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2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Will Be Powered by Californians’ Shit

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The all-new Subaru Legacy production model may look like shit, but at least it won’t run on shit. The 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell crossover, however, will.

It all involves a complex process, developed by scientists at UC Irvine’s National Fuel Cell Research Center, which extracts hydrogen from human waste. It works a little like this. The solid waste is separated from the water and fed to microbes that convert the shit into methane and CO2. Those gases are then collected, filtered and sent to a dozen pumps spread throughout Southern California where Tucson Fuel Cell owners can fill up.

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A couple of shit-consuming, fuel-producing microbes.

It may not sound like the most appealing process in the world, but future Tucson owners aren’t likely to give a shit, as Hyundai estimates that a full tank will be good for roughly 300 miles. Even better, maintenance, as well as the cost of refueling at the pumps, is included with every lease.

Hyundai says that after a down payment of $2,999, the monthly payments for a three-year lease will be $499. It sounds a bit steep for a lease payment, but when you consider the fact that the fuel is free, the price sounds quite reasonable. Apparently I’m not the only one that thinks so, either.

Last month, the automaker claimed that 90,000 people had viewed the website explaining the lease program. How many of those people are expressing interest in leasing the shit-fueled vehicle is still unknown, but as the program sounds pretty beneficial, I would imagine that the Tucson Fuel Cell will find a great deal of success. We will find out when the 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell arrives this spring.

As disgusting as the whole process may sound, this could really be a big step for hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Los Angeles residents will serve as the guinea pigs for the idea, but if reception is positive, it’s likely that the shit of every American could eventually serve as the fuel of the future.

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John is a full-time automotive blogger who digs cars, but also spends a disturbing amount of time watching and reading about movies. His first car was a maroon 1993 Buick Skylark which, after a solid seven-year run, was laid to rest in August of 2013. He currently writes for phantomcopy.com.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. shrek

    Feb 27, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    what’s up with the lower case ”d” on debate. I want the big d

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Ford Continues to Please Minivan-Skeptic Soccer Moms

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Ford Aerostar Minivan Exterior Does Ford Still Make

If the words Aerostar, Windstar and Freestar mean anything to you, you know that Ford is responsible for some of the best minivans ever made. Beginning with the first model Aerostar in 1986, Ford’s snub-nosed minivan set the standard of what would be created by automotive manufacturers in this class for decades.

The Aerostar was also the first minivan in the United States to feature upgraded, luxury packages. With an XLT package, and Eddie Bauer trim levels, the Ford Aerostar allowed drivers to bring passengers, cargo and more in style. For the first time, drivers could take advantage of the versatile and reliable minivan platform, without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

Does Ford Still Make a Minivan?

The Aerostar continued in the mid-90s as the Ford Windstar. The Windstar was a complete reinvention, shifting the drivetrain from RWD to FWD, and bringing the flagship minivan more in line with current minivan design. The Windstar became the Freestar in the early 2000s, lasting until the 2007 model year, with the final Ford “Star line” minivan rolling off the assembly line in December of 2006.

While we don’t know for sure what was behind Ford’s decision to discontinue their family-marketed minivan, we can take a guess. For starters, Ford has extended their reputation for reliable cars and trucks into the crossover market. With options covering a wide range of size and seating configurations (everything from the subcompact Ford Ecosport to the boxy family hauler Ford Flex), crossovers have become the new favorite for family vehicles.

Ford’s versatile crossover line has a vehicle that can meet almost any need. Do you have a small family? Go with the popular 2018 Ford Escape. Big family with lots of stuff to haul? The 2018 Ford Expedition has your back.

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Although crossovers and SUVs provide some distinct advantages (presence of AWD, higher ground clearance, and uni-body construction), the market for minivans hasn’t completely died, and neither has Ford’s commitment to providing drivers with a competent and compelling option.

Good News: Ford Still Makes a Passenger Minivan

ford transit connect passenger van in solar color_oAlthough Ford’s marketing has shifted toward promoting their incredible range of crossovers and SUVs as family choices, they still offer a more traditional minivan in the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon. Utilizing the same body construction as the Ford Transit cargo van, the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon features up to 7 seats, and plenty of standard safety and comfort technology.

Lower ride height (easier in and out), sliding doors and greater visibility are among the reasons people still prefer vans for transporting their families. Additionally, the more contoured shape of most crossovers (not looking at you, Ford Flex) means that vans provide better cargo room! Family of four traveling cross-state with three suitcases? A Ford Explorer should be a great option.

Family of six, with a dog and 10 bags going cross-country, however, and the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon starts to look a lot more up to the job.

Ford has a sterling reputation across the spectrum of vehicles they manufacture. Although the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon isn’t among their more well-known, it’s among the most competent and best value options in the minivan class.

 

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I Wasn’t Always a Dale Jr Fan – But Now I Get It

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It was the crowning moment of the career of Nascar’s most popular driver. The 2004 Daytona 500. The chosen son, Dale Earnhardt Jr, had won the race that his father tragically died competing in only three years earlier.

Reports of the day say that everyone in the crowd was on their feet, cheering. Grown men were in tears. It was quite the moment, they say.

Well, I can tell you that there was at least one person that wasn’t cheering. That’s because I was that lone defector. (more…)

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The Essence Of 90’s Chevy Truck Commercials

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If you ever watched television for more than an hour at any time during the 90’s, you probably remember Chevy’s “Like a Rock” commercials. They aired on just about every channel, so they were pretty hard to miss—and pretty hard to forget as well. Even two decades later the sound of Bob Seger belting out those now-famous words is still shockingly memorable. (more…)

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