Proposed EPA Changes Add Just $7 To <b>Cost</b> Of <b>Cars</b> | CleanTechnica |
| Proposed EPA Changes Add Just $7 To <b>Cost</b> Of <b>Cars</b> | CleanTechnica Posted: 09 Jun 2014 05:50 AM PDT   Some people just love to throw a temper tantrum, and we're seeing some predictably gloomy predictions regarding the EPA's proposed changes to managing carbon emissions. Some are predicting increased utility rates and mass unemployment, but cooler heads are meeting these accusations with studies of their own. A new study suggests that it would only cost automakers about $7 per car to comply with the EPA's new regulations. The study focuses on higher electric rates, and finds that automakers can cover the extra cost by literally pocket change, according to Green Car Reports. There's actually even more to the study than that. Entitled Severe Weather and Manufacturing in America: Comparing the Costs of Droughts, Storms, and Extreme Temperatures with the Cost of the New EPA Standards, it focuses on what major businesses have to lose by not acting on climate change. Charging an extra $7 per car to cover the cost of extra electricity is small potatoes compared to the potential costs of climate change and extreme weather. Shutting down an assembly line at a major auto plant could cost a company as much as $1.25 million…per hour. In comparison, the higher electric rates will cost a factory that makes 150,000 vehicles per year an extra $1.05 million, about 20% less than a single lost hour of production. Fighting climate change isn't just about common sense…it's about dollars and sense. That's the only way we'll get through to some of these doubters. Keep up to date with all the hottest cleantech news by subscribing to our (free) cleantech newsletter, or keep an eye on sector-specific news by getting our (also free) solar energy newsletter, electric vehicle newsletter, or wind energy newsletter.   About the Author Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances. Related Posts US Climate Action "Costs" Illuminated → Carbon Pollution Standards Can Save Americans $37.4 Billion → Can The EPA Make Fracking Safe? → "Clean Gas" More Dangerous Than Coal (VIDEOS) →Back to Top ↑  |
| Audi Announces <b>Pricing</b> for the 2015 A8; <b>Prices</b> Start at $78325 Posted: 04 Jun 2014 01:26 PM PDT
To the delight of über-luxury fans everywhere, Audi today announced a starting price of $78,325 on the redesigned A8 series. All seven models of the A8 model line will continue, with price increases ranging from $2030 on the top-of-the-line W12 to $2830 on the A8L 4.0T. The average is slightly less than $2500, or about three percent on most models. The 2015 car represents a mid-cycle enhancement and not an all-new model, but the styling is refreshed with a more aggressive front end: The hood is ridged, there are new standard LED headlights, and the grille and front graphics are revised. The hot-rod S8 receives its own unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and also offers an optional new sport exhaust with wide oval-shaped quad tailpipes.
The powertrain lineup remains the same: The base engine is still the 333-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 offered in both standard ($78,325) and long-wheelbase versions ($82,325). The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 packs 435 ponies this year, up 15 from 2014. It's also available in short ($87,325) and long form ($91,325). The 520-hp twin-turbo S8 ($115,825) is only available as a short-wheelbase model. The 2015 lineup is rounded out by the TDI diesel ($86,025) and the 500-hp W12 flagship ($138,825), both available only in the XL body style. Other changes for 2015 include standard electromechanical steering—variable-ratio dynamic steering is part of an optional Sport package—and an active lane assist that can steer the car back into a lane. The available night-vision system already had pedestrian detection, but now adds animal detection that can help alert the driver to deer and other animals in the roadway. Also new is a secondary collision-assist system that can apply the brakes after an initial crash. Lastly on the tech front, Audi now offers a head-up display that shows speed, navigation, and adaptive-cruise functions.
Moving to the interior, there are available 22-way power-adjustable front comfort seats with five different massage functions. The cabin itself is quieter and Audi boasts that the trunk has more usable space. The S8 receives a deliciously named Vermont Brown leather interior matched with carbon-twill copper inlays as an option. The 2015 A8 is expected to arrive in showrooms later this month. |
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