Fisker Chooses GM Ecotec Engine for the Karma

Fisker plans to bring the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) Karma to the US in the fourth quarter of 2009. The hybrid engine will have two engines, an electric motor and GM's Ecotec 2.0 direct injection, turbo-charged 4-cylinder gas engine.

The gas engine will produce 260 hp, and will charge the battery after the car exceeds the 50 mile all electric range. In case you aren't familiar, the Karma (and Chevy's Volt) will drive for a certain range on battery power. You can re-charge the battery pack by plugging the car in (most likely overnight). On a full charge, the Chevy Volt will travel 40 miles on all electric power. After that, the gas engine kicks in. Unlike the hybrids on the road today, however, the gas engine is just there to re-charge the battery. Only the electric motor will move the car.

Which is very exciting for most people until they find out about the price tag. The Volt will be available, according to the current reports, at about $40,000.

Fisker says they are open to purchasing other components from GM to 'enhance' the Karma. The Karma will be built in Finland by Valmet Automotive, which currently produces the Boxter and Cayman. But Porche cancelled future production, allowing Fisker to move into the available space. The Karma will start selling in the fourth quarter of 2009, with deliveries made in North America. Europe should see sales begin in 2010. Fisker is targeting 15,000 sales a year.

Some more details on the Fisker Karma: The original plan for the Karma and some more details on the Karma.

The New Honda Insight Will Come with Eco Assist

The new Honda Insight will be equipped with a fuel economy enhancement system named Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist(TM)). The new system is designed to give the driver real time feedback on how well they're driving, fuel economy-wise.

The system entails several different functions. A driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel. Then there's the feedback function on the speedometer, which changes the background to provide real-time guidance. And a 'scoring function' which gives feedback on current and long-term driving style.

"Hybrid drivers enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in a statement. "The visual nature of Eco Assist is intended to help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding."

The ECON button pushes the transmission, engine and others into a conservation mode. But it also adjusts the air conditioning, makes it more likely to engage the start/stop function and increases the battery charging during regenerative braking.

The speedometer will change colors to indicate how you are driving right now. A green color (surprising that it's green, right?) indicates you have a smooth acceleration and braking. Less smooth driving will push you into a blue-green glow, while aggressive driving will push you into a blue background (I would have gone for red!).

The scoring function has a nice graphical feature. Like Ford's new system, the better you drive, the more 'leaves' you get in your graphical interface. The better you drive (more economically), the bigger your tree. This interface is part of the Multi-Information Display, located in the center console.

When the ignition switch is on, the display scores driving practices in real time. When the ignition switch is turned off, the 'leaves' in the top line of the display score driving in the just completed cycle (startup to shutdown), while a horizontal bar in the lower part of the display scores cumulative lifetime performance.

The display can also be switched to show you the fuel economy figures for the last three trips (want to check out what your partner just did to your fuel economy?). It can also give you instantaneous readouts on your fuel economy statistics, as well as you overall performance.

The new Insight is not like the old one. With room for five (not two), the Insight is still a dedicated hybrid platform. It's supposed to sell at 'significantly less' than other hybrids, which may push it below $20K.

Honda was able to cut costs on its IMA system, which lets it push the price down on the new Insight.

The new Insight will be available in the Spring, and people are already putting their name in to buy one.

Honda is targeting sales of 200,000 units per year, half of which should come in North America.

KBB Says Hybrids Have Great Resale Value in 2009

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) announced the best resale value models for 2009 and, not surprising given the high gas price crisis in 2008, hybrids were some of the best models at retaining their value.

Using information gained from Kelley Blue Book's extensive analysis of new- and used-vehicle values, the company determined one vehicle brand as having the best projected overall resale value among its 2009 fleet, named resale value leaders in 15 major vehicle segments and honors the top 10 for 2009 model-year vehicles with the best projected resale value.

The top 10 models in 2009 for best resale value were (in alphabetical order):

• Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
• Honda Fit
• MINI Cooper
• Scion xB
• Scion xD
• Scion tC
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Rabbit

I see a pretty good trend for gas sippers. The worst for re-sale value according to KBB include the 2009 Ford Expedition V-8, Mercury Mountaineer V-8, Dodge Durango V-8, Lincoln Town Car V-8 and the GMC Savannah Van V-8. These 2009 model- year gas misers, with their V-8 engines and older body styles, will only maintain 20 percent of their original value after five years of ownership.

Add in Honda winning the best in resale value for brand and you complete the picture.

The Honda Civic Hybrid beat out the Toyota Prius in the Hybrid Car Category. In the Hybrid Crossover Category, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid won, while in the Hybrid SUV category, the Chevy Tahoe came in first.

As far as hybrids are concerned, KBB believes fuel economy beats out luxury any day.

The values that hybrids saw in the market during 2008 confirmed for Kelley Blue Book that the premium these vehicles garner will hold even at five years of ownership. While hybrids saw an overall increase in residual values, the luxury or performance hybrids like the Lexus LS400h and the Lexus GS400h saw significant declines.

"The hybrid vehicles with the highest fuel efficiencies, which are generally the smaller, more compact hybrids will hold their value well over the next five years," said Ibara. "The luxury or performance hybrids do not offer a significant improvement in fuel economy, especially when compared to the price premium over their non-hybrid sibling. Customers attracted to these models are not necessarily looking for a fuel-efficient alternative, and so far this attraction has not held up well in the used-car market."

More Details Available on the CNG Toyota Camry at the LA Auto Show

Toyota is bringing the compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid Concept vehicle to the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Toyota hybrid engine is powered by electricity (battery) and natural gas, rather than the normal gasoline electric hybrid Camry.

According to Toyota, natural gas is a clean and safe alternative transport fuel. It can potentially reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil and reduce vehicle operating costs. Currently more than 99 percent of natural gas used in the U.S. comes from domestic & other North American sources. Proven worldwide natural gas reserves are estimated to last until 2100 and have the potential to last until 2200 through improved advanced production methods.

Natural gas also produces lower particulate emissions, nitrous oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-methane organic gases (NMOG), and less CO2 per unit of energy when compared with gasoline. In addition, it has a higher flash point (ignition temperature) than gasoline, can run at a higher compression ratio and is quickly dispersed into the atmosphere, should a leak occur.

The 'fuel tanks' for the CNG Hybrid Camry are two tanks installed in the spare tire well area. The tires have been replaced with run-flat tires from Bridgeston (19 x 7.5 alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza 225/35ZR19) since there's no spare tire.

The custom front fascia and front bumper cover eliminate the grill opening, while the custom rear bumper covers the tail pipe and visible exhaust system. The ride height has been lowered and new side body skirts and very visible "Compressed Natural Gas Hybrid" graphics adorn the vehicle.

In 1999, Toyota marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in Calfornia, but customers were not attracted to the specialized vehicle. Special refueling techniques and limited re-fueling points make for limited interest. There are still less than 1,000 CNHG refueling stations nationwide, with less than half open to the public.

"Toyota believes CNG has huge potential, both in the U.S. and globally," said Hostetter, "but CNG is just one of the many alternative fuels we're exploring in our ongoing advanced technology research and development."

TOYOTA CNG CAMRY HYBRID CONCEPT
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive(R)
Gasoline fuel system replaced with CNG system

ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY (mpg)
City/Highway/Combined = 32/34/33
(Gasoline Camry Hybrid = 33/34/34)

NET HORSEPOWER (Engine + Electric Motor + Generator + Power Storage)
170 hp

CNG SYSTEM
-- Two (2) Lincoln composite Type 4 tanks -- plastic liner with carbon
fiber wrapped exterior
-- Tanks installed in spare tire well area
-- Maximum 3,600 psi


CAPACITY
Proposed 8 gallon gasoline equivalent

RANGE
250+ miles

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 191.2
Overall Width: 71.7
Overall Height: 57.5
Wheelbase: 109.3
Wheel Size: 19 x 7.5 alloy wheels

Re-Charge Your Battery in 20 Minutes

Ener1 and Kyushu Electric have signed a a memorandum of understanding to work together on creating a rapid recharging systems for the next generation of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. (source: press release found via GreenCarCongress) The system is target to re-charge lithium-ion batteries up to 80% of capacity in less than 20 minutes.

Currently, reported re-charging times are 6-8 hours through common house-hold plugs.

The companies are targeting the first integrated systems for March, 2009. They are hoping the relationship will accelerate the development of charging systems to match the 'anticipated growth' in electric vehicles.

Ener1 and KEPCO will work together to create and manufacture rapid recharging systems for electric vehicles. KEPCO has already developed one of the most advanced rapid charging stands and plans to customize that solution with the EnerDel High Energy Pack System. KEPCO's next-generation electric vehicle rapid charging station has exhibited one of the highest levels of performance for rapid charging in Japan.

"Drivers need to know they can recharge an electric car as easily as they fill the tank in today's conventional vehicles," said Ener1 Chairman and CEO Charles Gassenheimer. "The batteries are here. What we need is the infrastructure to charge them quickly. We have often suggested that the customer for electric drive is not just the auto manufacturers, but also the integrated power and utility companies. Together with ITOCHU Corporation, we are privileged to work with such prestigious partners on this important project. The opportunity underscores Ener1's strategy to be a total systems and solutions provider in pioneering the electrification of the automobile."

"We are excited to be working with Ener1, which we consider to be an early leader in the development of this industry," said Toshiro Noguchi, General Manager of the Research Laboratory at KEPCO. "We believe that Ener1's state of the art technology is now ready for rapid adoption and are excited to be partnering with them at this critical time."

Loans and More Loans... Please Do Not Use the Word Bailout

It seems like some are confused by all the $Billions$ being bandied about by Congress lately. Several months ago, Congress approved a $25 billion loan program to re-tool or build facilities capable of making cars which are 25% more fuel efficient than the cars being built in MY2005. Suppliers can also apply for the loan. GM, Chrysler, and even smaller car companies like Tesla have already applied for the loans through the DOE program.

Tesla applied for a $400 million loan (very frugal of them!), while GM and Chrysler did not disclose how much they want (found via TechCrunch). Ford plans on applying (or has already done so) by yesterday.

But that loan program has its drawbacks.  Specifically, the amount of time needed until the program actually gives out the money (up to a year). Which is why Detroit is pushing for a completely separate loan program from Congress during the current session. What they want now is access to the $700 billion set aside for the banking industry, or the set up of a whole new loan program. A program that would give them access to cash now.

For instance, the current bill sets up a $25 billion loan program with "initial interest rates of 5 percent to the U.S. automakers and suppliers in exchange for a federal stake in the companies or warrants that would let the government profit from future gains."

That would bring the loans available from the government up to $50 billion for the car companies.

And GM, especially, really, really wants the second program. But given the rhetoric from the Senate, they need to push back on some of the 'myths' they believe are prevalent throughout the US about the auto industry (Link- Detroit Free Press). They are pushing to build popular opinion through their blog and through e-mails to their customers. First a description of GM from GM's blog:

* A leaner company that has reduced its annual structural costs in North American by 23 percent, or $9 billion, since 2005, and are on track to reduce them by about 35 percent, or $14-$15 billion, by 2010. We also negotiated a landmark labor agreement with the UAW last year that will enable us to virtually erase the competitive gap we’ve had with foreign automakers.
* Award-winning products in the Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS, (Motor Trend magazine’s 2008 Car of the Year). The Chevy Malibu beats the Toyota Camry in highway mileage, and was recently ranked the highest in initial quality in the midsize car segment by J.D. Power & Associates.

In fact, 13 of our last 15 new product launches in the U.S. were cars or crossovers, and 18 of our next 19 new products will be, as well. Mr. Friedman, we also think you’ll be particularly interested in the huge progress we are making to develop a broad range of advanced propulsion technologies.

* For 2009, GM will offer 20 models in the U.S. that get 30 miles per gallon or better on the highway –twice our nearest competitor.
* We now sell six hybrid vehicles, with three more on the way by the middle of next year.
* We have more than three million flex-fuel vehicles on the road in the U.S., which are capable of running on bio-fuels like ethanol and we are committed to making 50 percent of our annual production flex-fuel capable by 2012.
* We’ve established the world’s largest fuel-cell test fleet by placing more than 100 Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles in the hands of U.S. drivers.
* And perhaps most important, we’re running all-out to get the Chevy Volt extended range electric vehicle to market as soon as possible. When running off its battery, the Volt will be able to drive up to 40 miles–more than the average daily commute for over three-quarters of Americans–without using a drop of gas.

And from the e-mail sent out to GM owners:

You made the right choice when you put your confidence in General Motors, and we appreciate your past support. I want to assure you that we are making our best vehicles ever, and we have exciting plans for the future. But we need your help now. Simply put, we need you to join us to let Congress know that a bridge loan to help U.S. automakers also helps strengthen the U.S. economy and preserve millions of American jobs.

Despite what you may be hearing, we are not asking Congress for a bailout but rather a loan that will be repaid.

The U.S. economy is at a crossroads due to the worldwide credit crisis, and all Americans are feeling the effects of the worst economic downturn in 75 years. Despite our successful efforts to restructure, reduce costs and enhance liquidity, U.S. auto sales rely on access to credit, which is all but frozen through traditional channels.

The consequences of the domestic auto industry collapsing would far exceed the $25 billion loan needed to bridge the current crisis. According to a recent study by the Center for Automotive Research:

• One in 10 American jobs depends on U.S. automakers
• Nearly 3 million jobs are at immediate risk
• U.S. personal income could be reduced by $150 billion
• The tax revenue lost over 3 years would be more than $156 billion

Discussions are now underway in Washington, D.C., concerning loans to support U.S. carmakers. I am asking for your support in this vital effort by contacting your state representatives.

Please take a few minutes to go to www.gmfactsandfiction.com, where we have made it easy for you to contact your U.S. senators and representatives. Just click on the "I'm a Concerned American" link under the "Mobilize Now" section, and enter your name and ZIP code to send a personalized e-mail stating your support for the U.S. automotive industry.

Let me assure you that General Motors has made dramatic improvements over the last 10 years. In fact, we are leading the industry with award-winning vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac CTS, Buick Enclave, Pontiac G8, GMC Acadia, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Saturn AURA and more. We offer 18 models with an EPA estimated 30 MPG highway or better — more than Toyota or Honda. GM has 6 hybrids in market and 3 more by mid-2009. GM has closed the quality gap with the imports, and today we are putting our best quality vehicles on the road.

Please share this information with friends and family using the link on the site.

Thank you for helping keep our economy viable.

Sincerely,



Troy Clarke

What do you think.  Have the Big 3 really changed their colors?  Do they 'deserve' the second loan program?  Will they survive through the next six months?

The New Sierra Hybrid Pricing. Due to Arrive in Early 2009

GM announced their MSRP for the new Sierra Hybrid. The 2WD models with the 3HA package will be sold at $39,365, including the $975 destination freight charge (DFC). The 3HB package will run at $45,500, including the DFC.

Of course, given the current economic climate, you have to wonder how GM will fare with these large hybrids.  So far, the two-mode hybrid system hasn't been a stellar success.  Chrysler is shutting down the plant that makes their two-mode hybrid SUVs, and GM has already cut the next evolution out of the pipeline.  It makes me wonder how much support GM will give to these hybrid trucks (GM is also building the Silverado Hybrid with a two-mode hybrid engine).

The press release gives more details on what you can expect from the GMC Sierra Hybrid with the dual mode hybrid motor.

The 2009 Sierra Hybrid joins the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid as the only full-size hybrid pickup trucks on the market. Equipped with GM’s two-mode hybrid system, Sierra Hybrid is offered in the crew cab body style and is also available with 4WD.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2WD models is 21 mpg city and 22 on the highway; 4WD models are estimated at 20 mpg in city and highway driving. That mileage, combined with a 26-gallon (98 L) fuel tank, delivers a cruising range of more than 500 miles with 2WD models and more than 470 miles with 4WD models

Production begins in December of 2008, with delivery to dealers expected in early 2009.

Towing capacity is rated at 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg). A $2,200 federal tax credit is currently available to many customers who purchase the Sierra Hybrid.

A well-equipped pickup

Sierra Hybrid 3HA models include popular equipment such as the heavy-duty trailering package; StabiliTrak electronic stability control; locking rear differential; EZ Lift tailgate and lock; 18-inch wheels; cloth seats; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar. Also included are automatic climate control, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth phone capability.

Equipment that is specific to the hybrid model includes:

• 6.0-liter V-8 engine (332 hp / 247 kW)
• Low rolling resistance tires
• Hybrid ornamentation
• Soft tonneau cover
• Head curtain side-impact air bags

In addition, a Sierra Hybrid 3HB model is offered. It includes all of the 3HA content as well as leather bucket seats with six-way driver and passenger power; Power Flow navigation with Bose audio and rear-seat controls; rear park assist; power adjustable pedals and a three-piece hard tonneau cover. MSRP is $45,500 (including destination charge).