Unguzzle

Bentley Developing Bioethanol Lineup

Hardy Shen — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:02:27 -0600

Scheduled for the next Geneva Motor Show next spring is Bentley's bioethanol-powered versions of its large engine models. Currently in development, the luxury carmaker plans to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from its lineup by forty percent within three years.

Why the rush? Well currently, its fleet outputs an average of 400 grams of carbon per kilometer—far from the newly set EU target of 130g/km average by 2015. Though the details have not been finalized, and it is speculated that this limit will only apply to companies that produce 10,000 or more cars annually, smaller companies such as Bentley will still face at least some demand to reduce its greenhouse gas output.

Only time will tell if the bet on ethanol will really shine through. After reports like the one recently released by Stanford University, sticking to ethanol may not be the best choice after all. That said, a Bentley spokesman had mentioned that while the focus now is on bioethanol, it’s only for short term. Biodiesel may become a possibility in the longer run.

Currently, Bentley is also undergoing negotiations with the British royal family over supplying use of these greener vehicles for state use.

+ Channel 4: Environment: Bioethanol Bentley to debut next year

Stanford University Study Shows Ethanol to be Worst Form of Renewable Energy

Hardy Shen — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:15:58 -0600

Mark Jacobson, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program at Stanford University, recently conducted a study that ranked alternate energies from best to worst. Ethanol was put to the test against, "Solar-photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, nuclear, and coal with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology." After looking at reports of air pollutants from energy types on climate and air quality, and comparing how well each energy type was able to power vehicles, the study showed that Ethanol came in dead last.

It seems that the report found that wind-powered battery electric vehicles as well as wind-powered hydrogen fuel cells were the greenest ways to go. The immediate problem now, is the fact that driving a wind-powered battery electric vehicle is horrendously expensive, let alone impractical. And for its part, Ethanol has already received huge support from the automotive industry and the U.S. government. Finding an appropriately sized role for ethanol, with adequate support for the greener of the new green-tech is easier said than done.

+ AutoblogGreen: Ethanol turns out to be the worst type of renewable energy

A Saab So Cool, Even Swedish Executives Dig It

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:19:26 -0500

The minimalist style and speedboat-like glass house are just two of the reasons that Saab’s 9-X Air made for a fine Paris debut today, and were also a huge hit with the company’s managing director, Jan Åke Jonsson, if our photos are any indication. Arriving at the Saab stand after the hubbub of the press conference had died down, we showed up just in time to catch Jonsson climbing into the Air concept, while making mention to some of his fellow executives that it was a car that he thought he looked good in. You go Jan Åke, work that “revolutionary Canopy Top” convertible!

Executive ego-bolstering aside, we were quite fond of the open top 9-X concept, which attempts to split the difference between the lines of a coupe and the freedom of a convertible top. The 9-X Air also manages the improbable feet of squeezing four seats into a body shape the really hides the extra space needed for that utility, a clever design trick that more automakers would do well to pay attention to. Saab claims that the car is as good for the world as it is to look at as well, with great excitement surrounding the car’s E85-burning, hybrid powertrain.

Have a look at the Saab 9-X Air (with and without Jonsson) in our gallery above, or read on below for the Saab press release.

Saab 9-X Air: Design Perspective

How Saab Raised the Roof with its Canopy Top

The Saab 9-X Air redefines the look of a four-seat convertible by exploiting the distinction between a folding roof and a folding soft-top. "With this car we have created an open air experience that is unique, sophisticated and very premium" says Mark Adams, Vice President GME Design. "From the beginning, we wanted to create an open air car that looked great with the windows up, since this is how convertibles are driven most of the time.”

“The roof treatment has allowed us to completely alter the shape of the car,” explains designer Anthony Lo. Lo and his team set out to bring convertible design closer to the looks of an open sports car or a closed coupé, depending on the configuration. They also wanted to improve open-top comfort for passengers. The result is Saab’s unique Canopy Top concept, an alternative to soft-tops or hoods with rear windows that leave the back of the cabin open when stowed.

A ‘stand alone’ rear screen - separate from the soft-top assembly - is located between the 9-X Air’s raked rear pillars. These support the Canopy Top, a development of the ‘Targa’ top principle. But instead of having a manually detachable roof section, the Saab Canopy Top is fully powered in operation and folds away for stowage in the trunk. Saab has already filed a patent application for this feature.

“Convertibles are traditionally developed from a sedan body and have a flat, open rear deck when the hood is down,” says Lo, Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe.

“The Canopy Top has allowed us to introduce the rear pillars, which completely change the usual appearance of a convertible, giving it a more dynamic, coupé look. The pillars also anchor a complete wraparound glasshouse, which shelters the occupants from buffeting when the car is open.”
Design Efficiency

The 9-X Air was conceived in parallel with its 9-X BioHybrid sibling and, as a result, it is a design free from compromise or adaptation. The shape of the windshield and frontal styling, for example, was designed to work in both applications. The two cars share a focus on efficiency, with a powertrain that uses engine rightsizing, turbocharging, biofuel and hybrid technology to deliver sporty performance together with a significantly reduced environmental impact.

Improved efficiency is also a major benefit of the Canopy Top. As there is no rear screen and supporting material to fold away, it is smaller and lighter than a conventional soft-top. That means it takes up less trunk space when stowed.

Reduced weight was another consideration and that dictated the choice of fabric instead of metal for the Canopy Top. “It is the best material, as we save about 100 kilos in weight compared to using metal,” explains Lo. “We have chosen the fabric used for the current Saab Convertible. It is extremely durable and provides effective road noise insulation. For good handling and a lower center of gravity, you also don’t want any extra weight high up. All in all, we thought of quite a few drawbacks, and not so many gains, from going with a metal roof.”

As the 9-X Air was designed alongside the 9-X BioHybrid, the team was also able to keep weight down by minimizing the amount of structural reinforcement necessary to compensate for the removal of a fixed roof. The small strengthening members that were required are in aluminum for further weight saving.

With its Canopy Top stowed, the 9-X Air’s ‘surround glass’ cabin offers improved driver and passenger comfort by managing air flow to reduce turbulence and wind buffeting. The rear screen works in tandem with a small wind deflector on the top edge of the windshield header

rail. This is actively deployed, rising and falling according to vehicle speed. At the rear, the screen helps prevent back drafts, as the air flow over the car is no longer sucked back in through an open rear deck.
The Canopy Top design also provides another practical benefit. Compared to the ‘stitched in’ screen of a conventional soft-top, the glass area of the 9-X Air’s rear screen is larger, offering the driver a wider field of vision.

Saab Signature

In evolving the 9-X Air and its sibling, Lo and his team worked in co-operation with colleagues from the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. This is a cross-functional group tasked with nurturing and developing all the qualities that go into making a Saab a Saab. It is a unique organization within GM’s global structure, with a unique way of working.
Visually, the 9-X Air carries forward signature features that reflect Saab’s Scandinavian design heritage and its roots in aviation. These include the extended wraparound effect of the windshield and side glazing, the Aero X-inspired frontal styling, the clean body surfaces, ‘ice block’ lighting themes and distinctive 3-D blue/green instrument graphics. Even the raked rear pillars echo the prominent C-pillar line seen in all Saab cars.
“Overall, the 9-X Air maintains our focus on efficiency. We have produced a sporty, innovative design that offers the sort of functional benefits you would expect from a Saab.”

‘08 Geneva: Air Your Thoughts on Saab’s 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Evan McCausland — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:30:54 -0600

"What do you think of the 9-X's front fascia?" "Would you buy a vehicle like the 9-X?" These weren't the remarks of worried Saab executives, but questions posed to those viewing Saab's 9-X BioHybrid concept. Computer stations surrounding the car - all using the chouette new Macbook Air - will keep a digital tally, allowing the bosses in Trollhattan to see just how well their show car fared.

As well they should. Although it currently carries the usual show car flare and extravagance, we hear this is a pretty good peek at a forthcoming 9-1 compact. Thus far, the look is rather nice - the front carries the traditional Saab graphic, although the rear form is certainly a break from tradition. The narrow LED taillamps, set within slim bezels in a cyan plastic surround, remind us slightly of the current Subaru Impreza, but moreso of Chevrolet's conceptual Volt.

Perhaps tying to that last cue isn't coincidence; the 9-1 is slated to make use of GM's next-generation Delta platform along with the vaulted Volt. That said, Saab hasn't seen fit to make use of the e-Flex system in this concept, opting instead to fit the 9-X with a 200-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4. It is fitted with GM's next-generation hybrid system, but details on that won't be available until later this afternoon (stay with WINDING ROAD for the latest announcements from Geneva).

For those who aren't able to travel to Saab's stand and voice their opinion in person, tell us what you think of the 9-X. What styling cues work or don't work on the car? What features would you enjoy or expect on the production 9-1? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Geneva ‘08: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Dustin P. Walsh — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:00:49 -0600

Saab has announced its new hybrid compact, the 9-X BioHybrid Concept – which will bow officially at the Geneva Motor Show in the coming hours.

The 9-X BioHybrid is built upon GM’s new global compact Delta platform, which also includes the Opel Astra, Chevy Cobalt and Volt. In fact, it seems to share that elongated front end with the Volt concept. Based on the size, the 9-X will likely be called the 9-1 if it makes it into production.

Under the hood, the 9-X features a 200 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, paired with GM’s next-gen hybrid system. The 9-X also features extra battery-charging capabilities with a roof-mounted solar panel.

Check back later for more details while we cover the Geneva Motor Show.

PRESS RELEASE:

Saab 9-X BioHybrid:
Boosting Efficiency in Compact Design and Performance
The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.
Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate release for details).
The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.
“This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,

Can E85 Make Motorsports More Environmentally Friendly?

Stan Baldwin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:00:56 -0600

Over the past several years there has been a veritable tsunami of press releases from motorsports organizations around the world touting their “green

Combustion Three Ways: The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel

Seyth Miersma — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:00:15 -0600

Lotus has announced that it will be bringing yet another version of its highly regarded Exige sports car to the Geneva Motor Show, this one serving as a test bed for sustainable, synthetic alcohol fuels.

The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel is built to allow drivers the option of running any of three fuels, gasoline, bioethanol, or methanol. Among the many benefits of being run on alcohol-based fuels, Lotus points to the potential of harvesting atmospheric CO2 as a major step forward in sustainability, and carbon-neutral transportation. Though the company does admit that the infrastructure necessary for such production is a decade or more away.

The Tri-fuel also happens to be the most powerful road-going Exige ever, wringing 270 horsepower from its 1.8-liter supercharged engine, and managing a 0-60 sprint in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 158 mph.

Lotus Researches Cars Running On CO2 Exige 270E Tri-fuel is the next stage of Lotus Engineering’s long-term sustainable, synthetic alcohol researchLotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, unveils its latest development towards carbon neutral road transport at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show. The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel is the most powerful road version yet of the Exige (0-60 mph / 96 kph in 3.88 seconds, a top speed of 158 mph (255 km/h), 270 hp (201 kW / 273 PS at 8000 rpm) and it runs on any mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol. Emerging technologies will allow alcohol fuels such as methanol, already a proven internal combustion fuel, to be made synthetically from CO2 extracted from the atmosphere.
An alcohol-based fuel derived renewably from atmospheric CO2 would allow society to transfer relatively easily to sustainable, carbon-neutral internal combustion. Lotus Engineering is researching the use of sustainable synthetic alcohols as potential future fuels, with technology available from Lotus for introduction in four to five years. However, the supply infrastructure investment from governments and fuel companies could take 15 to 20 years.
The Exige 270E Tri-fuel is part of Lotus’ research to understand the complex combustion process involved in running on mixtures of alcohol fuels and gasoline, which will be important for a successful transition from today’s fuels to the sustainable, synthetic fuels of the future.
This research is just one aspect of Lotus Engineering’s ground-breaking work on environmentally-friendly vehicles. It is involved with a number of electric vehicle projects, has successfully integrated hybrid technologies into vehicles such as its EVE demonstrator, and recently announced results on a collaboration with Continental Division Powertrain on the Low CO2 downsized three-cylinder engine. The research into sustainable alcohols is progressing at Lotus’ Hethel headquarters in Norfolk, UK and involves input from the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Alternative Fuel Symposium Series, the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, developed by the Technology Strategy Board and direct discussions with the University of Sheffield.
Methanol (CH3OH) can be produced synthetically from CO2 and hydrogen. Ultimately, emerging processes to recover atmospheric CO2 will provide the required carbon that can entirely balance the CO2 emissions at the tailpipe that result from the internal combustion of synthetic methanol. The result is that a car running on synthetic methanol, such as the Exige 270E Tri-fuel would be environmentally neutral.
As well as being green, the great benefit of synthetic methanol is that it would use similar engines and fuel systems to those in current cars; and synthetic methanol can be stored, transported and retailed in much the same way as today’s liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Synthetic methanol also possesses properties better suited to internal combustion than today’s liquid fuels, giving improved performance and thermal efficiencies. And it is ideal for pressure-charging (turbocharging and supercharging) already being introduced by manufacturers to downsize engines in a bid to improve fuel consumption.
Lotus Engineering’s Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel technology demonstrator illustrates how easy it is for synthetic methanol to be embraced over time as a future fuel for road transport. The Exige 270E Tri-fuel, with its supercharged 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine, could be the forefather of a new generation of conventionally driven cars that have the potential to be environmentally-neutral.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, explains: “Lotus is a world-class leader in research into a variety of alternative fuels; each has its merits and challenges and some options could be more easily implemented than others. But while motorists want to be green, we do not want to change the culture of total freedom for the owners, who will have an extreme reluctance to spend more at the pump, or to sacrifice the performance of their cars.
Mike Kimberley continues, “At present, the motor industry is seeking a route to reduce CO2 emissions just at the tailpipe; this focus is far too narrow. A sustainable alcohol such as synthetic methanol has the potential to reduce the overall CO2 footprint of internal combustion vehicles towards zero. Produced through CO2 recovered from the atmosphere and given a tax incentive, it immediately becomes a green, cheap and more desirable fuel. For those compelling reasons motorists, legislators and car manufacturers must switch to a sustainable alcohol like synthetic methanol.

Ethanol Fires Fueling Concerns Over the Biofuel’s Widespread Use

Dustin P. Walsh — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:00:47 -0600

Ethanol, as you would expect, has come under fire lately. And, apparently, fire is one of its major problems.

Ethanol fires are harder to put out that traditional gasoline fires, according to the Associated Press. They cannot be extinguished with water; ethanol fires require special-purpose foam. And, the major concern is that most fire departments in the U.S. don’t have the foam and aren’t trained in how to use it.

“It is not unusual to find a fire department that is still just prepared to deal with traditional flammable liquids,

General Motors Wants to Fill Up Your FlexFuel Tank California

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:00:30 -0600

General Motors is looking to get American drivers talking again about its FlexFuel range of vehicles and the potential of E85 ethanol. Now the company is ready to put its money where your gas tank is.

While Los Angeles has some of the highest fuel costs in the country, on February 26th, from noon to 2:00 p.m., the Conserv Fuel station at 11699 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood will be offering the ethanol gasoline mixture for a scant 85 cents per gallon. Better yet, GM is planning to pick up the tab.

GM believes that biofuels show some of the greatest promise when it comes to reducing the use of petroleum-based products. So the company is sponsoring the E85 promotion, as a means to raise awareness of the fuel, as well as getting in a decent plug for there own range of eco-happy cars and trucks.

The moral of the story is, if you’re one of the 46,000 FlexFuel empowered vehicle drivers in the L.A. area next Tuesday, get down to Brentwood and have a tank on The General.

GM Offers LA Drivers E85 Ethanol for 85 Cents a Gallon
FlexFuel Vehicle Promotion Targets Ethanol Infrastructure GrowthBRENTWOOD, Calif. – The rising price of gasoline is hard to avoid in Los Angeles, but owners of the more than 46,000 FlexFuel vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol are about to get a break this Tuesday – paying only 85.9 cents a gallon for the cleaner, alternative fuel.
On February 26th from noon to 2:00 p.m., Conserv Fuel at 11699 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood will offer E85 ethanol for 85 cents a gallon.
And General Motors is paying the bill.
GM is sponsoring the promotion to help raise awareness about the first station in Los Angeles to offer E85 ethanol, and to encourage drivers of FlexFuel vehicles to use this cleaner, renewable fuel instead of gasoline.
“At GM, we believe the biofuel with the greatest potential to displace petroleum-based fuels and help reduce tailpipe carbon gas emissions in the United States is ethanol, and so we have made a major commitment to vehicles that can run on E85 ethanol,

GM to Provide Fuel-Friendly Fleet to the Red Carpet

Dustin P. Walsh — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:30:17 -0600

Product placement’s everything. General Motors will be supplying a fleet of 75 vehicles for Hollywood’s super-glamour night, the Academy Awards.

The stars will be delivered to the red carpet in one of three vehicles – the GMC Yukon Hybrid, Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell, or the FlexFuel GMC Yukon.

Dino Bernacchi, GM Director of Marketing Alliances and Branded Entertainment, said, “GM’s longstanding relationship with Hollywood and our strong commitment to bringing advanced technologies to market that will help diversify fuel sources and reduce vehicle emissions makes this the perfect time for GM to drive ‘green’ to the Oscars.