Team to test range of new Ford Fusion in endurance trial

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Posted in Ford

A team of drivers and engineers are about to get to know each other very well as part of a nearly two-day long race to see just how far the new Ford Fusion hybrid can travel on a single tank of gas.

On Saturday, a team will set out from Mount Vernon, Virginia to see if the Fusion will average 57 miles per gallon when driven by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, a team of Ford engineers, and a self-professed “hypermiler” known for milking more miles about of regular cars.

Some tactics planned by the team to increase mileage can help lower gas consumption in many other cars, including anticipating traffic conditions, minimizing the use of accessories, and allowing the car to coast when possible.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Buyers who may not be in the market for the 2010 hybrid can nonetheless use those tactics to improve the fuel economy on used versions. The 2009 model averaged about 23 miles per gallon in city and highway conditions, as did the model introduced the year before.

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Two Ford cars make KBB top green list

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Posted in Ford

One U.S. car company has increases its profile as a hybrid vehicle manufacturer thanks a recent Kelly Blue Book top 10 list.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid appeared on KBB’s Top 10 Green Cars list, which factored in fuel economy and powertrain when deciding which cars made the cut.

“What we really like about both the Fusion and Escape Hybrids is that they do everything great hybrids should do – in terms of providing excellent fuel economy – but at the same time, they drive like conventional vehicles,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.

Nerad added that the inclusion of two of Ford’s cars on the list said “strong things” about the company as a hybrid manufacturer.

People who are interested in a hybrid vehicle, but may want a cheaper alternative to the cost of a new car may want to look into the used models of the Ford Escape and Fusion, both of which got favorable reviews as fuel-efficient vehicles from Edmunds.com.

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Infamous Google Street View car photographed

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Posted in General Auto News

A part-time photographer recently snapped a picture of the car used by Google for its Street View technology, which in turn reportedly upset the employee of the search engine company, UK newspaper the Telegraph reports.

The 58-year-old man who took the photograph asked to remain anonymous and stated that it was “ironic” the Google driver would get upset at having his picture taken, especially with privacy issues some organizations have brought up concerning Street View, according to the article.

At the time, the car was reportedly mapping a street in the village of Wool in Dorset when it was spotted by the photographer who then decided to take out his camera since the car is so rarely seen.

From the picture taken, the car appears to have a large tripod with a massive camera on top of a metal pole strapped to the roof, allowing it to take the 360 degree angles computer users have gotten used to with the technology.

Google has been using the vehicle, and presumably other similar ones, all over Britain in recent months to capture various neighborhoods.

Diesels offer affordable way to increase mileage, save money

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Posted in BMW, Volkswagen - DO NOT USE

While it may feel weird to line up behind a tractor-trailer to use a diesel pump at the local gas station, some of the most fuel efficient used cars don’t run on regular.

Those looking to save money by buying a “sipper” rather than a gas guzzler can look to the fact that two of the top 10 most fuel efficient cars on sale in America don’t use spark plugs, according to Kelly Blue Book’s recent review.

Although “green” options like hybrids tend to dominate fuel economy and rankings of cars that are environmentally friendly, used cars such as the Volkswagen Jetta and BMW 3-series can be had cheaper than their electrically-enabled brethren.

More importantly, they’re much more affordable than comparable hybrids, while offering similar fuel economy, often up to 40 or 50 miles per gallon, depending on the model.

Although diesel is generally more expensive than regular gasoline, it should average only about 4 cents more per gallon this summer, according to federal forecasts.

So for a couple pennies more, a used diesel car may travel 10 to 20 miles farther for every gallon a customer puts into it.

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Cash for Clunkers may not make new cars affordable for all

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

A program being considered by several states and the federal government to offer thousands of dollars in vouchers for citizens who traded in vehicles during new car purchases may not benefit many Americans of modest means according to some critics.

The amounts being considered, $3,000 to $5,000, could provide some impetus in new car purchases, writes economist Steven Leavitt in a blog post for the New York Times, but he says that most people who own older cars are more likely to buy used cars as replacements.

He is joined by Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, who says that the program would “limit access to affordable transportations” for families who can’t afford new car prices, even with a voucher.

According to Comerica, a bank that offers new car loans, the average price of a new car was $29,000.

Although used car prices have risen slightly, according to a price index released by Manheim Consulting, a substantial number of cars were sold at prices between $8,000 and $12,000 at auction.

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New Toyota Prius to start at $21K this May

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Posted in Toyota

Toyota has announced the suggested retail prices for the third generation of its acclaimed hybrid vehicle, set to roll out on sale this May.

The Toyota Prius will start at $21,000 and will continue onto five different levels with various standard equipment combinations, according to the car manufacturer.

“The 2010 Prius delivers outstanding mileage, performance and advanced technology at a great price,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.

Carter also added that he expects the most popular version of the Prius will be the car at the second price level, which will be at $22,000 (features for the first level have yet to be released).

As always, the company says the hybrids will be fuel efficient with EPA fuel economy estimates of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined.

However, those in the market looking for a used car may want to look at past Prius models, which are still fuel efficient when compared to other vehicles.

The Kelly Blue Book places the value of a 2005 Prius with 60,000 miles at under $17,000.

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Rhode Island man hits cop car while driving and texting

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Posted in General Auto News

As if texting wasn’t bad enough.

A 38-year-old man from Charlestown, Rhode Island was allegedly sending a text message on his phone, which resulted in an early-morning crash with the rear of a patrol car.

Police have charged Alfred R. Kaminsky with traffic offenses after the suspect allegedly hit a police cruiser driven by patrol officer Adam Wiza, the Providence Journal reports.

Sergeant James R. Tierney told the news provider the crash occurred this past weekend and that officer escaped the crash with only minor cuts.

The suspect also reportedly admitted he had been text-messaging just before the crash, according to the article.

Driving while texting (DWT) is reportedly a growing problem among drivers young and old.

According to CNN.com, four states are attempting to ban DWT and 17 states have banned young or inexperienced drivers from using cell phones, even with a hands-free kit, while driving a car.

For people interested in making their used car text-message and email safe, some companies have offered innovative hands-free products that allow a person to answer messages by using a voice mail.

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Used hybrid cars a green option for the wallet, environment

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Posted in Auto Industry News

In a report by Kelly Blue Books, six out of the 10 most fuel efficient models were hybrids, but car buyers looking to “drive green” may want to consider a used version that could save their wallet and the environment at the same time.

For example, the Toyota Prius tops the list with 50 miles per gallon when one combines highway and city efficiency. That fuel savings came at a price, however, as suggested retail in 2009 was around $21,000.

On the other hand, used Priuses from 2004 onward may be found at prices that are up to $8,000 less in New Jersey, allowing customers a less expensive alternative.

The Honda Fit is another gas sipper that can be found more affordably in used variants. 2009 models had a sticker price that started at around $14,500, but cars just a year or two older may be several thousand dollars cheaper.

Savings may continue to add up for customers who choose to drive in fuel efficient cars, as federal forecasts say that gas prices this summer may reach $2.30 per gallon, according to a report in USA Today.

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When not on a skateboard, Ryan Sheckler is in his Ferrari

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Even though he’s a professional skateboarder, even Ryan Sheckler could use a ride from time to time. And, when you’ve starred in your own reality television show, launched various clothing lines and featured in Entrepreneur.com, you have to roll in style.

Recently the 19-year-old was photographed driving a black Ferrari F430, which is apparently a popular choice among celebrities since fellow reality star Kim Kardashian was also seen driving the same car a couple of weeks ago.

In an article that appeared on Entrepreneur.com, Sheckler was compared to skating’s version of Jay-Z and spending his non-competing days in his office promoting his clothing line, signing shoes for fans or working with his mom who runs his charitable foundation.

But since he’s a business man, Scheckler can probably afford the Ferrari, which has a price range of $173,079 to $282,618.

Speed may be key for someone rising in the business world, which is easy for the Ferrari F430’s V8 engine that develops 490 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 342 pounds-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm, according to Cars.com. All of that gets the driver from 0 to 60 mph in a time of four seconds.

‘Whoa.’ Keanu Reeves wins Toyota Celebrity Race

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Actor Keanu Reeves reportedly expressed shock at winning the celebrity category in the 2009 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in his “race-ready” Scion tC.

Winning overall was Al Unser Jr., in the professional category, who has won the Toyota Grand Prix six times.

But it may have been Reeves’ battle with fellow celebs, such as comedian Carlos Mencia and Fonzworth Bentley, hose of MTV’s From G’s to Gents.

After Bentley “mixed it up” in the ninth lap with world champion pro skateboard Danny Way, who had been leading for most of the race, it allowed Reeves an opening to take the race.

“It is such a great feeling,” said Reeves after the race. “Bentley and I had been going at it for most of the race, but when I got to the last lap and came around the fountain turn I almost couldn’t believe it. I figured, ‘I’m just gonna go get it.'”

However, not all the celebrities had such a stellar day.

The race was a 1.97-mile street circuit through the downtown streets of Long Beach, which proved too much to handle for actress and singer Raven Symone.

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