The update gives the LCDs new color palletes. Instead of the old blue scheme, the SmartGauge now has green and gold as a classier theme. The leaves which have been present since its intro is still there and still serves its purpose of giving feedback to the driver about the average consumption of fuel on the short term. If you have a thrifty driving style, the system will give you more leaves. Go metal to metal and the leaves will be gone.

The upgraded SmartGauge now provides an indicator for long-term good fuel consumption. There will be flowers, apple blossoms to be exact. If you have a good mileage, though the exact numbers were not shared by Ford, the first blooms will appear after a month or so, and more flowers will appear as you stretch the fuel you have. Earn all the flowers of the system and that will translate to a savings of around $8,000 in fuel and about 30 tons of carbon dioxide emission over the life span of the car.

Pretty cool!

Hyundai’s first hybrid model is a gasoline-electric version of their Sonata model, and is expected to reach North American shores in 2010. The hybrid model will have lithium-polymer battery technology and use a parallel-hybrid drive system. It will also have a 2.4-liter engine coupled with six-speed automatic transmission which will work with an electric motor of 30 kilowatts.

The HED-5 i-Mode, Hyundai’s crossover model, has enough room and space for six passengers. This model was put on display at Geneva, and has received a go signal for release in the United States. The engine that came with the display model can make 286 hp and get over 30 mpg when driven on the highway. This engine will also be used in the other vehicle models to be released in the US.

In addition to the hybrid and crossover model, Hyundai has also unveiled its Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, which has just recently shown to be successful in completing a 4,300-mile cross-country trek. In solidarity with the go-green campaign, Hyundai revealed that it also has plans of participating in a program that would offset the carbon dioxide emissions of the Genesis, the company’s new luxury sedan, by joining others’ efforts in preserving a Brazilian tropical forest.

The “blue” versions of the Elantra and Accent will be launched the next year, both models having recalibrated engines, low-rolling resistance tires, and other fuel-efficient technology.

Most major auto dealers, including Honda are researching and trying to come out with cars that run successfully on alternative fuels. Honda had unveiled its FCX clarity, a car that is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell at the Los Angeles auto show. Those who are familiar with this show know that the latest alternative fuel ideas are often unveiled over there. The Honda FCX clarity is fashioned on a concept vehicle that had been launched by the company in 2005.

Initially a limited number of these cars will be leased out to some privileged drivers of South California. It will be offered for a lease period of three years at $600 per month. This will make it the first fuel cell driven car that will be available to the general public.

The vehicles are going to use alternative fuel, instead of the regular imported gasoline. What they have are hydrogen-powered trucks that are expected to be more efficient and produce less emission. The US army also serves as a testing ground for this technology, which will soon become a standard in vehicle creation.

The hydrogen technology in cars will be highly commercialized in the years to come and the government is currently studying it to further set the standards. The newly shipped hybrid army vehicles are being evaluated under HAZOP. Their performance in terms of operability and hazards are tested. Their performance in weather conditions, terrain, and normal conditions are also being looked upon.

The first few shipments are using Ford Escape as the platform vehicle, integrated with Quantum’s hydrogen system. These are trucks are equipped with fuel injectors, fuel management system, pressure checker, and a hydrogen storage system, among others. Now that the army is using alternative fuel in its vehicles, it only shows that the government is serious with this endeavor.

This makes the Volt as the latest addition to the potent collection of today’s biodiesel cars. Biodiesel gas, which is mockingly referred to as the frying pan fuel, is currently making raves today as the cheapest and most environment-friendly car fuel. It is even possible to make such a fuel out of your own home – all you really need is a good electric heater and the necessary compounds, of course.

However, the Volt is more of an electric car than anything else. The biodiesel fuel loaded to it is normally used as back up. General Motors say that the Volt can run on 40 miles on a full battery charge. Essentially, its battery cells can answer the daily mileage requirements of everyday car uses. Its biodiesel gas, on the other hand, can answer for the long ride requirements and for the usual mistake of forgetting to charge the car.

In a regular vehicle the braking process results in more fuel being used. This is because they car has to get back to a certain speed and it takes fuel to do so. Hybrids rely on a process known as regenerative braking. Instead of using more fuel you will actually create more energy each time you step on the brakes.

All hybrids also have an automatic shut off sensor. This means when you roll up to a stop sign the engine will completely stop. As soon as you step on the gas pedal though it will restart. As a result the excess idling that adds up and wastes fuel is completely eliminated.

A smaller motor is used in hybrid vehicles so it takes less fuel to give them the necessary power. However, you don’t have to worry about not having enough power to go the proper speed limit or anything like that.