BP prepares output of new biofuels – algae diesel and butanol – starting in 2010

Filed under: Ethanol

BP could become the first major energy company to start commercial scale production of cellulosic ethanol in 2010 if all goes according to plan. BP has been partnering with Verenium Corporation to commercialize the latter company’s process for breaking down cellulose into sugars.
Verenium has been running a demonstration plant in Louisiana that can produce 1.4 million gallons of ethanol annually. The Verenium process relies on enzymes to break down theSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup ‘Street” edition arrives in January

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen

2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition – Click above to enlarge
When we were in Germany last month for the launch of the 2010 Golf, VW product planner Andres Valbuena told us that a special street replica of the Jetta TDI Cup race car would be launching in January 2010. We just got the first photo of the new limited edition model along with further details. The TDI Cup “Street” edition gets the same deeper front fascia, rocker panel and rear Source: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

VIDEO: Ken Block’s Subaru-based TRAX STI is an alpine badass

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Specialty

Ken Block’s Subaru WRX STI-based snow tank – Click above watch the video
Yes, that’s probably the first ever Subaru tank. We can’t say for certain, but I think in this case we can go ahead and assume. Driven by none other then Ken “Gymkhana” Block. Why does it exist? To be the “ultimate backcountry shred car,” of course. We think what that actually means is that you’ll be able to not only access rather remoteSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP

Filed under: SEMA Show, Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Blue Flame – Click above for high-res image gallery
When Ford first revealed the new F-150 SVT Raptor a year ago, the initial powerplant was the same 5.4-liter V8 found in more pedestrian F-series trucks. At the launch, however, Ford officials promised that an all-new 6.2-liter V8 would become available right about … now!. Well a month from now. The order books for the Raptor 6.2Source: Autoblog RSS Feed

Cramer talks about show

CNBC “Mad Money” host Jim Cramer was at the University of Oklahoma on Friday for a taping, and Don Mecoy of The Oklahoman talked to him about his show.

Mecoy writes, “‘I’m an entertainer about business — a business entertainer,’ he said a few hours before taping his show while at OU. ‘I’m a televangelist for money. I do a one-man sports show about business.’

“When asked about his regrets, Cramer immediately recalls some bad recent market calls.

Source: Talking Biz News RSS Feed

Wi-Fi Enabled and Dual Display Motorola Photo Frames

Wi-Fi Enabled and Dual Display Motorola Photo Frames >Motorola is mostly known for their cellular devices, but you may be surprised to know they also make home electronics like digital photo frames. It’s okay, we didn’t realize it either. So you know, here are several new digital photo frames with dual display and Wi-Fi connection…

(Via Unplugged.)

Source: Technopress RSS Feed

Zagato marks the end of an era with custom Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ferrari, Specialty, Design/Style

Ferrari 550 GTZ – Click above for high-res image gallery
When Ferrari took the wraps off the 550 Maranello in 1996, it represented an important step in the company’s evolution. Replacing the aging F512M (nee Testarossa), the 550 Maranello marked a shift back to front-engine V12 GTs for Ferrari – the niche market for which the company became known. But if the 550 Maranello was a pivotal product forSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

REPORT: Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota

Automakers make cars and trucks, no surprises there. Some even make other interesting things, like Honda, which also builds motorcycles, lawn mowers, jets, robots and solar cells. But until now, we haven’t heard of any car company that develops its own species of flowers. Thankfully, Toyota has reportedly stepped in to correct that oversight by creating two new derivatives of the cherry sage andSource: Autoblog RSS Feed

Hola! Renault-Nissan signs electric vehicle MOU with Barcelona; considers making batteries in France

Renault Fluence Zero Emissions Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Barcelona’s green transportation options have recently expanded to include rental bikes and hybrid buses. A new memorandum of understanding between Barcelona and the Renault-Nissan Alliance – in which they promise to “work together to identify areas of co-operations in promoting the use of zero emission vehicles in the city” – will also bring zero-emission vehicles to the Spanish city. It’s the latest ofSource: AutoblogGreen RSS Feed

Drop in CNBC viewers nothing to worry about

Jay Yarow of The Business Insider writes Wednesday that the big drop in CNBC’s October ratings compared to last year aren’t a concern because viewers were glued to the network a year ago due to the Wall Street turmoil and the upcoming election.

Yarow writes, “Last October was the middle of financial Armageddon.  But over a longer-term timeframe, the network is still crushing it.

“Over a five year time span, the ratings are way up. Here are the numbers according toSource: Talking Biz News RSS Feed