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Hi All:

___Actually, just some auto show coverage ;)

___MaxxMPG, SlowHands, and JusBringIt are along to see, touch and feel the latest. Not much new but still great to see everything on a single show floor and hear the latest launch dates etc...

BMW

1.43 Million vehicles and 100,000 bikes sold last year. On a business basis, the BMW of today costs less than the BMW from 2007. Let us hope we see the savings for those interested... Those interested in the 335d that is ;)

335d DPF regeneration occurs once every few thousand miles so we never saw it.

Learned how the memory seats work and how to fine tune the NAVI. Clock does not update with time zones for some unknown reason. FCD only reads in large increments.

48.0, 49.0, 50.0, 51.1, 52.7, 53.5 mpgUS etc.

Honda

Regarding Diesels, "A couple years ago, consumers had a completely different mindset." We will not be seeing one anytime soon but may see a hybrid drivetrain attached to a mid-size... Accord again???

MB

S400 is still being touted as a 29 mpgUS combined vehicle? A 6 w/ an IMA like system. I will believe it when I see it.

E250 Blutec was shown and we hope this one makes it. A 2.2L I4 diesel in a midsize sure sounds nice too us ;)

Fisker Karma

Li-Ion pack is air cooled. Promise of > 60% of the 22.6 kWh cap to be tapped. Battery is good for 10 - 12 years BUT only a 50 month/50,000 miles Bumper to Bumper on everything.

VW

Chance for an actual Jetta Wagon TDI with a stick soon... How soon? Unknown but I will work on it.

Ford

Fiesta still looks hot. AND a ton of sticks are in the US right now so hopefully we will have a first drive soon.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

To add a little bit of info:

Mercedes E250 blueTEC diesel:

-The 2.2l 4 cylinder went through a bit of redevelopment in order to improve internal raw emissions.

-This small displacement is mated to a 7 speed AT transmission with decent gearing to deliver 28 city 39 hwy.

-rated 204hp along with 369ft-lb tq. at 1600-1800rpm

-Problem is they're holding off on bringing it here due to the lack of power??? :rolleyes:

-There is a model that goes on sale in europe later this fall with a v6 that grants 211hp.

-Upon mentioning the diesel hybrid, the look on the rep's face made me feel as if I was speaking a completely different language, so long story short, we have a diesel, we have a hybrid, but no diesel hybrid.

BMW
BMW seems to be doing very well seeing over all increases in all aspects. 456 million in net profits for the 2008 model year along with a stable inventory makes it seems there will be some savings on purchases as costs have also gone down. With seven new models by the end of the year we might see some fuel efficient cars by bmw based on the currently available 335d.

Lexus

The lexus 250h in person was reminiscent of a fusion prius... Take the ford grill smashed together with thicker prius lights and there you have it. Certainly a looker it was, but probably a bit pricey. It has what seemed to be a laser controlled cruise control where you will be able to avoid collapsing your front bumper into someone's rear by not paying attention. A very nice feature I might add.

From NY AUto Show:
A nice walk to the train station, a pleasant ride on the Long Island Railway to Penn Station, and then a nice walk over to the Javits Center. The show had exhibits on two levels, with most of the vehicles we were interested in on the 3rd level.

Of course we had to stop by BMW to see the rep that was responsible for getting us the 335d for the Chicago to NYC drive on one tank. He was pleasantly surprised :D A bit later we stopped back to talk to a couple of engineer type about the navi, fuel particulate system, and the mpg readout.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is really quite good looking in person. There is a blue one that really caught my eye... We also talked to a rep about the European Fiesta that is here in the US for some test driving tours.

We spent some time over at the Honda exhibit, where we tried out the seating arrangements in the new Insight and in the Fit. It really is quite surprising what room there is in the Fit for 'above average sized' people! We also talked with one of the Honda reps regarding diesels...

The Toyota exhibit was very pretty, and to me, nicely laid out. Of course the Prius III was the centerpiece. We all had the chance to try out the seating arrangements in it, even though it was normally off limits (locked). THe controls are laid out differently in some respects to the Prius II. A couple of things really stood out: the shifter is now in the center console, kind of short and stubby, but a comfortable grip. Right above it, exactly where 3 fingers fall are 3 very useful buttons. And right where your pinky would fall is the hazard light button: perfect for the hypermiler.. no more long reaches to the middle of the dash! Seating was very comfortable, both front and rear. I could definitely spend some nights curled up in ... oh never mind.

The little Yaris also has a surprising amount of room. I can understand why my sister in Italy has one as their family car. They are a bit luckier than us here in the USA, they have the small diesel.

The Fiskar Karma was I think the prettiest car there. What a looker! As much as I like the Shelby Cobra, this really was gorgeous. We spoke with their engineer Barny regarding a few things about the car, including some really good information about the battery system. So far in their testing there is nearly no difference in available pack power in cold temps down to about -20F! Especially if you have it plugged in, the pack is up to temp and at full power in a matter of a couple of minutes. Even if its cold-soaked, it still is just a few minutes to be at operating temperature. They have also done some hot weather testing and that has gone well too.

There will be upcoming Lexus and Mercedes hybrids. Pretty nice looking, but it looks like the Lexus would end up more efficient than the Mercedes, at least until they come out with the rumored diesel hybrid...

The NY auto show seems more somber and restrained than past events, which is understandable with recent sales trends. But the show provided a unique opportunity to get some test-fitting in the Fit and Yaris along with the new Honda Insight and Prius III. The Insight is a tight fit, especially in the rear seat, but the other three were quite comfortable, with enough room for four big people.

Over at BMW, we heard encouraging news about sales successes, company liquidity, and increased market share. If all their diesel models perform as well as the press car that traveled here from Chicago, they deserve success. They promise 7 new models by the end of 2009 and another 15 new models by the end of 2010.

Some of the eye catchers on the main show floor -

- For hybrids, the new Prius III was out on the floor for a hands-on test-fitting. The moonroof is large and slides over the roofline to preserve headroom. Then we saw the Lexus hs250h on the turntable and a cutaway version displaying the HSD. This is the same platform as the Prius but with the larger 2.4L engine and lots of extra luxury features.

- For PHEV - The Fisker Karma sedan and Sunset convertible were on display. Both "coming soon", with Karma test mules out on the road for 8 months already.

- For Diesels - BMW's Efficient Dynamics diesels were prominently displayed, as were the Mercedes BlueTec diesels in the "coming soon" E250 BlueTec and the GL and ML diesels.

The show has changed slowly over the last few years, but this year showed a somewhat dramatic shift. The crowds weren't swarming over the AMGs, the BMW M's other other performance iron, but rather around the diesels, the hybrids, and both the prototype and concept plug-ins and BEVs.

The award for "automotive oxymoron" goes to an area of floor space roped off that contained a Camaro SS and a Chevy Volt. Talk about the automotive Odd Couple!

Tomorrow will be more reveals, and additional coverage of other manufacturers and more news to be gathered. According to Ken's pedometer, we already covered over 4-1/4 miles, so I will definitely be resting with the feet up tonight!

Overall, a lot of fun and a unique opportunity to meet the people from the automakers and get the inside scoop on what we see here and what we will see in the coming year.

Any thoughts on the Scion IQ (http://jalopnik.com/5203795/scion-iq-concept-three+seat-smart-fighter)? How does the interior size-up, so to speak?

What about EV Innovations/Hybrid Technologies? How are they representing the Carolinas? :D - Dale

Just announced seconds ago at the NY Auto Show:

Green Car of the year: 2009 Honda Clarity FCX

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Honda_FCX_Clarity.jpg



World Car Design of the Year: 2009 Fiat 500

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_Fiat_500s.jpg

The Start&Stop system is fitted to the 500’s equipped with the 1.2L gasoline engine only. The system automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and the car is shifted into neutral. The engine automatically restarts the moment the driver depresses the clutch.

In comparison to standard 1.2 models without Start&Stop, fuel economy is improved from 35.3 mpgUS to 39.7 mpgUS in urban driving conditions and from 44.3 mpgUS to 47.1 mpgUS on the NEDCs combined cycle.


World Car of the Year: 2009 Volkswagen Golf

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/European_VW_Golf.jpg

Hi All:

___Day #2… Began with a low cal, Continental like breakfast while the World Car of the Year awards were announced.

___Thanks for updating Mike! Great coverage on the World Car of the Year awards on the home page! I owe you a dinner or something when we get back!

EV Innovations (formerly Hybrid Technologies)

___Dale (Drimportracing), you are going to freak but we got you a ride in whichever BEV you want!!! Lucky @)(&#$@()$&()@&_ :D :D :D One of the guys remembered your delivery on a late night a few weeks back even…

___Pack chemistry is designed in house and than mass produced elsewhere by someone… That is about all the detail we could muster regarding who they are using. It is all Air Cooled.

___Wave -- The 3-wheeled Wave is a 1,700 pound wonder with big range. 90 mph top end, large Aptera like styling, 100, 150 and 200 mile AER packs available and $34,900 to start. A/C will be a $2K upcharge.

___Variable regen on the more expensive offerings and fixed on the less expensive. The Wave will have the ability to forgoe regen at the touch of a button. Oh yeah, they got that right ;)

___The Yaris BEV is rated at 120 miles but the guys have seen > 160 miles AER from it. 100 A-Hr pack in the Yaris.

___220V input can bring up their largest vehicles pack in 8 – 10 hours.

___BMSS Status screens will beep at 25 miles to Empty and again at 10, 5 and 0. At 0, it allows 60 more seconds of operation to pull over before it stops.

Scion

___A few pics of the iQ concept but it is a concept vs. Toyota’s iQ for Europe that is on the streets.

___About all for now and time to head back home.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Day Two -
Early start on a chilly Thursday morning. Crunchy bagels and crunchy coffee and then the World car awards as mentioned above. Seeing these cars in person is a rare opportunity as a few of them are not on sale (yet) in the US or are rare niche models.

Scion's iQ display was limited to a heavily modified version with a body kit and 18 inch wheels, and a large LCD display inside to catch the eye of Scion's intended youth market. But the overall structure of the car was apparent underneath all the tinsel and ornaments, and it looks like a serious competitor to the Smart, with room for two full size adults and two children or two adult contortionists. The engine in the car on the turntable had a 1.3L VVT engine, and here's hoping that's available in the US instead of the 1.5L which is about 50% more engine than this little commuter needs to scoot around in city traffic.

Even as the press days promise a less cluttered/crowded environment to evaluate and interview as all the auto manufacturers display their latest model lineup, some areas were more popular than others. Only chirping crickets and one or two people dusting and cleaning the vehicles at some exhibits featuring a lineup of " almost all FSP " vehicles. How times have changed from years gone by when there were obstacle courses set up to allow people to experience the offroad capabilities of a vehicle that - in this area of the world, only goes off road when you're too busy chatting on the cell to realize that the road curved.

Just behind some of the truck exhibits was the North Carolina based EV Innovations Inc. They have two very interesting models that are under development. The 2200 pound Inizio is a carbon-fiber 2 passenger sports car that will compete in the market segment with the Tesla sports car. The 1700 pound Wave has a tadpole shape that recalls the Aptera, and will fit neatly in that market segment. They have test cars out and about that are running 170 miles in real world driving, which is a good 40% further than the promised 120 mile range. Recharges at 110V are a long 18-20 hours, but less than half that on a 220V circuit. And any recharge under 10 hours is perfect for overnight recharging. We were told there will be three battery pack options for three unique range capabilities. Current battery costs and technology just about demands this tiered structure as it will make the short range vehicles more affordable while allowing bragging rights for longer ranges if your checkbook can support it. EVii will offer packs that will offer a range between 100 and 200 miles, which will likely be adequate for the vast majority of the public.

Seeing some of the promising new options coming our way in the next couple of years - including the new Fiesta, the Kia Soul, and the new compact VWs, all offer a lot more excitement, more safety and comfort features, and more value to justify the higher price tag needed to cover the new powertrain and safety technologies these cars will offer. "Small" is no longer "chintzy", as has been the common view for too long. Today's smaller cars are loaded with technology and their efficiency is impressive. It's no wonder why the B and C class cars sell in the volumes they do around the world. In a few years, the US may also join this trend.

As we got busy with the second day of reporting from the NYIAS, nothing got us going and more energized than a 2 mile total walk to our destination. We set out with plans for the day to conclude the auto show with pens in hand and expectations in heart. The fiesta vs the golf vs the IQ should be a blast due to the competition for the world car of the year which is by all means an amazing award and recognition to acquire for any carmaker.

Breakfast came about with a rather long line of waiting. Did I say breakfast? I meant morning snacks. Expectations full? Check. Stomachs full? Negative. Not a very good start for the finale of the North American Auto shows.

As awards were given out to each model as listed, performance, green, design, the anticipation grew for the world car of the year results. (My growling stomach didn’t really help) The three contenders sat lavishly on stage, poised in patient wait for the recognition of the world as the best. My hopes were for the fiesta as it had been winning awards left and right and it seems Ford has been getting it right for a while now.

We approached the final and most prestigious award for the day. The suspense grew as the announcer stood on stage eyes glancing from left to right at the highly anticipating and watchful crowd. A moment of silence echoed the breath of the speaker on the mic as he enjoyed the gluttony of everyone’s desire for the knowledge already in his hand.

With great amplitude in his voice and through the silent crowd he shouted the Volkswagen Golf!...(pause). For a few seconds I sat there and it processed, the award for car of the year went to the German automaker and the golf with its Scirocco-like design. It was quite an achievement and an ecstatic reception of the award followed.

So after throwing out what was left of my half-eaten carrot cake muffin, unbuttered bagel and skinned corn muffin, we grabbed some drinks and spoke with a mobil1 rep for a few short minutes. (these minutes were by all means the same 60 seconds in a full minute... though it did feel shorter.)

Since we had nothing much left to see for the day we went to check out the IQ “Fierce” for rooming (which there wasn’t much of once the driver got in) and then EVII innovations as there was some interesting technology and “concepts” prepared for launch later this afternoon. The “Wave” will be marketed in Europe due to the tall hurdles placed on advancing technology as far as marketing is concerned here in the US. This Aptera-like design with a four or three wheel option is quite a looker and at 1700lbs, fuel economy and performance are not far apart.

This morning started off a bit disoriented: somehow we all managed to miss multiple alarms on clocks and phones... Even with a rather furiously paced walk to the station, we missed the train by about 2 minutes. Not the end of the world, as our alternate plan was the next train about 20 minutes later. We were able to check in at the auto show and make it to the main conference room for breakfast and the World Car of the Year Awards before the event started.

Ok, "breakfast" isn't perhaps the best word to describe what was available: about 3 varieties of bagels, 2 different muffins, coffee, orange juice, and cranberry juice. I've seen a bigger selection at a low budget hotel, and the hotel will at least have more available than 1 bagel and 1 muffin per person.

The World Car of the Year Awards were across four categories: Car Design, Green Car, Performance Car, and the top award 'World Car of the Year'. The final three vehicles in each category were in the room so that you could take a closer look, but the final three for World Car of the Year were up on stage. The committee's choice for Performance Car was the Nissan GT-R, which was very deserving of the win. Green Car of the year was the Honda FCX Clarity, a very well designed vehicle for sure, certainly 'green'. I think the Mitsubishi iMiEV would have been a better choice, partly because its technology is more readily available, and getting 'refueled' will certainly be a lot easier than trying to find a 'hydrogen' station. The Car Design Award went to the Fiat 500... meh.

I was surprised by the choice of the VW Golf VI as the 'World Car of the Year'. While the VW is certainly worthy of being in the final three, the Ford Fiesta was more deserving of the distinction of the top award.

Afterwards, we wandered over to the Mobil 1 booth for a quick chat, and then on to the EV Inovations booth.

The EVii engineer remembered Dale as the now legendary 'pizza delivery guy'. They had several vehicles on the floor, including the new 'Wave', which was undercover as it was going to be revealed later this afternoon at a press conference. They had a rolling chassis of the Inizio EVS, what is probably the fastest EV car in the world. It will have a range of up to 200 miles, a top speed of 170mph :eek:, and a 0-60 time of 4 seconds. They do conversions to other vehicles such as the Smart and the Yaris.

The Wave will start at $34,900.00, with AC as an option for about $2,000.00 It will be available with three battery packs, offering ranges from about 90 miles to about 170 miles. The Wave will have a top speed of about 80 mph. It uses a 'fixed' regen module, instead of the 'variable' regen that is in some of their other vehicles. This helps keep the cost down.

EVii has their own in-house chemists and engineers for developing their own battery packs. The prototype packs are built locally, but the production versions will be produced overseas at an undisclosed location. A really neat feature of their packs is that it will require no separate cooling system!

EV Innovations (formerly Hybrid Technologies)

___Dale (Drimportracing), you are going to freak but we got you a ride in whichever BEV you want!!! Lucky @)(&#$@()$&()@&_ :D :D :D One of the guys remembered your delivery on a late night a few weeks back even…

___About all for now and time to head back home.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

For real???:woot::bananajump::bananapowerslide:Sweet! Thanks! Give me/us the details. :D - Dale

Man, Dale you are famous now!! Wish I could get a ride in one of those EVs. :eek:

Wayne, that sounds like some tasty mileage in those cars. :thumbs_up:

Wow Dale! Wayne must have really liked the spread of food you served at Thanksgiving!:D

Easter is coming up too! Would it be wrong to serve wild rabbit and deviled eggs? :eyebrow: - Dale

Here are a few pics that Ken (Slowhands) sent this morning:


The title of this one is : Ricardo learning to drive??? Hmmm! I guess the picture explains it!:D

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/591/Ricardo_learning_to_drive_s.JPG


The next picture is: Chris getting points! I don't think he's getting the same "points" as Ricardo.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/591/Chris_gets_points_s.JPG

The last one is: NYC Proud Taxi The CleanMPG team want to recognize the fleet of Prius and other hybrids that are a growing number of New York City taxis.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/591/NYC_Proud_Taxi_s.JPG