Daimler subsidiary Setra, which manufactures top-of-the-line touring coaches, has just debuted its new ComfortClass 500 coaches. The new Mercedes-Benz-powered models are ready for retail by autumn this year, and they are touted to have superb fuel efficiency along with unparalleled aerodynamic qualities. Setra is banking on the inherent style that the ComfortClass 500 possesses, along with a slew of other desirable features. See, the coaches already comply with Euro VI emissions standards. Aside from that, there are plans to include various safety features like driver assistance systems and other safety elements as indicated by new regulations imposed on tour buses that will take effect within a few years. “With the new ComfortClass 500, we want to do more than just prepare our customers for the challenges of the next few years,” said Setra brand spokesman Lothar Holder. “As a technology leader, we are setting standards for design, aerodynamics and efficiency with this new generation of vehicles, making the future tangible today.” Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency engines act as the beating hearts of these ComfortClass 500 buses. There’s the 10.7-liter 6-cylinder OM 470 that has already been tweaked to provide optimized performance and fuel efficiency figures. It’s good for 428 horsepower with a max torque of 2,100 Nm—so even with the fuel efficiency, the power output is still considerable. Read the original post:  The New Setra ComfortClass 500

To achieve their fuel economy goals, consumers are willing to make some sacrifices when choosing their next new car, according to our latest car owner survey about the impact of rising fuel prices. Chief among them, more than half of car owners would compromise size or capacity with their next car. About half would concede amenities or comfort. On these facets, there were no significant gender differences, although those survey respondents whose household income is less than $50,000 were more willing to compromise than those from more-affluent households. These identified concessions would yield the expected fuel economy gains. Moving down a size class can mean a significant reduction in weight and potentially a smaller, more efficient powertrain. For example, moving from a Honda Pilot to a Honda CR-V would gain 5 mpg overall, based on Consumer Reports’ tests. Plus, the smaller vehicle would likely cost less to purchase, own, and operate. Downsizing can mean sacrificing comfort, as there is generally less passenger space in a smaller vehicle. Reflecting the trend for consumers making such a shift, many newer, small vehicles offer a rich compliment of amenities. Another way to save fuel with a new car is to cut back on performance, going from, say, a six-cylinder to a four-cylinder engine. However, the consumers we spoke with were less eager to make this shift. Interestingly, men were more willing than women to compromise on performance (45 vs. 29 percent). Compromise Percentage Size or capacity 58 Amenities or comfort 52 Performance 37 Safety 12 None of these 15 These are among findings from a random, nationwide telephone survey conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center in April, 2012, contacting 2,009 adults. The Center interviewed 1,702 adults in households that had at least one car. For more insights from this survey, read: ” High gas prices motivate drivers to change direction “. Related: Survey shows high fuel costs cause downsizing, less driving Read more here:  Consumers are willing to compromise to achieve better fuel economy

A 2010 decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (called E15) has come under fire from many groups. The latest is the Auto Alliance, an auto industry lobbying group representing several major automakers. The Alliance has published a new study saying that up to 5 million cars on the road today may be damaged by the higher concentrations of ethanol. The study showed problems with damaged valves and valve seats in some car engines from the 2001 to 2009 model years, which could lead to the need for valve or cylinder-head replacement. Costs for such work could run from $2,000 to about $8,000, the study says. Testing 16 vehicles, with eight different engines on a 500-hour durability cycle designed to simulate 100,000 miles of usage, the study showed two engines suffered damage to the valves or cylinder heads in the test, says Alliance spokeswoman Gloria Bergquist. Another engine fell out of compliance with emissions requirements when running on E15. The 5 million-vehicle figure is based on examining the metallurgy and other component materials used in the damaged engines, then surveying automakers about how many engines they produced with similar materials. The study also showed that the engines got poorer fuel economy running on E15, which mirrors our own findings that showed significant drops in fuel economy from ethanol blends. ( Our tests were based on a vehicle running on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline that is approved for use only in specially equipped “flex-fuel” vehicles.) The study was funded by automakers and by oil companies, both of which have a financial interest in reducing ethanol use. In 2010, EPA approved a two-part “waiver” allowing E15 fuels to be sold at stations across the United States for cars from the 2001 model year and later. E15 would be sold at specially labeled pumps alongside traditional gasoline, which may contain up to 10-percent ethanol. Makers of small off-road engines, such as for lawn mowers, as well as boats, and ATVs, have objected to the waivers, claiming that consumers are likely to mix up the fuels and fill their equipment with E15, which isn’t authorized for any non-road engines. Further,...

The king of cheap rides? Can a hybrid or plug-in ever be the most cost-effective new car buy? In this sluggish economy, many new car buyers want to spend less on a new ride, plus they want to save money on their monthly fuel bill. Obviously, saving money on a fuel bill makes you think of hybrid and electric cars. Of course, MSRP and total costs of ownership are also part of this equation. Thus, when it comes to the cheapest rides — the total cost of ownership after 5 years — can hybrid and plug-in cars compete? To start with I’m going to use data provided by Forbes regarding the cheapest cars to own considering total cost of ownership after 5 years. In terms of all cars, the Nissan Versa is the cheapest car. After 5 years, the Versa’s total cost of ownership is $25,868, or $.34 cents per mile to own. The cheapest hybrid or plug-in, on the other hand is the Honda Insight, at a total cost of $30,659, or $.41 cents per mile. So, did hybrid cars and plug-ins just get crushed? To start with, a base Honda Insight offers more standard equipment than a base Versa, plus the base Versa is a manual. To upgrade to an automatic transmission, you have to add $2100. The next level Versa costs around $4,000 more than the base model and includes a manual transmission and some of the extra features the Insight offers compared to the base, but it also offers more upgrades than the Insight. So, after 5 years, the Insight can’t compete with the cheapest conventional car. All things considered, I’m going to give the Versa a $1,000 advantage. But just to be generous, let’s say its $2000 (Assuming automatic transmission. If you want a manual, hybrids and plug-ins can’t compete.). As a result, after 10 years the Insight wins. Saving an extra $500 in fuel per year provides the Insight with another $2500 in fuel savings after another 5 years. Thus, if you think long term, a hybrid purchase is a very cost-effective purchase. Nevertheless, it’s a lot easier for most ‘cheap’ buyers to spend less upfront. And that has me thinking about a hybrid like the Toyota Prius c. The c hybrid costs a bit over $1,000 more than the Insight, which is probably why the Insight still wins after 5 years. But the c’s better fuel economy has...

Without new models in the pipeline, Bugatti has been limited to building even more exotic one-off creations with truly staggering price tags. Take the Bugatti L’or Blanc, for example, which was created in cooperation with the porcelain artisans at Berlin’s Koenigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM). The selling price for this particular work of art ? A reported $2.5 million. As Motor Authority explains, the car is surfaced in aluminum and carbon fiber, painted to match designs created in the KPM studio. Handcrafted porcelain details (not our first choice for automotive applications) are used throughout, including the EB logo, the fuel filler cap, door handle trim, center console tray and the rear bulkhead. The material has been tested to withstand the type of rigors encountered on the road, but we still don’t see a porcelain ornament withstanding a 200 mph stone impact. The car marks the start of a partnership between Bugatti and KPM, so expect future models to sport such fine art ceramic detailing as well. As for us, we’d be happy to pay less money to get exterior trim that’s a bit more durable and less expensive to replace.                                                                                                                                               Go here to see the original: Video: Bugatti Explains The One-Off L’or Blanc Read the rest here: Video: Bugatti Explains The One-Off L’or Blanc

Eastman Kodak, who filed for bankruptcy in January , introduced Super 8 in 1965. Ten years later, Ford’s sole Liberian dealer used the film to document a country in its last years before its descent into one of history’s creepiest civil wars. These are his movies of driving across Liberia. More » View post: Driving The Roads Of Liberia In The 1970s [Video] See the rest here: Driving The Roads Of Liberia In The 1970s [Video]

Chrysler has issued a recall for 2012 models of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. The issue? A flaw in the fuel tank, which could be serious trouble in the event of an accident. According to a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Jeep recall includes vehicles built between December 17, 2011 and January 2, 2012. A… Here is the original: 2012 Jeep Compass, Patriot Recalled For Fuel Tank Flaw

Truth be told, we already like the 2012 Hyundai Veloster—so much that when our High Gear Media editorial team decided to start doing long-term vehicle tests, the Veloster was one of our first choices. Why? Well, first there are all the reasons we point to in our full review of the Veloster—including its genre-busting good looks… View original here:  2012 Hyundai Veloster: TheCarConnection’s Six-Month Road Test

Filed under: Consumer In a fit of opportunistic helpfulness, the Institute of Advanced Motorists is *URGING* drivers to adopt fuel saving tips rather then stocking up on petrol over the next few days/weeks. (Whenever the tanker driver strike is announced, basically.) Here’s how we can all use less fuel: Read the road ahead and try to anticipate what the traffic around you will do, for example at traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions. There’s no use accelerating hard away just to have to brake 50 yards on – both MPG killers. Cruise control is useful and economic for smooth driving on long journeys, but turn it off on hills. Stick to the speed limit. Reducing speed from 85mph to 70mph can save up to a litre of petrol every 20 miles. Switch off the engine if you are going to stop for some time at a level crossing or slow-changing lights. Small cars use 1.5p of petrol every minute and medium-sized cars lose petrol and money at double this rate. Lighten the load. Excess baggage or an empty roof box will increase your fuel consumption. Check that the contents of your boot are essential, and remove the roof box while not in use. Check your tyres. Underinflated tyres will increase your fuel consumption by up to three per cent. Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, at least once a month. Simon Best from the IAM said: “Green driving techniques can easily improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%. In other words, if the monthly price of filling up is typically two tanks at £70 each, an advanced driver can save £14 a month.”   Read the rest here: Don’t panic, just drive more economically… Continued here:  Don’t panic, just drive more economically…

Filed under: Latest News Ok, so it’s not quite an off-the-shelf Ford, but tuner Shelby American has unveiled a Mustang with 1,100bhp. Yep, that’s a Ford with more power than a standard Bugatti Veyron. ( But not a later one. ) The engine is a 5.4-litre V8, supercharged to either 950bhp or 1,100bhp. Sadly, only the former is road legal, but it’s still the most muscular Shelby (and probably Ford) there ever was. We say probably because there are bound to be Escorts knocking about with more than that, and you’re bound to tell us. Just 50 of these Mustangs, called the Shelby 1000, will be made. Each is hand built and, aside from the ludicrous engine, has a completely upgraded drivetrain. The engine is thoroughly deconstructed then rebuilt using stronger bits, then a 4.0-litre Whipple supercharger is added, and the exhaust opened up. The driveshaft is replaced for an aluminium one, and the suspension ditched in favour of a stronger Eibach setup. The brakes are upgraded front and rear, and the car sits on lightweight forged aluminium wheels, 20 inches big. The car costs, though: $150,000 in its home market – and that’s not including the price of buying a Ford Shelby GT500 , then handing it back to the company. (As it happens, this car is based on the slightly older GT500, not the 2013 one linked there, which has a newer 5.8-litre engine.) It’s due to make its debut at the end of this week, at the 2012 New York Auto Show – the 50th anniversary of the seminal Shelby Cobra’s first appearance there.   See the original post: Veyron-beating Ford Mustang unveiled Originally posted here: Veyron-beating Ford Mustang unveiled

Is it 1962 or 2012? Fuel economy is slightly more important, but not much Gas prices are almost $4.00 per gallon across the country, and as much as $5.00 in some areas. $6.00 isn’t fantasy by Independence Day. Thus, one might assume that sales of hybrid cars and other fuel efficient vehicles are exploding, while light duty truck sales are getting squashed. Unfortunately, while fuel efficient vehicle sales are up, a bit, pickup truck sales aren’t declining. Instead, automakers are using exceptionally low interest rates to offer huge deals on pickup trucks. It’s bitterly ironic that higher energy prices are both making it harder for the economy to recover while also helping to fund gas-guzzling. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I’ve been thinking a lot about this the last few weeks as I’ve surfed the automotive news. It’s still all about performance. Size, speed and power rules, and it’s making a comeback. Now that GM and Nissan have launched the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf, respectively, what’s left? Sure there are a few 40 mpg compacts and subcompacts — that are really just 30 mpg vehicles in the real world. So, a halo product and a few 30 mpg vehicles is enough? The rest is just as business as usual? Hopefully, it’s business as usual in the Middle East and Northern Africa as well. As Fed Chairmen and Chief Gas Guzzler Subsidizer Ben Bernanke has suggested, we’ll be praying the economy only double dips if the Iranian situation explodes into an all out conflict. And that’ll be pretty disappointing if you ask me, considering the resources and innovative potential available within American shores. But, I guess if 9/11 couldn’t wake up America, only something much bigger will do the trick. In the interim I guess religion is best, because praying for a technological miracle is about all that’s left. See the rest here:  Auto industry almost back to normal, and that’s not good

Some time has gone by since the launch of the BMW 5 Gran Turismo. Built upon the 7 series’ platform, the car was modified to look like a 5 and drive like a 7 with the storage space and utility of an X5. Sounds good on paper. In reality, the car’s proportions strained many eyes, and underwhelming sales figures were the result. I accept that I see things a little differently in the automotive world – I am, in some way, an outcast of public opinion. I like the 5GT. I drove one for a week, and was deeply impressed. Allow me to explain my adoration. First off, let’s tackle the highly subjective topic of looks. I admit it’s not one of the brand’s most attractive vehicles – not by a long shot – but in the right colour (black) with the M sport pack affixed, it’s still a head turner. At least it turned my head when one passed me downtown Toronto. In real life, in this color and package, it was a very muscular, focused looking car. It’s obvious that it has junk in the trunk. But some people like that. And it is, after all, functional and very practical for those who need to carry gear on occasion. True, you shouldn’t need to dress your car (or significant other) in black in order to find them attractive. But there is much more to this car than exterior looks, and since you’ll be spending most of your time inside the vehicle, the 5GT goes on to win points here. The interior is brilliant. It’s airy, open, relaxed, and luxurious. The sound system is top notch, the interior appointments, technology and materials are on par with the flagship 6 and 7 series cars. The cabin of the 5GT was a place I began to call home after only a few days with the car. What defines a BMW more than any other attribute is its driving dynamics. A BMW must be able to hold its own through a corner. Knowing the negative press that the 5GT had been getting, I thought it appropriate to prove its metal on the racetrack, and that’s exactly what I did. I didn’t know what to expect at the time. For all I knew, the 5GT would fall flat on its face, embarrassing itself with wanton understeer, wobbly chassis movements, and underpowered brakes. On the fast sweepers of a retired Formula 1 track, BMW’s 5GT made a believer...

According to UK magazine CAR , the 2014 BMW i8 will produce 393 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The BMW i halo car, at least for now, uses an electric motor that delivers 170 hp and which drives the front wheels. The petrol power comes from a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine that outputs 223 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The petrol engine is replacing the initial diesel offering seen at the premiere of the Vision ED Concept two years ago . Same UK folks say that BMW has no more plans for an M version of the i8, so BMW supercar fans will have to wait a bit longer for an V8 or V10 engine, if BMW will ever go back to those. Thanks to a very clever black box, the BMW i8 can be front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With a little help from the torque vectoring chips, this is said to be an extremely dynamic piece of kit which knows all the power oversteer tricks of the trade. Unlike the other future i models which rely on a single-speed transmission mated directly to the e-motor, the i8 has a four-speed gearbox deal with its much broader performance range. BMW i8 can run in full-electric mode for about 20 miles. At full power, 393 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, the i8 runs to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is capped at 156 mph. Weighing just 1,450 kgs and running with a highly-efficient drivetrain, the fuel consumption is rated at 85 US MPG. The i8 will take advantage of BMW’s latest technology: One Pedal Control (accelerate, decelerate and coast by throttle order), Active Brake Control (works up to 40mph and includes pedestrian recognition), Park Assist (including automatic navigation), Congestion Assist (works up to 25mph and includes active steering), Range Assist (shows all available charge points and takes you there on demand), Precondition Assist (cooling down, heating, charging – all by smartphone) and Navigation Assist (connects with bus & rail services).     See the original post here: Rumor: BMW i8 – 393hp and 406 lb-ft of torque

Gasoline prices continue to climb, steadily approaching record highs well in advance of summer. As consumers look to ease their pain at the pump, the difference between the most and least fuel-efficient cars is coming into sharp focus. We ran the numbers and, depending on which model you choose, found that the annual fuel cost difference can be staggering. In fact, the difference is so dramatic that for those drivers who can trade an older gas-guzzler for a smaller, thrifty vehicle will see savings of $2,000 year, or more, in operating costs. Of course, not everyone can make such a bold move, as some large vehicles were likely bought for a purpose, such as transporting the family or hauling a boat. In this economy, while the family continues to live under one roof, the boat may well have sailed on to another harbor, allowing for some transportation right-sizing, if not true down sizing. Translation: If you can live without a big, trailer-towing truck, consider dumping it for something more fuel efficient. Whatever your situation and car-buying budget, there are an increasing number of fuel-efficient choices on the market now, as the automakers race to meet consumer demand and increasingly stringent fuel economy standards. As the chart below indicates, the extreme in fuel savings is well over $2,000 a year though for many people, saving $1,000 to $1,500 is quite feasible. For high-mileage drivers logging 15,000 miles a year, the savings correspondingly increase, with the extreme downsizing resulting in saving $3,000 a year in fuel costs–without turning to a pure-electric car. The calculations are based on the national fuel prices from the Energy Information Administration, assuming 12,000 miles annually and using Consumer Reports test results for energy consumption rate. The vehicles in this list use a variety of fuels, including diesel and premium. The prices are based on the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. For the Nissan Leaf , we calculated the miles-per-gallon equivalent based on our measure of the small hatchback consuming electricity at 3.16 miles per kilowatt hour (kWh) and a 3.5-cent running cost based on the national average of 11 cents/kWh. The Chevrolet Volt required a bit more math, combining the electricity and gasoline consumption. Our...

The all-electric car from Coda Automotive has finally hit the showroom. Or at least, the company has begun selling its Coda electric vehicle to consumers via a mall-based store—similar to an Apple retail outlet—in the Century City, Calif. And the good news: Prices for the battery-powered car start at $37,250—about $2,650 cheaper than previously reported. The new Coda EVs are slightly smaller and less powerful than the pre-production $39,900 Coda EV sedan Consumer Reports testers first drove last year. That version promised a 36-kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery and a claimed driving range of 150 miles between charges. But the down-priced Coda electric sedan features a smaller 31-kWh battery under its floor boards, which has reduced the car’s driving range to about 125 miles. Under “real world” driving conditions, the company claims the car will get about 88 miles to a full charge. That’s about 15 more miles that the range our engineers have experienced with the 2012 Nissan Leaf , the Coda’s chief competitor. In terms of price, the cheaper Coda EV is also be eligible for green price breaks—such as the $7,500 federal tax credit and other state incentives and rebates—which can further knock down the Coda’s cost. Still, the base price puts the fledgling electric car right in the middle of alternatives ranging from the $21,125 Mitsubishi i —an all-electric car that hasn’t given our testers a stellar first impression—to the super-pricey ($107,850) Fisker Karma , a gas-electric hybrid that is recovering from various problems —including a break down during Consumer Reports testing . For more information on EVs, hybrid cars, and other fuel-efficient vehicles, check out Consumer Reports guide to alternative fuels . Sources: Coda Automotive dealers sell first all-electric vehicles [Coda press release] Read more:  Coda all-electric car goes on sale in California for $37,250