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Ownership costs of traditional versus alternative fuel vehicles

As gas prices remain high, and an increasing number of automakers roll out plug-in hybrid cars and full-electric vehicles, it's becoming easier to be tantalized with the idea of driving right past the gas station and simply "plugging in." The debate ensues when it comes to cost: These alternative fuel vehicles mean a larger outlay of cash at the onset, but the long-term fuel savings could make the purchase worthwhile. To help straighten out this numbers game, we use the Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare alternative fuel vehicles with their gasoline-only counterparts. For each scenario, we assumed that our hypothetical owner was able to get the full $7,500 federal tax credit and a $2,500 state tax credit, such as is available in California.

Mercedes SLS AMG (2010): the 21st century Gullwing

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 10 September 2009 08:00 Just a day after McLaren unveiled its new supercar, Mercedes has revealed the SLS AMG. The English and German companies produced the unloved SLR together, but the new MP4-12C and SLS are fresh supercar starts for the pair. And although the McLaren is technically impressive, it isn’t a supercar stunner – the SLS emphatically is, with a long, low nose, stubby tail and incredible gullwing doors.

Lotus at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Tom Sharpe First Official Pictures 18 September 2009 13:55 Formula One won't be the only place that race fans will get the opportunity to cheer on Lotus in 2010, thanks to the Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar. Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show in full FIA-spec, the Type 124 signals the Norfolk-based company's return to sports car racing. First, the basics.