Consumers Say Fuel Economy is the Most Important Factor in a New Car, But How Much Can You Really Save Driving a Hybrid?
by Zach McDonald: HybridCars.com
A new study released this week by Consumer Reports has found that a full 37 percent of new car buyers look to fuel efficiency as the leading factor in determining which model of car they will buy. According to the publication and consumer advocacy group, two thirds of those surveyed said that they expected their next car will get better mileage than the one they currently own, and a surprising 73 percent of respondents said that they plan to consider alternative-fuel models like a hybrid or flex-fuel vehicle. An even higher number of consumers (81 percent) said that they would be willing to pay extra for a more efficient vehicle if they could recover the extra money in fuel savings. Ninety percent said that cutting down on fuel costs was the most important factor in their decision to seek better fuel economy.
The study comes at a time when fuel prices have fallen off slightly from April highs that neared $3.90 per gallon, but with gasoline still averaging $3.62 per gallon in the U.S., and prices holding steady above $3.00 per gallon for the last year and a half, the data indicates that consumers seem to be adapting the longterm propect that gasoline may never be cheap again.
For the nearly three quarters of drivers who might consider buying an alternative fuel vehicle, the Energy Department last week released a new tool on its FuelEconomy.gov website to help consumers determine exactly how much they can save by choosing a hybrid for their next vehicle. While consumers can already use the website to compare estimated fuel costs of new cars to the average vehicle, the new hybrid-only tool allows for a much more exact estimate of how long it will take a gas-electric vehicle to pay for itself versus a gas-only counterpart. By matching up 19 different hybrid models to their non-hybrid platform-mates, the comparison engine reveals that the true extra cost of owning a hybrid might not be as much as you think.
As GreenCarReports points out, most hybrids come with a more standard options than the base-level, gas-only sedans they often compete with. As a result, a car like the Toyota Prius starts higher than other sedans, but to purchase a similar equipped non-hybrid would usually require climbing up several trim levels, adding a significant extra cost to the vehicle.
For the average driver, the quickest hybrid cost recovery periods belong to the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (2.1 years,) the Chevy Malibu Eco (2.2 years,) the Toyota Camry Hybrid (2.7 years,) and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (3.4 years.) Of course, dedicated hybrids like the Prius aren’t included in the tool because they have no gas-only equivalents, but the site does help to demystify the cost equation involved of owning a hybrid.
What Do We Do with that Stormwater Runoff?
The topic of “storm water” pollution is a fascinating, but involved topic, especially here in Los Angeles. Of course, water itself being the overriding issue, and keeping storm water runoff clean as possible, while controlling flooding, is one of L.A.’s biggest ongoing issues.
Photo courtesy of Stormtech
So, what IS “storm water” runoff? According to L.A. Stormwater, Storm water Pollution is “when water from rainstorms, garden hoses and sprinklers causes runoff that collects harmful debris and flows through local creeks, rivers and lakes – eventually draining, untreated, into the ocean.” They add: “Even on the driest day in Southern California, tens of millions of gallons of contaminated water and debris flow through our local creeks, rivers and lakes and into Santa Monica and San Pedro Bays. On a rainy day, the flow can increase to as much as 10 billion gallons.” And finally, storm water flows “do not receive any treatment because of the sheer volume of runoff.”
Funny as it sounds, dirt is actually the best cleaner or filter, of pollution. It’s called the “natural earth method” of cleaning. But now that we, as a society, have paved over so much, we have to do other creative things to accomplish a similar end result.
Pacific Audi takes this issue very seriously. And in line with our LEED goals, two objectives stand out: controlling both the quantity and quality of the water leaving the site, in order to keep our ocean clean.
We are building underground storage chambers to store initial runoff, and all runoff from the site drains to this. But before the water gets there, it goes through a sort of “Treatment Train”. Here’s how it works:
■ Runoff at Pacific Audi can include anything from brake dust coming off cars to oil to plant food our gardener uses to treat on-site plants.
■ Water washes all these “pollutants of concern” (and many more) through grated inlets into a “pre-treatment” area just below the pavement. This first porous “catch basin” area (kind of like a sock) is Level One, catching bigger things like leaves, cigarette butts, oils, etc. Now fewer contaminants need to be cleaned by the “natural earth method”, which is next.
■ Level Two in this “Treatment Train” is the “natural earth method” of cleaning, meaning the runoff seeps, or percolates through the earth, which naturally removes contaminants. Think of water going through the grinds in a coffee machine, and you have the general idea.
■ The cleaned-up water now lands in the “infiltration chamber”, basically replenishing the aquifer underground. Our chamber volume is an impressive 4269 cubit feet, but based on calculations, it wouldn’t need to hold more than about 3400 cubic feet at any one time because the rest soaks into the sandy soil at the very bottom.
■ The water will percolate into the ground for the life of the project, with water seeping into the ground within 2 days of a rainstorm stopping.
If we happen to have one of those massive rainstorms that we get so rarely, studies show that the ‘pollutants of concern’ will be washed into this natural cleaning system with the first ¾” of rain, and then any overflow into the public street would be relatively clean.
All this is a result of the Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP), the statewide water quality criteria developed as part of the municipal storm water program. We are proud to say that our voluntary LEED participation will be taking us 22% above required state water quality standards!
Transferring Phone Contacts via SD Card from Audi to Audi
The process of transferring phone contacts from one Audi to another via SD card is made up of two steps. First, exporting the contacts from the first Audi onto an SD card. Then, importing the contacts from the SD card to the second Audi.
To export contacts that are stored in the system of the first Audi:
1. Press the Name button on the MMI followed by the Memory button.
The following screen will appear:
2. Select Export Contacts.
The following screen will appear:
3. Select All Entries, then choose Export Packed Entries.
This will group all of the contacts into one file on an SD card.
To import contacts that are stored on an SD card:
1. From the menu, select Import Contact.
2. Select the single file from the SD card to begin the import process.
You should now have your contacts in your new Audi. If you run into any issues, please contact us.
LAcarGUY & Fisker Santa Monica Take the Fisker Karma to the Airwaves
The Fisker Karma is one of the most exciting and technologically advanced cars to come around in a very long time. LAcarGUY is privileged to be one of the very select dealer groups chosen by Fisker to be a representative.
Now it’s time to take the next step and let everyone know about it. LAcarGUY and Fisker Santa Monica are the first Fisker dealership to advertise on TV. First the car was revolutionary, now we are taking that revolution to the airways.
Have a look at the ad below.
Rachelle Lefevre Visits Helen Bernstein High School Garden
It had been nearly a year since EMA Young Hollywood Board Member Rachelle Lefevre’s last visit to Helen Bernstein High School’s garden, and a lot had changed (and grown!) since then.
Rachelle toured the garden and got her hands dirty by digging in.
The Helen Bernstein High School garden is sponsored by LAcarGUY and Toyota of Hollywood.
See more photos from the day on our Flickr Photostream.
Scion FR-S Delivers A Walk Off Home Run As A True Driver’s Car
On a bright sunny day in Parump, Nevada at Spring Valley Motorsport Park we got the opportunity to take the highly anticipated 2013 Scion FR-S out for a spin and boy did it deliver. Also known as the Toyota GT-86 elsewhere in the world, Toyota/Scion have built a car that goes back to the basics and provides enormous fun at a very reasonable price.
Toyota’s main goal in choosing a powerplant for their new FR-Sports car was obtaining efficient, reliable performance. The development concept of the FR-S was to build a sports car built around the driver and making the car fun to drive took more of a priority than pursuing pure speed.
Everyone knows that the Scion FR-S isn’t the most powerful car out on the market, so the horsepower figures will sound rather unimpressive to many. However, according to the engineers, it was far more important for the car to feel responsive and have linear power delivery all the way up to redline speeds.
Led by Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, the joint Toyota and Subaru engineering team code named “Team 86” certainly lived up to its goals. Working together, they developed the Subaru FA20 2.0 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, marking the first time that Toyota’s D-4S direct injection technology had ever been incorporated into a boxer motor.
The result of Team 86′s hard work was a light weight, 200hp naturally aspirated DOHC 16 valve engine with dual variable valve timing (VVTi). The 4UGSE engine redlines at 7400rpm, and responds quickly to accelerator inputs, with easy powerband control.
Usage of the 4UGSE boxer engine gives the Scion FR-S the benefit of amazing handling, due to a low center of gravity. The Scion FR-S has a lower center of gravity than the Porsche Cayman, Nissan R35 GTR, Subaru Impreza STi, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. In fact, only the LFA and the Ferrari 360 have a lower center of gravity than the FR-S at 18.9 inches.
“Super low center of gravity, better than a GTR, better than a Porsche Cayman, in fact comparable to some of the Ferrari models, but basically this car is about bringing passion back to driving. An authentic rear wheel drive car, that produces 200 hp out of a 2.0L engine,” said Jack Hollis, Vice President and General Manager of Scion. “The 100 hp per liter is a key number for us. You see just the right amount, not over, not under, right amount of power, great balance and great handling.”
Hollis also adds, “What it does is this car answers a concern in the industry today, that the vehicles have just become so electronic, so technology-based, not just true driver-based. That’s what this car does. We think it’s going to excite the whole industry not just Scion and Toyota so we are really excited about the Scion FR-S.”
What the low center of gravity does for you is make you feel very connected to the road when you are pushing the car to the limits. The center of gravity is in line with your hips, so, as the car moves around you truly feel the dynamics of the car in the seat of your pants, rather than the car feeling as though it has a much higher pivot point that most people are used to.
What is also obvious is that the Scion FR-S pays homage to it’s heritage, particularly to the 1985-’87 Corolla GT-S – or AE86 as it is known by enthusiasts. The 86 theme is prevalent throughout the vehicle. Mechanically, the two cars share nothing. Spiritually, however, their similarities run deep. There are powerful reason why the humble AE86 remains a highly coveted machine nearly 30 years after entering production. These reasons have nothing to do with the car’s speed, its amenities or its complexity. Rather, it’s the 86’s fundamentally sound design, low cost, and massive potential that give it profound desirability as its third decade approaches. It’s these simple, potent core values on which Scion intend to capitalize with the Scion FR-S.
The 86 Boxer badge on the fender shows pistons on opposing sides of the 86, to signify that it’s boxer engine under the hood. The number 86 is also symbolic of the engine’s square 86×86 bore and stroke ratio. Most Toyota aficionados may not even know this but this square ratio keeps the 4UGSE engine faithful to some of the other engines in Toyota’s 2.0 liter sports engine history. Also, an additional homage to the 86 theme, the inner diameter of the car’s exhaust tips are 86 mm!
The engine has Toyota D-4S fuel-injection system which is both port fuel injection and direct fuel injection at the same time. This allows are really high compression ratio of 12.5:1 which means the FR-S requires premium fuel but that’s a small price to pay.
If there’s one disappointment about this car, it is with torque. The 2.0 liter engine only produces 151 torques at a very high 6400 rpm. Now very few people talk about torque. It’s important because when you get into some slow corners, and you really need a drive out especially if you’re not popping it off the rev…, torque is what will propel you at that point. Though, on the road track, the lack of torque was not really a factor.
On the inside, the FR-S interior is definitely minimalistic. Sitting inside, it’s impossible not to notice the sporty seats and steering wheel. They are comfortable and the substantial side bolstering helps keep the driver in place on a spirited drive. The tach is right front and center, dominating the instrument cluster.
Steering input is good. However, a wish would be for a bit more feedback and communication. It is electric steering, though one of the better electric steerings that we’ve experienced. We must say that it’s very direct. If you turn the wheel, that’s where the car is going and it points really, really well.
Toyota is planning to produce 10,000 units of the Scion FR-S for the 2012 calendar year and plans on 20,000 units for 2013. If you’re writing a wish list or a spec sheet of what you want in a car, the Scion FR-S pretty much does it all. What we like most about the car is that you can have the fun at under triple digit speeds. It doesn’t have 500 hp and it’s not going to do 1.05 Gs around a skid pad, and we don’t care! With the Scion FR-S, you actually have to drive! The FR-S being very analog will not cover up your inability to drive with electronics like so many modern cars. If you make a mistake, it will be obvious, however, the car being perfectly balanced makes it easy to get it all back under control, if you know what you are doing.
Bottom line, the Scion FR-S is a drivers car, period!
LAcarGUY Supports Heal The Bay’s “Bring Back the Beach” Fundraiser (And you should too!)
We urge you to support this great cause and join us for an amazing night on the Beach with Heal The Bay supporters.
Purchase Tickets! https://www.healthebay.org/secure/bring-back-beach-tickets
Bring Back the Beach
Heal the Bay invites you to celebrate the ultimate beach party at our annual Bring Back the Beach gala benefit on May 17, 2012 at The Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica.
We will also recognize the eco-accomplishments of this year’s three honorees: past president and chief operating officer of Hilton Hotels Matt Hart, director of photography Danny Moder and actress Julia Roberts, and actress Amy Smart.
Relax with your toes in the sand while you meet and mix with leaders from Southern California’s environmental, political, business and entertainment communities. Join us for a fun-filled evening under the stars to celebrate our honorees and support the mission of Heal the Bay.
We look forward to your company at our annual gala fundraising benefit!
Schedule
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
Dinner
Live Auction
Entertainment
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tables and Sponsorships: $5,000 – $50,000
Individual Tickets: $500
Purchase tables/tickets online
Attire
Beach Chic
LAcarGUY Celebrates 12 Years Of Supporting The Los Angeles Lakers Celebrity Golf Invitational
The Lakers Youth Foundation raises money to provide educational, athletic and recreational opportunities for Los Angeles area youth.
During the event, there was an auction held to raise additional money, and a bidding war developed between Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and LAcarGUY’s Mike Sullivan for 25% ownership in a race horse!
The race horse started off with a few bids from fans, but then Kobe Bryant started bidding. Then Pau Gasol started bidding and it went all the way up to $8,000 for 25% ownership of the horse, which of course was made by the winner, Kobe Bryant. After the horse was awarded to the Kobe, Pau Gasol and Mike Sullivan approached Kobe and still wanted to get in on the horse, so they put up another $8,000 for ownership of the horse!
Volkswagen Passat Sets Single-Tank Efficiency Record
by: Zach McDonald – HybridCars.com
An Australian couple has set a new record for single-tank fuel economy this week, making the more than 1,600-mile trip from Houston, Texas to Sterling, Virginia on just one tank of gas. The duo used an American-built 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI Clean Diesel to set the new mark, beating the old one (also set in a diesel-powered Passat,) by 99.5 miles.
Over the course of their journey, Helen and John Taylor drove 1.626.1 miles, using 19.3 gallons of diesel and averaging more than 84 mpg. Their fuel costs averaged out to less than 5 cents per mile, whereas the average new vehicle currently sold in the U.S. will cost its owner more than three times as much to drive.
The couple used a regular, stock Passat TDI (which is rated at 30 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined) for their drive, but were able to use so-called “hypermiling” techniques to get even better fuel economy from a car that is already one of the most efficient non-hybrid sedans on the road.
“The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record,” said John Taylor, in a press release provided by Volkswagen.
Though the Taylors have used a lot of Volkswagen-built diesels for their trips, their mission is about more than just promoting a single vehicle maker’s cars. Last year, they achieved nearly 75 mpg in a Toyota Prius hybrid driving across South Africa, and drove through every U.S. state in a Chevy Cruze Eco at an average of 64 mpg.
In fact, you might say that the couple have turned personal fuel economy into their life’s work. In addition to several record-setting attempts each year, the Taylors teach green-driving seminars through their Australia-based driving school, Fuel Academy. In all, the husband-wife team hold more than 90 world driving records.
Keeping It Cooler Through A Clever Envelope
You may have heard that 40% of energy is consumed by buildings. Much of that is waste coming from inefficient operational choices (like not turning off lights or A/C, or powering down computers overnight). But looking at a new building from the initial stages of design can really help cut potential waste later.
One really logical thing—when it can be done—with any commercial or residential building is “site selection”; for example, orienting your walls to take advantage of the sun for heat, and windows for the breeze to go through and naturally cool the house. It’s often a little easier to take advantage of with a home, as the very nature of retail can take precedence, like wanting display windows facing the biggest street.
As it turned out, that’s the situation with our Pacific Audi lot, and so, our main windows face South and West. Nice for sunsets, but a problem with heat and sun in SoCal. So we are working with some innovations to mitigate the impact of this positioning and therefore our energy use. Today, we focus on two big parts of our building “envelope”, what our inside is ‘wrapped’ in.
GLASS is a big deal for any retailer – we want you to SEE our cars as ride or walk along Hawthorne Blvd., right? But glass attracts heat (all year long, here in SoCal) which gets transferred into the showroom, and who wants more of that? Based on the sun hitting our South and West-facing windows nonstop from noon until night, we were able to consider upfront how to compensate for that constant and intense radiated heat, in order to use our A/C less to save energy.
First, our builders are using a “low-e” (or low emission) glass called Solarban100 for our storefront glass. Very generally, low-e glass reflects up to 90% of long-wave radiation, which is heat, but lets in short-wave radiation, which is light. The Solarban high-efficiency glazed windows will cut the sun’s heat going into the showroom and the building owner will use less electricity to keep the building cooler. All these ideas also earn LEED points related to optimizing “energy performance”.
We are also going to use what is becoming more common in SoCal…a “cool roof” (which is so cool, it will get its own post in the near future!). It’s the combination of the “cool roof” with the Solarban100 glazing, in this building envelope, that will contribute 5% of the near 30% improvement in building performance beyond the energy code requirements (Title 24). We are really excited about this!
Another tactic for ultimately less energy use is by building our Southern- and Eastern-facing walls with CMU BLOCKS. These are hollowed out blocks made of an aggregate material of approximately 50% post-consumer and 50% pre-consumer materials. They are stacked between tall wrought iron still rods with concrete poured over. The resulting walls are not only seismically stronger (always a good thing!), but they naturally insulate and hold a lot of the heat in, again protecting the interior of the building from needing to use more electricity for cool air.
Building green is really just based in logic, logic we set aside in the mid-20th century when suddenly A/C and central heating were discovered. But we’re coming back around. And if you personally want to learn more—as a ‘green-curious’ or ‘green-committed’ person—you might want to check out the FREE 9th annual AltBuild Expo in Santa Monica on May 11-12. Ask questions of everyone there, don’t be shy! There’s something for everyone.
