Episode 20 of the AutoblogGreen Podcast has us recapping Geneva mere days before we head to New York. There were lots of exciting things over in Switzerland, and we touch on a few of them. Th!nk's new Ox will be a Tesla-magnitude achievement if it hits the market doing what the company says it will. GM rolled out the new version of its mild hybrid system that will be propagating across virtually all models in all brands to help boost CAFE. Better efficiency for about half of what a sat nav option costs? We'll take it. Speaking of hybrids, there was a lot of talk from BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen ,and others about upcoming Euro-branded hybrids, and diesel hybrids at that. Mercedes will debut li-Ion batteries in a production hybrid, while Toyota has yet to see a compelling argument for diesel hybrids. Rest assured that if people want it, Toyota will build it, though. Before closing, we look forward to the couple of things we know about in New York, like the debut of the Acura TSX/Honda Euro Accord which will sport a 50-state legal diesel, and the Automotive X-Prize folks will be holding a press conference, as well. 32 minutes this time around. Stay tuned, we'll surely be abuzz when we return from New York.

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Episode 18 of the Autoblog Green Podcast sees us reminiscing about the North American International Auto Show, recently passed in Detroit. We start with the reconfigured Saturn Vue Hybrid from AFS - the "extreme hybrid" claiming a narrowly defined150 mpg. AFS's claims point up the need for a new way to accurately rate mpg for hybrid and plugin powertrains. We touch on the Chrysler green trio, and Saturn's own Vue Two-Mode - one of three versions of the Vue that will have a flavor of hybrid powertrains (two mode, li-ion/phev, mild).

Everyone in Detroit had a Diesel, too, many displacing 2.2 liters and having four cylinders. We also talk abit about Ford going mainstream with their EcoBoost engine technology rather than trotting out ever larger V8s - big power doesn't always mean big cubes, and EcoBoost is more than small motors with big compressors strapped onto the exhaust manifolds. We wrap up by touching on the news that the ALMS series will see a fleet of Corvettes running cellulosic E85. The rules of the series allow lots of different technologies to run wheel to wheel, so alternative powertrains could be the next area where we see racing improving the breed. 43 minutes, and we're done, thanks for listening!

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We're in Detroit now, but Sebastian and Sam took some time to chat about a few things before leaving for the show. Rick Wagoner's CES keynote was historic, as was the appearance of the Cadillac Provoq at that show. Coming up at Detroit we'll bring you details on all of the alternative and fuel-efficient vehicles like the Hummer HX that signals a wholesale move to E85 capability and the first ever unibody Ford Explorer. Sebastian brings us an interview with Bill Roe of Coskata Energy about their exciting work on biofuels and we wrap up by touching on the Tata Nano. We'll be back again soon, see you then!

UPDATE: transcript of the interview with Bill Roe available here.

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Click on the image for Autoblog's gallery of high-res images of the 2008 Subaru Tribeca.

Subaru has taken the wraps off its new Tribeca All-Wheel Drive SUV at the New York Auto Show. Featuring more generic, but easier-on-the-eye looks and a new fully revised interior, the 2008 model's green credentials are all under the hood. Subaru are introducing their largest ever engine to power the Tribeca in the form of a 3.6-litre horizontally opposed six cylinder that produces 190 kW / 255 hp and 334 Nm / 246 ft-lbs of torque.

Despite the increase from the previous 3.0-litre unit, the new, larger engine maintains emission levels and improves fuel economy. Part of the efficiency improvement is due to the introduction of a Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS) which controls the timing of both the intake and exhaust valves, along with a revised automatic transmission and a weight reduction of the powertrain by 4.4 kg / 9.7 lbs.

Analysis: It's great to see Subaru improve the fuel efficiency of the Tribeca. I would have liked to see what they could have done with a 3.0-litre engine instead of increasing its size to 3.6-litres though. Increasing the power and torque of new models is clearly still an important selling point in the eyes of the auto makers. How much longer will we live in a world where maintaining emissions from generation to generation is considered acceptable?

Related:

• Geneva Motor Show: Subaru will bring Justy back, is considering all-electric small car
• Geneva Motor Show: Subaru diesel boxer engine
• Subaru's zero-waste factory wins EPA award

[Source: Subaru press release]

Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of diesel vehicles at the Brisbane Motor Show.

At the Brisbane Motor Show, which started on Friday, a host of car manufacturers had fuel-efficient diesel models on display including GM Holden, Mazda, Renault, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ford, Audi, Saab, SsangYong, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Peugeot, Citroen, and Volkswagen (may have missed one in there). Many of the displays made diesel a key focus to demonstrate improved fuel economy to an Australian market which has shifted away from full-sized sedans to smaller, medium and compact vehicles in the last two years as fuel prices have risen.

As expected, the European manufacturers have led the way with the introduction of diesel passenger cars since Australia's diesel fuel standard was improved sufficiently enough to work correctly in the latest generation diesel passenger engines. Holden did have their Astra diesel and Mazda had their Mazda 6 sedan diesel on display as well however. Soft off-roaders running on diesel included the Hyundai Santa Fe and the upcoming SsangYong Actyon Sports.

Analysis: Hyundai markets their Santa Fe as "Australia's most fuel efficient SUV", while Ford had signage up reinforcing their commitment to diesel and almost Renault's entire display was focused on diesel's benefits. Fuel economy has become a critical selling factor in the last few years and the auto makers are certainly responding.



Related:

• Toyota's Hino Trucks reportedly bringing hybrid trucks to Australia
• I don't care what its made of, as long as it works

Toyota has pegged the San Jose auto show for the first "Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience" event. There will be driving simulators, a chance to evaluate your carbon footprint and information on hybrids and other alternative-fuels. Other hybrids are expected to be at the show as well, including the new Ford Escape and Mariner Hybrids.

Small cars are expected to be a major attraction at the San Jose show, as small cars are big sellers in California. In fact, this article even says that small cars such as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit were the fastest growing segment in California through the first nine months of the year.

The San Jose show is put on by Motor Trend magazine. It will run from next Thursday through the following Monday. The show is in its thirteenth year. I know most are looking forward to the Detroit show, but if you live on the other side of the country, you could check this one out.

The next Highway to the Future event is in Washington D.C. and will run from January 24-28.

[Source: Highwaytothefuture.com via The Mercury News]