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Recharge Wrap-up: AutoNation CEO calls anti-Tesla laws unnecessary, Common Pence donates subway money

Volkswagen has presented a list of near-term technologies to improve fuel economy and decrease emissions. The list includes an addition to a coasting function in its stop-start system, a 10-speed DSG transmission and a more power-dense four-cylinder TDI engine. Volkswagen aims to be the world's most sustainable automaker by 2018 through electric mobility, improved design and increased environmental performance from internal combustion vehicles. Volkswagen also announced other technologies for increased interactivity and connectivity in its vehicles. Read more at Green Car Congress. Commence Pence is a system that allows subway riders in London to donate their unused transit money to charity. People visiting the city often load up enough on their subway card (called Oyster Card) to get them through their trip and end up with unused funds leftover. Zander Whitehurst, a British designer, has created a device that can use the card's RFID to accept leftover funds, which then get diverted to charity rather than reverting back to the agency in charge of running the subway fare system. See the video below or read more at Wired. Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation has called Michigan's efforts to ban Tesla's direct sales in the state "unnecessary protectionism." The statement comes as a bit of a surprise, as it dissents from the majority of auto dealers who support a franchise model, as well as laws that forbid automakers selling directly to the consumer. "If Elon Musk wants to make a mistake and go with an inefficient distribution system, that's his right as an American," says Jackson, showing he feels he has little to fear from the electric automaker. Jackson has more to say on the matter, which you can read over at Green Car Reports. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Tesla Stores Around The World View 22 Photos News Source: Green Car Congress, Wired, Green Car ReportsImage Credit: Rick Bowmer / AP Government/Legal Green Tesla Volkswagen Fuel Efficiency Transportation Alternatives Electric recharge wrapup

2016 VW Passat starts at $23,260

With the recent reveal of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, VW has shown a refusal to let the company's diesel-emissions scandal keep it from launching updated models in the US. When the sheet came off, the company told us that the refreshed sedan would start at $23,260, after the $820 destination charge on all versions. Now, we're getting the pricing details for the entire revised lineup. On all but the very top model, buyers get a 1.8 TSI turbo four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and six-speed automatic transmission. The base Passat S offers that combo for the same price as last year, but VW claims $1,315 in extra equipment is now included, like a five-inch MIB II infotainment system and automatic post-collision braking system. An optional LED lighting package runs $1,245 on the S, but prices differ on other levels. Pricing has not been released for the 2016 Passat TDI. That model needs a fix for its emissions cheating software before it can be certified by the EPA, and go on sale. Jumping to the Passat R-Line for $24,975 gets buyers black accents on the front bumper, 19-inch wheels and a tweaked rear diffuser. Another $775 adds the R-Line comfort package with a power driver's seat, heated front chairs, leatherette upholstery, and heat for the exterior mirrors and washer nozzles. Paying $27,100 for the Passat SE includes amenities like 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, 6.3-inch MIB II system, and adaptive cruise control. In addition, there's the SE with Technology for $29,230 with a blind-spot monitoring, push-button start, rear-traffic alert, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The next step up is the SEL for $31,315 with a plethora of extra luxuries. It gets 18-inch wheels, an upgraded Fender stereo, Vienna leather seats, power front chairs, and a rear pass-through. Sitting at the top of the range is the SEL Premium for $35,090. This trim has even more tech, including lane departure warning with active steering, active blind-spot monitor, front and rear park-distance control, and parking steering assistant. The LED lights are standard, as well. Plus, for $37,655 buyers can get the V6 SEL Premium with a 3.6-liter VR6. It makes 280 hp and 258 lb-ft and is linked to a six-speed DSG. Getting the bigger engine also adds dual trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips and Hill Hold Control.

Autoblog Podcast #389

Episode #389 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, and Mark Pereira from Autoblog Canada talk about Johan deNysschen's move to Cadillac, rumors of more BMW nomenclature changes, a second generation for the Subaru BRZ, and cars from 2004 that we miss. We start with what's in the garage and finish up with some of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Check out the new rundown below with times for topics, and you can follow along down below with our Q&A. Thanks for listening! Autoblog Podcast #389: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. Topics: Johan de Nysschen moves to Cadillac BMW model designations changing even more Subaru BRZ getting second generation Cars We Miss In the Autoblog Garage: 2014 Ducati 899 Panigale 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2015 Volkswagen GTI 2015 Chevrolet Silverato 2500 Diesel Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Mark Pereira Runtime: 01:59:10 Rundown: Intro and Garage - 00:00 Johan deNysschen - 36:12 BMW Nomenclature - 53:58 BRZ - 56:27 Cars We Miss - 01:05:07 Q&A - 01:30:09 Get the podcast: [UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10 PM Eastern at UStream [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback: Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show in iTunes Auto News Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Podcasts BMW Cadillac Chevrolet Hyundai Subaru Volkswagen