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Ford Verve/Fiesta, Chrysler EcoVoyager, 08 MB Freeside, 08 BMW 335d, 08 Audi A4 TDI and the Mitsubishi MiEV to be shown. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8152)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Ford_Verve_Concept.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) – Jan. 9, 2007

Ford will finally have something worthy of our time with the Verve/Fiesta.

It is doubtful that the 2008 NAIAS will be as momentous as the 2007 Detroit Show with the Chevrolet “Volt” concept release but this is the Motor City after all and anything can happen.

Blake and I will be working the floor coming up with tidbits on the vehicles listed above and those not announced that happen to appear. The Verve/Fiesta launch time frame and any info on its propulsion system, the 335d premium, Jetta and A4 TDI release dates and everything we can get our hands on wrt the MiEV BEV.

A little further out, the GM created 2.9L Diesel for the 09 Cadillac CTS and Buick (TBD) as well as the 4.5L for their light trucks will be looked into. No promises for any info about those two engines.

Like all Auto Shows, there are smaller venues including tire manufacturers, safety sub-system and electronics manufacturers to have discussions with and who knows, maybe there will be a Volt like release this coming weekend!


http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Ford_Verve_Sedan_Concept_2.jpg2009 Ford Verve/Fiesta sedan

Directly from the Shanghai and Frankfurt Auto shows (where the vehicle was shown in sedan and 3-door hatch trims), the new Verve and its futuristic 21st century look is based on the Mazda2 Demio platform. The Mazda2 platform recently received 5 stars on the tough Euro NCAP crash test ratings.

The only question left is what will it be powered by? In Europe, the current B-class based Fiesta can be equipped with a Euro IV based 1.6L TDCi with a 0 to 60 mph capability of 11 seconds and FE of 53 mpg-US (urban/city)/60-mpgUS (extra-urban/highway).

Obtaining lower vehicle weight has been a key focus of this model’s development which (like its Mazda2 sibling) is designed to achieve best in class fuel economy, dynamic driving performance, and superior safety protection. With another 100 plus pounds shed from the current European Fiesta, both performance and FE will be increased.

For the US, let us hope Ford supplies a futuristic 21st century propulsion system to go along with it.



http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/ECOVoyager_Concept_Front_News.jpgChrysler’s ECOVoyager Concept

This is Chrysler’s answer to the future. A four-door sedan powered by a 200 kW electric motor in a series-hybrid format. A Fuel Cell stack similar to that of the HySeries powered Ford Edge is expected to be pressed into service as a range extender. Sadly or fortunately depending on your point of view, this feature is guaranteed to be dropped before production. Basic performance targets include a 0-60 mph time of less than 8 seconds and a minimum range of 300 miles.

With its compact drivetrain, Chrysler will give the ECOVoyager interior dimensions on par with a crossover but in a vehicle just a few inches longer than the current Chrysler Sebring. The vehicle appears to be much more aerodynamic than any of Chrysler’s current offerings thanks to the radical but beautiful cab-forward design and gently sloping hatch-like rear trunk opening.

This will be Chrysler’s first green offering since the PNGV sponsored ESX-3 was built, shown and scrapped back in 2003. Is this small giant finally waking up to the realities of today's world? With little to offer other than a 2-Mode Durango (slated for either late 2008 or early 2009), they will have to produce something of merit because everything else is heading in the wrong direction.



http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_MB_GLK_Concept_4-Cyl_Blutec_Diesel.JPG2008 MB Freeside w/ a 2.2L Blutec CDI

The key to this vehicle's environmental credentials will be its fuel efficient and clean four-cylinder diesel engine equipped with BLUETEC. Combined with a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and the new 4MATIC AWD, the Freeside will be a go anywhere, do anything small SUV with the FE of a compact and the performance of a standard sedan.

The Vision GLK Freeside is powered by a next-generation 170 HP output 2.2L diesel. The technical features of this extremely compact and smooth CDI powerplant include a fourth-generation common rail with an injection pressure of 2000 bar and a two-stage variable vane turbocharger.

Diesel emissions are controlled by a modular but enhanced BLUETEC system. This four-cylinder engine will be the first modern diesel offering from MB for the US market.

The new 4MATIC drivetrain in the Freeside is one of the most powerful all-wheel-drive systems in existence. Thanks to the compact, lightweight, and friction-optimized design it offers many advantages over other systems including fuel economy said to rival that of a conventionally powered 2WD vehicle!


http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_BMW_320d.jpg2008 BMW 335d

The advanced diesel inside the mid-sized 335d is rated at 265 hp and 425 lb-ft. of torque at just 1,750 rpm. With a 0 to 60 time of approximately 6.0 seconds and preliminary 08 EPA FE rating expected to reach 23/33 MPG city/highway, this is a super-diesel capable of FE similar to that of the Ford Focus compact!

This 3.0L inline-six diesel uses the latest Variable Vane - Twin Turbo technology, an aluminum crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection with precision piezo-injectors for improved performance, reduced NVH, lower emissions and improved fuel economy.

BMW’s emissions package achieves cleaner output than Federal Tier II/Bin 5 and California LEV-II standards require by utilizing an SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) CAT with AdBlue injection. Expect this to be the first of many 50-state compliant super diesels from BMW.


http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Audi_A4.jpgAudi A4 TDI

The A4 with an all new 3.0L TDI diesel engine is expected to produce 240 HP and 405 ft.-lb’s of torque while achieving emissions matching that of most gasoline fueled vehicles available in the US today. Meeting the new Federally mandated Tier II/Bin5 emissions specifications, the new 3.0 TDI will be 50-state compliant with the power of a performance sedan and FE comparable to the best Compacts available.

The US could save 1.4 million barrels of crude a day if just one third of all passenger cars and light-duty commercial vehicles were equipped with the latest super-diesel technology. And a lot more if any CleanMPGer was behind the wheel ;)

Audi’s method of reducing Particulate was handled by increasing common rail pressures to almost 30,000 PSI while monitoring parameters inside and outside the combustion chamber to precisely control fuel charge events. Vague pronouncements have made mention of an ultra-low emissions system in the exhaust tract which largely eliminates nitrogen oxides by means of a carbonic acid diamide solution. We suspect Audi will be using the more common SCR w/ UREA injection for NOx reduction however.



http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Mitsubishi_iMiEV_L.jpgMitsubishi MiEV

The i-MiEV inherits the advantages of its base model “i”, which means that the modifications required to turn the base vehicle into an EV were kept to a minimum. When starting out on the design of the i-MiEV, the intention was to make it an EV capable of covering a sufficient per-charge distance for daily use while offering sufficient power for increased performance.

This Mitsubishi will be powered by a high-capacity Li-Ion battery with a market debut before 2010. Let us hope for its appearance by late 08/early 09.

The Fiesta looks really cool IMO. I hope they drop in a descent engine. However, that grill is going to need to be at least partially blocked, its huge (although it does look good)!

I'm more interested to see what comes of the MiEV though. Its not a real looker, but if it does the job looks don't matter as much.

So, what is the difference between the Verve and Fiesta? I did some googling and came up with a different body style for the 2009 Fiesta.

http://images.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_news070425_01l+ford_fiesta+european_model.jpg (http://www.automotive.com/future-cars/90/112-news070426-2010-ford-fiesta/index.html)

Hi Daox:

___The vehicle you posted is today’s Fiesta. The Verve/Fiesta concept shown in the pics above is the next gen replacement for it including a version for the US.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I can't wait to see these vehicles!

I got to go to the DC Auto Show last year. I don't think I'll be able to make it this year. :mad: It would be nice to get to see some of these up close.

For the us, they'll probably build it on the old escort platform, and stick in a 2.0 liter duratec or something with a 4 speed auto. It will get 37mpg on the highway and thats about it.

Hi Koreberg:

___I am not sure and I hope Blake and I will get a good feel as to Ford’s direction with the Verve this coming weekend. No guarantees of course.

___Mulally is no fool and he knows the Mazda2 platform is a gold mine for a B-Class sized sub in terms of both weight and crash performance. I also believe he understands Ford’s problems have a lot to do with the lineups fuel efficiency.

___The Verve/Fiesta replacement is an excellent opportunity to turn the fuel efficiency problem into an advantage for Ford in the small car segment here in the US. In Europe, the Fiesta is selling well and with the 1.4 or 1.6L CDTi, it really needs just a few tweaks plus the new styling to stay at the top of its class.

___If Ford plays a 4-speed auto with the current 2.0e (maybe atkinsonized) game here in the US, they are in serious trouble as Honda/Toyota will ramp up yet another notch in FE to keep just ahead as they have been doing against the domestics for the past 10 + years now. In other words, if Ford screws this up and uses the ancient 2.0e tech with SYNC and the new body style thinking it will sell in huge numbers, they are mistaken imho.

___What I hope they end up using in the US based Verve is the European based 1.2 or 1.4L Duratec with a ECOBoost or the 1.3 Miller/Atkinsonized ICE directly from the Mazda2 Demio in Japan with the 5-speed MT or CVT and an honest 45 + highway on the 08 EPA. Wishing for the 1.6L CDTi here in the US is beyond our wildest dreams so that one is probably out due to Tier II/Bin5 :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Its interesting to see the opposite side of the spectrum. They just had a small thread (http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=31549) on genvibe.com about the new Fiesta and the disappointment that its not getting the 216hp 2.0L duratec engine. I keep wanting to ask why they would ever need 216hp in that car. But, I know the answer would be to the effect of 'because it would be fun'.

Hi Daox:

___Neat thread! I loved Northvibe’s comment at the end after you posted the Verve/Fiesta concept pics: if thats what is coming to the US, im selling the vibe :)

___For the performance guys, the following thread you posted the other day should wake them up …

Ford’s current 3.5L V6 with EcoBoost: 340 HP and 340 + lb.-ft. of torque
Ford’s current 2.0L V6 with EcoBoost: 275 HP and 280 + lb.-ft. of torque

___Add 2 + mpg for each engine as a direct replacement for the Duratec currently in place no matter the vehicle!

___At 1.4 HP per L in the 2.0, let us take this down to Ford’s conventionally aspirated 1.25L (1,242 cc) Duratec as found in Europe … again :(

___The Current Fiesta can be purchased with a 1.25L w/out EcoBoost rated at 74 HP and 81 lb.-ft. of torque.

___And this: 1.2L with EcoBoost: 165 HP and 170 lb.-ft. of torque

___Can you imagine what that DI and Turbocharged 1.25L would be worth just cruising down the highway at 55 mph at ~ 2K RPM vs. the current 2.0e in the sleek Verve? We are talking FE easily beyond that of the current HCH-II given the loss of 500 #’s, smaller frontal area, similar Cd and performance that would satisfy the most strident gear head!

___Myself? If Ford says they will be offering up this kind of performance in the larger blocked NA vehicles, please offer the excellent styling of the Verve with a 1.0L at 100 HP and 110 lb.-ft. capable of 50 + mpg highway (on the 08 EPA of course). This B-Class sized sub should come in at less then $15K as well! I think the entire country would be flocking to their local Ford stores in volumes Ford has not seen in a hell of a long time if they offered it up in that form :D Hell, make it a PZEV while they are at it and take the Halo crown too!

___OK, I am dreaming and the Verve will be equipped with a 1.5e and a 4-speed auto achieving the FE of the currently available Civic and it will languish until Ford dies because they will not offer their A-Game to their US customers :ccry:

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Supposed to be at the show:

Video: New (PHEV-SUV) hybrid gets up to 150 miles per gallon! (http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2008/01/11/hunter.extreme.hybrid.cnn)

Hi Chuck:

___I have heard of AFS Trinity but I did not expect an $8,700 upgrade for a PHEV-40? That one was an eye opener and another added to the list of vehicles to look at in Detroit this weekend!

___Thanks for the find :)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi All:

___Blake, Rich (Pravus Prime) and I are here!

___Last night when walking in from the Amtrak, MB had Mr. Zetsche doing a TV interview for a launch of some sort. Lots of MB's and Smart Fortwo's running around ...

___And a ton of Manufacturer plates on super clean cars out on the streets.

___We are getting ready for the JCI breakfast and presentation and then the show begins in earnest.

___The Motor City is alive and ready to show the wotrld it isn't done as the automotive capitol of the world :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi All:

___A little update ...

JCI-Saft

___Rumor has it the Ford Fusion Hybrid will be using a JCI/SAft NiMH pack instead of a Sanyo? Not confirmed of course ... 2010 Saturn VUE 2-MODE PHEV-20 will be a 9kWh Li-Ion pack from JCI/SAFT. JCI also supplies the Pb-Acid AGM's in the Euro Start/Stop BMW 1-Series overseas. Future PHEV 40's need liquid cooling whereas PHEV-20 need only air.

Ford

___Yada, Yada, Yada Ford F-150, Mustang, Explorer ... However, the 3-door hatch based Verve is the best looking vehicle at the show. Far better then any of the press pics we have seen in the recent past!

GM

___Making a case for Ethanol again ... What a waste of time. Introduced an FFV based hummer and a Saab 9-4. A yawn of a time compared to last year :(

___Saturn VUE PHEV announcement very soon however?

Dodge/Chrysler

___What company is that? We did not see any of the three super concepts yet but maybe tomorrow?

VW

___VW 2.0 TDI ... Hey wagon fans, you are going to love this. Jetta TDI wagon variant later this year :)

___Passat w/ a 3.6L -- Gobs of HP -- Who cares.

BMW

___335d with the new 3.0L diesel and Blutec (Blueperformance according to BMW ;)) was there. X6 ... Yawn.

Honda

___Jeff, the CR-Z is even better looking in person then the pics show ;)

___Oh, and the 2.2L iDTEC will be in an Acura so we are going to get that 6-speed stick after all! And I am quite positive it will be in the TSX just as it is in Eurpe. TSX is the Accord over there. A Honda in 2010 possibly.

___Honda Pilot? What's that :rolleyes:

___I have to run back to the room while Blake and Rich check out the Audi presentation.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

The iDTEC will be in the TSX? That has at least a chance of similar performance to that Civic!! :D

An iDTEC TSX sounds like a great car. I really hope they make it.

I had read that Audi would show an R8 with a V12 TDI at the Detroit show. I know it's a pretty ridiculous car but I'm still interested to see what kind of performance and fuel economy it can give compared to the gas version.

Hopefully they will release the tsx in a coupe version with the idtec.

The idtec display was in front of the TSX ;)

The TSX has a cd of 0.27 but weighs ~300 lbs more than the icdti so hwy FE should be close to what the icdti achieved.

Jeff.... just for you ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/jamieboyd/IMG_0081.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/jamieboyd/IMG_0080.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/jamieboyd/IMG_0075.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/jamieboyd/IMG_0068.jpg

OH SWEET!!!!

That is one incredible looking car. :eek:

And the TSX with more efficient engine performance than the iCDTi should be able to compensate for 300lbs just fine. :D

They'll definitly need to tone it down a bit for the interior (imagine driving at night). But, it looks amazing. I love the speedo-tach combo. So simple and elegant amongst the flashy interior. Can't wait for this car to be released. I don't suppose we got any info on its drivetrain? :)

Absolutely none :(

They didn't talk about it much at all other than its release date which is 2009 and any attempts Wayne or I had trying to get info out of the Honda people failed ;)

The global hybrid is supposed to come out this year sometime.

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA was VERY exciting. I didn't snag any pictures yesterday because it was getting late and we had to head out to the Audi/VW event, but I'm heading there first thing when I get there today. Think about this...

Sports car with all wheel drive, over 300 ft/lbs torque, super clean diesel engine, AND 40 mpg's. More exact specs to follow but this thing is awesome looking.

That crz would work great for me.

There are SEVERAL new concepts that are equally as cool as the CRZ. Chrysler of all companies just released three amazingly cool concepts... A BEV sports car, a Phev Jeep, and a fuel-cell Phev coupe/suv.

I'll get some pictures when the media clears out a bit because its a mad house down there atm.

Also, there were a couple Diesel hybrids shown in the show!

I'm on the edge of my seat, Blake! More details???

I'd post up some pictures but they are taken at 8mp and I'd need to resize them. I'm in the media office atm so I can't do it...

Lets just say the BEV had a ~250 mile range and a 0-60 less than 6 seconds.. It looks SEXXXXXXXY!

EDIT: Hold on I'm working on it.. I've only got rear end pics atm.. I'll go back downstairs in a sec and get some better pictures. The connection here is pretty slow so uploading is taking a bit.

Hi All:

___Chrysler stole the show with the EcoVoyager, ZEO and Renegade. All concept plug-ins of course but at least the Big C is finally coming around to some real FE vs. the garbage they currently offer :(

___Blake and I took a drive in the OEM Prius PHEV-6. OH YEAH! Energy/Consumption Screens are more informative. Wait until you see the pic Blake took while cruising down the road above 45 mph. A bar graph revealing when ICE-On will occur within a mm of throttle travel. Really interesting. 1-minute consumtion bars with more info too ...

___AFS Trinity is a front company and that is about it. I wish I had better news and will have more later but that $8,700 PHEV-40 Saturn VUE is a non-starter imho.

___Verve is a 2010 release so Ford is going to get caught short with such a long lead time and Mazda driving the Mazda2 platform today :confused:

___BMW 335d inital 08 EPA 23/33. We know is will be worth a lot more in the real world. Expect a Diesel premium of ~ 3,000 Euro's. Do the math and its ugly :(

___Nissan diesel info was non-existant to date.

___Toyota Prius-III early next year launch vs. this fall possibly :ccry: Built around NiMH's with a Li-Ion drop in to be seamless. Expect the 62 mph EV/Glide from the OEM PHEV-6.

___Mazda is up right now w/ Blake and I headed back down to ccatch the last of it later.

___About all for now and leaving Detroit in a few hours.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/jamieboyd/IMG_0269.jpg

The crystal dash on the CR-Z is very cool!

Blake, I'm assuming that pic is of the rear of the BEV you mentioned above? Why are there exhaust ports on a BEV?

Wayne, is the LiON drop-in going to be available as an upgrade to purchasers of the early NiMH equipped vehicles (Prius III)?

There were no exhaust ports on that BEV.. I'm assuming they are just aero devices.

Pics coming in just a sec.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0254.jpg

Check out the Speed the Prius is at, plus the MFD.... Hmmm ;)



http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/medium/IMG_0308.jpg

Chrysler Zeo from the Front. Way cool car! 250 mile BEV!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0189.jpg

The new Mitsubishi Concept-RA. 2.2 Liter Clean Diesel with all wheel drive AND 40+ mpgs!


Many more pictures to come but I'm on a slow wireless connection atm.

Want!!!!!!

Check out the Speed the Prius is at, plus the MFD.... Hmmm ;)


http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0254.jpg


:eek:

WANT. (seconded)

:D

Do you happen to see how many cupholders the Concept RA diesel has? Will it be available in Forest Green?:)
Keith

I will not trade my Prius.
I will not trade my Prius.
I will not trade my Prius.
I will trade my...errm, hold on.
I will not trade my Prius.
...

Wow! How was driving the phev-6 prius?!?

What kind of segments did you get?

Does it pull from the second pack when not in EV mode?

What is the thermometer in the top right of the mfd?

Is there still Warp stealth above 62?

Details Details!!

That Mitsu is quite attractive..

I like the sound of the Audi A4 diesel..of course it has 100hp more than necessary..but at least it's a step in the right direction

Any info on the toyota venza(2.7l)?

And, of course, what sort of screen do you get when you poke that
"PLUG-IN" softbutton??
.
_H*

Hi All:

___Just got home and am beat. Blake was in the PHEV taking MFD screen shots while I was doing my normal routine with the engineer types and he caught a whole slew of screens I have never seen before. If Blake doesn't get them up, I will get them up tomorrow.

___Keith, maybe 2 ;)

___Sup'd, the PHEV can definitely accel harder then the Prius-II before ICE-On! 5.x mile segment with 5.3 miles of EV range when I got in the car. With 30 seconds of ICE-Run time, she still had 1.8 miles of AER left when we got back. When not in EV Mode, I believe it pulls from the second but see that little bar graph in the pic? Keep the Blue bar from exceeding the green bar and you can stay in EV. Drop the EV button and that green bar shrinks to 1/4 its length and it keeps shortening as your speed increases. It is like a Torque or current bar graph and very useful to stay within EV mode in either EV or hybrid mode actually. Sorry I did not get above 62. The stretch of highway we were on was one on-ramp to an off-ramp so I did not get to test WS above 62 mph :( She will glide above 41 though :D :D :D

___Hobbit, if you have any friends at UC Irvine and that have access to the OEM Prius-II PHEV ECU, you might want to figure out someway, somehow, someday soon meaning right now how to "steal" it and flash yours :D

___For anyone with a short trip, install a surplus OEM NiMH and this thing is completely different vehicle. It is one thing to see a PHEV conversion in action (Mr. Moore's Hybrid-Plus vid's have wowed all of us in the past) but having the ability to see and feel the difference with the push of a button from an OEM PHEV mode to std. Hybrid EV mode w/ a full pack reveals a completely different feel. Until that OEM PHEV ECU flash hits the wild (probably never will :(), all current PHEV conversions are stuck in the mud going nowhere vs. the OEM PHEV-6's capability. Much stronger pull while still in EV and of course the whole tool box up to 62 vs. 41.

___We have now all seen the future ... everything else is just a hack by comparison!

PS: And yes, the PHEV was the highlight of the 2008 NAIAS although meeting up with my two larger than life heroes, Stephen Ellis of Honda and Bill Reinert of Toyota was pretty darn close :D

___Blaster94, some but the 2.7 will not come out until a few months after the V6 is released. Let me put the Venza into perspective. Toyota was touting the Venza’s 19” std. rims being larger then any other vehicle in the CUV segments rims. Blake and I looked at each other and shook our heads in disbelief as to what we had just heard :rolleyes:

___So it’s a jacked up Camry w/ Avalon amenities and an RX rear hatch attached … Oh and 19” rims. We all know how very important that feature is :confused:

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I'll get some more pictures up in a second. Sorry for the delay, I was out late last night so I'm a little tired.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0247.jpg

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Impressive! Any feel for how much a hypermiler could stretch those 6mi?

Great pics, Blake!

The road course Wayne drove on was around 8 miles I think... I don't remember, so you'll have to ask him. We were not in all EV mode the whole time, but I'd say a hypermiler could probably stretch it out to ~10 miles in low speed operation.

On the topics of pictures, I have ~400 or so pictures of various cars. I'm not at home as I'm staying up in Michigan a couple more days to hang out with a good friend for a couple days.. as a result I'm on a pretty slow WI-FI connection and I can't upload all my pics to my .Mac account... BUT if there is a certain car you would like to see I can post some up in the mean time.

Some more pics..

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0152.jpg

Toyota A-BAT electric truck... this thing looked AMAZING in the lighting they had!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0180.jpg

Another pic of the Mitsubishi Concept-RA... I REALLY REALLY! like this car.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0082.jpg

Ford Verve Hatchback... VERY good looking car. The Ford people were seriously crazy about keeping people out of this thing. Wayne finally convinced them to let me in it to get some pictures and they literally had a person there fighting people back to keep them out of it as I was taking pictures inside. They didn't want anyone in that thing for some reason as it was locked up tighter than fort knox! Of all the cars at the show, this one was the only one I had a large amount of difficulty getting interior shots.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0193.jpg

Nissan EFFIS electric car. Completely concept and highly unlikely to make it to market because of crash testing issues.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/medium/IMG_0303.jpg

Chrysler ecoVoyager. Wayne loved this car.. the inside was very interesting with suicide rear doors.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0234.jpg

The Toyota Prius Plug in WITH me in it... the only photo of the weekend with me in it ;) Probably the only one you'll ever see too :D

I see you've grown some of your hair back -- I'm looking forward to those interior pics!

Aww, you look so happy. :)

I'd like to see some more pics of the Verve if you can get a few.

Some interesting stories of this weekend...

#1: There was a group of college students at the auto show protesting for the Big 3 to stop copping out by pushing ethanol, instead produce more hybrids and electric cars. I didn't get any pictures but I did get a chance to talk to one of them that was staying at the hotel Wayne and I was at.

#2: During the Audi Press Conference the Audi people were not giving out press kits until after the Conference. I was standing at the main desk with Pravus Prime and when the event was over, there was a mad rush for the desk. I literally was getting crushed into the desk from all the people trying to get packets. After about 5 minutes of patiently waiting, I got my kit and tried to turn around to get out to the mob. I was getting shoved from all angles and people were literally trying to cram themselves into my place. I managed to get turned around and in a loud voice said... "Hey STOP" every stopped and looked at me. I calmly said, "May I please get out.." While raising my hands up in Moses fashion, parting the sea of reporters. Everyone got really quiet and parted... leaving me a nice 3 foot wide path to make my way out. I politely said, thank you and made my way out. As soon as I was out the madness resumed :rolleyes:

I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of anything else super interesting atm. I will say the dinner that Audi/VW put on after the first night was high class... basically extremely nice food and anything you want to drink. They probably spent more money feeding me that night than I spent the whole trip :D

Mazda Taiki

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0095.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0096.jpg

ask and you shall receive... Verve Pics coming up

Ford Verve Hatchback.. You'll have to excuse the less than stellar pictures, I couldn't actually sit in it and I did the best I could reaching over ;)

All of these pictures I'm posting are sized WAY down. When I get back to my house I'll upload all of the in uncompressed format to my .Mac account and you all can have access to them.

Sedan Verve coming up :D


http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0176.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0175.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0169.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0170.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0171.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0172.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0173.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0164.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0165.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0167.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0168.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0162.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0163.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0085.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/588/IMG_0084.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0086.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0087.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0088.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0089.jpg

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0090.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0091.jpg

Looks like a push button start? Too bad it is an AT. :p

How was the interior space? Can you compare it to another vehicle most of us have been in?

Very nice, thanks Blake! Thats a good looking car IMO. Just need engine info now, and yes, a MANUAL transmission! Also, I hate to be picky, but do you have a side shot of the hatch similar to this one?

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0087.jpg

Oh wow... of all angles I got, I didn't get a side shot of the verve hatch back :( Sorry

No problem Blake. Thanks a ton for posting what you got. I guess I'll just have to do some googling. :)

I have most of the press packages of the automakers... so if any of you have specific questions about any car in particular, I'd be more than happy to relay some info while I'm working on News articles.

Blake--

Photobucket is blocked on the company's servers, so I can't see the CR-Z photos. Can you repost (or perhaps someone else can move them to the CleanMPG gallery and give up some hotlinky goodness)?

Let me confirm -- the 2.2 diesel is coming to the US in the TSX for sure? My wife will be very, very happy.

No, its not confirmed.... In fact the Honda and Acura reps avoided any question about what engine it would be going in like pros. I will say this... They did say it would be going in to several vehicles, starting in 2009 with Acura model. That coupled with the fact that the 2.2L diesel was on display directly in front of the TSX and that very motor is in the Euro spec Honda accord (essentially a TSX)... I think its a safe bet its going into the TSX first. They gave no dates as to when the motor would be put into Honda automobiles.

CR-Z photos coming up

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/showgallery.php/cat/589

I'm working on uploading the pictures to my .Mac account right now. I'll post a link to the page when its done uploading so you can see full resolution pictures in all their glory ;)

Until that OEM PHEV ECU flash hits the wild (probably never will :(), all current PHEV conversions are stuck in the mud going nowhere vs. the OEM PHEV-6's capability. Much stronger pull while still in EV and of course the whole tool box up to 62 vs. 41.


Is everything is the same as a prius II, except the programming and the second pack? I had read earlier that they changed mg1 to one with a higher rpm limit?

They didn't change mg1... its basically just a second pack in place of the spare tire hole (it will have run-flat tires a launch), an onboard charging system, updated MFD software, an EV button, and a reflash of the ECU.

What info do you have on the Verve and CRZ? Price range? Drivetrain (I know)? Targeted to what kind of person? Really, just any info would be good.

There was no info for the CRZ other than its a performance oriented hybrid and it is NOT the global hybrid they are intending to release to compete with the Prius.

The Verve will initially come in the sedan form only with the possibility of bringing the hatch over as well at a later time. Its coming over with a small 4 cylinder utilizing Fords new Eco-boost technology. They did not rule out the diesel at a later date, but at launch it will be a gasoline powered engine. No spec's on engine size, MPG ratings or price. The target market is the buyers of sub-compacts and as such, the primary focus will be on FE.

There was no info for the CRZ other than its a performance oriented hybrid and it is NOT the global hybrid they are intending to release to compete with the Prius.

Not surprised here. :) I hope the performance doesn't hinder mileage too much.


The Verve will initially come in the sedan form only with the possibility of bringing the hatch over as well at a later time. Its coming over with a small 4 cylinder utilizing Fords new Eco-boost technology. They did not rule out the diesel at a later date, but at launch it will be a gasoline powered engine. No spec's on engine size, MPG ratings or price. The target market is the buyers of sub-compacts and as such, the primary focus will be on FE.

Good news. I like the emphasis on fuel economy. I look forward to the progression of this vehicle.

Thanks Blake.

...the primary focus will be on FE.

That is EXCELLENT news, Blake! The only bad part is that by the time it gets here in 2010 everything else will be at least 30% more efficient. :(

Are they really that firm on release date? I don't understand what would take that long when the platform is already in production over in Europe?

When Wayne was talking to the Ford rep she was very firm on a release date of 2010.... which doesn't make much sense, since the Mazda 2 is essentially the same car, and its being launched this year. I honestly think they are shooting themselves in the foot.

Here's the link to my .Mac slideshow of Day 1..

Working on Day 2 right now.

You can click on each individual picture to get the High Res version of it. Be advised Extremely large files so dial up users go bake a cake ;)

http://homepage.mac.com/blakeboyd/PhotoAlbum1.html

Is there any way to make mac.com generate straightforward HTML
links to the bigger pictures rather than that javascript nonsense?
Or tell me the transform, i.e. to turn IMG_0031.JPG-thumb_140_105.jpg
into the path to the big one?
.
_H*

Jeff.... just for you ;)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v717/jamieboyd/IMG_0080.jpg

omigod, what a look. however.......i still can't help seeing it as some kind of fish with its mouth open :p

but that interior is WOW

Do you happen to see how many cupholders the Concept RA diesel has? Will it be available in Forest Green?:)
Keith

:D:D:D

Hi All:

___Just a few of the Sports production and concepts to get them out of the way …

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Audi_R10_V-12_TDI.jpg
Audi R10 V12 TDI

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Corvette_ZR-1.jpg
Corvette ZR-1

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Dodge_ZEO_Press_Pic_2.jpg
Dodge ZEO BEV Concept

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Ferrari_Biofuel.jpg
Ferrari Biofuel (E85 Ferrari) – Don’t mind the model Blake was really focused in on ;)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Fisker_PHEV.jpg
Fisker PHEV

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Honda_CR-Z_Profile.jpg
Jeff and Blake want a Honda CR-Z!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Mach_5.jpg
Mach 5 – Everyone knows this is the fastest car on the planet :)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Mazda_Furai.jpg
Mazda Furai – The only vehicle ready for LeMans on E85

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Mitsubishi_Concept_RA.jpg
Mitsubishi Concept RA

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/590/Nissan_GT_R.jpg
Nissan GT R

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Wayne--

Jeff and Blake aren't the only ones who want a CR-Z. If that thing pans out with a decent interior (I dig the concept but no way we'll see it) and good FE capabilities balanced against a sporty nature, I'm in.

Also, a TSX with the 2.2 iCDT and a manual will almost surely find its way into our stable.

Here is alittle more info about the three dodges from allpar.com


http://allpar.com/cars/concepts/chrysler/ecovoyager.php

http://allpar.com/cars/concepts/dodge/zeo.php

http://allpar.com/cars/concepts/jeep/renegade.php

I don't know which one I would buy. The three that I like, of the new hybrids/battery only cars, are the Zeo, Cr-z, or the prius III.

Hi HCHCIN:

___Maybe your wish will come true ;) A little more on the Acura TSX w/ iDTEC as we were peaking with the Acura rep. It will be more aerodynamically tuned then the current TSX and the current is already down to .27 Cd ;) The iDTEC has improved below the skirt lubrication so they can run a little hotter temps and still achieve the same longevity. Expect the 180 HP CI-ICE to be a scorcher by comparison to the hopped up Accord motor from the previous gen with lots of HP but torque numbers ~ ½ of the iDTEC. In the HP game they look close in the torque are, the iDTEC will reign supreme ;)

___Brrneon, the Chrysler concept info posted at Allpar came right out of the press kit. The problem I see is the new design group was formed in the last 3 months of 07 and have just begun to look into an alternate propulsion system. It took Toyota over 3 years to come up with the NHW10 Prius (Gen I) and another 4 years to make it to gen II. Chrysler is way behind and these were indeed only concepts without much backing the company up other then some very pretty vehicles :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Cool links -- thanks, Brrneon!

Hi HCHCIN:

___Maybe your wish will come true ;) A little more on the Acura TSX w/ iDTEC as we were peaking with the Acura rep. It will be more aerodynamically tuned then the current TSX and the current is already down to .27 Cd ;) The iDTEC has improved below the skirt lubrication so they can run a little hotter temps and still achieve the same longevity. Expect the 180 HP CI-ICE to be a scorcher by comparison to the hopped up Accord motor from the previous gen with lots of HP but torque numbers ~ ½ of the iDTEC. In the HP game they look close in the torque are, the iDTEC will reign supreme ;)

___Brrneon, the Chrysler concept info posted at Allpar came right out of the press kit. The problem I see is the new design group was formed in the last 3 months of 07 and have just begun to look into an alternate propulsion system. It took Toyota over 3 years to come up with the NHW10 Prius (Gen I) and another 4 years to make it to gen II. Chrysler is way behind and these were indeed only concepts without much backing the company up other then some very pretty vehicles :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Well yes and no. My problem with dodge is that the do the research but they don't do anything with it.
http://allpar.com/model/intrepid-esx3.html
This was back in 97 and 98 when they created a diesel hybrid concept with lithium-ion batteries, but of course what happened... nothing. They did not touch any of that research until now, well as far as I know.

Hi Brrneon:

___You should find plenty of info on the ESX-3 here at CleanMPG as well. Do a search for PNGV and the Big 3’s billion dollar HEV boondoggle should pop up immediately :(

___When I read that the group (ENVI is the Skunk Works group title) was put together in Oct. 07, I thought this is a disaster for Chrysler.

___Right out of one of the press kits …
ENVI – Environmentally Responsible Electric-drive vehicle technology

Chrysler’s three concept vehicles for the 2008 NAIAS provide a glimpse into how Chrysler envisions surprising and delighting its future customers though seamless integration of advanced production technology into its future product portfolio.

ENVI – an in-house Chrysler organization – was formed late last year with a focus on establishing Chrysler leadership in electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies. Team members were selected for their exceptional skills in portfolio management, modular architecture, product engineering, manufacturing, design, and procurement and supply.
___What I see is little to no experience with Electric drive technology, Fuel cel development or hybridization integration. All three are key to their concepts although I truly doubt we will see the EcoVoyager with its fuel cel range extender.

___I loved the EcoVoyager’s outward appeal but as a PHEV-40 with an FC range extender, I really have the BS flag raised high with this one. They may as well let me do a press release with a $350,000 budget to build 3 concept shells given all the hoopla :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Thanks Wayne. I'll do a search here for that info.

There have been a lot of dodge's cars that I would have liked to see make production, but I know those three won't make it. I am going to be in the market soon because of a new job and I would love to have a car like the Zeo, but I would probably be buying a Prius III soon after it comes out instead.