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We here at AutoblogGreen are big on technology that can lower environmental impact. Hybrids are widely touted as one way of doing that although some are much better at it than others. With over a million of the most popular hybrid, the iconic Prius, being sold there must be a noticeable decrease in the amount of gas being burned by Americans, right? Have you ever wondered how much gas would be saved if we all drove a Prius? About half, unless we all drive like Danika. OK, that’s an unlikely scenario. How about if 10 percent of the car-driving public used some kind of hybrid? With 2.2 percent of the cars sold last year being hybrids it seems we are on our way to that small milestone.

After pulling out my slide rule (and then putting it away after I remembered I never did learn how to use it), calculator and a copy of the I Ching, I set out to solve this problem of the ages. According to the Department of Energy (DOE) we burned through 9,290,000 barrels (390 million gallons) of gas a day in 2007, which is about half of all finished petroleum used - so we’re not even talking about diesel or aviation fuel. Using advanced algebraic formulae which required the participation of all of my fingers and toes, I’ve deduced we could save about 6,285,000,000 gallons each year (around 16 days worth of gas) if ten percent of us drove hybrids. A big number indeed but one I hope we can soon surpass.
[Source: Energy Information Administration]

When we had our First Drive in BMW’s new X6 Sport Activity Coupe, we didn’t get the opportunity to really measure fuel consumption, since the vehicles were gassed-up when we got behind the wheel and were then refuelled during our lunch break. A glance at the on-board computer of the ‘35i we drove on the long route through the mountains indicated about 13.5 mpg which is nothing to write home about. The other day, BMW sent us the preliminary EPA numbers for the X6 which came in at 15/20/17mpg city/highway/combined for the turbo six cylinder model. The 404hp turbo V-8 completed the test cycles with ratings of 13/18/15mpg. When the two-mode hybrid version of the version of the X6 debuts in 2009, it will be combined only with the V-8 engine. With an expected 25 percent improvement overall, the X6 hybrid should hit about 18-19mpg combined.

[Source: BMW]

Whether you call it “premium,” “super unleaded,” or even “high test,” it all means the same thing — the most expensive gasoline at the pump (except maybe diesel). In a somewhat counterproductive trend, the skyrocketing cost of fuel is forcing automobile manufacturers to use smaller and more powerful engines, often with forced-induction. Unfortunately, these engines require higher octane… the distinguishing feature of premium fuel.

Kelley Blue Book has been following the trend and according to their analysis, there were 166 vehicle models that required premium fuel in 2002. This year, that number is up to 282. While some automakers only require premium for their highest performing models, companies like BMW call for premium fuel across their model range.

While there is no advantage to running premium fuel in an engine that doesn’t call for it, you should run the higher octane fuel in a powerplant designed for it (if in doubt, check the owner’s manual, or the inside of the fuel filler door). While nearly every late-model high-performance engine on the road can handle a slightly lower octane rating without damage, don’t skimp when filling up as your fuel economy and horsepower will suffer (yes, it will likely negate any savings at the pump).
[Source: USA Today]