Automotive Archives - Page 4 of 4

Oops: 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid Leaked in Brochure

Honda’s new for 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid (it’s sold as the Honda “Jazz” outside the US) was leaked when photos for Japanese-market dealer brochures were uploaded to an Indian website earlier this week. Those photos, shown here, clearly show the 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid instrument cluster, as well as the compact’s slick new styling and interior upgrades.

Will the 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid Get a 3-cyl.?

Interestingly, there seems to be mention of a small, three-cylinder engine similar in displacement and layout to Ford’s 3-cylinder Ecoboost motor. Most likely, though, the US-bound examples of the new 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid, Fit EV, and “regular” Fit will make use of the current 1.2 and 1.4 liter units, as well as the current electric motors for the EV models.

We’ll post more updates as we get them, but you can head over to AutoExpress’ UK site for a more detailed “design analysis” of the Fit’s deeply creased…

Solar Car Drives 661 Miles On Sun Power

by Nino Marchetti of EarthTechling The world of college solar powered cars is getting busy these days. The University of Michigan, a top flight competitor in this space, just recently introduced its latest racer for the upcoming World Solar Challenge. While the Wolverines were doing this, Oregon State University (OSU) was out in Austin, Texas under a bright sun and 105 degree heat winning the 2013 Formula Sun Grand Prix – go Beavers! OSU’s entry, dubbed The Phoenix, won last week at this event by posting 193 laps, or 661 miles, around the Circuit of the Americas raceway on nothing but solar energy. Eleven teams from across North America competed in what’s said to be the “closest Formula Sun Grand Prix race in its 13-year history, a three-day race that featured 24 hours of racing time.” Runners up included Illinois State University, with 192 laps, and Iowa State University, with 191 laps. image via Oregon State University One thing which keeps this race friendl…

GM, Honda to Partner On Fuel Cell Technologies

by Nino Marchetti of EarthTechling The race to develop fuel cell vehicles for what automakers hope will be an interested consumer audience has mildly been heating up of late. Hyundai, for example, has been for the most part at the forefront as some of its production ready vehicles are now in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark to be used there in a municipal fleet. Now word comes GM and Honda are teaming up to collaborate on next-generation fuel cell technologies. The two automakers are no slouches when it comes to capital investments in the fuel cell market, ranking No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in total related patents filed between 2002 and 2012, with more than 1,200 between them. This collaboration will find the companies sharing expertise, economies of scale and common sourcing strategies. GM and Honda said they will also work “with stakeholders to further advance refueling infrastructure, which is critical for the long-term viability and consumer acceptance of f…

Renault Twizy Cargo An Electric Urban Cargo Hauler

Nino Marchetti of GreenTechling The Renault Twizy, while an innovative little electric car, doesn’t offer much space for carrying cargo. This can make use of it for anything other than passengers a little tough. The French automaker is looking to address this though by recently announcing Twizy Cargo, targeted towards urban cargo deliveries. The Twizy Cargo, according to Renault, integrates a new rear cargo area into the electric vehicle by replacing its rear seat. This watertight storage has a capacity of 75 kg (165 pounds) and is accessible via a rear door that opens to 90°. This rear door features a locking system that works with the EV’s ignition key. Aimed primarily at at delivery or express firms, such as lift operators, postal services and emergency services, the Cargo comes in two different flavors depending upon your needs. The more powerful model has a top speed of 80 kph (49.7 MPH) and a range of around 62 miles. Both offerings feature a variety of safety i…

2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI achieves a Guinness record-breaking 78 MPG

Wayne Gerdes is an expert driver. Not because of his speed or race-track credentials, but for his Feather Foot. Or, to use the auto vernacular, he's an expert hypermiler: one who can achieve super mpg's from just about any car. This week Gerdes achieved an amazing 78 mpg, setting a new Guinness World Record for achieving the lowest fuel consumption in the lower 48 states in a non-hybrid car. After 8,122 miles and 16 days, Gerdes and co-driver Bob Winger's impressive economy numbers were witnessed by Guinness World Record representatives, sealing and official record. The team set off earlier this month, with the aim of beating a previous 68 mpg record for diesel vehicles. Gerdes himself also holds the equivalent hybrid record, set last year with 64.5 mpg in a Kia Optima Hybrid. "We felt we had a good chance of beating the existing record with a series production Passat TDI," Gerdes said after taking the record. "...But to smash it by averaging over 78 mpg is reall…