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Official: 2014 Ford F-150 gets CNG option

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford

Ford is toiling away, installing heavy-duty engine components into select 3.7-liter V6s to allow them to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in addition to gasoline. That’s nothing new, but now, Ford has announced that it will offer the 2014 F-150 with this engine configuration, bringing the Blue Oval’s total number of CNG/LPG-friendly vehicles up to eight. The F-150 will be the only half-ton pickup on the market that can run on these gases.

Ford will charge $315 per vehicle to equip the optional engine, but the trucks won’t be ready to run on the alternative fuels straight from the factory and must be upfitted with additional equipment. A Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier will install a separate fuel system for the compressed gases at a cost of $7,500 to $9,500, depending on fuel tank size. With the right-size tank, the F-150 equipped with the CNG/LPG-prepped engine can go 750 miles on one tank of gas, according to Ford, averaging 23 miles per gallon.

The practice of offering flex-fuel vehicles is gaining momentum as businesses take advantage of cheap gas. CNG can be bought for $2.11/gallon on average (per gasoline equivalent), and sometimes for as little as $1.00 in some parts of the US, Ford states. “With the money saved using CNG, customers could start to see payback on their investment in as little as 24 to 36 months,” says Jon Coleman, Ford’s fleet sustainability and technology manager. The automaker expects to sell a total of 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles in the 2014 model year.

Check out the press release below to read the details, and to see what other vehicles Ford offers with the CNG/LPG package.

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2014 Ford F-150 gets CNG option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Tata Nano updated, world’s cheapest car gets CNG option

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, India, MISC

2013 Tata Nano - blue

Back when it went on sale in 2008, the Tata Nano was heralded as something of a new Model T for developing economies. As the world’s cheapest new car – and not by a little – the four-door Indian runabout was poised to usher in a new age of personal transportation to the world. But things didn’t quite work out that way, and the discount rear-drive minicar has seen its sales fortunes undone by all manner of issues, from reports of fires and quality issues to protests at its assembly plant and poor public reception. But Tata Motors isn’t giving up on the Nano just yet, having just unveiled a newly updated design and a compressed natural gas (CNG) model.

The new updates don’t register as much more than a mid-cycle refresh, with small differences outside like a new rear fascia with mesh inserts and additional chrome trim. More meaningful updates indoors include a revamped center console and a new twin glovebox, updated upholstery, body-color trim bits and available extras that include remote keyless entry, a four-speaker AmphiStream audio setup with Bluetooth and USB hookups. Minor controls have also been relocated for improved ergonomics, and there’s a slightly larger steering wheel to ease parking maneuvers. In addition, a range of new personalization kits are available, including things like body graphics, aero kits, different alloy wheels and contrasting roof treatments.

The conventional two-cylinder gas powertrain remains unchanged, giving 37 horsepower. The new bi-fuel Emax model runs on gasoline and, with the flick of a switch, CNG. The four-stroke, 624-cc engine features an aluminum head and block, and it offers 37 hp on gas and 33 on CNG, while the torque peak sits at 38 lb-ft under gasoline power and 33 lb-ft on natural gas.

Along with the revamped Nano, Tata Motors also rolled out updated versions of its Indica, Indigo, Safari and Sumo models.

Tata Nano updated, world’s cheapest car gets CNG option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jun 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Countryman to get rear bench seat option in U.S.

Filed under: Crossover, Mini

Mini Countryman

2011 Mini Countryman – Click above for high-res image gallery

When Mini launched its all-new Countryman crossover, we were told that it would only be available with the four-seat configuration here in the United States – two buckets up front, two buckets in back. Now, Mini has confirmed that the rear bench seat option – something that’s currently available in other markets – will be available on U.S.-spec Countrymen starting this Fall.

This option is ideal for customers who need the occasional use of a bench seat, whether it be for hauling cargo or having the space for one extra person. (We hate to think of how cramped a Countryman would be with three adults in back.) Expect the bench seat option to show up on order forms starting in September.

Mini Countryman to get rear bench seat option in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Buick LaCrosse dropping trim levels, V6 available as no-cost option

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Buick, GM

2010 Buick LaCrosse

Buick LaCrosse – Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to having eAssist added to its four-cylinder powertrain, the 2012 Buick LaCrosse is undergoing a few other changes. We aren’t talking about styling or content tweaks – instead, General Motors is revising its packaging strategy for the LaCrosse. Buick will be ditching the CX, CXL and CXS trim level designations and simply offer large option packages that encompass all of the available amenities.

For 2012, the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with eAssist technology will be offered as the “standard” powertrain. We recently had some very limited drive time with an eAssist-equipped LaCrosse (stay tuned for our full impressions), and found the four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque to be pleasantly adequate and its highway rating of 37 miles per gallon downright remarkable. eAssist-equipped cars will look no different than other LaCrosses, save the addition of model-specific 17-inch wheels on efficiency-optimized tires and other fuel-saving upgrades not visible from outside the car.

The General’s 280-horsepower direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 will still be made available, complete with the new HiPer Strut front suspension that helps keep torque steer to a minimum, but buyers can now select it as a no-cost option, and also opt for all-wheel drive.

Final pricing information has not been released, but Buick tells us that the entry level LaCrosse will start around $30,000. Currently, the LaCrosse has a base MSRP of $26,995, which suggests the addition of eAssist and its associated fuel-saving parts isn’t cheap. What Buick has effectively done is ditched the “base” LaCrosse model and left two identically priced models for buyers to choose from: one focused on exceptional fuel economy and the other on power.

Production on the 2012 LaCrosse will start this summer with the first round of cars hitting dealerships this Fall.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

2012 Buick LaCrosse dropping trim levels, V6 available as no-cost option originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota FT-86 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota may have a few more changes in store for the FT-86. The company recently unveiled a second swipe at the car’s exterior at the Geneva Motor Show, but from the sounds of things, a new front fascia won’t be the only surprise when the car touches down. Auto Express is reporting that the Japanese automaker is open to the possibility of a hybrid FT-86 at some point in the distant future. The company’s engineers specifically reworked the vehicle’s front fascia and windshield to be more aerodynamic – a trait that would be more than handy on a hybridized version of the vehicle.

As of right now, though, the FT-86 is supposed to arrive with a Subaru-sourced powerplant under its swooping hood. There’s some indication that the production version of the vehicle will debut later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show, and that Subaru will yank the sheets back on its own version of coupe at the same time. We’re guessing that all of drivetrain and styling questions will be answered as we get closer to that event.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 II Concept: Geneva 2011

Toyota FT-86 II Concept: Geneva 2011

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Toyota FT-86 could get hybrid option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X6 to get five-seat option among other changes

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

BMW X6 three-across rear seat

BMW X6 now available with room for five – Click above for high-res image gallery

Have you always wanted to drive a BMW X6, but felt that leaving one of your four friends waiting on the curb was a drawback? Tell that friend to buck up and head over to your local BMW dealer, because the X6 is getting an optional third rear seat.

The additional seat is available on all version of the X6 with the exception of the ActiveHybrid variant. Along with the extra (and from the looks of the pic above, tiny) middle squab, the Spartanburg, South Carolina-built BMW X6 is getting new 20-inch alloy wheels, interior leather options, and vicinity lighting.

In addition, there will be available enhanced content for Apple iPhone users. Through the BMW Apps system and ConnectedDrive, iPhone users will be granted access to Facebook and Twitter. The BMW Apps system also allows iPhone users to listen to radio stations from around the world regardless of where they’re located. Learn more in the official press release after the jump, which also details changes to the X6’s kissing cousin, the more capacious X5.

Gallery: BMW X6 now offers seating for five

BMW X6 now offers seating for five

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW X6 to get five-seat option among other changes

BMW X6 to get five-seat option among other changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Shelby GT350 followed nearly the same philosophy as the Ford Model T. You could get it in any color you want as long as it was white with blue stripes. That’s changing for 2012, as Shelby will also be offering the GT350 in Race Red and Kona Blue. A convertible option will be available, as well. In fact, this is the first time Shelby has built a drop-top GT350 since 1970.

The 2012 GT350 will offer up identical performance as the 2011 model, although one could argue that it didn’t need an upgrade in the first place. Customers can choose between the 430-horsepower base model or opt for either 525- or 624-horsepower versions. Additional upgrades include a full body kit, Cragar wheels, larger brakes, sport suspension and more. The convertible also comes with the option of a light bar. You can read full details about the 2012 Shelby GT350 after the jump, and check out our live photos from the show floor in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

2012 Shelby GT350 Convertible

Gallery: 2012 Shelby GT350

2012 Shelby GT350

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012

Chicago 2011: Shelby adds new colors, convertible option to the GT350 for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda Accord Crosstour to get four-cylinder option

Filed under: Crossover, Honda, Rumormill

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour – Click above for high-res image gallery

When Honda originally launched the odd duck Accord Crosstour in late 2009, we were told that the only available powertrain would be a V6, but that plans for a four-cylinder hadn’t been completely ruled out. Now, Honda fansite Temple of VTEC reports that a memo sent to dealerships states that a four-cylinder Crosstour is on the way, arriving at some point later this year.

Details about the four-cylinder Crosstour were not divulged, but we would assume that it’s the same 2.4-liter engine currently found in the Accord sedan. Temple of VTEC reports that a larger four-cylinder unit for the CR-V crossover is currently in the works, so we won’t rule out the possibility of that new mill finding its way under the Crosstour’s hood, as well. Expect the four-cylinder engine to only be available on lower-trim Crosstours, likely without an all-wheel drive option.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Report: Honda Accord Crosstour to get four-cylinder option originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Means Something: Japanese Prius to get external speaker option [w/video]

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Safety, Toyota

Toyota Approaching Vehicle Audible System – Click above to watch the video after the break

After years and years of doing everything in their power to make cars as quiet as possible, it seems somewhat backwards that we’re now talking about adding external speakers to hybrids in order to make them… louder. But that’s the current reality, and Toyota, the undisputed worldwide leader in hybrid vehicles, is leading the way in Japan with its Prius hatchback.

For about $150, Toyota will equip the Japanese Prius with a Approaching Vehicle Audible System. According to the automaker, the technology is “designed to meet new Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism guidelines for hybrid and other near-silent vehicles.” Expect the system to extend to other hybrids from Toyota and probably to countries outside Japan in time.

Anyone interested in making their third-gen Prius sound like a prop from Close Encounters of the Third Kind are encouraged to watch the Japanese-market video after the break. We’re not going to cast a vote quite yet as to whether or not these systems are a good or bad idea, but we will say this: If we heard that noise coming at us from behind, you can bet we’d be rushing to get out of the way…

[Source: Toyota via Prius Chat]

Continue reading This Means Something: Japanese Prius to get external speaker option [w/video]

This Means Something: Japanese Prius to get external speaker option [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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