring aero-eggs like the Toyota Prius. The performance potential of hybrid vehicles is huge, and it looks like Nissan (as well as Porsche) realizes that. Nissan’s rich performance car history means that it has to make performance and efficiency blend, otherwise they risk alienating a fast-car fanbase that has been decades in the making. I only hope more automakers stop looking at hybrids as something they have to do, and more as something they want to do. If more performance junkies like me can be convinced that hybrids can be cool, it won't take long for the market to sort this out for the better.

Source: Green Car Advisor

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Gas 2.0

Gas 2.0

VW Brings Back the Microbus as the “Bulli” EV People Mover

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:00 PM PST

My girlfriend is utterly obsessed with old school VW Vans, especially the Westfalia campers. So when I told her about the new VW Microbus EV concept unveiled in Geneva, she damn near stole the laptop out of my hands.

I don't have to tell you how popular the old Microbus was with hippies and adventurers here in America and across the world wherever they were sold. Alas, the Microbus went out of style when big SUV's became popular. Officially called the "T1" or "Transporter," a raised-roof version of this popular bus is still sold in Brazil. VW actually has done this concept before, back in 2001, but that version of the Microbus never made it to production. So could the Bulli actually come to market? Maybe.

Powering this micro-Microbus is a 113 horsepower electric motor that, in theory, could propel the Bulli for up to 186 miles. That ain't too shabby, though remember, this is just a concept vehicle. But the 40 kWh battery would provide ample power to motivate the Microbus almost 200 miles, and with almost 200 ft-lbs of torque on tap it would certainly be more powerful than its air-cooled predecessor. The 0-62 mph time is claimed to be 11.5 seconds, which doesn't sound fast until you compare it to the original, which could take 30 seconds or more to reach highway speeds. I've actually experienced trying to accelerate one of these, and I thought there was something wrong. The only thing wrong though was the lack of horsepower, so I'm glad VW isn't going to make that same mistake twice.

While this concept definitely recalls the original VW Bus, it is decidedly modern on the inside. There is no tachometer, but there is a removable iPad that communicates with the radio system. The rear seats can be stored, folded, and even turned into a bed, true to the Microbus’s camper roots. How awesome is that?

If VW actually built this bus (and it was big enough for me to sleep in) I'd sell everything I owned in a heartbeat and take to the road, just like those crazy hippies used to do. Would any of you embrace your inner hippy for this awesome VW concept?

Source: Volkswagen

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.

We Talk NGVs With Honda – Honda Talks Back!

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 12:30 PM PST

Playtime with the Honda Civic GX was (for me) one of the highlights of last month’s Chicago Auto Show.  A few things happened after Gas 2.0 published the article, however, which were totally unexpected.  The first:  someone at Honda’s PR department actually read it.  The second:  they (the someone at Honda’s PR department) made contact (!).

It’s like I’m a real writer!

After some initial chit-chat and small talk about the “new” Acura nose (which looks like the old Acura nose), we got down to an informal “interview”, which I’ve organized and edited below, in a manner which makes me – ideally – seem like some kind of professional writer with organized and linear thought patterns. (He gets one good interview and it goes to his head – Ed.)

Without further ado, then …

Question 1.  It looks like the Civic GX has been enough of a success in its trial markets to, at least, warrant a new version based on the 2012+ Civic. How different is the new GX compared to the previous generation?

Answer 1. As you may know, the Civic GX is entering into its fourth generation – with the first generation introduced back in 1998. The Civic GX has continued to evolve and improve with each generation, and this fourth generation is no exception. Over the years, the Civic GX has moved from being considered primarily a fleet vehicle to a car embraced by retail customers.

To answer your question: at the moment, we cannot disclose many details on the 2012 Civic GX (those will be announced soon, though). What we can tell you that the new car will have some added features to make it even more appealing to retail customers, and will achieve better mileage (7-8% improvement over the 2011 model). The Civic GX driving experience will also get more customizable, with the first-time application of Honda ECO Assist technology. ECO Assist is also found in our hybrid models, and enhances efficient vehicle operation by providing driver feedback that promotes a more efficient driving style. Basically, we’ll be giving GX drivers more of what they look for in a GX – which is to say additional, driver-focused features that make for a more enjoyable commute and improved fuel economy.

Q2. … and these new, 2012 + GX Civics will be available through every Honda dealer? What about the home fueling rigs – are those available through Honda stores as well?

A2.  At Honda’s most recent national dealer meeting, we announced that the Civic GX would be made available to any Honda dealers expressing an interest in selling it. It is up to the individual Honda dealership to decide if they will sell the GX to retail customers. Factors like customer interest and CNG infrastructure in their area will come into play when a dealer selects whether or not to sell the GX.

As for the home refueling appliances, there are a few available in the marketplace. The most notable appliance is probably the BRC Fuelmaker system, which is marketed as “Phill”. The Phill is sold through a number of vendors, but not through Honda dealerships – although, at one point, Honda had an ownership stake in the Phill.

Q3.  Do you know what the Phills cost, and how easy or difficult they are to install in a customer’s home?

A3.  Any customers looking at a home fueling option should contact their local gas company about installation. A Phill distributor would be the best contact for current price information, also.

Q4.  Back to the car itself, then. How different, from a technical point of view, is the engine in the GX compared to say, the engine in a “regular” Civic or the Civic Hybrid? I’m sure you can guess my next question, too.

A4.  The Civic GX has several different components that separate it from the conventional, gasoline Civic.  I’ve gotten a short list from one of the Honda powertrain guys, which includes:

  • dedicated gaseous fuel injectors
  • single stage, low pressure oil trap filter
  • a tank pressure sensor
  • a tank temperature sensor
  • a fuel rail pressure sensor
  • a fuel temperature sensor
  • a unique fuel shut-off solenoid valve
  • unique fuel filters
  • a CNG fuel receptacle (as opposed to a standard fuel nozzle)
  • inlet valve delay closure
  • a closed-coupled catalyst, with an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and a close-coupled two bed catalytic converter
  • a unique tank valve, plumbing, and fuel joint block where line fittings in the trunk are contained within a fuel pipe duct that vents to atmosphere

Q5.  I’ve already alluded to it in the last question, and you even mentioned that the new GX will have ECO Assist, just like the Honda hybrids. So … why not do a GX-style, CNG Hybrid?

A5.  Right now, Honda is focused on developing conventional, gasoline-electric hybrids – although we are always watching and studying the market.

Q6.  Getting more towards the Civic line, in general, it seems like Hondas have always appealed to people who were concerned about efficiency – but the Civic in particular has a strong presence in the performance and automotive aftermarket industry, as well.  Honda even touched on this with the “Civic Nation” ad campaign a few years ago.  Looking at that, and considering that CNG, of course, has a much higher “octane” rating than gasoline (it’s equivalent to about 130 octane) the idea of a high-performance CNG Civic seems like a very attractive alternative for guys like me and Chris (who are performance enthusiasts as well as green car enthusiasts).  That’s a leading question, I know, but do you think Honda would support enthusiasts tuning the GX/CNG cars for more power and performance the same way they’ve supported the Civic tuners in the past?

A5.  Honda has always appreciated the creativity of its customers in the marketplace, and we appreciate their passion. Honda engineers have developed the GX specifically to be the best balanced car for the customer. The engine and other areas are specifically tuned to provide a reliable and dependable driving experience. We discourage any modifications to the engine that could void the warranty.

Maybe a nice set of wheels or a Honda accessories spoiler would be a better modification.

(aside:  this is a very standard, professional OEM response that roughly translates to:  “We warranty what WE build, not what YOU build.” which is a topic I’ve discussed at length on the Mercedes-Benz boards)

Q7. Fair enough. We’ve already discussed some of Honda’s hybrid technology, and how that first came to market on the original Insight, but since spread to other vehicles like the Civic, CR-Z, and Accord hybrids. Might the same thing happen with CNG? In other words: what’s the next CNG car coming from Honda?

A7.  We know there is some demand for a larger CNG vehicle. Customers have expressed interest in a CNG-powered Hondas with more passenger and cargo carrying capacity, and with the new nationwide dealer expansion opportunities, we can now gain a better understanding of what customer demands for CNG powered vehicles will be on a larger scale.

Can we pose that question to your readers? What model would they like to see powered by CNG?

So, Gas 2.0 readers (Gas2ronaughts?), the answer to “What’s the next CNG Honda?” might be found in the comments, below.  If you’re craving a CNG/electric CR-Z hybrid or an ultra-high-compression VTEC Civic Si or a CNG-fueled minivan to pull airport shuttle duty for your hotel, SO HAVE YOUR SAY in the comments.

Source:  Jessica Fini at Honda PR. (Big thanks to Jessica for the awesome interview!)

Republican Congress to De-Green DC

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 08:00 AM PST

In a series of moves that are either laughably backwards or just fundamentally stupid, the newly-elected Tea-Party wingnut Republican majority has taken swift, immediate action to de-green … the cafeteria.

Really.

John Boehner, the new Speaker of the House, announced the moves AWAY from green initiatives like ecologically sustainable utensils and trays made from corn starch and a return to polystyrene coffee cups with the words “The new majority – plasticware is back!” (released via his press aide’s Twitter account).

I know this is supposed to be a family blog, but:  What a jackass!

“Well,” you might be saying to yourself, “at least they can’t come up with anything dumber for the next 2 years.”

Think again:  the next item on the Republican’s agenda of actively destroying the environment is light bulbs (emphasis mine).

That’s right – a bill introduced by House Republicans last week aims to stop the switch to more energy efficient CFL bulbs, which was scheduled for (a long overdue) 2012 implementation. (How is that supposed to cut down our debt? -Ed.)

So, yeah.  I’m not really sure how to end this article.  Maybe if I …

… yes.  That’s perfect.

Source:  the Guardian;
Failephant:  PursuingHoliness.com

March Madness Tesla RC Car Giveaway-Aganza!

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 07:36 AM PST

In about two weeks, I will turn 25 years old. To celebrate my birthday (and cultivate a few more Twitter followers) I've decided to start holding monthly contests. This month's prize? TWO Tesla Roadster RC cars!

I was partly inspired by Tesla's own Christmas giveaway of these fun little toys, and as you can see from the video below, I had quite a bit of fun bothering the downstairs neighbors. I haven't played with an RC car in many years, so this brought back a lot of memories for me, and hopefully it will for you too. And please excuse my awful editing skills…it has been a while since I did a video, so long in fact that Microsoft Movie Maker was apparently updated without me knowing…yeah.

Anyways, as with most contests, there is a catch. Gas 2.0's Twitter crowd is pretty impressive, but our Facebook page is rather abysmal (not even 200 Likes? Really?) Therefore, in order to boost the social media presence, I am going to giveaway an RC car to the Twitter crowd and the Facebook crowd at the end of March. So to be eligible to win one of these awesome little Tesla Roadsters RC cars, you've got to follow @Gas2 or Like our Facebook page.

But wait, there is more! I'd feel bad if I just gave these gifts away to somebody who wasn't even paying attention to the contest. So to enter, you've got to answer the Gas 2.0 Question of the Day. Respond to both the Twitter and Facebook questions for double the chances to win!

This is like, my first contest giveaway ever. So here is your chance to critique my contest. Do you like the prizes and contests? If not, what would you prefer? And don't forget to answer todays question on Twitter and Facebook!

Oh, and if you are feeling extra saucy, you can follow my own personal Twitter feed @Harshcougar. You don’t get bonus points, just lots and lots of e-hugs! Look for the first question around Noon eastern today and every day for the rest of the month.

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.
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