Kurt Ernst, Contributor
Articles
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Wouldn’t it be great if old newspapers and junk mail could be used to generate biofuel, instead of taking up space in landfills?
Tulane University scientists have discovered a strain of... -
How Much More Does It Cost To Repair A Crashed Chevy Volt?
The 2011 Chevy Volt is a remarkably complex automobile, so crash damage is likely to cost more to repair than with a conventional automobile. This difference in price, however, is likely less than you think.
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Ford Using Consumers To Develop Displays On 2012 Focus Electric
Ford is relying on potential consumers to help develop information display screens in the upcoming Ford Focus Electric.
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A Ten-Second Camaro Promotes Electric Drag Racing
The performance characteristics of electric motors make them ideal for drag racing, and one man is out to establish electric drag racing as a legitimate sport.
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To Highlight Fuel Economy, Ford Launches F-150 EcoBoost Challenge
To promote the fuel efficiency of its F-150 EcoBoost pickup, Ford's latest social media contest will pay dividends to both the winner and the residents of the winning city.
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2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept Coming To 2012 Detroit Auto Show
A new Lincoln MKZ and MKZ Hybrid will be launched next year, and the 2013 MKZ Concept will debut at next year's Detroit Auto Show.
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So you’ve finally realized that you don’t drive outside the 70-to-100-mile range of a battery electric car on your daily commute, at least under normal circumstances. You’re...
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Buy A 2012 Ford Focus Electric, Get A Deal On Solar Panels
Ford has teamed up with SunPower on a program called "Drive Green For Life." It offers buyers of the Ford Focus Electric a discount on a rooftop solar system that provides up to 1,000 miles worth of charging per month.
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2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Sets New Record On Pan-American Highway
A 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, piloted by a trio of German drivers, set a new world record for traversing the length of the Pan-American highway.
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Australian Couple Hopes To Break U.S. Hypermiling Record
John and Helen Taylor are driving across the lower 48 United States in a Chevy Cruze Eco, hoping to beat their previous hypermiling record set in a Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
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Pushing For Greener Cars, China Raises The Bar On Subsidies
To qualify for a $465 government-funded sales subsidy, China will now require automakers to use engines under 1.6 liters and achieving a minimum fuel economy of 37 mpg.
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Audi's Latest Engine Blends Performance With Fuel Economy
Audi's new 1.8-liter TFSI engine produces 170 horsepower and 236 ft-lb. of torque while returning fuel economy over 41 mpg.
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Low rolling resistance tires have been around for a few decades now, and early versions required you to trade-off cornering and braking ability for a modest gain in fuel economy. For drivers of...
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New Study Links Diesel Particulates And Heart Disease
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that nanoparticles present in unfiltered diesel exhaust can lead to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.
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2012 Ford Explorer Gets 28 MPG With EcoBoost Four-Cylinder
Ford's popular Explorer SUV is now available with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which delivers class-leading fuel economy.
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Automaker Alliance Resumes Fear-Based Fuel Economy Ads
An automotive trade association has resumed fear-based radio ads critical of the Obama administration's proposed fuel economy standards for 2017 - 2025.
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GM CEO Confirms 2013 Chevy Cruze Diesel For U.S.: Report
GM's CEO, Dan Akerson, has confirmed that Chevrolet will introduce a diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze sedan to the U.S. market in 2013.
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A New Life On The Grid For Tired Chevy Volt Battery Packs?
GM is working with ABB Group to develop new ways to use partially depleted Volt battery packs. One promising idea involves using arrays of battery packs to feed power to the grid in times of need.
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Last month, the 2011 Nissan Leaf took the lead in the U.S. electric vehicle sales wars from the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Through June, Nissan sold 3,875 Leafs, despite production delays stemming from...
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2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec: Diesel Priced Right
Mercedes-Benz has made the ML350 BlueTec diesel an affordable upgrade from the gasoline variant. Will a payback of under four years appeal to consumers?
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Is A Ferrari California Hybrid Model In The Works?
Based on recent spy photos, Britain's Autocar believes that Ferrari is testing a hybrid drivetrain to be launched on an upcoming version of the Ferrari California.
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University of Michigan's Quantum Solar Racer Laps Michigan
The University of Michigan team is preparing for the upcoming World Solar Challenge by driving their Quantum Solar Racer on a thousand-mile loop around Michigan.
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Michigan Works To Make Natural Gas Vehicle Fueling Easier
Michigan is working to increase the number of publicly-available refueling stations for owners of compressed natural gas vehicles.
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BMW Buys Leasing Firm To Launch Its i Series Electric Cars
BMW has acquired the car-leasing unit of Dutch bank ING. The move will give BMW the ability to launch their i Series electric cars with leasing aimed at both consumers and fleet customers.
Kurt Ernst