Archive for the ‘Thinking Green’ Category

Just when you thought America’s No. 1 selling sedan couldn’t get any better, the 2012 Toyota Camry (photo courtesy of www.toyota.com) evolves with a fully-equipped multimedia service – Entune. This driver-friendly program provides the ability to sync all your SmartPhone applications with an in-car tech system. This makes finding directions, streaming music, getting minute-by-minute game scores and making dinner reservations on-the-go simpler than ever. Other perks of the “infotainment” service include hands-free communication using Bluetooth technology and seamless connectivity on and off the road. Best of all, the service comes free-of-charge for the first three years.

Besides Entune, there have been other minor tweaks to the classic Camry. As the best-selling car in the U.S. for the last 15 years, you may ask, “Why fix it if it ain’t broke?” Toyota took the core elements of the Camry and built on them. The new model has higher fuel-efficiency, superior safety technology, steadfast Toyota performance and a collection of interior design enhancements increasing comfort and charm. Toyota made huge strides in the functionality of the Camry that together endow this particular model with elements comparable to those of other more expensive luxury sedans.

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) awarded the XLE Hybrid Toyota Camry the Vehicle of the Month Award for September 2012, citing overall design, multimedia availability and driving dynamic (which is often sacrificed in many Hybrid vehicles) as features that make it a frontrunner in its class. Contributing factors to the 2012 Camry Hybrid’s high ranking appeal also include:

• Aerodynamic design to lower drag
• Low-rolling-resistance tires
• 33/39 mpg EPA fuel economy rating with a combined average of 41 mpg (an enormous 12 mpg increase in city driving and an impressive gain of 8 mpg for combined driving cycles, compared to the 2011 Camry Hybrid)
• Toyota Synergy Drive: Combines a four-cylinder engine, Small high torque electric motor & Nickel-metal hydride batteries

Aside from the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the super practical Camry Hybrid, the Camry L (base-grade model), LE, SE, and XLE will have a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. The SE and XLE models will be available with the 3.5-liter V6. All models come with improved features that make it a leader in the mid-sized sedan category:

• Safety – Rear seat airbags that are completely compatible with child seats, High-strength steel in B-pillar and rocker-panel reinforcements, Smart Stop Technology brake-override system, Toyota Safety Connect, Blind-spot monitoring system (optional)
• Multimedia – New Entune System, Standard USB port, Wireless connection to compatible Bluetooth, Speed-sensitive volume control, 6.1 inch screen and six speakers (not available in L)
• Exterior – Bolder front end with new headlamps and honeycomb grille, Chrome foglight recesses on L, LE and XLE models, Squared-off aero corner trims at the front and rear, Contoured sides with angled character line, 17-inch alloy wheels (on LE, XLE and SE)
• Interior – New curvier dashboard design, Aluminum-color and chrome trim, More inviting and spacious interior, Driver seat with manual adjustable lumbar support, Height-adjustable driver seat, Optional leather-trimmed buckets with high-quality hide, contrasting stitching and perforated faux suede inserts.

In spite of all the new features and refinement that Toyota has added, prices on all 2012 models will be lower than they are today. At $22,500 LE is down $200. Starting at $23,000, SE models are down $1,000. XLE drops $2,000, coming in at $24,725. All models will be available this fall at all three of our Performance Toyota and Legends Toyota dealership locations. Schedule a test drive today!

While super sporty high-performance vehicles often steal the spotlight in the auto world, meticulously designed, highly efficient vehicles deserve their day in the sun, too. Years of engineering allow these vehicles to save consumers money while simultaneously protecting the future of our planet.

Performance Auto Group in Omaha, Neb. proudly carries seven of the top hybrids in America, according to a July report from environmental group, the US Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The longstanding hybrid leader, Toyota Prius, once again outscored the rest of the pack, remaining the top dog in this category since its first-generation introduction in 2001.

Let’s take a look at the features that give these vehicles a green advantage:

2011 Toyota Prius
•    50 mpg in combined city/highway driving
•    Light-weight, best aerodynamics of any production vehicle in the world
•    Re-designed powertrain allows for all-electric gas-free driving
•    Electric water pump, optimized regenerative brake system, exhaust gas recovery

2011 Honda Civic
•    41 mpg in combined city/highway driving
•    1.3 liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 20-hp electric motor
•    Ability to self-de-activate all cylinders and cruise under electric motor power alone
•    Contemporary look and decent  “gasoline-like” performance not altered by hybrid anatomy

Honda Insight
•    41 mpg in combined city/highway driving
•    Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system: electric motor works with gasoline engine to supply additional power and torque in Assist mode
•    ECON Button alters particular vehicle systems to minimize overall energy use
•    Eco Guide displays data about your braking and acceleration to help you drive more efficiently

2011 Ford Fusion
•    39 mpg in combined city/highway driving
•    Gas-electric powertrain provides extraordinary fuel-economy and flawless operation
•    Signature Ford SYNC system provides instant access to directions, music, hands-free phone and traffic information
•    SmartGauge LCD Panel with EcoGuide coaches drivers to maximize fuel efficiency

2011 Honda CR-Z
•    37 mpg in combined city/highway driving
•    Parallel hybrid/ sixth generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
•    i-VTEC System that controls variable valve timing and lift, improving fuel economy and reducing exhaust emissions
•    Crisp, precise steering, good acceleration, subtle engine sound and nearly 25 cubic feet of cargo area – large for a compact

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
•    33 mpg in combined city/highway driving
•    2.4 liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain and an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
•    Perfect combination of excellent fuel economy and comfortable midsize-sedan characteristics
•    Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) certification

2011 Ford Escape 
•    32 mpg in combined city/highway driving
•    AWD version offers 30 city/27 highway – most efficient hybrid SUV on the market
•    MyKey system allows owners to limit a vehicle’s top speed and audio volume—a feature useful for parents
•    Electric air conditioning unit allows A/C use without having to turn on the gas engine

All of the listed vehicles are located locally at a Performance Auto dealership. View our locations find a dealership near you.

Blue is the new green – or at least that’s what Volkswagen is rolling with. The German automaker’s eco-friendly site, originally launched for Singapore, houses a bevy of eye catching, and money-saving, environment-related auto topics.

One particular highlight of the site is its interactivity, allowing the user to take virtual road trips and hear real “blue” stories from children who are simultaneously playing on a jungle gym, right on your computer screen. The most useful part of the site, however, is the page full ways to cut down your fuel emissions and save gas. There are eight realistic tips that can help you save money at the pump, and they aren’t tips that involve extra time or money, as illustrated with the websites phrase “Being efficient shouldn’t be a chore.”  Here are some of their suggestions:

1.    Just Roll with It

Take advantage of that little thing called “gravity.” While on a downhill gradient, if you coast in gear, you actually won’t use any fuel. So be aware when approaching red lights, stop signs or downhill roads – put that baby in gear and coast!  Doing so will activate the overrun fuel cutoff and save those precious drops of gas.

2.    Change Up Your Oil Routine

Using low-viscosity (thin) fuel can save up to 5% of your fuel consumption.  Thicker, high-viscosity oil takes a longer time to loosen up and lubricate your motor when it’s cold outside, whereas low-viscosity oil gets to work much faster.

3.    Push It into High Gear!

Driving in the highest gear possible can reduce fuel-consumption and noise. In the Volkswagen TDI and TSI models,  a surprising amount of hauling power is still available, even while doing rpm’s as low as 2,000. But the relationship between the highest gear and fuel-consumption applies to most vehicles. In the VW DSG, even though it’s an automatic transmission, the smart engine system selects the most efficient times to shift.

4.    Shed the Extra Pounds

…In your car, that is. Carrying around extra weight can lower your fuel-efficiency. So when you’re making daily trips to work, unload that trunk of unnecessary objects.

5.    Don’t Drive Like a Crazy Person

People who tend to drive more aggressively waste more gas than those who drive in a calm, relaxed manner. Extra application to the brakes, sporadic acceleration and deceleration won’t work to your advantage. If you have the opportunity, just mosey along with traffic and try not to use the brakes as much. Plus, you will probably have safer and more enjoyable trip.

6.    Don’t Let You Tires Look…Tired

Every month or so, quickly check the pressure of your tires. When they’re low it causes more rolling resistance and thus, more fuel consumption. Most towns have tons of gas stations with free air stations, so this maintenance can be convenient with little money out of your pocket.

7.    Take Some Off the Top

If you’re cruising around town with extra attachments on your vehicle, like a storage box or bike rack, definitely detach them when not in use. These objects cause heightened wind resistance and hike up your fuel consumption. Would you walk around in a backpack if there was nothing in it? Didn’t think so.

8.    Long Outings > Quick Trips

Completing more errands in one combined trip will save you time and money. Making multiple short trips wastes more fuel than one larger trip around town.  So wait until you have a few places to go so your engine warms up and uses less fuel, as your engine guzzles up more when it’s cold.

And an extra tip from your friends at Performance Auto…

9.    Feel the Fresh Air!

Air conditioning uses up more fuel than you’d think, especially when the system has to work hard in the blazing summer months. Roll those windows down and get a natural summer breeze flowing through your car instead. What better way to enjoy the “blue” earth around you? If the wind and humidity bother you, then give in to the heavenly A/C, but at least give the “windows down” option a whirl at the start of your trip.

These small tricks don’t require much extra effort- it’s merely a matter of being aware of your driving habits, vehicle appearance and maintenance. There may be a swarm of new vehicles that boast high fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, but it’s always nice to know that you, as a driver, can fill in where technology can’t to save money and our “blue” planet.

To have fun and learn more, visit the Volkswagen ‘think blue” website here.

Shopping for a new vehicle can be a daunting task, but new mileage stickers will soon make choosing the perfect vehicle a little easier. Starting with 2013 models, new vehicles will sport a new mileage sticker with more information on fuel costs and environmental impact to help you make a more informed decision.

Compared to the simpler current mileage sticker, the new one might seem a bit overwhelming. When broken down, though, the new sticker can offer you valuable money-saving information.

Here’s what to expect with the new mileage sticker:

Vehicle Technology and Fuel Type
•    Text and icons in the upper right corner of the sticker indicate the type of vehicle and what type of fuel it runs on.
Fuel Economy
•    City, highway and combined miles per gallon values are listed for gasoline vehicles. The combined miles per gallon value is a weighted average of the vehicle’s city and highway miles per gallon.

Fuel Economy Comparison
•    The vehicle’s category is listed, along with the best and worst fueld economy within that category for the model year.
•    Vehicles that don’t use liquid fuels list a miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). The MPGe represents the number of miles a vehicle can go using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline.

Five-Year Comparison
•    This section lists the estimated fuel cost for the vehicle over a five-year period compared to the average new vehicle.
•    The five-year comparison is based on driving 15,000 miles/year and the projected fuel price for the year.

Fuel Consumption Rate
•    A chart shows the relationship between gallons of gas used over a given distance and miles per gallon.

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost
•    Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles and the projected gasoline price for the year, the estimated annual fuel cost shows you approximately how much you can expect to pay for fuel during your first year of ownership.

Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Rating
•    The vehicle is given a rating between one (worst) and 10 (best) for fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions.

CO2 Emissions Information

This section contains three sub-sections:
•    Based on tested tailpipe CO2 emission rates and displayed in grams per mile, the combined city and highway CO2 emissions are listed.
•    The lowest tailpipe emissions of all available vehicles is listed.
•    The FuelEconomy.Gov site is listed to direct buyers to more information about emissions from the production of various fuels.

Smog Rating
•    The rating for emissions that cause smog and other local air pollution is displayed using a slider bar scale of one (worst) to 10 (best).

QR Code
•    You can scan the label’s QR code with your smart phone to view helpful tools and additional vehicle information.

Web Site
•    The FuelEconomy.Gov web site is listed to direct you to a site where you can compare vehicles and enter personalized information to get the best possible cost and energy-use estimates.

Fine Print
•    The fine print is a reminder that fueld economy and emissions you experience while driving may be different from the estimates due to a number of reasons.

Be on the look-out for these new mileage stickers on new 2013 vehicles at your local Performance Auto dealer in the next two years!

April 22 will mark the 41st Earth Day – a day designated for recognizing, showing appreciation for and awareness of the Earth and its natural gifts. Nearly 175 countries commemorate this day, and it has even expanded into an entire week-long celebration of “Earth Week” in some communities.

In Omaha, Performance Auto Group will be showing their support for the natural world around us by getting involved in a number of events throughout the week. On Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Elmwood Park, Lexus of Omaha will be present, showcasing a variety of hybrid vehicles.  Other activities will include live music, services to recycle electronics, food and drinks and other family activities.

Also, on Wednesday April 20th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Physicians Mutual Corp Headquarters (off 26th & Dodge) there will be a large celebration featuring hybrid vehicles from many of our Performance Auto stores, including Baxter Ford, Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Performance Toyota-Scion. Stop by to join in the festivities, and check out our “green” fleet of cars!