General Motors
Buick hybrid
General Motors will introduce a Buick crossover SUV powered by a plug-in rechargeable system in 2011. The new midsize vehicle will run on a combination of batteries and regular fuel, and will be about the size of a Chevrolet Equinox (right). The company says it will get double the city gas mileage of a similar-sized conventional SUV. A current Equinox with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive gets 22 mpg in the city.
Smart power
Smart has increased the output of its diesel-powered 2010 ForTwo model for its home market of Germany and is considering exporting it to North America where buyers can currently only get a gasoline engine. Up 21 percent to 54 horsepower, the diminutive car also makes 18 percent more torque, while fuel economy remains at 69 mpg combined.
Sources: Associated Press, Wheelbase Communications
2 Comments
By seren on August 23, 2009 5:59 PM
The DIESEL smart car has its true a great engine, however its transmission is terrible :(
The best bet overall is to wait one year if you must have tiny cute car, and get state of the art , excellent mileage SCION IQ which will surpass the Smart I believe in technology, reliability( its a Toyota) and PRICE as well...dont take my word for it, wait 9 months and compare each vehicle side by side in real world tests - they will put SCION IQ on top :)
By Denise Thornton on August 24, 2009 6:12 AM
These kind of innovative car designs are great, but we won't all be buying one in the immediate future. We can all drive more fuel efficient cars starting today without spending a dime – it’s a matter of adjusting our driving habits. I learned a ton at an eco-driving workshop at this summer’s Midwest Renewable Energy Fair. Check out the top ten tips at http://digginginthedriftless.wordpress.com/2009/06/23/10-ways-to-cut-gas-costs-and-save-the-planet/
Gas savings for all,
Denise Thornton