America calls for 60 mpg CAFE standard by 2025

Now that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Environmental Protection Agency have established fleet fuel economy standards of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, the government agencies are hard at work on the next phase of increases that will stretch out to 2020 and beyond. The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act mandated 40 mpg by 2020 as a minimum, but the standards could actually be set higher. That's exactly what the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) want.

A report from CFA declares that the technology exists to raise fuel economy standards to 60 mpg by 2025 and estimates that doing so would add about $2,600 to the cost of new cars and $3,200 to light trucks. CFA's analysis indicates that, at the equivalent of $3.50 per gallon in 2025, the payback period for the extra costs would only be five years. While the technology definitely exists to produce 60-mpg vehicles, the real problem is consumer behavior, and most American consumers probably won't buy the kinds of small cars required to meet those standards at current fuel prices – particularly with that much cost tacked on to their MSRPs.

Hitting 60 mpg while maintaining the size and capability Americans currently buy would doubtlessly cost substantially more. In order to get people to buy such vehicles, critics suggest there will need to be significantly higher prices at the pump. The idea of a revenue-neutral petroleum tax (whereby other taxes would be cut to compensate) that establishes a floor price of at least $4 per gallon could be a good place to start on the way to 40 mpg. Getting people into 60-mpg vehicles would probably require an even higher floor – perhaps $5/gal or more.

Air Filter Provides 1 to 4 h.p. power gain; 96 to 99 percent filtration efficiency; 1 in. height, 9.25 in

K&N Air Filter - Cotton gauze, Panel, High flow
Part Number: K33332070
Manufacturer Number: 33-2070
K&N Air Filter K&N Air Filter
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List Price: $59.34
Our Price: $42.43
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K&N HIGH FLOW DIRECT FIT AIR FILTER, RED -- Provides 1 to 4 h.p. power gain; 96 to 99 percent filtration efficiency; 1 in. height, 9.25 in. outside length, 6.88 in. outside width; Oiled element; Panel style; Made of multiple interwoven layers of surgical cotton gauze; Increases horsepower and acceleration while providing excellent filtration; Custom designed to fit into existing air box and features a drop-in design which means adding performance is simple; Provides high air flow with excellent filtration; Economical and environment friendly; Works with OEM vehicle electronics; Will last the life of your vehicle; Washable and reusable; Lasts up to 50,000-mile before cleaning is required depending on drive condition.

Mercedes-Benz R350 4Matic

Mercedes-Benz debuts an updated R-class for the 2011 model year with a new front-end design, slightly altered rear and lightly freshened interior. From the A-pillar forward, the '11 R-class is new, with a more upright grille, fenders, hood and headlights to better relate to the rest of Mercedes-Benz's SUV lineup. Out back, a bumper with rear diffuser and integrated exhaust outlets and rear LED taillamps highlight the changes. The R350 4Matic and the R350 Bluetec 4Matic also ride on fresh wheel designs and sport sleeker rearview side mirrors.

Inside, the mild changes include new two-tone interior color schemes, wood trim, silver air vents, rearview mirror with integrated compass and 3-D gauges. Other major portions of the interior, such as the dashboard and consoles, continue unchanged from the 2010 model. A blind-spot monitoring system joins the options list for 2011.

Also being carried over are both powertrain options: a 3.5-liter 268-hp V6 and a 50-state 3.5-liter turbocharged diesel V6 with 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come bolted to a seven-speed automatic transmission and both are only available with Benz's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system in the United States. Suspension tuning is also unchanged from the previous model.

How's it drive?

Ride comfort is the name of the game with the R-class. It's quiet and has a well-sorted suspension to smooth out bumps yet is not overly soft or hampered with large amounts of body roll. In fact, the car exhibited only minimal roll--in large crossover terms--on some twisting roads on our drive route in New Jersey. The brakes were also a strong point, offering impressive muscle to bring things to a halt with fairly solid brake pedal feel. We would like the steering to offer a more direct feel because at times it felt way too disconnected. However, for a long road trip with the family and luggage, the R-class is a perfect tool to take along with roomy enough third-row seating for average-size adults.

We drove the gasoline and diesel versions of the new car and while the gas engine was adequate, we highly recommend springing for the Bluetec diesel to get the healthy amount of torque and better fuel economy. It took a heavy right foot to get the gasoline-equipped R-class up to speed quick for expressway merging exercises, but it is fine to motor away from stoplights when you're not in a hurry. On the other hand, the diesel offered great off-the-line punch, which is always appreciated. The seven-speed transmission offered seamless shifts and quickly goes down the gears when needed.

Do I want it?

If you put high value in the functionality of your vehicle, carry six or seven passengers often and don't mind driving around a vehicle that closely resembles a (gasp!) minivan, then yes. The third row can accommodate most adults, and even though the majority of the interior is unchanged, it is still a nice place to be with high build quality and it's put together with nice materials.

Again, we strongly suggest splurging for the diesel engine option. The turbocharged diesel V6 is potent and offers the thrust and better fuel efficiency that you will appreciate. And with the premium for the diesel being only $1,500 on the current 2010 model over the gasoline engine, we see that as money well spent.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 4Matic

Price: $50,375 (est)

On Sale: July

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; 268 hp @ 6,000, 258-lb-ft @ 2,400-5,000 rpm, seven-speed automatic

Curb Weight: 4,949 lb

0-60 mph: 8.0 sec (mfr)

Fuel Economy (EPA): 14 city/19 highway mpg

Lotus Cutting Prices from $10,000 to $18,500

Following the Australian government's move to reduce import duties earlier this year, Lotus Cars of Australia has announced significant price reductions across the model range, with savings of up to $18,500.

Lotus Cars Australia Managing Director John Startari explains: "The government's import duty reduction at the start of 2010 has offered some assistance, whilst favorable foreign exchange rates have been a further catalyst to these announced price changes."

The British automaker's range starts with the facelifted 2011 Elise, formerly known as the Elise S, that's priced from AU$69,990. The 2011 model year Elise R and SC as well as the Exige S and Cup 260, all see a AU$10,000 base vehicle price reduction, while the 2-Eleven, an AU$18,500 drop.

The Evora flagship sportscar is also reduced by $10,000, in both 2+0 and 2+2 versions, and now starts from AU$139,000.

Furthermore, Lotus' Australian arm has also announced adjustments to retail pricing for all Option packs, stand-alone Options and Metallic, Lifestyle and Premium paint throughout the Lotus Elise and Evora platform.

the SLS is the first Benz to be produced at AMG from the ground up

Contrary to what I may have said about the 2010 Detroit Auto Show being somewhat dismal, that does not mean 2010 will be a sub-par year.
There are still plenty of great cars coming outthis year! For instance, after touring Cobo Hall, there are two particular autos that I am very interested in and I am eager to get behind the wheel. As a matter in fact, these may be the two out of four cars I sat in at the show.

Nothing else got my blood pumping.

And after driving just about everything you can imagine, I must admit, it takes a lot to muster up some excitement these days.


2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery



The first vehicle is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG "Gullwing." Yes, I am a sucker for the Gullwing doors. Although I have never attempted, something tells me I could never fit into the classic 1950s Gullwing -- being 6'8 -- so, this is as close as I will ever get.

Additionally, the SLS is the first Benz to be produced at AMG from the ground up; this means it will be jam packed with the most up to date technology and advancements from the AMG division. Featuring a 6.3 liter V8 churning out 563-horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque it is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in production. Uh, awesome?! Why wouldn't you want to drive this?

Although getting in it is a bit goofy -- duck under the door, step over the HUGE door sill and twist into the seat -- once you are in, it is like a glove. The seats wrap around you and once you close the door, the essentials are surrounding you like a cockpit should.

And, the best part, I fit!

Moving along...


2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery



My second pick, without a doubt, has to be the Lotus Evora. By far one of the coolest designs to emerge in 2009, the Evora channels some cues from the Lancia Stratos and has one of the most gorgeous interiors known to man. It's exterior is akin to pornography and the interior is a hip-looking, posh lounge.

Aside from looking damn good, it has a mid-engine layout that will be equipped with a V6 pushing out 276-horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Not to mention it is a Lotus, so that means two things will be prominent. 1) It is lightweight, coming in just under 3,000 pounds. 2) If it is a proper Lotus, it will handle like it is on rails.

After the Elise/Exige made its way stateside and revived the brand, after the cult classic Esprit, this car is theoretically the daily driver with a bit more room and sophistication. But, after getting a look at it in the flesh, it appears to be more of a two plus none.

Regardless, I am optimistic about giving this car a thorough work out.

What are some NEW cars that YOU want to drive in 2010? Voice your opinion here on AutoSpies...

2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

the only performance mods on the Prius

If you couldn't find a modified Prius to your likings at the grounds of this year's edition of the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan, chances are that you never will. We lost count of how many customized Prius' made their way to the Makuhari Messe exhibition center, but Toyota alone displayed three different concept versions of its popular hybrid model.

Making its debut alongside the Prius G Sports and TOM's Prius studies was the Prius Custom Plus Concept (CCP) prepared by Toyota's in-house customizing and accessories division.

The prototype model looks thoroughly worked over thanks to the wide body kit that further accentuates the Prius hybrid's wedgy shape.

Together with the new nose job that boasts massive Lamborghini-styled air-vents, the Prius CPC gets custom-made fenders, beefy side skirts, new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and side spoilers, and a large rear wing made out of carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is also the material of choice for the new hood, roof, the cameras on the doors that replace the exterior mirrors and the rear panel on the trunk door.

The uniquely styled 18-inch alloy wheels that are shod on 215/40 R18 Goodyear tires sum up the exterior modifications.

The Fast and Furious / Racing theme is continued inside with the addition of gauges on top of the dashboard and just above the new steering wheel that's wrapped in Alcantara.

The same material is also used to trim the new Recaro bucket seats and most parts of the cabin.

Despite the go-fast looks, the only performance mods on the Prius CCP concerns the high-performance brake system and the sports suspension that lowers the car's ride height by 10mm up front and 15mm at the rear.

Photos by Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron

Best Mean and Green (Ford Fusion Hybrid)

There are now so many Car of the Year awards given out that the whole idea of one vehicle being honored above all others has lost its impact. But when the giver of said award is Playboy Magazine, well, the honor means a little more. Why? Because Playboy doesn't pick a winner based on such tangible criteria as horsepower, miles per gallon or MSRP. They don't care so much about the fastest, greenest or most significant car in its segment. They care about cool. Which car is going to get you to that VIP event and make all eyes turn towards you on arrival? For 2010, Playboy says that car is the Porsche Panamera.

We can absolutely understand where Playboy is coming from here. You just have to imagine yourself as Hugh Hefner: Porsches are both cool and fast, but a Porsche that can accommodate me, my smoking jacket and three bunnies is worthy of a place in the Playboy Mansion garage and perhaps an X-rated car wash in the driveway.

Playboy gave out eight other awards in such categories as Best Horsepower Value (Nissan 370Z), Best Mean and Green (Ford Fusion Hybrid) and Best Reborn Beauty (Ford Taurus SHO) among others. You can check them all out in the press release after the jump, and while we're not sure how many automakers will place their new Playboy awards front and center in the corporate trophy case, we're sure behind close doors they're... well, let's not talk about what they're doing behind closed doors.

2010 Porsche Panamera

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