Some automakers have had long-standing plans to offer diesel engines in this country. European automakers have stuck with those strategies despite the volatile price disparity between diesel and regular fuel. Japanese and domestic automakers, including Honda, Nissan and GM, have shelved their diesel plans for now. Impressed by diesels we’ve previously tested from Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, we have added three more to our test fleet to see how they compare to their conventional counterparts. Our latest diesel models include the Mercedes-Benz GL320 Blue Tec and a pair of BMWs–the X5 and the 335d. Mercedes-Benz GL320 Blue Tec We were impressed with the GL450 when we tested it in 2006–a roomy, comfortable, yet responsive handling vehicle. We were also impressed with the 210-hp, 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine when we tested it in the E320 Blue Tec, which combined strong performance and refinement, yet returned 29 mpg overall. It was also free of traditional diesel smell, smoke, and sluggishness. Hence, we wanted to see how this engine performed in the GL. Even though the GL is very heavy (5,655 lbs.), this engine remains smooth and muted, but initial off-the-line acceleration is sluggish. Once underway, it pulls strongly and manages to hit 60 mph in less than 10 seconds–a far cry from the 7.4 seconds we recorded for the GL450. Observed fuel economy, so far, is averaging 20 mpg overall. We got 15 mpg for our V8-powered GL450. If you’re starting to crunch the numbers, you should know that the GL320 is actually $1,000 cheaper than the GL450. The other major difference between the two is that the GL320 comes with 20-inch run-flat tires, which brings more impact-harshness to the ride quality. Plus, the steering feedback is compromised. The GL benefits from a $1,550 federal tax credit for the first 60,000 purchasers, but you won’t qualify if you hit the AMT tax. BMW X5 3.0 diesel In contrast to the Mercedes example above, the X5 diesel adds an eye-opening $3,700 to the price of the 265-hp, regular-gas 3.0 model. So far, our diesel X5 is getting 23 mpg on average, compared with 17 mpg overall for the gas version. The X5’s diesel is not quite as refined as the Mercedes but feels punchier. In fact, it beats the regular X5 in 0-60 mph acceleration,...

And the wait is over, we have finally received the first images of the BMW X1 production model. After months of teasing and prolonged marketing, BMW reveals one of the most talked about BMW in the last few months. Our readers’ opinions have been split for months now, some of us enjoy the look of the new X1, while others don’t see the purpose of a new entry-level Sports Activity Vehicle. The BMW X1 will initially launch in Europe and we expect to see the X1 in the U.S. past 2010. The X1 is mainly powered by diesel engines, five of these models will represent the core of the X1 family. The most powerful X1 model, xDrive28i, will be the powered by a petrol engine which outputs 258 horsepower and 228 lb-ft(310Nm) of torque at 2,600 rpm. The highest end X1 diesel model will be sold under the xDrive23d naming convention and produces 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft(400Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm. This is the second fastest X1 vehicle with 0 t0 62 mph in 7.3 seconds. While we’re waiting for more official information and the English press release, please enjoy the photos below. More: Officially Revealed: BMW X1 Photos

GM’s next green dream machine? OK. GM has crushed the idea of using Toyota’s hybrid technology numerous times. Nonetheless, there is another rumor out today that Toyota and GM are discussing the possibility of re-utilizing their joint NUMMI venture to rebadge Toyota Prius hybrids for GM. Regardless of the fact that I’m 99.9 percent certain such a partnership would never happen, what would GM have to gain by such a venture? Almost certainly, GM wouldn’t make any money off these hybrid vehicles , and I don’t think they would provide any more green PR than the Chevy Volt is already providing. Even worse, these cars would cast much doubt on GM’s upcoming lithium-powered BAS hybrid powertrain. Am I missing something? Why won’t this rumor just go away? See the rest here: Would GM gain anything from a rebadged Prius?

Back in 2001, when the Diablo was the only car that Lamborghini made, they made a decision to make the car only available with all-wheel-drive. Apparently they liked the idea, because no Lambo since then has been offered in RWD. Until now. The LP550-2 will be considered the base model – which will be modified from the excellent Lamborghini LP560-4 . As you can tell from the name, the new Lambo will produce 550 horsepower, all routed to the rear wheels. I’ve always found RWD cars to be more fun than their AWD counterparts, so I’m particularly impressed with this decision. The LP550-2 will only be offered in eight colors, all sporting that cutesy racing stripe down the center. The stripe actually continues through the interior as well (see picture below,) covering the center console and dashboard as well as the seats. Only 250 units of the Lamborghini LP550-2 will be made, which means that while in theory the price would be lower than the more powerful and complex LP560-4, the exclusivity (and the fact that it’s RWD) might push the price back up. Not much else in known about the Gallardo LP550-2 yet, no word on cost or availability until Lamborghini releases an official statement. Rumors speculate that the RWD Lambo could run 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds, putting it just a tick slower than the LP560-4. **UPDATE** We just learned today that the new Lambo will be officially named “Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni” – after the famous Lamborghini test driver. Since the model will be RWD, Lamborghini paid special attention to and refined the safety and stability aspects of the car, adding a different suspension setup and stability control tuning. The car will start at $219,800, which is slightly more expensive than the more powerful LP560-4. 0-62 mph will take 3.9 seconds as we thought, and top speed is 199 mph. © Gearhead Media – Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content. Originally posted here: Lamborghini LP550-2 – the First RWD Lambo in 10 Years

Last summer, when gas prices hit $4 and higher, consumers flocked to more fuel-efficient vehicles. So manufacturers of less fuel-efficient vehicles began using gasoline as an incentive to help drive sales. Fortunately, gas isn’t expected to reach last year’s level and this week it is averaging $2.64 a gallon, $1.45 below the price this time last year. Still, Hyundai figures almost-$3 gas is high for consumers during the busy summer driving season and is now offering a program that will lock in the gas price at $1.49 a gallon for a year on most Hyundai models leased or purchased between July 1st and Aug. 31st. The program will be standard on new Accent (excluding the base model), Tiburon, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Entourage, Sonata, Azera, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Veracruz models. Two of these models are discontinued for 2010 (Tiburon and Entourage). Some are also eligible for the $3,500 or $4,500 government CARS program (Cars Allowance Rebate System). After purchasing a new vehicle, new Hyundai owners need to register their credit card online to enroll in the program and receive the Hyundai gas card. The card can be used in about 93% of gas stations nationwide. Consumers can purchase a maximum number of gallons equal to 12,000 miles divided by the EPA combined mpg for that vehicle. For more details visit Hyundai.com . Check out our new car selector to see our Ratings on Hyundai vehicles. — Liza Barth Read the original here:  Hyundai gas promotion

Although we still have a good amount of time to wait before the next generation Mercedes M-Class is unveiled, spy photos of the 2012 model have begun to surface. As you would expect from a model roughly two years away from its unveiling, the ML is heavily disguised, leaving us to speculate what exactly is in store for the next version of the SUV. Early rumors indicate a diesel-electric hybrid M-Class is in the works, a strong possibility considering a gas-electric hybrid M-Class should be arriving later this year. Other rumors indicate the model could receive a plug-in variant – one that features an 80hp (60kW) electric motor paired with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 3.5L V6 while boasting the ability to travel up to 18 miles on electric power alone. View post: 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Spy Photos Emerge

What you see here is the PGO VTR S, essentially that’s the next generation T-Rex trike. The T-Rex is a crazy fast bike/car/”who cares it’s fast” ride from Québec (naturally). The T-Rex was a frighteningly fast vehicle to begin with. It had performance figures comparable to a tricked out Lotus 7 (i.e. frightening) and also featured a delightfully cavalier attitude towards things like protection from the elements. As one would expect, that wasn’t enough for a bunch of guys from Québec, so they decided to “improve” it. And by “improve” we mean expand the performance envelope in every regime they possibly could figure out. That’s OK, we’re totally fine with that sort, er, thought process I guess you could call it. But you have to understand this about the T-Rex or the new PGO VTR S, it’s not for everybody. It is very, very bike like, not only in performance, but also in the traveling experience. You’re hanging out there in the breeze as they say, exposed to the elements, bugs, wind, road noise and the like. It’s like a motorcycle you can’t flop over. At least the older T-Rex was that way, the new PGO VTR S offers more protection. There’s a windshield out there, and it actually has sides to it now (the actually call them “doors” which is conceptually interesting), but it’s still going to be a damn elemental ride from the first moment you hit the starter to when you finally, mercifully, roll to a stop and say quietly to yourself, “OK, maybe that was too fast.” But that’s not the way the guys at VTR think. They are, after all, Québecers, and those guys are … look, I’m not going out much on a limb here, and I don’t think they’ll take as too much of an insult, but people from Québec are downright crazy behind the wheel of any sort of vehicle. This is a group of people that look at racers like Gilles Villeneuve as being “reasonable and prudent” when “controlling” a car. Have you seen what the roads in Québec are like in February? Have you seen what they DRIVE like when the roads are covered in snow and ice and freezing fog? Québecers HAVE TO be good behind the wheel, because if they weren’t,...

The most disappointing Honda in years I have not yet seen the August issue of Consumer Reports, but according to CNN , CR will not recommend the Honda Insight , noting its poor “ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, and rear-seat access.” In fact, out of 22 hatchbacks and small wagons, the Insight placed second to last. Honda countered by saying initial consumer feedback and auto media press has been much more favorable regarding Honda’s latest hybrid. Original post:  Consumer Reports slams Honda Insight

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid NADAguides.com June Car of the Month For the past five years, one brand and one specific model line vehicle has been identified as the foundation of the hybrid movement.  Whether cruising in the carpool lane in California (single driver) or riding in a taxi in New York, the Prius has cornered just about every part of the U.S. market. Prius owners enjoy free access to the carpool lane. With gas prices beginning to rise again ($2.83 national average) and Washington continuing to press automakers to build cleaner and more efficient vehicles, hybrids are becoming commonplace. However, the truth is, just about every automaker has some form of hybrid vehicle within their model line-up. General Motors has 9 different hybrid vehicles currently for sale today. We now see full sized hybrid trucks, SUV’s, sedans, luxury and sports cars all showcasing a hybrid logo. So, it only makes sense that our NADAguides.com Car of the Month for June is a hybrid and in our opinion this hybrid really stands out. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets 41 MPG and up to 700 miles on one tank of fuel. Don’t believe me? The EPA has given Ford an official mpg of 41 (Ford Motor Company). This makes the Ford Fusion Best in Class for MPG beating out both Honda and Toyota. But, to be perfectly honest, it’s not the hybrid technology that makes this Fusion such a standout, it’s the sleek exterior looks and luxurious interior creature comforts, combined with state-of-the-art technology that makes this Ford a star.    First Drive We always try to be honest with our reviews and with this Fusion it’s no different. I was really expecting to get into the Fusion and not be wowed. Let me be the first to tell you, I was absolutely wowed! The Ford Fusion Hybrid has set a new benchmark for automakers by providing its buyers with a spacious and comfortable cabin, plenty of technology, hybrid efficiency under the hood, and mated with a 2.5 liter, 4-cycliner power plant. The illuminated instrument panel was easy on the eyes and very clear and readable. The center console with navigation was also crystal clear and clutter free. Before I even stepped on the pedal, I navigated my way to the user-interface screen that highlighted when the driver was using...

If you’re one of the first to get your hands on the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and are now contemplating how best to tune your new model, you’ll soon have another option to consider. Japanese tuning firm Wald has unveiled the first glimpse of their styling package for the new E, and as you can see above, it looks to provide a significantly more aggressive appearance to the sedan (judging from the front at least). View original post here: Wald 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black Bison Edition Tuning Package First Glimpse

Now that the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is officially on sale here in the U.S., it’s time to start the countdown for the next soon-to-be-released model. That model, of course, is the 2010 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, the drop top version of the Mercedes E-Class Coupe that debuted back in February. Unfortunately, there’s no clear confirmation as to when the model will be officially unveiled – some rumors place its premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall; others think it will be next March in Geneva – but whatever the case, here are the latest nearly undisguised photos of the model. Original post:  2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Spied With Top Down

Not satisfied being one of the 499 people who own a Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider? Need more exclusivity than that? Don’t worry – Novitec Rosso has your back. They’ve taken the new lightweight Ferrari convertible and made it even more exclusive – and expensive. The big change here is the power. Novitec has added their own Bi-Compressor system, adding on two belt-driven superchargers tuned to only 7 psi. This new forced induction system increases power to 696 hp – a jump of 186 hp over stock. That’s like taking the Scuderia Spider and adding a V6 Dodge Magnum! To facilitate the added power, Novitec made the Ferrari a new intake manifold with larger cross-sections, higher-flow air filter, and larger fuel injectors. Larger cooling circuits for water and oil, and dedicated cooling systems for the superchargers and intercoolers keep the car running cool under all that power. A re-calibrated ECU lets the car know about the new changes. It’s not all about power, though. Novitec also added a new lowered sport suspension system with a front-lift system so you won’t scrape the front lip on bumps and curbs, and lightweight 20-inch wheels with high performance Pirelli tires. Exterior changes include black taillights, side markers, and reflectors, while on the inside they’ve added a sport steering wheel, and bigger carbon fiber paddle shifters. The 0 to 62 mph sprint is over in only only 3.5 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than stock. 124 mph is knocked out in only 9.7 seconds, all the way up to the 205 mph top speed (10 mph better than stock) which plants this car firmly into the 200 mph supercar club. The bi-compressor system will cost $66,000 – all other upgrades will be extra. Ouch. More pictures below… © Gearhead Media – Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content. More here:  Novitec Rosso Tunes the Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider

Bankruptcies, loans, grants, etc – Where’s my cut? Just finished a story about a Dow Chemical venture into a pilot-scale algae-based integrated biorefinery . Interesting piece. Algae still has hurdles, but the upside is HUGE. Yet, Dow is seeking a Department of Energy grant to “demonstrate the technology at a level to sufficiently prove that it can be implemented on a commercial scale”. Read: Profitable. Fine. I can handle the fact that Dow, a company that has made billions in profit over the years, needs my help to investigate the next big green development. Still, why is it that whenever Dow hits the next big breakthrough – using my money – the politicians get rewarded, Dow stock holders get paid, but I don’t? What investor would ever agree to such an investment? And it’s not just Dow. It’s many major companies. It’s certainly GM, GMAC, Citi, Chrysler, AIG, etc, etc, etc. Aren’t such companies forever indebted to the tax payers, to the people? Is it not we, the people, that are the real investors, not the government? See the original post here: Where’s the people’s cut?

Diesel only for Europeans? Despite an uptick in recent US diesel vehicle sales, probably thanks to a significant drop in diesel fuel prices, Honda, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Toyota have “halted diesel programs because of spiraling costs and other problems,” according to AutoWeek . Toyota followed up this news with the comment that they are “banking heavily” on gasoline-powered hybrid vehicles . Read more from the original source:  Toyota halts diesel plans. Banking on gas hybrids

Here’s something you don’t see down at the used car lot very much: A McLaren F1 GTR Long Tail, that would be the racing version of the Gordon Murray-designed, BMW-powered three seater that redefined what the concept of “supercar” is. Not only is it the race version, but it’s all laid out in Gulf Oil colors. Sa-WEET! For the uninitiated, the McLaren F1 was the brainchild of Gordon Murray. Murray is from South Africa, and as a kid, and like a lot of us gearheads, he spent a lot of time drawing racecars on the covers of various notebooks. One concept that you could see him draw over and over again was a radical, three seat sports car. The driver sat in the middle, and was flanked by his two passengers. Fast forward a few decades, and Gordon Murray is now one of the senior and most respected designers in all of Formula One racing. Championship winning cars for the likes of Brabham, and his then-current employer, McLaren, innovations up the ying-yang (go look up “Brabham fan car” on Google and see what you get), but he still ha that three-seater idea rattling around upstairs. So he somehow convinced the head dude at McLaren, Ron Dennis, to not only build the thing, but fund it (and prying money out of Ron’s hand is like opening up a clam with a popsicle stick). By the time Murray was done the automotive benchmarks had been considerable moved. The F1 was light, way under 3000 pounds, motivated by a 6 liter BMW V12, and everything that could be was carbon fiber, not just the body-work, but the chassis itself. The performance numbers were huge, but the one that stuck out the most was the F1’s top speed: 243 MPH Now, at those speeds the F1’s handling was dodgy at best. No less a driver than Mario Andretti described the handling as “spooky” and used phrases like “I think there’s some serious aero problems at those speeds,” but still, if you had the room and the attachments, you could get it to go over 240. Aero problems you say Mario? Well funny he should mention that, because around the same time he was speaking, McLaren were modifying the F1 to go Le Mans racing … and the first thing that Murray did was add on a long, aero streamlined tail and a big honkin’ wing (the...