Top 10 Green Cars of 2015

Top 10 Green Cars of 2015
Dodge Reintroduces Challenger Shaker Models
Rinspeed Budii Concept to Debut at Geneva Motor Show
Audi R8 Peeks Out Before Official Debut
AutoGuide Now For the Week of February 16
Mercedes S-Class Pullman to Debut in March

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Taking the guesswork out of green transportation, this is a list of the 10 most environmentally friendly cars you can buy new in 2015.

The list is based on Greenercar.org's "Green Score," which incorporates both the car's tailpipe emissions and its environmental impact during manufacturing. The site also has a list of the "meanest" cars, which have the worst environmental impact. We'll have that list up very soon, but in the meantime, check out this list of cars that your inner hippie will fall in love with.

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Dodge Reintroduces Challenger Shaker Models

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Looking for a Dodge Challenger with even more visual appeal? Well the folks in Auburn Hills have reintroduced their "Shaker" model for 2015. These cars feature a functional hood scoop that rams fresh air into their Hemi V8 engines.

The company offered this option last year and unbelievably sold out in just four days. Customers have demanded they bring the shaker back and that's just what they're doing. This "air grabbing" option is offered on three versions of the Dodge Challenger: the R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker and 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker.

Of course this fancy hood scoop gets its nickname because it actually moves along with the engine. Unfortunately the shaking is probably minimal because Chrysler's modern Hemis are so smooth and refined.

R/T versions of the Challenger feature a 5.7-liter V8 that puts out up to 375 horses and 410 lb-ft of torque. These cars come dressed up with a variety of other goodies including special graphics, 20-inch rims and a black fuel-filler door.

392 Hemi variants boast a whopping 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. That's enough beans and franks to propel this car from zero to 60 miles an hour in the mid four-second range. The quarter-mile can be yours in the low 12s.

Challenger R/T shaker models are available for ordering right now and start right around $36,000. The 392 variant's books will open next month with the car kicking off in the mid 40s.

Discuss this story on our Dodge Forum.

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Rinspeed Budii Concept to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

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The Geneva Motor Show, which opens to the press next month, is a top venue for supercars and other exotic reveals. Appropriately vehicle builder and tuner Rinspeed is debuting an autonomous concept called the Budii.

Surprisingly this design study is based on the BMW i3 and was engineered by Swiss firm 4erC. Described by the company as a "trans-urban SUV" this concept is, not surprisingly, electrically driven, which is in lock-step with current trends.

Beyond this it features an adjustable air-suspension that can raise or lower the body a total of 100 millimeters. The Budii also rides on 19-inch, eight-spoke Borbet alloy wheels.

SEE ALSO: Rinspeed Budii is a Road Scholar

This concept may be autonomous but the driver can still have a little fun if desired. A robotic arm can hand the steering wheel off to the front passenger, allowing them to pilot the vehicle on twisty pavement or even off road. Not surprisingly the Budii features steer-by-wire technology so the wheel can be placed just about anywhere.

This wildly styled vehicle looks like a cross between a BMW and a Land Rover, with flattened, scowling headlamps and aggressive bumpers. It's just as futuristic inside, with a gigantic touch-screen display dominating the center console as well as bright colors and unique materials.

Look for the Rinspeed Budii to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in just a couple weeks.

GALLERY: Rinspeed Budii Concept

Discuss this story on our Luxury-Lifestyle Forum.

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Audi R8 Peeks Out Before Official Debut

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Audi just released a teaser image of its upcoming supercar ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Official details about the car are still being kept secret, but the next R8 is expected to share its architecture with the Lamborghini Huracan. That will mean that it will use a lightweight chassis that uses a lot of carbon fiber and aluminum to save weight while offering more structural rigidity than the old car. In turn, that should give it better performance and ostensibly improved fuel economy.

An image of the new R8 leaked earlier this month, revealing that the car will look very much like the current R8 but with sharper edges. The new model is expected to continue offering both V8 and V10 powertrains, but there are also rumors circulating that Audi is planning a less expensive model that would use a turbocharged V6. Beyond that, the company already said it plans to offer an electric version of the car as well.

Discuss this story at our luxury lifestyle forum

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AutoGuide Now For the Week of February 16

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As usual, we're testing new cars this week. But unlike most weeks, the roster includes an ultra luxurious sedan from Bentley. Oh, and there's also a family friendly crossover and a fuel efficient compact. Read all about it on AutoGuide Now.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – Mike Schlee, Road Test Editor: "Sometimes I come up with story ideas that sound great, until I begin to work out the logistics. Not learning a thing from Managing Editor Luke Vandezande's Epic Jetta drive, I will be testing how far I can drive on a single tank of diesel in a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI on Tuesday. In all, 11-12 hours of driving should be ahead of me as I test this car's limits."

2015 MINI Countryman: ""This week we're putting our general car reviewer in the most practical version of all the MINIs, the Countryman. Will Amanda warm up to the MINI's usability and charm? Or will it fail to make a big impression on her?"

2015 Bentley Flying Spur – Craig Cole, Associate Editor: "What is luxury? That's a tough question to answer but this week I aim to find out. You see, I'm evaluating the top-shelf Bentley Flying Spur, a luxury sedan for high-rollers, celebrities and professional athletes, definitely NOT Midwesterners that write for a living. With a sticker price north of 250 grand I suspect I'll be nicely coddled."

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Mercedes S-Class Pullman to Debut in March

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Mercedes will debut at least two new models at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

According to a report from Reuters, the German automaker will unveil its new S-Class Pullman, which will be a six-seater stretched limousine that was revealed in patent images late last year. Seen above is the previous-generation S-Class in Pullman trim and you can get a pretty good idea of what the new Pullman will look like taking on the new S-Class styling. It is expected that the Pullman will have a wheelbase that is about 3.3-feet longer than the standard production model, allowing for an extra row of seats with a row of rear-facing seats allowing for face-to-face discussions.

Joining the S-Class Pullman is the C-Class hybrid, which will be the first of many Mercedes vehicles to be sold with hybrid powertrains. Like other hybrids available in today's market, expect the C-Class hybrid to have the capability of commuting in an all-electric mode for city driving.