Detractors of pricey, fuel-efficient cars , such as the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius , often claim consumers have many cost-effective transportation choices in motorcycles. The two-wheeled vehicles can get mileage that often rivals, or even bests, hybrids without the new car sticker price shock. Still, are they really “green” choices of transportation? Discovery Channel’s popular “Mythbusters” program decided to answer that question in its recent fall TV season premiere show. The hosts, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, compared three popular motorcycles with three popular cars from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Each pair of vehicles were driven on a mixed course of highway and city driving for 20 miles. Fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions were tracked and analyzed by University of California, Riverside (UCR) researchers who used portable emission monitoring systems on each vehicle. The result? The 1980s motorcycle used 38 percent less gas than its period car counterpart. However, the 2000-era comparison proved a drop in the motorbike’s advantage: Only 28 percent less fuel was used than its four-wheeled counterpart. More interestingly, while motorcycles also showed lower carbon dioxide emissions than cars, UCR researchers note that cars—with their engines’ emission control systems—were much cleaner. Emissions of carbon monoxide, the pollutant that causes smog, from the 2000-era motorcycle was 8,065 percent more than the car from the last decade. “Mythbuster” co-host Adam Savage said at the conclusion of the show: At best, it’s a wash. Motorcycles are just as bad for the environment as cars. At worst, they’re far worse. Consumer Reports’ car experts realize that many consumers consider switching from cars to alternative vehicles for a variety reasons. If you’re looking for ways to trim your gas budget, check out our guide to fuel economy . Going green? We also have a guide to alternative fuels . And if you’re looking for adventure on two-wheels, check out our report on motorcycles and scooters , Mythbuster Video clip: Motorcycles vs. Cars [Discovery Channel online media] Mythbusters Video: Motorcycles vs. Cars – After the show [Discovery Channel online...

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental. The Frankfurt auto show has closed its doors for another two years, and I am recovering from miles of walking corridors and exhibition areas with no air conditioning. This year’s IAA did not send a coherent message, which is a good thing. There was a peaceful coexistence of electrics and high-powered supercars—and absolutely no one seemed to pay attention to the various electric scooters, which are a pointless diversion for carmakers. One great effect of electrics is the fact that they may lead to a redefinition of urban mobility. The Audi Urban concept , the Opel Rak e and the Volkswagen Nils represent a new type of vehicle, and a welcome departure from the obsession with passive safety that has made modern cars as heavy as tanks, and twice as clumsy. That’s not to say these city cars aren’t safe—in fact, they are, but they are also compact, lightweight, and they do without a dozen air bags, cameras, and exterior mirrors the size of elephant ears. Personally, I liked Opel’s and Audi’s concepts better than VW’s. The Opel Rak e was obviously developed with cost in mind; it has a high-strength-steel structure and a fiberglass body; the co-driver is seated behind the driver; the interior is positively minimalistic and dominated by a screen; the view forward resembles that of a bike more than a car’s. Audi’s Urban concept, by contrast, uses an aluminum space frame and a sort of trough made from carbon fiber, which defines the shape of the two seats. Their offset arrangement allows the co-driver to look forward onto the road, and it makes the car wider. Internally, Audi has created three versions: a “Sportback” with a canopy roof, a roadster, and a coupe (which was not shown). The styling language is characteristically Audi; in fact, designers insist the Auto Union Silver Arrow Typ D, a legendary late-1930s race car, was their inspiration. VW’s one-seater Nils is a less convincing entry. Internally, engineers have worked on the Nils for three years, with structural...

The concept is both simple and ambitious: travel the world using 80 different modes of transportation, with no repeats. We’re guessing a monster truck won’t be among them, despite the fact that Dennis Anderson—creator of Grave Digger, and the interviewee in the What I’d Do Differently feature in our upcoming December issue—is one of the show’s hosts. He’ll be paired with Robert “Boston Rob” Mariano, a guy who is famous for eventually winning Survivor after competing four times. The two will work together at times and race each other at others, with each episode following their indirect journey to a new destination using transportation methods from throughout history. (Ah, there’s the tie-in to the show’s home channel.) The first episode debuts this Sunday at 10 p.m. Eastern on History, follows Anderson and Mariano on their way to Lake Titicaca in Peru. The duo employs a variety of livestock, a zip-line, and reed boats, among other modes, over the hour-long trek. Watch the trailer below and don’t forget to read the interview with Anderson in our December issue. See more here: Grave Digger Driver Dennis Anderson Has a TV Show, You Can Watch It This Weekend Originally posted here:  Grave Digger Driver Dennis Anderson Has a TV Show, You Can Watch It This Weekend

Petit Le Mans is almost here and we can’t wait to see the Peugeot 908 prototype cars square off again with the Audi R18 TDIs. The French appear to have found a shortcut around Road Atlanta, at least according to this great shot from Arin Ahnell of APR Motorsports . What’s your favorite car racing this weekend? More » View post: Your ridiculously cool Peugeot 908 wallpaper is here [Car Porn] View original here: Your ridiculously cool Peugeot 908 wallpaper is here [Car Porn]

With a starting price of $26,155, the new 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas will go on sale at qualified Honda dealerships starting Oct, 18. Formally known as the Civic GX , the latest-generation sedan that operates on compressed natural gas has a much more literal name: Civic Natural Gas. Honda has also expanded sales through 200 dealers in 38 states, up from just four states previously. The Civic Natural Gas can also be equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, featuring a helpful database of publically accessible Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations across the United States. The Civic Natural Gas uses a modified version of the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine found in the Civic sedan and coupe. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. The 3600-psi fuel tank is located between the rear wheels. The fuel tank can contain the equivalent of 7.8 gallons of gasoline. (See our Honda Civic road test .) For more on natural-gas alternatives see The pros & cons of buying a CNG-powered Honda Civic Honda Announces Pricing Information for 2012 Civic Natural Gas [Honda] View original post here:  New 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas to sell for $26,155

It’s one thing to pull back the curtain on the creative choices that went into a cherished part of our childhoods. It’s quite another to fiddle so much with those memories as to raise the question of whether they ever existed, or if in the future whole college departments will study the alterations to the “Star Wars” canon like they delineate “Leaves of Grass” or “Happy Days” spin-offs.* Let’s just say what with Vader’s new shouty side, we’re down with Swine’s comment on the Star Wars-themed Celica : More » Read more from the original source: COTD: Sunbathing with Princess Leia edition [Comment Of The Day] Read the original post: COTD: Sunbathing with Princess Leia edition [Comment Of The Day]

We caught a glimpse of the refreshed 2013 Lincoln MKS yesterday, and running in the pack with it our spy photographers spotted the 2013 MKT crossover. As you can see in these pictures, it too will receive a new rendition of the brand’s waterfall grille. Just as on the MKS, the MKT’s large, split grille gets thinner slats. There don’t appear to be any other styling changes to the MKT, although our shooters were unable to photograph the rear of the car. The current range of engines—a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6—may be joined by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four; if the small turbo engine makes the cut, it will likely only power front-drive models. The 2013 Lincoln MKT is slated to go on sale in spring 2012, and it should make its first public appearance at November’s Los Angeles auto show. Read the original: Spied: 2013 Lincoln MKT Gets Refined Version of Waterfall Grille View original post here: Spied: 2013 Lincoln MKT Gets Refined Version of Waterfall Grille

High on the list of any conceivable romantic scenario must stand the prospect of hot-tubbing in Cleveland. How else to explain the Chevy S-10 with a hot tub where its bed used to reside, along with a top just asking to come off. More » See the rest here:  Cleveland rocks an S-10-embedded hot tub [LOLCars] Originally posted here:  Cleveland rocks an S-10-embedded hot tub [LOLCars]

In early 2013, BMW will bring to market the first hybrid version of the popular 3 Series model. BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will debut next year in a concept form, similar to the 5 Series Hybrid which made an early appearance before going into production. First test mules are starting to be spotted around Munich and at the famous Nurburgring race track and to differentiate themselves from the “regular” 3 Series prototypes, the 3er hybrids feature the mandatory hybrid stickers on windows or rear bumper. Hybrid stickers are a must in Germany during testing because if the car happened to get into an accident, the police and medical crew need to be aware of the dangers of electric power. The rumormill churns out that the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will use a 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower engine aided by an electrical engine to deliver an additional 40 kW (about 53 horsepower). No other details are known at the moment, but we expect a similar hybrid technology as seen in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 . The electric motor in the latter model develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. To increase efficiency, the lithium-ion high-performance battery is charged when the car is coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery. By contrast, under acceleration the electric motor takes on a boost function. Here, it assists the petrol engine by generating an ultra-dynamic burst of power. The innovative hybrid system features a coasting mode (with the engine switched off) active at up to 160 km/h (100 mph). We expect a world unveiling of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. [Photos: TopSpeed ] See more here:  Spy Photos: 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3

The golden age of supercars were heady days in the West, where there were actual people who could comprehend and buy them. But what was it like to look at the Ferrari 512 and the Lamborghini Countach in a world of planned economies and Trabant futures? An ongoing project explores the automotive dreams of Communist Hungary. More » See the rest here: Hungarian photographer documents supercars under Communism [Retro] Excerpt from: Hungarian photographer documents supercars under Communism [Retro]

Chinese manufacturing a tough nut to crack for America Is US energy policy too fixated upon batteries? I’m pretty confident that electrification is the future of the auto industry, but I’m not sure whether that electrification will be dominated by batteries, or whether fuel cells will also have a role to play. OK. That’s not really true. I’m confident both fuel cells and batteries will dominate the future of the auto industry. If I have any doubts, it’s whether chemical fuels, such as those derived by artificial photosynthesis, could make both batteries and fuel cells less relevant. Even if fuel cells and/or batteries are the future, however, I’m really beginning to wonder if the current US focus on plug-in technologies is going to be an expensive exercise in futility. Earlier this year an Accenture automotive study suggested that plug-in vehicles were not the key to long term US automotive success based on many reasons, such as the very expensive cost of replacing legacy energy systems — a cost countries like China don’t have to worry about because they are mostly building their infrastructure from scratch. Likewise, Asia isn’t just expected to drive the future of auto sales, but forecasts suggest it will also drive the majority of hybrid and plug-in sales. Furthermore, not only does Asia already dominate the battery manufacturing game, it can produce batteries for a fraction of the cost of US-based manufacturing. And recent moves demonstrate that mainstream automakers know that the road to battery-powered success will be paved in China. For instance, Honda recently announced plans to produce batteries and electric motors in China to bring down the costs of its hybrid vehicles, following in the footsteps of hybrid king Toyota. Likewise, GM isn’t just going to build electric cars in China, they are going to move much of their advanced vehicle R&D programs to China, and Ford appears ready to follow suit. Several European automakers have, or have expressed, similar plans. Inevitably, it seems to me, that most core components of hybrid and electric cars are ultimately going to be produced in Asia, especially China. Americans might still assemble these components into hybrids and plug-ins here in the...

With this 535i-based gas-electric, BMW finally moves toward mainstream hybrid appeal. BMW’s earlier steps into hybridization haven’t been the most decisive. The hybrid vehicles it has offered so far start at nearly $90,000 and don’t quite have the impressive fuel-economy numbers commonly associated with hybrids. The hybrid 7-series is rated by the EPA at 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway; the now-cancelled X6 hybrid , 17/19. (The upcoming i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will certainly better those figures, but with wild looks and an anticipated six-figure sticker, it isn’t going to hold much mainstream appeal.) Next year, though, the Bavarians will be taking a big step in making the once-bizarre notion of a hybrid BMW more accessible—though once again not quite as efficient as most hybrids—when the company launches the ActiveHybrid 5 in March. Keep Reading: 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – Official Photos and Info See the original post: 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5: A BMW Hybrid That Almost Makes Sense View original post here: 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5: A BMW Hybrid That Almost Makes Sense

MINI, official partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, has unveiled its new London 2012 special, limited edition models to celebrate the monumental London 2012 Olympic Games. There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, which are available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trims and come in the Union Jack themed colours; Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue. All models boast white mirror caps and a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic graphic. The exterior also features a distinctive Union Jack single sport stripe which runs over the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate of the car. The side scuttles also bear the London 2012 Olympic graphic. To finish off the dynamic look, the MINI London 2012 edition features unique grey 17-inch conical spoke alloy wheels – unavailable on any other MINI model. Inside, the most striking feature is the London skyline, beautifully etched across the width of the piano-black dashboard. Silhouetting some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Battersea Power Station and the London Eye, the dashboard also displays the words “London 1 of 2012”. The London 2012 inspiration continues with red and blue stitching twined with white piping on both the front and rear Black ‘Lounge Leather’ upholstery. The headrests complement the theme with Union Jack piping and a London 2012 logo is stitched on the inner edge of both front seats. Coloured stitching also features on the hand brake, gear stick gaiter and floor mats which also have piping. All London 2012 special edition models come packed with a bundle of extra options like Lounge Leather sports seats, DAB radio, air conditioning, cruise control and chrome interior touches. MINIMALISM technology* also comes as standard; helping to make the 99g/km CO2 emitting Cooper D models exempt from London Congestion Charging. As well as fuel sipping mpg figures and low CO2 emissions – MINI is one of the top five low CO2 car manufacturers** – drivers can enjoy the brand’s trademark go-kart handling and charismatic personality in a truly patriotic driving experience. To bag one of these must-have street accessories of 2012, the new MINI London 2012 Edition pre-sale list opens at today, with the new models hitting UK roads...

A Belgian-waffle truck on Street Meat Week ? Sounds très dubious, until you consider NYC’s Wafels & Dinges offers pulled pork over a bacon-and-syrup waffle. Two kinds of pork, eleventy forms of sweetness? Giddy up, my good marchand ambulant . More » Original post:  Wafels and Dinges: First Eat [Street Meat Week] Read the original:  Wafels and Dinges: First Eat [Street Meat Week]

Discontent to sit back and let some musty Michigan automaker claim the mantle of desert racing, Toyota says it will offer a 2012 Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series limited edition pickup. It’s not really like a Raptor, but it kinda looks boss. More » Here is the original post: Toyota goes Raptor-lite with Tacoma Baja edition [Toyota Tacoma] Original post: Toyota goes Raptor-lite with Tacoma Baja edition [Toyota Tacoma]