The cold hard truth for western countries is that China is on well on track to becoming the most powerful economy in the world. Acknowledging this fact, Lamborghini decided to establish a new branch in China in the country´s capital city Beijing that will start operations at the beginning of 2009. Currently, the Italian sports carmaker has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. The company's China sales this year a expected to grow by 186% or from 27 cars in 2007 towards 80 in 2008.
"China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people," said President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann.
"The development of wealth and the developing 'savoir-vivre' in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini's future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale," he added.
Looking for the best SUV for your family? While the economic climate has changed dramatically, America has not stopped buying SUVs. For big families, it’s either an SUV or a minivan, and for those in colder climates, it’s the SUV that gets the nod. While determining which SUV best suits your family’s requirements needn’t be a drawn out process; it does take a bit of time and an open mind. The best SUV for your needs might not be the one you have your heart set upon. The good news is that the recent drop in gasoline prices and the glut of SUVs on dealer lots has created a buyers market. I chatted with an old friend of mine earlier this evening. His marital situation is changing and he’s ready to buy a new SUV, but he’s not sure exactly which model to choose.
Joe Cool: Hi Dan. I have a bit of a dilemma in the car department and am hoping you can help me out.
Dan Gray: Hey there, old friend, tell me about that dilemma.
Joe Cool: I’m coming out of a divorce and will end up with two cars, neither of which I want. The first is a Toyota Prius. It’s from the first year of the second generation of the car, and it’s good, but it’s too small and definitely doesn’t handle poor weather well.The second is a Volvo XC90 SUV and while it’s a good size and handles poor weather (snow, ice, etc) well, it gets terrible mpg. They’re both in good condition with relatively low mileage for their age. I want to trade them both in - for whatever I can get - and buy a new car to replace them both. I have three kids and really like the hybrid concept and supporting newer auto technology. So my question to you: if I want good mpg, a hybrid and a car that can handle crummy weather, what do you recommend, Dr. Auto?
Dan Gray: The good news is that you should have a good chunk of change in your residual values. The second generation Toyota Prius has held its resale value remarkably well. Since you have three kids, you’re fair game for a SUV, or better yet, a crossover … which is codeword for “kinda like an SUV, but more like a station wagon.”
Joe Cool: did I mention those magic words “price is not a constraint”? I want a car that’ll work for all of us for years to come — including if I have a new woman come into my life too (e.g. needs to be space for 5, not just 4).
Dan Gray: It’s always fun spending someone else’s money, old friend … lets see if we can come up with some ideas. Hmmmm … Dad + three kids + the mystery woman …
Joe Cool: Already sounds like a good movie!
Dan Gray: Either that, or a sequel to the Brady Bunch! It sounds like you may need more than two rows of seating, if your kids have friends to bring along, or if your new friend has a kid of her own (or a dog).
Joe Cool: well, I don’t want a SCHOOL BUS!
Dan Gray: Fear not … you will not be driving the short bus,
Joe Cool: Nice film reference.
Dan Gray: Looking at the current crop of three row hybrid SUVs … there’s the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Chevy Tahoe/Cadillac Escalade Hybrids, and the Dodge Durango/Chrysler SUV Hybrids. The GM and Chrysler SUV hybrids are large trucks. The Toyota is more car-like. If you were going to tow a trailer, you’d want to look at either the GMs or Chryslers. If not, the Toyota might be the best fit … again, if you need three rows of seating.
Joe Cool: well, my youngest is only 5, so theoretically I could have three squished into a single row. But it’s most definitely NOT optimal. Tell me a bit about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Dan Gray: The Highlander Hybrid is roomy and comfortable, with most of the high-tech stuff I know you love. Since you’ve been driving your Prius for a while, you’re already familiar with what it takes to get the most miles out of every gallon with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
Joe Cool: Toyota site says they’re coming out with an all new 4-cylinder engine for the Highlander? What’s the scoop with that?
Dan Gray: If I’m not mistaken, the new 4-cylinder engine will be available in the standard Highlander, not in the Hybrid. Are you dead set on a hybrid? Would you consider other technologies?
Joe Cool: Are you sure it has a third row? Or is that only in the non-hybrid?
Dan Gray: The 2008 Highlander Hybrid that I test drove over the summer had three rows of seating. The third row is an option.
Joe Cool: Okay what’s the difference between the “Hybrid” and the “Hybrid Limited”?
Dan Gray: The Highlander Hybrid Limited adds niceties like a power lift gate and leather interior. Once you fully option it out, you can land in the high 40s.
Joe Cool: I price my configuration out at $41k if I get the non-”limited” edition. But I can’t see on their configurator how to specify a third row. On the Volvo, the third row is only rated for max 45 pounds/person (e.g. younger kids). Do you know if the Highlander third row is for bigger kids?
Dan Gray: The third row seating is part of the “popular package.” We’d have to dig for the seating capacity, although I don’t recall that the third row was as tight your Volvo. While the Highlander Hybrid is a very nice SUV, there are other vehicles which may offer a bit more appeal for the single dad. If I were in your comfortable shoes, I might also look at the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz 320, and … if you want to go domestic, the Ford Flex.
Joe Cool: I was looking at the Lexus 400h, actually. Not good for me + another adult + all three kids, but for the four of us, a very nice vehicle.
Dan Gray: The Lexus 400h hybrid is a lovely vehicle … like a living room on wheels … and it’s fast.
Joe Cool: Tell me about the Ford Flex?
Dan Gray: Haven’t see one yet? The Ford Flex is unlike anything else, although it might remind you of the station wagons we rode in as kids. There’s a certain nostalgic appeal in the big boxy lines. The interior is what puts this one over the top … It completely rethinks the concept of people mover. Ford touts it as “Limo Style Comfort”
Joe Cool: All these cars get crappy mpg, though. The Q7 gets 14, the Flex gets 17. Surely I can do better than that?
Dan Gray: Ford’s higher MPG solution for the Flex is still a year or two away … they have a new direct injection engine that’s rumored to deliver 20% better mileage.
Joe Cool: From 17mpg to 19mpg? Hardly worth the effort.
Dan Gray: Be patient, grasshopper. It should offer a bit more then that. The 2009 Audi Q7, on the other hand, is available with a new clean diesel engine that delivers significantly better mileage.
Joe Cool: I get 40-48 MPG on my Prius.
Dan Gray: Apples to oranges, old friend. Compare the weight of the Prius to that of a SUV. And consider the effects of AWD.
Joe Cool: Right, that’s why I want to find something in the middle, though. Going from 45mpg to 15mpg when at least 50% of the time I’ll be likely driving it solo is going to be painful.
Dan Gray: And that’s the rub.
Joe Cool: Which is why a smaller SUV like the 400h is nice. Maybe I just need to let go of the “4 + 1″ sort of configuration. Really, my prime consideration is a hybrid that can handle rough winter driving conditions. That’s how we ended up keeping the Volvo when we got the Prius in the first place. So if I could replace both with a high-mpg AWD vehicle that doesn’t have ANY additional space for passengers, but is just safer and newer, well, that’d work for me.
Dan Gray: The Ford Escape Hybrid and it’s cousin the Mercury Mariner Hybrid get excellent mileage in town, but are more truck-like then the 400h or Highlander Hybrid.
Joe Cool: Hate to sound anti-American, but I haven’t bought an American car in years. All my prior experience has been poor, and my experience with Toyota, in particular, has been consistently splendid.
Dan Gray: Quite all right … I’ve been reviewing cars with an open mind … after buying nothing but Hondas for years on end. No doubt there are models that you’ve overlooked. You might want to look at the Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid … it’s designed in Europe and is currently claims he highest highway MPGs of all the 5-seat SUVs sold here in America. The VUE Green Line has clean lines and rides well … there’s a two-mode hybrid system on the way that will boost mileage, or so they say.
Joe Cool: What’s Saturn’s reputation in the last year or two?
Dan Gray: For that, I’d say check with Consumer Reports. The great thing right now is that car dealers are hungry for sales, no matter which marquee … they’re almost all feeling the pinch. It’s a good time to shop.
Joe Cool: 32mpg highway: the Saturn VUE hybrid is definitely more like it! Did Saturn license the Toyota hybrid technology, or is it their own?
Dan Gray: It’s GM’s tech, from what I understand. Strictly a mild hybrid currently … you can’t creep around on the electric motor. The bigger downside for you is that it’s FWD only at this point.
Joe Cool: Oh, that’s not going to work. I need 4wd. I go up into the mountains during bad weather. mountains = the Rockies. So what 4wd hybrids are on the market?
Dan Gray: We’ve hit them all … Lexus 400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid, and the Chrysler.
Joe Cool: Audi Q7, Lexus 400h, Ford Flex … so if I omit American cars…
Dan Gray: The Audi Q7 is available with a clean diesel engine. As are the Mercedes 320 models.
Joe Cool: Lexus 400h, Toyota Highlander,…. that’s it? Two SUV hybrids, even in the 2009 line?
Dan Gray: Yep, that’s it. And Honda does not have a hybrid SUV, as of yet.
Joe Cool: 2010? What’ll show up mid-next year?
Dan Gray: There will be a Lincoln version of the Ford Flex. Honda might *finally* have a clean diesel engine in, most likely, an Acura SUV. I’ve driven the Euro diesel Honda CR-V and it’s a lovely little beast.
Joe Cool: Acura versus Lexus: which is a better brand?
Dan Gray: They are both formidable marquees. I’ve always been a Honda guy, but I drove seven Toyotas in a row this past summer.
Joe Cool: and what did you think of the 7 Toyos?
Dan Gray: Good solid values. It’s interesting experiencing vehicles this way. Once you take the skin out of the game, you can be more objective. We all come into these purchase decision processes with preconceptions. Often, our minds are already made up as to what we want to buy. The seven Toyotas were great cars, each and every one in its own way. You can’t really compare a Yaris to a RX400x. But they were both wonderful for what they are and who they serve.
Joe Cool: Right. and I feel blessed that I’m not pricing Yaris, personally.
Dan Gray: The Yaris is an absolutely wonderful little car … I believe the name comes from the Greek, Charis, or “gift”.
So, I say … go shopping and have fun with this purchase … keep an open mind … Look at brands you might not have considered before. And if you come home to Toyota, that’s fine, too.
Joe Cool: Cool. Thanks for the great info and list of additional cars to check out. I’ll try to pop by the Audi dealer in the next few days to check out a Q7, to start.
The above video is the correct way to handle a traffic stop. After the jump, I’ve posted several very informative videos about dealing with police, including the complete video that this excerpt was taken from, called “BUSTED: The Citizen’s Guide to Surviving Police Encounters“.
If you get pulled over, just remain calm and remember your rights. Keep your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them. Police officers in some states have the legal right to search your car if they say they “smell” drug smoke. This is a very obvious loophole, but one you have to deal with since it is the law. The best way to deal with it is to only lower your window enough to talk to the officer and pass him your license and registration. You are under no obligation to lower your window completely.
When he requests them, show the officer your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Try to remember the officers’ badge number and patrol car numbers, and write them down as soon as you have the chance. Police WILL try to intimidate you, and they WILL make you wait. Maintain your composure, don’t show fear, and be polite. The police officer will most likely ask you if you know why he pulled you over. Say no, never admit to speeding or try to guess why you were pulled over; just say no.
Don’t get into an argument with the police. You cannot win an argument with a police officer. Also remember that anything you say or do can be used against you, so say as little as possible. In some cases, police can search your car without a warrant based on “probable cause”. Make it clear that you do not consent to a search so you’re protected later on. It’s not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search. Remember that, NEVER consent to search.
Refusing a search DOESN’T mean you’re guilty. The age old argument: “Well sonny, honest people don’t have anything to hide” is nonsense. That argument has been debunked many times over. Don’t let that old line influence you.
At the bottom of this post, I’ve posted several very informative videos. The first two are from a talk given by James Duane, a lawyer and law professor, and the third is the complete Flex Your Rights video on how to handle a police stop.
Unfortunately, police enjoy a monopoly on protection. They’re the only game in town, so they aren’t pressured by the forces of the free market to make their customers happy. Police can generally act however they want and do whatever they please and we have to keep paying them to protect us. It’s an unfortunate situation, but until we live in a world with competing police services, where we can choose protection companies like we choose our cell phone provider, then we have to deal with it. So remember your rights, and don’t give in to police intimidation.
Don’t talk to cops, part 1:
Don’t talk to cops, part 2:
BUSTED: The Citizen’s Guide to Surviving Police Encounters:
Expecting 186% growth in Chinese sales this year, Lamborghini has decided to add a satellite office in Beijing. The Italian automaker's new branch should be open for business in early 2009 and will support the three dealerships currently in the country along with the two new ones on the way. And what does 186% growth represent for a niche automaker like Lambo? The company sold 28 cars in China in 2007, and they're on track for 80 this year. GM it ain't, but then Lamborghini also appears to be making money and expanding its business. Press release below the jump.
Automobili Lamborghini establishes new branch in People´s Republic of China
As part of the strategy to further expand its global business activities, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will found a branch in China. Following a recent decision by the Board of Management, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer will establish Automobili Lamborghini China in the country´s capital city Beijing and will start operations at the beginning of 2009.
Lamborghini´s rise to become one of the most successful and profitable super sportscar manufacturers is the result of a clear dual strategy. First, the creation of an incomparable new, broad and attractive product portfolio. Second and equally important, the ongoing expansion of brand representation to ensure substantial presence in all major markets of the world.
The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann, points out the strategic rationale of the move: "China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people. The development of wealth and the developing 'savoir-vivre' in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini's future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale."
In 2008 Automobili Lamborghini expects a growth of car sales in China by 186% (28 cars in 2007 toward 80 in 2008). The market for luxury products is characterized by stable and solid growth and by a wide presence in practically all major economic metropolis throughout the country. At the time being, Automobili Lamborghini has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. More are to be established.
Lamborghini is focused on establishing a roughly equal split of worldwide sales between the three major continental regions: Northern America, Europe and Asia
Stephan Winkelmann has appointed Eginardo Bertoli as Country Manager of Automobili Lamborghini China. Mr Bertoli will report directly to Enrico Maffeo, Director of Sales and Customer Service worldwide, who is based at the Lamborghini headquarters in Italy. Mr. Bertoli has a strong background in the automotive industry, having worked for a range of international companies such as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Kongsberg Automotive and Interpump Group S.p.A.
Mr Bertoli's career has included senior positions in Italy, the USA as well as China. During his three years' assignment for Iveco Motors in Shanghai he gained substantial experience of the Chinese market. Zhang Xiaodong will be head of customer service China. He will manage all aftersales operations including warranty, parts and service, and will report to Eginardo Bertoli.
The T-REX($43,000) is a three-wheeler superbike packed with a 1200cc 4 cylinder engine that going 0-97 km/h in a 4.1 seconds and the top a top speed of 225 km/h. The T-REX is available in 4 colors(Red, yellow, blue or black). It features includes a multi-tubular steel-roll cage for maximum protection and the glass-fibre reinforced plastic body contains a carbon-fibre windscreen and headrest.
Long answer: the SUV craze of the late 90's and early 21st century came into play from the perspective that they were safer and more practical. Even though they presented other challenges that made them more likely to get into an accident, they are considered "more metal" to have around you and are therefore seen as safer by many drivers.
The convenience factor is obvious. Families are able to fit more easily in them. Transporting 5 or more people is much more comfortable than in a car, truck, and sometimes even a minivan.
All of that makes it sound like the dropping gas prices will rejuvinate the failing market. There are two factors that will prevent it from happening.
Those who traded in their SUVs for fuel-efficient vehicles can't trust the drop in gas prices. They are low now, but how long will it last?
Manufacturers learned their lesson and have cut production across the board of these vehicles. Lower production means higher demand, which means higher prices, which means more people will lean towards more affordable vehicles, especially with the state of the economy.
Those who have kept their SUVs will continue to keep their SUVs.
Gas prices may have been the catalyst that started the reduction of SUVs on the road, but lowering prices will not change it back. With the environment becoming more of a mainstream issue that touches us all, people started feeling good about their decisions. Even if it was the prices of gas that pulled them our of their SUVs, they still felt like they were making the right decision for the environment as well.
Regardless of what gets people thinking about the environment, it's always difficult to stop thinking about it. Once it's embedded in a person's thoughts, their actions and decisions are normally effected forever.
Two thirds of all Americans aged 18-24 cannot find Iraq on a map; 33% couldn’t identify Louisiana; 47% couldn’t find India; 75% think English was the most widely spoken language in the world. People are idiots, and this isn’t a uniquely American phenomenon, it’s worldwide. The majority of human beings on Earth are stone dumb. Being dumb, most people do dumb things, like unknowingly destroy their car.
So we’ve assembled the top 10 everyday things people do to ruin their cars, to help guide you through your own stupidity, into the light. Check it:
1. Not Using The Parking Brake
It’s a little pedal near your left leg, or a lever on your right. Yes, that mysterious device that you’ve never used is actually valuable. When you park on an incline, or even on fairly steady ground, without using the parking brake, you’re putting all of the stress of the car on your transmission. The only thing inside that transmission holding your car steady is a little pin called a parking pawl. By using the parking brake, you lock up the non-drive wheels as well as the drive wheels and take the stress off of the transmission. It’ll add years of life to your cars transmission. Just remember to disengage it before you start driving again.
2. Not Coming To A Complete Stop Before Shifting
So you’re in a rush, and you pull out of a parking space and shift into drive while the car is still coasting backwards. You’ve just added months of wear to your transmission in seconds. Inside your transmission is a complex set of gears, when you shift without stopping like that, you’re asking those gears to work as your brakes, which puts an amazing amount of stress on such a small area. You can also damage your drive shafts, the things that send power to the wheels, by shifting that way. After a while, it’ll lead to sloppy suspension handling, and a worn out transmission.
3. Riding The Brakes Down A Hill
If you are driving on a hill that goes on for a while, you’ll want to avoid riding the brake the whole time. Alternate between braking and letting off the brake so you don’t heat up and wear out your brake pads. It’s a common mistake, because it feels like the safest way to maneuver down a hill, but if the hill is sufficiently long, you can end up almost totally wearing out your pads, since as they heat up, they wear faster.
4. Forgetting To Change The Oil
You need to change your oil every 5,000 miles at the most. That’s really all there is to it. I actually read a blog online that said you can wait until your oil light comes on to change your oil. I’ve worked in the automotive business… by the time your oil light comes on, the oil inside your engine has turned into jet black molasses and is of no use to your engine. In the short term, I suppose it’s not that important, but more frequent changes can actually double the life of your car and greatly increase its performance.
5. Pressure Washing The Engine
I can respect a person’s desire to want a clean engine. It gets grimy under there and a guy with a pressure washer is a dangerous thing for grime - you want to point it at anything even slightly dirty. But a grimy engine that runs right is better than a clean engine that doesn’t run at all. And if you spray a high powered jet of water around rubber seals and hoses and electrical bits, you’re bound to dislodge something important. A modern engine is a complex thing, all manner of sensors and wiring harnesses and components, and it’s no place for a jet of high pressure water. A regular garden hose is OK if you want to wash it down, just be careful with the high pressure business.
6. Starting Your Car The Wrong Way
It seems simple, but you can make a big difference by turning off your radio, wipers, climate control, all of those accessories, when you start the car. Most of the wear on the engine happens when you start the car, and by turning off those accessories, your engine doesn’t have to work as hard when starting.
Another thing people do is revving the engine in the winter. This actually doesn’t help “warm up” the car. Although it does technically make the engine hotter, it’s not the kind of “warming up” that you want. Revving your engine in the winter causes extreme temperature changes right away, which is actually the opposite of what you want. When you start the car, the oil hasn’t yet worked its way through the system, so the engine is working without lubricant. The right way to do it is just let the car sit and idle for about 30 seconds to a minute at the least.
7. Ignoring Your Car’s Sounds
Every sound your car makes means something, if you pay attention, your car can usually tell you exactly what needs fixing. Those squeaking brakes mean you need new pads, and if you ignore that sound, eventually you’ll hear scraping metal, which means you need new rotors, and if you ignore that, you’ll eventually hear the sound of your own scream as you lose your brakes completely and fly off a cliff in a spectacular fireball of death. It’s more common than you think. Listen to your car.
8. Letting The Interior Go
You’re in a rush again, and you eat most of your disgusting egg and cheese bagel, and toss the rest in the wrapper on the passenger seat. Lovely. You know who you are, your car is filthy, never been vacuumed, 15 air fresheners hang on the mirror, and yet, no air freshener made by mortal man can stop the sickening wind within your car. You need to clean it. If you don’t vacuum your carpets and clean out the garbage every so often, you’ll develop a smell that is impossible to destroy. I’ve worked in the auto salvage business, and I know that there exist smells that are so obscene, so inhuman, that no shampoo can vanquish them. The only way to stop them is to never let them develop. Clean your car, for the sake of all mankind.
9. Running Your Car Down To Empty
There’s actually a bit of a debate about this one. The old wisdom says if your car gets down to E, the sediment in your tank will get sucked into the system and foul your fuel injectors. Although some mechanics says thats not true. Either way, running down to E does pose other problems. You cut the life of the fuel pump considerably, since the fuel actually cools the pump.
An interesting note: Most cars can drive another 60 miles+ after they hit Empty, automakers call this extra gas the “buffer zone”. US cars have the largest “buffer zone” of any vehicles. German drivers, for instance, like to know exactly how much gas in is the car, so their “buffer zone” between the gauge’s E and the actual empty tank is much smaller.
10. Driving Past Attractive Women
This is a common mistake, especially among younger male drivers. Attractive women can be incredibly damaging to your vehicle, they can cause the driver to install bizarre over-sized woofers or 22 inch rims, or even spontaneously crash the car into a nearby tree or telephone pole. When you’re driving, be careful to avoid swimming pools, beaches, college campuses, anyplace where beautiful girls assemble in any significant numbers. Your car will thank you.
The filmmakers that brought us the acclaimed documentary/murder mystery 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' are now gearing up for a film entitled, 'Revenge of the Electric Car.' Though it may sound like the title of a campy 1970s-style horror pic, it's actually the second documentary from director Chris Paine to center on the idea of electric-only transportation for the mainstream market.
The original film, which garnered accolades from the Sundance Film Festival, the Writers Guild of America, and scores of others, explored the short and abrupt end to the life of the now legendary GM EV1 electric car. The film became the second highest grossing theatrically released documentary of 2006 by probing why such a revolutionary vehicle would ever be willfully destroyed by its creator. Chris Paine delved into the mystery by interviewing former GM employees, government insiders, and smattering of notable Hollywood-types.
According to the filmmakers, 'Revenge,' is neither a follow-up nor a sequel to the first film. In an FAQ section of the film’s website, they assert that this will be a “very different film—in tone, approach, and content.”
So what’s the crux of this film? The website’s answer is “electric cars are back from the dead.” The most famous of which is GM’s own Chevrolet Volt, which has become the flagship for the resurgence of the EV movement in the US and abroad. The film’s subject is no doubt a timely one, as manufacturers around the globe scramble to get their EVs to market amid fluctuating fuel prices that show no signs of stabilizing.
Furthermore, 'Revenge of the Electric Car' “tells the story of the EV renaissance, circa 2008-2010.” The film’s website goes on to say “From new cars to conversions to plug-in hybrids, we’ll follow the many strands of what is—literally—an electrifying story.” The ultimate question it will answer is, can EVs finally challenge the 100-year rule of gasoline engines, petrodollars, and entrenched interests? In other words, will the EV be killed again?
If the Ford Motor Company still exists by 2010, its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids will roll out with some pretty snazzy instrument panels. In the middle, you see the conventional speedometer, but on either side, there are video screens that use elegant animations to show you EcoGuide, clearly showing you how that lead foot of yours is destroying the planet.
The system lets you decide how much information you want to see, reading out such data as battery-charge status, tachometer, engine output power, accessory power consumption, and amount of power applied to the wheels. It even shows charts and graphs, interesting enough to endanger your safety. Then when you're on a long cruise, you can simplify the display to show you basic info such as how many miles until your tank is empty.
By the time the 2010 model year rolls around, hopefully other hybrid car makers will follow suit with even swankier displays of their own. Take a look at a video of the graceful animations and forward-thinking readouts Ford has created, with a little help from industrial design gurus IDEO and Smart Design:
As environment-friendly Martha Stewart might know, that new car smell is not a good thing.
In fact, inhaling the fumes from your new car can be toxic and are created from a literal soup of chemicals such as arsenic and formaldehyde, which can take years to completely be “out-gassed” from your new car’s interior materials.
In fact, Americans spend so much time in their cars, the “out-gassing” of so-called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new car interiors and new car seat parts like the steering wheel, dashboard, seats and carpets are a big concern as these are known contributors to acute and long-term health problems.
Unfortunately, with the auto industry slowdown on the minds of car execs and politicians, combating indoor air pollution in new cars is not getting much play. Interestingly, automakers in Europe and Japan are serious about making their cars less toxic, especially for those who suffer from environmental allergies.
So, can America’s Big Three really take on yet another eco challenge in a market focused mostly on fuel efficiency and lowering carbon dioxide emissions? Some American automakers are already making strides to clean up chemical emissions inside their cars.
General Motor’s vehicles, in fact, showed a 27 percent improvement in cleaning up indoor air pollution, so says findings from The Ecology Center’s annual HealthyCar.org study.
Using portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology, The Ecology Center tests almost 300 new cars and car seats for toxic chemicals like bromine, chlorine, lead and heavy metals. These chemicals have been linked to health issues such as birth defects, liver toxicity, cancer, allergies and impaired learning.
XRF is the dominate technology used to quickly screen products for harmful chemicals,” said Jeff Gearhart, director of the Ecology Center’s Clean Car Campaign. XRF is used by the Food and Drug Administration, Homeland Security, Consumer Products Safety Commission and many leading companies to screen harmful chemicals in consumer products.
“We still see far too many vehicles that are very chemical intensive,” Gearhart said. “The good news is within every vehicle class, we have vehicles we rank that have minimal use of these chemicals.”
Some of the least toxic New cars found in the Ecology Center study are: Porsche 911 Honda Accord Dodge Caliber Saturn Astra XR Dodge Charger Toyota Tacoma Acura RDX
The study found the following New Car models are the most toxic: Suzuki Forenza Suzuki Reno Lincoln Mark LT Mitsubishi Eclipse BMW 128i
For consumers thinking about buying a new car or car set, you can visit HealthyCar.org and search the findings by model or compare models.
But is the testing really valid?
Officials at Chrysler, which received low or moderate ratings from the Ecology Center for all of their 2008 models, disputed the findings. “This information is meaningless, however, because the entire study was poorly designed and executed,” said Max Gates, Chrysler’s safety and regulatory communications spokesperson.
Basically, Gates said, the study did not measure chemicals in the air of the passenger compartments tested. “Rather, the test only determined the compounds contained in the materials used to assemble the vehicle. There is no way to determine how much, if any, of those compounds becomes airborne.”
Gates called the Ecology Center’s annual report a “scare tactic,” which amounts to alarming the public “with no data to support any claims of risk.”
To reduce indoor air pollution in all of its vehicles, Gates noted Chrysler has been evaluating passenger compartment air quality regularly and “consistently screens materials and products, including new products, for their effects on air quality.”
“Chrysler is just plain ignorant of the science,” retorted The Ecology Center’s Gearhart. “All recent studies, including ours, have found vehicles to be the most universally contaminated environment that we spend in.” Gearhart also claimed that dozens of peer review studies show these chemicals are “ubiquitous in dust and air in our homes, offices and cars and are building up in our actual bodies.”
Allergy-sensitive cars
In Europe, allergy-tested vehicles are all the rage. Surprisingly, Ford Motor Company is one of Europe’s leaders in helping make car interiors free of allergens and chemicals. In fact, Ford has more than 100 materials and components tested for their allergy-causing potential by an independent lab based in Germany.
“Additionally, all components likely to have direct and prolonged skin contact such as steering wheel and seat covers, floor mats and seat belts are also dermatologically tested,” said Adrian Schmitz, Ford of Europe’s communications and public affairs director.
Schmitz also said Ford avoids or tries to reduce the use of allergy-provoking substances such as latex, chrome or nickel. Ford of Europe’s allergy-sensitive models - such as its all-new Kuga crossover - are equipped with a high-performance pollen filter, which was also tested by the same independent German lab, TUV.
“The filter effectively prevents pollen, a particular concern for allergy sufferers, from entering the vehicle’s interior,” Schmitz said.
Ford offers seven allergy-sensitive models in Europe including the Ka, Focus, C-MAX, S-MAX, Galaxy and Mondeo. These Ford vehicles are the first in the world to have passed these stringent TÜV standards. And earlier this year, Ford became the first car manufacturer to receive the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundations seal of quality.
In Japan, Toyota Motor Company says it is also minimizing the negative effects vehicles have on drivers and passengers. “We strive to reduce the concentration of potentially harmful chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds, in our vehicle manufacturing,” said Bill Kwong, Toyota’s product communications manager based in Torrance, California.
Kwong says Toyota’s American-built vehicles have been asked to meet voluntary vehicle volatile organic chemical (VOC) standards set by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association by 2011. “We are currently developing low VOC technologies that will ensure our compliance with these regulations,” Kwong added.
For example, Kwong, said Toyota has worked with its materials suppliers to reduce aldehydes by developing a grade of polyacetal that reduces formaldehyde emissions by 80 percent.
“In addition, we are developing new tape systems to reduce toluene emissions. The new technology reduces the level of toluene emitted by more than 90 percent,” he said. Toluene can affect the nervous system, causing weakness, confusion, fatigue, vision and hearing loss, nausea and memory loss.
Neutralizing that new car smell
So, what if you bought a new car and that new car smell is making you worry about possible health concerns or bothering your allergy-sensitive nose?
Brookstone carries an inexpensive ($35) ionic auto air purifier. But does it really work? I tried one out recently in one of my bad-smelling road test cars. Amazingly, the Brookstone ionic air purifier truly did “neutralize” that toxic car smell.
The purifier easily plugs right into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and even includes a built-in socket so you can still charge your phone, MP3 player or personal navigation system. The fit-in-your-hand system works by emitting negatively-charged ions to help remove bad odors, smoke and other airborne pollutants.
Plus, studies show negative ions are good for reducing stress and calming nerves, something you definitely need when driving on America’s traffic-congested streets and highways.
Powerful engine tuning and exclusive accessories that leave nothing to be desired: Concurrent with the start of sales of the new 997-series Porsche 911 Carrera TechArt Automobildesign (www.techart.de) already offers an extensive customization program.
TechArt now also offers engine tuning for both water-cooled six-cylinder engines of the Carrera and Carrera S, coupe or cabriolet. The TechArt power kits TA 097/1 for the 3.6-liter version and TA 097/S1 for the Carrera S with 3.8-liter displacement each consist of a sport air filter and newly programmed engine electronics.
After the installation, which can be done directly at TechArt Automobildesign or by any authorized Porsche dealer, maximum power output for each model increases by 20 hp / 14.7 kW.
Performance improves accordingly: Depending on vehicle weight and the type of tires acceleration time from 0 - 100 km/h improves by slightly under half a second. Top speed increases by some 5 km/h. Even more important for everyday use is the even more spontaneous throttle response and the further improved liveliness of the tuned engines.
The perfect complement to the power kits is Tech Art exhaust tuning, of which various versions are available. The product lineup includes oval-shaped dual tailpipes for the production exhaust system, a throttle-controlled sport exhaust system and a complete high-performance exhaust system with high-performance manifold, sport catalysts and rear muffler.
Sporty elegance characterizes the design of the TechArt aerodynamic-enhancement kit: The production front apron receives more visual emphasis from the TechArt front spoiler. But that’s not all: The spoiler reduces aerodynamic lift, thus further improving directional stability at high speeds.
The TechArt side sills give the coupe a longer, sleeker look. The understated TechArt rear spoiler optimizes the effect of the retractable production rear spoiler and lends the cabriolet an even more exciting appearance.
TechArt also developed a rear diffuser for the 997 models, which extends the rear apron downward and provides a dramatic backdrop for the two oval-shaped twin tailpipes of the TechArt sport exhaust system.
TechArt also offers an extensive wheel and suspension program: Owners of the new Porsche 911 Carrera or Carrera S can refine their cars with striking, light-weight TechArt Formula five-spoke wheels with 18-, 19- or 20-inch diameters.
The most exclusive version for the new convertible features new one-piece TechArt Formula light-alloy wheels in size 8.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx20 on the rear axle. TechArt recommends ContiSportContact 2 Vmax tires in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 for mounting on these wheels.
Custom-calibrated to the TechArt tire/wheel combinations are the TechArt suspension solutions. The range of modifications starts with TechArt sport springs for a ride-height lowering of some 25 millimeters. It culminates in the TechArt Vario sport suspension that was developed in cooperation with Bilstein. Contrary to conventional coil-over suspensions this innovative solution not only offers the ability to lower the ride-height on front and rear axle individually by up to some 35 millimeters; the TechArt Vario sport suspension also features sport shocks with adjustable bound and rebound. This allows the suspension set-up to be adjusted to individual driver’s preferences and to the predominant use of the car – on public roads or on the racetrack.
For the 997 model series TechArt also offers sport sway bars, a dome cross-brace, and a high-performance brake system with eight-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 365- or 380-millimeter brake discs.
As a world-renowned specialist for exclusive interior creations TechArt Automobildesign also offers individual interiors for the latest 911 Carrera Cabriolet in all colors and designs.
The program comprises exclusive TechArt Colorline fully leather interiors as well as sporty accessories: TechArt offers ergonomically shaped airbag sport steering wheels, foot pedals, foot rest and shift knob all made from aluminum as well as stainless-steel sill plates with TechArt logo.
Source: Text & Photos courtesy TechArt Automobildesign
What if your Porsche 911 just doesn’t have enough leg room for you, your kids, and some groceries? But you still like getting around to your errands lighting turbo quick. Well if you have lots of money and I do mean lots, you can get the best of both worlds. TH Automobile will take a VW bus and swap a 3.6L turbo Porsche engine and also throw in an AWD system from the 996 all for $213,300. All these upgrades will allow you to get those groceries from 0-62 MPH in 5.2 seconds. Then if I understand it correctly for some extra money they will even throw another engine up front. I know after reading this your next question is “What if I want to transport something larger?” Well they also have you covered with a 4 door flat bed version for only $249,200.
Something tells me money would be better spend buying one 911 turbo and one VW bus and just switch between them. But I guess if you have the amount of money to seriously considered buying this, then the last thing on your mind is frugal spending.
Suzuki announced today that it will be bringing a turbocharged version of its SX4 Crossover to next week’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, a hot little number inventively titled the SX4t Turbo Concept. The concept car may be a little light on originality but it will provide what seems like a highly attainable target for SX4 owners who’ve been bitten by the tuner bug.
The SX4t most notably adds a 16G GT3 turbo with a Tial wastegate kit from Road Race Motorsports, which helps to bump the Suzuki’s engine specs from 143 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque to 221 and 208 respectively. The concept also gets a new set of springs and a rear sway bar, along with uprated front brakes and pads, and a much more aggressive wheel/tire package. A carbon fiber hood and darkened roof pillars dominate the exterior appearance upgrades, and give the Suzuki a bit of visual drama to match its greatly improved performance.
Read the full SX4t Turbo Concept press release below and stay tuned for many more images of the car after its debut on Tuesday, November 4 in Vegas. SX4t Turbo Concept
Suzuki takes the SX4 Crossover’s outstanding capability to the next level in performance with the SX4t Turbo Concept, which recently was featured in the November 2008 issue of Sport Compact Car. Upfitted with a 16G GT3 Turbo and Tial 38mm Wastegate kit from Road Race Motorsports, the SX4 engine’s stock 143 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque are upgraded to 221 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque. Road Race’s GRIP springs and a rear sway bar help control the significant upgrade in horsepower, while slotted front discs and performance brake pads enhance deceleration.
Simplifying some of the exterior lines and removing the roof rack resulted in a sleek, unified appearance. Road Race installed its own CarbonTrix carbon fiber hood, and provided the SX4’s roof and A, B, C and D pillars with a complementary dark metallic gray finish. Suzuki’s Quicksilver metallic remains the primary color south of the greenhouse, visually meshing with Rota’s 17-inch five-spoke wheels surrounded by 225/45/R17 Yokohama Advan Neova tires.
On the interior, front seats benefit from a custom bolster, and both front and rear seats are recovered, featuring new fabric inserts, which continue the exterior’s silver metallic theme. To further accentuate the SX4’s performance intent, the driver’s contact points are enhanced by a JDM Suzuki Swift sport steering wheel, Road Race sequential-style shift knob and billet-drilled pedal set from Genuine Suzuki Accessories. The SX4t Turbo Concept also features a Rockford Fosgate audio system with enhanced amp, speakers and subwoofer.
Most of us know by now that a plug-in hybrid is a car with a hybrid drivetrain that can have its batteries recharged from the power grid. It's turning out, though, that such cars may come in more flavors than Starbucks has syrups.
Case in point: We drove a prototype version of the plug-in Prius, or PHEV, that Toyota will offer corporate and fleet customers starting in late 2009. Our experience was a short tour of downtown Portland, Ore., and for the most part, it was what you'd expect: It drove just like a Prius, but one that runs less often on its engine, more often (and at somewhat higher speeds) in pure electric mode.
More striking is the way this PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) operates distinct from what we are hearing about the Chevrolet Volt that General Motors will offer in late 2010. Toyota's approach is to start with a Prius and add plug-in rechargability. So the car retains the firm's hybrid-synergy drive, using what Toyota calls a series/parallel arrangement between the gas engine and electric motor.
In the PHEV version, there's a button (in the prototype, it was on the dash to the left of the steering column) labeled "EV mode" that lets the driver choose to run the car only on electricity. If you've recharged the batteries by plugging in to the electric grid and then select this mode, the prototype will deliver six or seven miles of pure electric driving, burning no gas. The target for the production model is 10 miles of such range, enough for a lot of the trips many drivers make.
After that--or if you demand more performance in the short term than the small motor or the battery-pack state of charge can offer--the engine kicks in. As with any Prius, the engine drives the wheels through the transmission when you need more power or range.
During our drive, when we'd been moving around in pure EV mode for several blocks, we wanted to get out from behind a diesel city bus as we climbed one of the many bridges over the Willamette River. Booting the accelerator for an uphill surge from less than 25 mph to more than 40, we saw a dashboard gauge indicating that we were demanding more energy than was available from the batteries. The engine kicked in briefly until we let up on the pedal, even though we selected EV mode. After the acceleration, the car almost immediately returned to pure EV mode.
Pushing the EV-mode button again, to turn it off, returned the car to what Prius owners would regard as "normal" operation. A perhaps crucial distinction is that when the engine's power was not needed to move the car, the control systems are set up to charge the pack of nickel-metal-hydride batteries. In theory, after a period of such use, the batteries would be replenished and the owner could again press the EV-mode button and go another several miles without gasoline.
A side note: Our first response to being stuck behind the bus was to hit the climate-control button to recirculate the air inside, rather than taking in not-fresh air from outside. (We were using neither heating nor A/C). The Toyota rep riding in the back seat was eager to have us turn off the climate control, especially the recirc mode --it runs the ventilation fan at a high speed, a drain on the battery.
PHEV drivers would have to judge for themselves, with feedback from the gauges, whether it is better to draw down the battery in this way or by accelerating to pass. You probably could learn to modulate the pedal up to the borderline just before the engine kicks in, though we wouldn't be eager to do that on the open road, where the higher priority is safety, not consuming a little gasoline. Regardless, the experience was too short, and so was the indicated remaining pure-EV range of less than three miles, to allow such experimentation.
From what we're hearing about the Volt, GM is taking a radically different approach. Think of the Volt as an electric car with a range-extending gasoline generator. The Prius, by comparison, would be more like a normal car with an efficiency-enhancing electric supplement.
The Volt will be a series hybrid, meaning its engine only powers a generator to create electricity. The engine won't drive the wheels at all. With an advanced (and more expensive) pack of lithium-ion cells, the Volt should be capable of 40 miles of driving in pure electric mode after a full charge. After that, the engine will kick in to extend the range. Reports vary, but what we've heard most recently is that the Volt is not likely to use its engine to recharge the batteries, ever. Recharging will come only by plugging in the car.
After the charge is depleted, the engine will spin a generator that drives a bigger, stronger electric motor than in the Prius, one big enough to give all the performance the driver needs. In this phase, the Volt would operate in the same manner as a diesel locomotive, with the generator's output going straight to the motor, which then drives the wheels.
The upside is that a Volt-like series hybrid places fewer demands on its engine, which can be sized, engineered and controlled to operate in a narrow range of rpm and peak efficiency. One downside might be that on a long trip, after using up the 40 miles of EV operation, you couldn't return to that mode until you could plug it in. Stop at a hotel without easy access to an outlet, and you might have to begin the next day with depleted batteries. Still, if the efficiency benefits of electric drive are realized, you could be getting 60 mpg or better in that mode.
GM is refining the control systems and operational modes, so it's too early to be certain how it will all work out in the end, or how driving a Volt will differ from driving a Prius PHEV. What is clear is that a plug-in hybrid from GM will be a much different animal from one made by Toyota.
Part of what's going on in this field is the interplay between today's preferred battery, the NiMH cell, and the li-ion units coming to market. Toyota is preparing to make lithium-ion cells for the day when it begins offering plug-ins to the public. The newer lithium batteries are more suited to the deep draw-down and recharge cycles expected of plug-in hybrids or pure electric cars, while the NiMH cells are more tolerant of rapid switching between discharging and recharging on the go. This speaks to one reason GM might want its batteries to recharge only from the grid.
There is chatter from other companies that some plug-in hybrids might use both kinds of cells-the more-expensive lithium-ion variety to recharge from the grid for extended EV range, and the less-expensive NiMHs for extended-range operation, resembling what we have come to regard as "traditional" hybrids.
That neither variety is yet perfectly suited to the role of automotive propulsion may be inferred from the creation of a new group within Toyota's battery-engineering division only three months ago. Its mission is to determine what comes after lithium ion.
We’re so accustomed to six-year model cycles that the 12 years it’s taken Ford to come up with the second generation Ka is scarcely believable. But the new Ka is here – and now CAR Online has finally driven it. Read on for our full review.
This new Ford Ka looks like a three-door Vauxhall Corsa in a fairground mirror!
It might look like a Vauxhall, but in fact the Ka is based on the platform of the Fiat Panda. Having to stick with that car’s hard points is the reason for the narrow upright stance. It’s still reasonably pretty and features the Ford 'Kinetic design' mouth, but it’s certainly not radical like the original Ka was in 1996.
I’m trying to put this delicately….great driving cars are what Ford’s all about but Fiats tend to be dynamic disasters. Tell me the new Ka still feels like a Ford. Please...
The new Ka does feel like a Ford, but then it’s also recognisably Fiat-based. Like the Panda, it doesn’t ride well on tough town roads, the front suspension transmitting a shudder into the cabin over big lumps.
But, on balance, Ford has worked its magic on the chassis. The addition of a rear anti-roll bar, the stiffening of the front one and various suspension bushes together with recalibration of the electric power steering give the Ka the sort of incisive turn-in and cheeky steering response that the Fiat has always looked like it would offer, but never delivered.
Ford told CAR that although the two cars are built in the same factory it doesn’t share chassis information with Fiat. Well if it isn’t bright enough to have done so already, I suggest someone at Fiat takes a look at the changes Ford has
So if the chassis is a Fiat platform but transformed by Ford’s expertise, whose are the engines?
They’re from Fiat, but don’t worry, the Italians tend to be pretty good at that stuff. Notice I said 'engines', not 'engine'. That’s because this time there’s actually a choice of petrol and diesel.
The petrol is the Panda’s 70bhp 1.2 which offers similar power to the old 1.3 but is far greener, delivering 55mpg and emitting 119g/km of CO2, which means it qualifies for the UK's £35 road tax. Performance is modest: 13.1sec to 62mph and 99mph flat-out, but such is the little motor’s willingness that it’s surprising how infrequently you feel short of grunt, even out of town. The diesel engines offers very similar on-paper performance but over 60mpg.
Four trims are available: the £7995 Studio (CD player, dual airbags and anti-lock brakes but not air-con), £8495 Style (electric windows and locks, body colour handles), air-conditioned Style Plus at £8995 and the £9495 Zetec which features cold air, 15-inch alloys, remote locking and front foglights.
Most buyers are expected to splash out and go for the Zetec which is the only trim to get the diesel option though the extra cost means take-up will be small.
The Fiesta’s gone all grown-up, has the Ka too?
Step out of the new Fiesta and into the Ka and you’re in for a disappointment. It’s not that awful by small cheap car standards, it’s just that Ford has raised its game so much of late that the Ka’s cabin (with its old-fashioned plastics and Fiat switches) sticks out like a sore thumb.
Like the Fiat, the driving seat is set high, giving a fine view of the road but the tall roof means it still feels airy in there. Not so much in the back, however: headroom is limited, there’s not much under-thigh support and there are only two seatbelts on the rear bench. A quick comparison with the old Ka revealed surprisingly little difference in rear room although the new car’s safety kit means it’s a far preferable place in which to have an enormous accident.
So what about a Ka ST or second-generation SportKa?
Nothing in the pipeline, claims Ford. That seems unlikely, not to mention a disappointment, particularly when Fiat’s 100bhp 1.4 and 135bhp Abarth engines are lying around in the parts store. But Ford claims that environment, not performance is the word on buyers’ lips – and so it will be focusing its attention on getting a mildly greener eco Ka to market first.
Verdict
It’s a strange brew but Ford has managed to work its chassis magic and ensure that the new Ka drives with sufficiently more vim than the Fiat on which it’s based. It still feels more Fiat than Ford, but the much better steering and tight body control mean this mixed-DNA city car is far more fun to punt around than its lowly power output would suggest. Just like the old car, then.
Overall, it’s a likeable package, but I see two problems. One is that the mechanically similar Fiat 500 which, admittedly doesn’t drive as well, is far more desirable and is significantly cheaper. The other is that Ford claims most buyers will go for the £9500 Zetec and that sort of money buys you a new Fiesta, a car that feels light years ahead in terms of design, refinement and space.
Look past the equipment difference and spend your money on the better car.
In automotive circles, the name ‘Brabus’ does not evoke images of small, fuel-efficient cars. Just the opposite. The renowned German performance tuner is famous for turning high-end European automobiles from Mercedes and BMW into vicious street machines. So when SmartUSA recently teamed up with Brabus, there appeared to be a disconnect.
In reality, Smart has been working with Brabus on its European ForTwo for years. Daimler is recognized the American success of its Smart ForTwo —and is looking to further propel the standing of its half-pint urban car. So SmartUSA will produce a Brabus-modified model to the ForTwo lineup beginning in early 2009. And though the variant will bring with it a number of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, the US ForTwo will retain its current 71-horsepower three-cylinder engine. Thus, efficiency will remain its top priority.
The Brabus ForTwo will offer a custom body kit defined by a black or silver exterior with specialized sill treatments and badging to give the car a unique outward show. The niche ForTwo will be outfitted with an electronically boosted power steering, and a lower, more tightly tuned suspension to increase handling prowess. It will ride on larger, six-spoke alloy wheels with 17-inch tires. The larger rotating mass of these tires may have a slight adverse effect on fuel economy. The Brabus ForTwo will display a new center-mounted dual exhaust designed to intensify the sound of the engine—just for effect.
Inside, the new model will feature black leather seats and steering wheel, metallic dash trim, a newly configured gauge cluster, and bright aluminum pedals.
In European markets, the Brabus ForTwo is upgraded with a 98-horsepower turbocharged engine for increased performance. This model is three seconds faster than the standard model in the zero to 100 kph run. Unlike the upcoming US version, both fuel economy and emissions have been compromised with the Eurospec model.
Only 1,500 Brabus models will be made for the US market. Those who have already reserved a ForTwo will have the opportunity to upgrade to the Brabus model, even before new customer orders are accepted. Pricing will start at around $18,000 for the coupe and $22,000 for the convertible. That’s approximately a $5,000 premium over standard ForTwo models.
At U.S. Submarines have developed the world's first personal luxury submarines, it named the Phoenix 1000. The Phoenix 1000 is a 65-meter (213') personal luxury submarine. The total interior area of the submarine is in excess of 460 square meters (5000 square feet) on four levels and is able to dive up to 1,000 feet. The significant volume, coupled with very large acrylic viewports, and the potential for relatively large open spaces, results in a vehicle as luxurious as the finest of motor yachts. The Phoenix is capable of making trans-Atlantic crossings at 16 knots yet can dive along the route and explore the continental margins of some of the most fascinating waters on earth. It would be suitable for use as an exclusive submarine cruise ship or as a charter yacht. The estimated price of the Phoenix is $78 million.
What will you image the the World of Motorsport in the year 2025? This year's LA Design Challenge will tell you, they choose the "Motorsports 2025" as this year's theme. You can see the concepts come from the Audi, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, GM, Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen. The upper pictures are the Mercedes-Benz Formula Zero.The 2008 LA Design Challenge includes Audi R25, Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer, Chaparral Volt, Honda The Great Race 2025, Mazda Kaan, Mitsubishi MMR25, Mercedes-Benz Formula Zero, Toyota Lemans Racer, Volkswagen Bio Runner."Luxury racing arrives in the Formula Zero Racer by incorporating the thrill of Formula One, the track dynamics of the bobsled or luge, and the grace and efficiency of yacht racing. Reminiscent of the Mercedes Benz racing heritage of the 1930's, the Formula Zero Racer is loaded with technology designed to extract the maximum thrust from the electric hub motors, aero-efficient solar skin and high-tech rigid sail. Each team is allocated the same amount of stored energy and it is left to the teams and drivers to manage the variables to win the race. The winner is determined by total elapsed time combined with the energy efficiency factor. Spectators at the Mercedes Benz Formula Zero racing Series are treated to a new dimension of racing as the transparent track is visible from all perspectives - even from below!"
As more clean diesel vehicles begin to hit the market, consumers should be aware that diesel car manufacturers are taking different technology paths. The two main paths mean different responsibilities for car owners, although the goal is the same—to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen, a key contributor to smog. A great deal of sophisticated technology is used to reduce emissions, but we'll focus on the chief differences between the two systems.
1.Trap and Burn
First, let’s consider the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which uses a device to trap and store NOx. The system captures the pollutant and periodically changes the engine's air-to-fuel mixture to burn off the NOx.
This reduces NOx emissions by up to 90 percent compared to an untreated engine. And it requires nothing at all from the owner.
A particulate filter further reduces emissions. In the Jetta application, the 16-valve engine produces 140 horsepower and 235 foot pounds of torque. It features a common rail fuel system with high-pressure injectors. The engine delivers “real world” fuel economy improvements of 30 percent compared to a similar gasoline model.
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen, which captures and burns NOx, does not require special fluids or maintenance.
2.Spray with Urea
Meanwhile, the Mercedes clean diesel vehicles requires customers to return to a dealership every 10,000 miles—this could be done during regular maintenance visits—to refill a special tank holding urea. The urea solution is a chemical synthesized from natural gas—not urine.
An instrument panel light will warn the driver if the tank falls below one gallon of fluid. If the urea level gets too low, a counter will appear on the dashboard informing the driver that 20 restarts remain. If the warnings continue to be ignored, the vehicle will not start until the urea fluid is added.
The Mercedes-Benz Bluetec vehicles—including the ML320, GL320, and RL320 models—feature improved combustion from a third-generation common rail system that uses piezo-electric injectors. A tiny squirt of urea solution—which Mercedes calls “AdBlue”—is injected into the exhaust mix before reaching the tailpipe. The average consumption of AdBlue is around 0.025 gallons per 60 miles. The solution is held in a seven-gallon tank in the space usually occupied by a spare tire—so the vehicles will have run-flat tires instead of a spare.
The Mercedes R320 Bluetec, and other Mercedes clean diesel vehicles, must maintain a sufficient level of urea in order to effectively treat NOx emissions.
Urea for Larger Engines, NOx Traps for Smaller
The NOx trap approach is more expensive to manufacture than the urea-based system. Both engines meet the most stringent diesel emissions requirements in the world—California’s Tier II/Bin 5 (or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standards. Those standards had effectively outlawed diesel engines in California (and other states following California’s standards) for a generation.
The different approaches demonstrated by Mercedes and VW are likely to be used in future engines, with larger engines using the urea approach, and smaller 4-cylinders going without urea.
