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The Five 2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists

October 12, 2009 in Hybrids, MPG, diesel by kristen | No comments

Green Car Journal has released the names of the five cars that made its short list for 2010 Green Car of the Year. The winner will be announced at the L.A. Auto Show in early December.

Without further ado, here are the nominees:

  • Audi A3 TDI (clean diesel)
  • Honda Insight (hybrid)
  • Mercury Milan Hybrid
  • Toyota Prius (hybrid)
  • Volkswagen Golf TDI (hybrid)

I’ve driven the Honda Insight and VW Jetta TDI (not the new-to-the-U.S. Golf), and reviewed them for Good Green Cars. The Mercury Milan Hybrid is a sister car to the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which I’m testing this week and will write up in a day or two.

What do you think, GoodGreenCars.com readers? Which one would get your vote? Or would you vote for a different car entirely? Leave your nominees in the comments.

Photo by Kristen Hall-Geisler.

Low Diesel Prices Mean More Diesel Car Sales

June 25, 2009 in Biodiesel, Consumer News, MPG, diesel by kristen | No comments

Remember when I said diesel prices were lower than gasoline for the first time in years? Remember when I wondered if that would change American diesel buying habits? Well, it has, apparently. Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are both reporting increases in sales of their clean-diesel vehicles.

If you’re in the market for a clean diesel car, here are the 50-state diesels available right now, with their starting MSRP:

Each of these is available from the manufacturer as of today, and are eligible of a federal tax credit of about $1000. Check FuelEconomy.gov for details.

Image of a BMW diesel at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show by Kristen Hall-Geisler.

Audi Announces Price of New Clean-Diesel SUV

April 15, 2009 in Consumer News, diesel by kristen | No comments

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI is being billed as “the world’s cleanest diesel SUV,” with 50-state emissions compliance and 17 city/25 highway fuel economy. It’s not cheap to buy race-proven diesel technology in an SUV, though: the Q7 TDI starts at $50,900. This doesn’t include the $825 destination charge, but it also doesn’t factor in the $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit from the IRS.

In addition to getting 600 miles per tank, the diesel engine delivers significantly more torque, which is useful for those who actually utilize their sports utility vehicles, say, when climbing a steep hill. The Q7 also produces 25% less carbon dioxide than gasoline engines and emits 90% fewer nitrogen oxides than the stinky, old diesels of yore, according to Audi.

“Green” Flag Drops October 4 at American Le Mans

September 27, 2008 in Uncategorized by kristen | No comments

Let this serve as your reminder to set the TiVo: The first-ever Green Challenge will take place at the Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta October 4. The American Le Mans Series has taken the lead for alternative fuels in professional racing, and it will showcase the strides that have been made in go-fast green cars at its race within a race.

I’ve blogged about the race before, so this is just a recap. Race teams running alternative fuels for the 2008 season include:

  • GT1 Class — Corvette Racing, E85
  • G2 Class — Aston Martin V8 Vantage, E85
  • LMP1 Class — Intersport Racing’s Lola, E85
  • P1 Class — Audi R10, clean diesel

Photo by Dave Hamster.