Vehicles

Improved natural gas fuel tanks and pumps for autos ARPA-e program involves several companies, government labs, and universities developing solutions so the U.S. can take advantage of its abundant natural gas reserves. Read full story

Clemson students show their concept for Next-BIG-Thing in automotive design The prototype, sans body panels, was produced in less than two years. The six-passenger design, reflecting Gen Y social values, was exhibited at the 2012 SEMA Show. It uses a 1.5-L turbocharged four-cylinder for front drive and adds hybrid electric drive in the rear for power, economy, and all-wheel-drive capability. Read full story

“Lincoln Motor Company” opened for business New York City’s Lincoln Center served as the backdrop for Ford's “reboot” of its luxury brand as the Lincoln Motor Company. The revival begins with the MKZ midsize sedan, but further differentiation could come from more exclusive high-performance versions of existing powerplants, plus perhaps European engines. And Ford’s rear-drive architecture, used by the Mustang, and it is being evaluated for luxury performance car use. Read full story

2014 Spark EV pioneers dc quick charging with new SAE Combo Connector GM's first battery-electric vehicle debuts at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show with a $25,000 base price, optional dc quick charging capability, and sub-8-s 0-60 mph acceleration. Read full story

Fiat’s 2014 500L brings 'glassy' style to the North American MPV market The new compact, B-segment MPV was up-engineered by Chrysler to meet U.S. safety, emissions, and customer requirements. Powered by a 1.4-L Multiair turbocharged engine, the MY2014 model debuted at the L.A. Auto Show. Read full story

Fiat and Chrysler unveil 2014 battery-electric 500e The battery-electric Fiat 500e features a 24-kW·h NiMgCo lithium-ion battery sourced from SB LiMotive and an 83-kW traction motor. The car is not aimed at traditional EV customers, according to Fiat's North American marketing boss. Read full story

Fuel-cell vehicles from Hyundai coming soon 1000 Tucson ix35 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are to take to the road by 2015, says the Korean carmaker. Read full story

Ricardo assists EPA with MY2025 CAFE rulemaking The U.S. federal CAFE mandate to improve the fuel consumption of today's light-duty vehicle fleet by approximately 50% in MY2025 will require an assortment of technologies, lightweight materials, and engineering ingenuity. Read full story

2013 Honda Fit EV applies ‘lessons learned’ from fuel-cell Clarity The electrified powertrain, a newly developed regenerative braking system, and Bio-Fabric seating material in Honda's new Fit EV all stem from developments in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car and other EV forebears. Read full story