Archives – June, 2009
One of the most cost effective ways to improve performance and fuel economy is to improve engine airflow. You may not have put much thought into your vehicle’s air filter, but actually air filters can make a tremendous difference in the life and general performance of any hybrid car or truck.
Air Filters are an essential component of the air intake system and tasked with trapping any dirt or debris from entering the engine. Dirt can cause a great deal of damage. Stock or OEM air filters are made of cotton, paper, or gauze and are considered low technology. Though they stop around 99% of particles out these filters do not maximize fuel economy or performance.
K&N filters are some of the most popular performance air filters we sell for around $40 to $50 dollars. They allow for more air flow while still providing better filtration than an original equipment or OEM filter. Increased air flow means increase horsepower and acceleration. Since your engine will be operating more efficiently there will also be fuel economy gains.
K&N filters are also washable and reusable and can go up to 50,000 miles before they need cleaning. Stock paper air filters need to changed about every 8000 miles and ultimately cost you more in the long run in replacement cost and fuel economy losses. The environment will thank you for using a reusable air filter as you can prevent used paper air filters from piling up in land fills. K&N filters come with a one million mile warranty and last the life of your vehicle.
Changing air filters is very easy to accomplish. The air filter is not held in place by any clamps or screws. Simply open the case, remove the actual air filter and place the new air filter in the space where the old air filter was housed.
The benefits and cost savings of using a reusable performance air filter are clear.
priusaccessories
June 4, 2009
Do you own a hybrid car, electric car, or other “green” vehicle?
Then we want you to know that Hybridfest Green Drive Expo is also home to the largest gathering of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicle owners from around the country.
For an additional fee you can become a Hybridfest Green Drive Expo Member to join us for exclusive Member-only access and activities during Hybridfest Green Drive Expo including:
* An extra day of activities on Friday, July 17
* Post-show activities Saturday evening, July 18
* Pre-show activities Sunday morning, July 19
See the page for more details! http://www.greendriveexpo.com/
June 1, 2009
Every day I drive by the local Tesla Dealer and slow down to look at a candy store of colorful electric roadsters. Last week I noticed something new on the showroom floor and had to stop in. It was a beautiful luxury sedan. It was Tesla’s Model S.
This marks the electric automaker unveiling its long awaited introduction of its seven passenger vehicle. Really it is a 5 passenger sedan with a couple of kid seats in the back that face rearward. It is a very creative configuration, but I am not sure how the kids will do when fully loaded and have to look out the rear window on long trips.
Tesla is aiming high with a limited production and very expensive model starting at a base price of $57,400. The base car has a range of 160 miles. Though the battery can be upgraded to extend the range to 300 miles between charges. Tesla would not discuss the additional cost over the base price to do this. You can charge this car pretty much anywhere at 120, 240, or 480 volts. Tesla also mentioned a quick change battery swap which sounded a bit more like marketing than reality at the moment.
According to the specifications the car weighs almost 2 tons and is expected to have a zero to 60 acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 MPH. Acceptable , but certainly not stellar performance for a lux-sedan in this price range.
I must say the car is drop dead gorgeous with a hint of Maserati in the front lines which are fluid. Definitely first impressions are that this is a luxury car and expensive. There is an aura of go fast and expensive in the same breath.
Considering making this car really functional for family use it would need a battery upgrade to 300 mile capacity. My estimate with current battery technology and cost is that this would add upwards of approximately $30,000 dollars to the price point. Thus making the entire car cost upwards of $80,000 to $90,000.
Tesla is taking deposits now and the production cars probably will not hit the streets for at least a year or so. This is a great sign of things to come from Tesla and other automakers. We are looking forward to having some auto accessories for this and other electric vehicles.
Get yours now!
priusaccessories
June 1, 2009
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