Skoda's Superb Greenline becomes the Czech Republic’s official EU Presidency vehicle

The most eco-friendly version of Skoda's flagship model, the Superb Greenline, is to be used as the official vehicle by the Czech Republic government to transport EU ministers and delegations visiting the country. Overall, VW's Czech subsidiary has provided the government with 27 vehicles. The first event to see the Superb GreenLines in action is this weekend's EU-US summit that will take place in Prague and will be attended by US president Barack Obama as part of his first official visit to Europe. However, don't expect to see Obama riding one of the Skodas.

Skoda Auto PR Manager Radek Spicar comments: "We are pleased that the Superb GreenLine is to be used as the official vehicle when Barack Obama visits the country. We are aware of his positive attitude to environmental protection and giving environmentally-friendly vehicles political support is very important in terms of increasing the number of such vehicles in general."

"We are really pleased that the vehicles will also be used to transport the EU environment ministers in Prague - this is surely going to be seen as an example worth following," he concluded.

According to Skoda's official data, the Superb GreenLine which is equipped with a 105HP 1.9-liter turbo diesel emits a mere 136 g/km and has an combined fuel consumption of 5.1 lt per 100 km or 46.1 MPG (US).

Mazda Begins Commercial Leasing of Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

As of today, Mazda is the world's first automaker to begin commercial leasing of a hydrogen-hybrid vehicle. The new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will be delivered to local government authorities and energy-related companies in Japan during 2009. Based on the Japanese market Premacy, the vehicle is equipped with a series-type hybrid drivetrain that combines Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine with an electric motor.

As with the Chevy Volt, the rotary-engine output is converted to electricity, which then powers the electric motor that drives the wheels. This hybrid system boosts the hydrogen fuel range of the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to 200km (124 miles) which is twice the range of the firm's first commercial hydrogen rotary engine model, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain helps increases the maximum output by approximately 40 percent, to 110 kilowatts (147hp).

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Specifications

Base model:	Mazda Premacy
Overall length:	4,565mm
Overall width:	1,745mm
Overall height:	1,620 mm
Engine:	Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine (with dual-fuel system)
Motor:	Alternating current synchronous motor
Maximum output:	110 kW
Generator:	Alternating current synchronous generator
Battery:	Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Seating capacity:	Five
Fuel:	Hydrogen and gasoline
Hydrogen tank:	35 MPa high-pressure tank

Mercedes-Benz Students create F-CELL Roadster Concept

The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster is a new concept study created by more than 150 trainees and dual education system students who worked on the project for about a year. The most eye-catching element of the study is without doubt, its large spoked wheels that supposedly pay homage to the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car. We think that they look totally out of place, but we're neither trainees or design students, so don't take our word for it.

The F-CELL Roadster incorporates an array of stylistic features from various eras of automotive history, such as the carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched leather covers and the fiberglass front section based on the component from the Formula One racing bolides.

The two-seater is powered by an emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear that develops an output of 1.2 kW allowing the lightweight concept to reach a top speed of 25 km/h or 16mph with an operating range of up to 350 km or 218 miles. The concept is controlled with drive-by-wire technology, and a joystick takes the place of the conventional steering wheel.

"This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training," said Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig. "I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project."

Hyundai BLUE-WILL: Prius-Like Plug-in Hybrid Concept to be Unveiled in Seoul

Korean automaker Hyundai is ramping up its efforts in the hybrid segment with the presentation of an all-new concept car at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show that opens on April 2. The BLUE-WILL is a proposal for a family-sized, dedicated hybrid model in the likes of the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. The plug-in hybrid powered by an all-aluminum gasoline direct-injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a powerful 100kw (134HP) electric motor

Electric power is stored in a compact Lithium-Ion Polymer battery pack which is located along with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximize luggage space. The Hyundai group will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer batteries in mass production vehicles when the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra LPG-Hybrids go on sale in Korea this summer.

Other notable highlights of the BLUE-WILL include the use of recycled PET soft drink bottles for the headlamp bezels and bio-degradable plastics for the interior and the engine cover while the car's panoramic glass rooftop integrates dye-sensitized solar cells that generate power for the batteries from the sun without hurting visibility.

Further details of the concept will be revealed by Hyundai at the Seoul Show.

New Kia Forte LPI Hybrid set for Seoul Debut - Korean Sales Start in August

In addition to announcing the introduction of its new environmental brand 'Eco Dynamics', Kia revealed today its first-ever production hybrid model, the Forte LPI Hybrid that will make its world debut at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show that opens on April 2. Scheduled to go on sale in Korea this August, the hybrid version of the new Forte sedan can run on both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)– a popular fuel in Korea - and electricity. It employs a hybrid system which supports the internal combustion engine during motor starts and acceleration.

The Forte LPI Hybrid is equipped with a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder Gamma LPI HEV engine producing an output of 114-horsepower and a maximum torque figure of 15.1 kg/m. The Korean automaker claims that when combined to a CVT transmission, the Forte LPI Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 17.2km per litre of LPG. To better understand what this means, when converted to a standard petrol engine that figure would be 21.5km/liter that translates to 50.6mpg US, 60.7mpg UK or 4.7lt /100 km.

The Forte LPI hybrid is said to be the first car in the world to use lithium polymer batteries. Compared to nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries used by most automakers, this type of batteries provide more power in a lighter and compact package thus enhancing fuel performance and freeing up more space.

Aside from Forte LPI Hybrid, Kia announced that it also plans to introduce a mid-sized, full hybrid vehicle in 2011 followed up with early commercialization of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2012.

As for the Korean firm's new green-label, the "Eco Dynamics" moniker will be used on cars with new, environmentally-friendly technologies such as hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell cars.

ECOnetic Ford Fiestas take Part in the Monte Carlo Rally for Alternative Energy Vehicles - Huh?

We always thought that 'alternative energy vehicles' was a term restricted for cars powered by engines that run on... alternative fuels like biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, electricity etc, etc, and that a rally for 'alternative energy vehicles' would be exactly that. Well, apparently not as the organizers of the Monte-Carlo Rally for Alternative Energy Vehicles have created a class for fossil-fuel-powered cars with low emissions. "Technicalities" aside -we'll leave the comments to you- Ford will participate in the eco-friendly rally (that sound's better) with three diesel-powered ECOnetic Fiestas.

The Fiesta ECOnetic is based on the Fiesta 1.6 TDCi 90HP and it gets the usual green mods like low rolling resistance tires, a paritculate filter, lowered suspension, a higher final drive and a revised ECU for an average fuel consumption of 3.7l/100 km (mixed cycle) or 63.6mpg US with CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.

The 3rd Monte-Carlo Rally for AEVs (Alternative Energy Vehicles) will begin on Friday March 27 with the first challenge being a 'Concentration stage' that starts simultaneously from two different cities, Lugano and Clermont-Ferrand. The finish will be on Sunday March 29 on the Monaco harbourside.

Toyota to Lease 100 Next-Generation Plug-in Hybrids in France, USA and Japan to Follow

French energy giant EDF and Japanese carmaker Toyota today announced a new programme for a large-scale trial of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV) in Strasbourg, France. According to the Japanese automaker, about one hundred units of a next generation PHV equipped with lithium-ion batteries will be leased to selected companies and partners in the Strasbourg area starting from the end of 2009, for a duration of three years. Toyota did not reveal details on the type of vehicle, but it is rumored to be based on the 2010 Prius.

The programme is part of a global Toyota project that will also be deployed in Japan as well as in the USA from the end of 2009. The firm's main objective with this project is to objective is to investigate and further evaluate the technology and performance of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles in real life conditions.

EDF and Toyota began European road trials of Plug-in Hybrid Prius Vehicles in France in the autumn of 2007 expanding the programme to the UK in 2008.

Ford to Unveil Tri-Fuel Mondeo that runs on Gas, Ethanol and LPG at 2009 Leipzig Show

At the AMI Leipzig Motor Show in Germany that runs from March 28 to April 5, 2009, Ford will pull the covers off a new tri-fuel variant of the Mondeo capable of running on gasoline, bio-ethanol (E85) or any mix of these two, as well as on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Available in four-door sedan, five-door liftback and in station wagon forms, the tri-fuel Mondeo uses a 2.0-liter Duratec petrol engine and comes equipped with two gas tanks, one with a volume of 70-liters for petrol and E85 and one with 48.8 liters (40 for the Estate) for LPG.

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According to Ford, the 2.0-liter Duratec engine produces an output of 145HP when running on petrol and/or E85, and 141HP on LPG. With LPG, the Mondeo Sedan and Liftback models can cover an estimated total of 460 km (286 miles) while the Estate, 380 km (236 miles), before running dry. When running on conventional fuel and/or E85, the Mondeo has a range of 850 km (529 miles), meaning that the combined range is over 1,200 km (746 miles).

Ford said that its tri-fuel Mondeo cars will go on sale in selected European markets from April with prices starting in Germany from €27,500 ($35,150 with today's rates). This means that the tri-fuel Mondeo is €250 cheaper than the comparable diesel-powered, Mondeo 2.0-liter TDCi 140HP.

(Photos: Standard Mondeo)

Bentley Continental SuperSports: 621HP and 204MPH Flex-Fuel Supercar

Bentley has revealed the fastest and most powerful model in its 90-year history, the new 621HP Continental Supersports that will make its premiere in Geneva with sales following in most markets from autumn 2009 and in the U.S., in the summer of 2010. The Continental Supersports, whose name is inspired by the firm's 1925 two-seater 3-litre Supersports model, is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. Bentley supports that the E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2

So does that make the Supersport "green"? Well, definitely not compared to a Prius or even a conventional family car for that matter, but it's supposed to be green for the levels of performance and luxury it offers. For the record, the Continental Supersports has a combined fuel economy of 17.3 mpg UK which comes to 14.4mpg US or 16.3 lt / 100km, with CO2 emissions of (ahem...) 388 g/km.

The Superports' 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine produces 621-horsepower at 6,000 rev and a massive 800Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque at 1,700-5,600 rev. The W12 is matted to a revised ZF6HP26 automatic transmission with 'Quickshift' system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts, helping the flex-fuel Continental accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.7 sec (0-100km/h in 3.9 sec) onto a top speed of 204mph or 329 km/h.

Bentley's engineers also put the Supersport on a strict diet achieving a weight reduction of 110kg or 243 lb compared with the Continental GT Speed. For example, the Supersports is a strict two-seater featuring all-new lightweight sports seats with carbon fibre clamshell rear panels. In the rear compartment, the seats are replaced by a stowage deck with a carbon fibre luggage retaining beam.

To better the coupe's driving dynamics, the engineering team performed an array of chassis enhancements including retuned steering and suspension, utilizing lighter weight components, retuned dampers and anti-roll bars. Additionally, agility is further sharpened by the 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system, a wider rear track, bespoke lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and a unique electronic stability programme.

The Supersports is distinguished from its Continental coupe stable mates by the newly designed bonnet, the flared wings and new dark-smoked steel finish to all exterior 'brightware', including front grilles, lamp bezels, window surrounds and wheels. Inside, the cockpit is adorned with carbon fibre and Alcantara.

Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive said; "The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley's engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector."

The fastest most powerful Bentley in the company's 90-year history

6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged now produces 630PS (621 bhp/463 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm (590 lb ft) of torque at 1700-5600 rev/min

• 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds)
  
• 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in 8.9 seconds
  
• 50-70 mph in 2.1 seconds
  
• 80-120 km/h in 2.6 seconds
  
• Top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h)
  

Continental Supersports reaffirms Bentley's environmental commitment by pioneering the use of biofuel in the luxury sector

• Capable of running on petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two
  
• Power and torque remain constant whatever the ratio of petrol to E85 biofuel
  
• A Fuel Quality Sensor detects the blending ratio of the fuel in real time sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), initiating the correct engine mapping. This ensures all performance parameters remain balanced and consistent
  
• Offers a reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 70% (well-to-wheel), a measure of a fuel's net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions
  

Continental Supersports is the extreme Bentley, delivering a highly focused driving experience

• Revised ZF 6HP26 transmission with 'Quickshift' system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts
  
• New 40/60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by 'throttle steering'
  
• Uprated front suspension with aluminium forward levers, stiffer bushes together with retuned antiroll bar and Servotronic steering for sharper turn-in
  
• Revised Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for improved body control
  
• Unique lightweight, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels offer 10 kg (22 lb) weight saving per car, reducing unsprung and rotating mass and improving brake cooling. Increased 25 mm (I inch) offset on rear wheels improves grip and stability
  
• 275/35 ZR20 Pirelli Ultra High Performance tyres
  
• Advanced ESP system fully exploits potential of the most powerful W12 engine and improved chassis
  
• Standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes – the largest and most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production car – contribute 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving
  
• 110 kg (243 lb) weight saving compared to Continental GT Speed
  

Continental Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects its supercar character

• Form follows function: distinctive centre air intake and vertical grilles feed larger volume of air (+ 10%) to turbocharger intercoolers while bonnet vents extract hot air from engine bay
  
• Subtly curved rear wheel arches with newly tooled side panels accommodate increased rear track of the uprated chassis and provide muscular stance
  
• Distinctive 'smoked steel finish' to all exterior 'brightware', including the first automotive application of 'Physical Vapour Deposition' to stainless steel
  
• Larger, twin elliptical exhaust tailpipes and rear valance with discreet vertical divider
  
• 2 new pearlescent and 2 new matt finish colours
  
• Unique driver-focused, two-seater cabin with lightweight sports seats, giving a 45 kg (99 lb) weight saving
  
• Rear seats replaced by stowage deck with carbon fibre luggage retaining beam
  
• AlcantaraTM, carbon fibre and 'Soft Touch' leather provide a very different interpretation of Bentley craftsmanship with choice of Single Tone and Duo Tone combinations

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