Via Motors VTRUX Truck, Van, & SUV

The Worlds First Extended-Range Electric Truck
VIA Motors, makers of the VTRUX brand of extended-range plug-in trucks, just launched its first high-volume electric vehicle assembly plant this week, located in a new facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

The eREV power train by VIA enables larger vehicles, including SUVs and light trucks, to drive the first 40 miles in all-electric mode with near zero emissions, and a full range of 300 miles on a single fill-up. For most drivers, this means over 100 mpg in typical local daily driving. It’s exciting to drive — with more low-end torque. The electric truck performs as well as or better than the comparable gas version.

World’s First Extended Range Electric Luxury SUV

The facility which is strategically placed in a free-trade zone, and also near a number of important automakers and suppliers — will now serve as the site where new vehicles sent from the General Motors production facility in Silao are transformed into electric vehicles, a transformation that is accomplished via the integration of VIA’s proprietary extended range electric power train.

Say good-bye to range anxiety, this an electric vehicle with unlimited range. VIA’s new eREV SUVs drive up to 40 miles on batteries then continue up to 400 miles or more on longer trips. It generates its own electricity using a fuel-efficient onboard generator or “range extender.”

The Worlds First Extended-Range Electric Vans

In related news — among the many useful qualities/features of the VTRUX is its recently unveiled capacity to serve as an emergency power generator. The VTRUX is apparently able to utilize its 150-kilowatt generator to potentially power whole work sites or disaster relief camps
Prices (“in volume”) for truck = $79,000

San Diego International Auto Show start

SAN DIEGO — More than 400 new models will be on display when the San Diego International Auto Show opens Wednesday for a five-day run at the convention center.

The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof, featuring over 400 vehicles from 36 global manufacturers. The 2014 model-year vehicles showcase the newest levels of technology that enhance the driving experience, packaged in luxurious interiors and wrapped in cutting edge designs.
When not captivated by the cars, show visitors can participate in exciting, fun new features, family entertainment, and interactive activities. This year’s show will have 15,000 square feet dedicated to the Exotics Vault with vehicles from manufacturers like Bentley, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus and more.

Ferrari. Maserati. Lotus. Aston Martin. All legendary names that are revered by auto enthusiasts. For those who have aspired to own one of these beauties, the Exotics Vault is for you. This year’s Exotics Vault features new, late model vehicles and allows show attendees to get up close and personal. These finely crafted automobiles are provided by Ferrari–Maserati of San Diego, and San Diego European Motors.
Once again, Sunday, January 5th, 2014 is Ford Family Day! Children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult and there will be fun activities for kids of all ages.

Experience the car, truck or SUV of your dreams through Ride & Drive events from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, GMC, Kia, BMWi, Lincoln, Mazda, Nissan, RAM, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. Once again, Camp Jeep is returning to provide rides on its indoor test track and Camp Jeep for kids also returns.
Make sure to join us for Electric Vehicle Day presented by SDG&E on Friday, January 3rd from 10am to 4pm. Manufacturer representatives, SDG&E specialists and a team from California Center for Sustainable Energy will be there to answer all of your questions.

AutoTrader.com will demonstrate interactive in-booth technologies to help consumers understand how both brands can help in the vehicle buying process. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to test their skills on the New Car Challenge Game and possibly win a $500 VISA gift card grand prize!
The auto show will be as “green” as ever with the return of the Think Blue Eco-Center, featuring the latest in fuel saving and environmentally-friendly technologies.

San Diego International Auto Show serves up a record 14 Ride & Drives

Ans about :
About 15,000 square feet will be dedicated to exotic cars from makers such as Lotus, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini and others.
Friday will be Electric Vehicle Day, with representatives from San Diego Gas & Electric on hand to provide information on rates available to drivers of battery-powered cars. Numerous EV models will be on display.
Informational booths will include details about state and federal tax credits for electric vehicles, rules for carpool lanes and use of charging stations.
Sunday will be Ford Family Day. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Also, four free tickets are available at participating Ford dealers around San Diego County.
Free tickets are also available to active-duty and retired military members and their families at area Toyota outlets.
Otherwise, prices are $12 for adults 13 years old and up, $9 for seniors 62 and up and military with identification, and $8 for children ages 7-12. Kids up to age 6 are free.
The show is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.More you can find on the official website here

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Higher Fuel Economy - Review

The Chrysler 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engine, which debuted in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, has made its way into the Ram 1500 pickup. While official MPG figures have not been released

The EcoDiesel engine offers 240 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque, which is less power but more torque than the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine, which offers 395 horsepower and 410 ft-lbs of torque.

The turbodiesel V-6 powers the truck through a new eight-speed automatic transmission, also fitted to most other Ram 1500 models (including the base 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and optional 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 gasoline engines).
Fuel economy should also be substantially better than the HEMI too, which manages just 14 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. The 3.6 liter Pentastar offers better fuel economy at 17 city and 25 highway, thanks in part to a class-exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission, making it the most fuel-efficient pickup you can buy

Other fuel-saving elements of the Ram 1500 line include active grille shutters, engine stop-start technology, and aerodynamic panels underneath the truck that give it what Chrysler says is the lowest coefficient of drag among all full-size pickup trucks.

Such trucks represent a new full-size-pickup sweet spot that combines respectable performance, hauling ability, and fuel economy barely attainable in smaller trucks just a few years ago.