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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Sustainable Fusion

Published May 29, 2012


By Philippe Crowe


Ford’s new 2013 Fusion will be available this fall. In the name of recycling, every Fusion built will carry some unexpected materials beneath its body, like denim material equivalent to slightly more than two average-sized pairs of blue jeans; 38.9 clear plastic 16-ounce recycled bottles; and bout 31,250 soybeans.



Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control is held to world-class standards in the all-new Ford Fusion with post-industrial, recycled cotton used as sound-absorbing material. In every Fusion, the denim equivalent of slightly more than two pairs of average-sized American blue jeans helps to nullify unwanted road, wind and powertrain noise.



Fusion’s North American cloth seat surfaces are made with 100 percent Repreve yarn, which is a hybrid of post-industrial and post-consumer waste (or materials once utilized for industry purposes; and materials used by everyday consumers respectively). Cloth-seat Fusion models contain the equivalent of 38.9 recycled, clear 16-ounce plastic bottles.



Post-consumer plastic water and soda bottles are collected, chopped, ground, melted and reformulated into chips. These chips are then extruded and textured into fiber. The fibers are then used in the creation of fabric, then dyed, finished and rolled for shipment.



Excess fabric from each procedure in the process is recycled back into the system to further eliminate waste.



The foam used in seat cushions, seat backs and head restraints is a soy-based sustainable material, with the equivalent of approximately 31,250 soybeans.



Ford first used soy-based foam in the Ford Mustang in 2007. Today, Ford uses soy foam on every vehicle built in North America. Ford’s use of soy foam has reduced petroleum production by more than 5 million pounds and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 million pounds annually.



Every 2013 Fusion utilizes plastic made from recycled car battery casings. These post-consumer materials were otherwise destined for a landfill. This plastic may be found in fender splash shields and other underbody components. Annually, these applications on the Fusion will utilize close to 2 million pounds of recycled plastic.






Revised BMW Hybrid Flagship

Published May 29, 2012


By Philippe Crowe


BMW is in the midst of launching its new generation of 7 Series flagship sedan and the lineup will include the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. This new 2013 hybrid 7 series will combine an inline 6-cylinder engine with a hybrid powertrain.



The updated model sets itself apart with lower fuel consumption and emissions, as well as innovative auxiliary functions. This latest evolutionary step uses BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. It is the same 315-horsepower version as in the new 2013 BMW 740Li and replaces the V8 engine previously used in the ActiveHybrid 7.



Other hybrid components include a 55-horsepower synchronous electric motor, hybrid-spec 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, a lithium ion high-performance battery and power electronics which run the intelligent energy management.



BMW’s goal was to give the ActiveHybrid 7 an outstanding balance between performance and efficiency. With combined output of 349 horsepower and peak torque of
367 pound-feet, the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds (preliminary).

At the same time, it delivers significantly improved fuel efficiency. U.S. EPA numbers are not yet available; however, in the EU test cycle the new ActiveHybrid 7 yields efficiency gains of 14 percent over the new 740Li which itself sees an improvement over its predecessor.



A host of innovative features enhance the car’s dynamics and ensure optimum efficiency of the hybrid drive system. For example, the electric motor provides an extra 155 lb-ft of torque through the boost function if the driver should need a quick sprint or to call on strong mid-range acceleration. ECO PRO mode, with coasting function and proactive analysis, prepares the drive system in advance for upcoming situations on the road. Brake Energy Regeneration and the Hybrid Start-Stop system also work together to maximize overall efficiency.



The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 can also run purely on electric power. If the hybrid battery has sufficient charge and the driver goes easy on the accelerator, the car can cover a distance of up to 2.5 miles almost silently and without producing any tailpipe emissions. The top speed on electric power alone is 37 mph.



The new ActiveHybrid 7 will be available in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase model only.



All new BMW 7 Series models come equipped with Auto Start-Stop which can cut fuel consumption by up to six percent as well as Brake Energy Regeneration. Generally the battery is only recharged when the driver is off the throttle, for example, when coasting or under braking. Driving Dynamics Control in the new 7 now includes ECO PRO mode which modifies the powertrain management as well as the programming of the heating and air conditioning, heated seats and exterior mirror heating to operate with optimum efficiency. It also offers tips for an efficient driving style. According to BMW, ECO PRO can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent.






Ponch Approved? California chooses Ford Explorer Police Interceptor as next patrol car


Related Gallery Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Live Shots







News Source: Motor Trend


Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Steven J. Ewing / AOL


Category: Car Buying, SUV, Government/Legal, Ford, Police/Emergency


Tags: 2013 ford explorer, california highway patrol, chp, explorer, Explorer Police Interceptor Utility, ford, ford police interceptor, michigan state police, police car

Wisconsin man avoids jail by agreeing to have his Nissan Skylines crushed






News Source: Stevens Point Journal


Tip: Hat tip to Justin!


Image Credit: BigBirdSkyline.com


Category: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Japan, Nissan, Luxury


Tags: beno, confiscated nissan skyline, confiscation, crusher, fast and the furious, fast and the furious skyline, gray market, just beno skyline, justin beno, nissan, nissan skyline, skyline

Toyota Prius now third-most-popular car in the world... sort of


Related Gallery 2012 Toyota Prius







News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.


Image Credit: Toyota


Category: Car Buying, Hybrid, Wagon, Hatchback, Toyota


Tags: 2013 toyota prius, hybrid sales, prius, prius c, prius plug-in, prius sales, prius v, toyota, toyota prius, toyota sales

Prius Family Becomes Third Top-Selling Car Line in First Quarter 2012

Published May 29, 2012


By Jeff Cobb


With the launch of new variants, having paid its dues in gaining acceptance, and in light of generally high fuel prices this year, plus other positive sales pressures, Toyota’s Prius line became the third-ranked last quarter.



Last quarter global Prius line sales were 247,230 units, according to Bloomberg, compared to 300,800 Toyota Corollas and 277,000 recorded Ford Focus sales.



This latest feather in Toyota's cap comes as it recently traded places again with GM as the world’s largest automaker, and having three top-10 models, the Camry line being the third aside from the Corolla and Prius.



The Prius line now consists of the Liftback, Plug-In, Prius v and Prius c.



Japanese sales in post-tsunami Japan for the Aqua – as the Prius c is called there – have also helped a lot. Prius family sales have tripled in that country from 175,080 in Q1 versus 52,507 last year.



Eric Noble, president of automotive California-based consultancy firm, the Car Lab, said to Bloomberg what HybridCars.com readers have long thought in assessing the Prius family success.



“It proves Prius wasn’t a fluke, that there’s a long-term market for hybrids,” he said.


Toyota’s Group Vice President of Global Sales, Bob Carter, said also the Prius line success makes it a de fact brand.



“Prius is a Prius first and a Toyota second,” Carter said. “The fact it’s doing well this year is a reflection of the strength of the model line and the Prius brand.”



Carter said he’s ordered additional production, noting especially high demand in Japan, and said he is confident he get more in the available supply for the U.S. also.



Bloomberg






Cadillac Ciel

V6 Hybrid / 3.564 cc / 430 PS / 430 ft/lb (583 Nm) / twin turbo / AWD

(click images for a larger view)













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