Sport Hybrid SUV. Three words calculated to appeal to an impressive Venn diagram of the American motoring public. Paired with a premium badge, 37% higher fuel efficiency, and not so premium hybrid upgrade cost, this seven passenger NSX cousin may be the large SUV hybrid to beat in 2019. And you can see one right now. The 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid began arriving at Acura … [Read more...] about 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Arrives in Dealerships
Fuel Economy
Mazda Skactiv-X Gets Gold at Edison Awards for Innovation
Mazda may be alone in their belief that the internal combustion engine has plenty of life left, but their Syactiv-X HCCI engine definitely seems like the real deal. To recap: Mazda believes their tech will both increase horsepower and improve fuel economy and vehicle emissions without the added weight and cost of a battery and charging system. It seems to work- well enough, … [Read more...] about Mazda Skactiv-X Gets Gold at Edison Awards for Innovation
Ford Slammed Over CAFE Fight in New Sierra Club Video
Despite what seems to be an about-face at CES 2018, Ford still hasn't brought a new, electrified vehicle to market since 2013. Worse, the company seems content to let China lead the way in electrification, and only seems interested in EVs insofar as they keep the Blue Oval relevant over there, as opposed to over here. You know who else noticed that? The Sierra Club- and … [Read more...] about Ford Slammed Over CAFE Fight in New Sierra Club Video
Mazda SkyActive X Engine — More Power, Less Fuel, Lower Emissions
Mazda has always been the outlier in the auto industry when it comes to internal combustion engines. It built its reputation on the quirky Wankel rotary engine that NSU never could get right. Mazda's amazing rotary was half the size and half the weight of a conventional piston engine, which made it the ideal choice for Mazda's first sports car, the iconic RX-7. The one … [Read more...] about Mazda SkyActive X Engine — More Power, Less Fuel, Lower Emissions
Gasoline Engines Emit More Particulates Than Diesels
For years, the conventional wisdom has been that pollution from diesel engines was far worse than from gasoline engines for two reasons: First, diesel exhaust fumes are known to contain nitrous oxide emissions. Second, they also contain particulates, small molecules that are too small to see. Both are believed to cause serious damage to human lungs. Particulate Emissions … [Read more...] about Gasoline Engines Emit More Particulates Than Diesels
Say Hello To Compound Turbocharging Thanks To 48 Volt Electrical Systems
Compound turbocharging will be coming to more of tomorrow's vehicles thanks tot engineers at Borg Warner. Turbochargers are compressor powered by the energy of hot exhaust gasses as they rush out of the engine after the power stroke -- energy is wasted in non-turbocharged cars. They are vital in the quest to make internal combustion engines more efficient. Conceptually, … [Read more...] about Say Hello To Compound Turbocharging Thanks To 48 Volt Electrical Systems
Automakers Eyeing Higher Octane Gasoline To Lower Emissions
Pity the poor American consumer. 70% of people tell AAA that fuel economy is important to them when choosing a new car. But 114% tell their elected representatives they don't want to pay more money at the pump to support a carbon tax. Talk about contradictions! Automakers are trying everything they can think of to raise fuel economy -- 10 speed transmissions, 48 volt mild … [Read more...] about Automakers Eyeing Higher Octane Gasoline To Lower Emissions
Ford Fusion Becomes First Hybrid Police Cruiser
Ford has beefed up its Fusion Hybrid to make if the first hybrid police cruiser in America. There was a time when the full size Ford Crown Victoria was the most popular choice for police departments, government agencies, and taxi companies. Hundreds of thousands of those hulking beasts used to crisscross the highways and byways of America, burning up a gallon of gasoline every … [Read more...] about Ford Fusion Becomes First Hybrid Police Cruiser
Which Family Sedans Have The Longest Range? Here’s The Top 10
If you like to pile the family into the car and head out on the open road, range is an important consideration. Stopping for gas is everybody's least favorite part of any road trip, although we all appreciate a bathroom break once in a while. Below are the 10 family sedans with the longest range as compiled by the editors of the New York Daily News. First off, the list … [Read more...] about Which Family Sedans Have The Longest Range? Here’s The Top 10
While I’m Waiting: 41 MPG 2016 Mazda 3 Skyactiv
With all the mechanical issues on the little Honda CR-V finally sorted, it was time to send the little SUV off to paint. That, of course, means that I'll be without a car for a few days. Luckily, however, I'm one of those cool blogger guys, and the good people at Mazda were more than happy to "set me up" with one of their 41 MPG 2016 Mazda 3 Skyactiv sedans for the week. Here's … [Read more...] about While I’m Waiting: 41 MPG 2016 Mazda 3 Skyactiv