Auto Blogger World: 01/08/09

Thursday, 8 January 2009

Raiders of the Lost Truck: Mitsubishi van forgotten murder

Do not look now, but the U.S. are quick to lose its bid for the little ones, badge engineering trucks. Yesterday we learned that at the end of the month, Isuzu plans to escape the flow of the company's cars in the U.S., the Ascender SUV and i-Series trucks with him. Today there are words, the reduction of the Mitsubishi Raider collection, a reform Dodge Dakota.

According to Automotive News, the decline in the sale of conveyor tuck is sometimes forgotten until the middle of next year, while Mitsubishi sees the revision of the product range to focus more on the fuel consumption of cars. In its current form, the Raider since 2005, even if they have never been a major player in the last year until mid-3000 according to the size of the collection sold. It is interesting that often totally different Raider and Dodge brand was and how an examination of the Mitsubishi Montero camping in the late nineties.

In the Americas, from the lighthouse of Engineering Workaday falling like flies, how long it will take until the Grim Reaper appears at the door, lookig the Mazda B-Series? Who save the children? You can buy everything, friends.

Gas with ethanol get cold shoulder

There is no time, a large number of owners of gas stations, the thought of ethanol in gasoline is the cold to do (for example, here and here and there are currently more than 1900 stations E85 U.S.). A gas station in Albany, NY, however, is the essence of advertising as "free of ethanol." Why? Bob Haines, who works Rhaodes, Service Center, said Fox is Staion because "the small engines with ethanol is not ready." It is winter, and the main blow to snow can be damaged by ethanol in gasoline. The low proportion of ethanol, which absorbs moisture damaged to some small engines, as we have heard before. While most vehicles are from the computer and the situation may E10, small and not simply can not be the engines.

The "100% ethanol gas is attractive, even for people who are not with small engines. Some areas are the drivers to make an extra effort to the rectum with petrol. Hatred belongs to anti-ethanol, and says: "Come with something better, the boys because it is not the right way."

First batch Point Coulomb now in the stations of San Jose, CA

Coulomb Technologies has its first EV Charging Point Charge of the network this week in downtown San Jose, CA. The Smartlets, which was last summer in the Plug-In Conference in 2008 with a subscription service for drivers to park their vehicles and cargo. If the driver is in operation (in freedom after a $ 9.95 processing fee) for a smart card. Waving the card against the Smartlet opens the door and provides access to a wall outlet. After registration, the door is locked until the driver is prepared from (details here). The Smartlet is connected to a network and sends the data of the participants to review Coulombs servers, then, the account of the participant. Finally, several plans Coulombs batch Point in the network, the various cell membranes. Currently there are three batch Smartlets Point near San Jose State University campus, but Batch Point is in negotiations with several other cities to install your system. If you live in San Jose and a plug-in vehicles, you can connect mychargepoint.net and the system itself. The website enables participants Smartlets in your area and tell them if available or busy.

Chevrolet car line with John McElroy

I have a lot of people ask me to define exactly what a car? Is it a vehicle from a car manufacturer in Detroit, however, met in Canada, Mexico or another country? Or a car from a Japanese, European and Korean companies with assembly plants in America? Or is there something between the two?

In other words, it is a Toyota Camry built in Kentucky, USA a car? Or a Ford Fusion is the fact that the import into Mexico?

My definition of "U.S. Auto" is a vehicle that was designed, created, developed and manufactured in the United States. Who could be a logo in three large, have a logo Japanese. Where it meets the criteria is not for me.

But I also let the nuances in my definition. What I am concerned, the development of products is what really counts. This creates more value for the economy. If I were to choose, I would like a vehicle that is gathered here. Credit for Toyota, Honda and Nissan, in some of its products for the construction in the United States, most with some of its truck products. Hyundai come. The Europeans have nothing to do.

An absolute rule: Where was the shock of physical tests? In the United States or abroad? Said that most of the development has taken place.

Assembly Plant, a large number of jobs in the factories, but does not cause as much value as the development of products. This is especially true when the cube, the devices, robots and tools for a car that was imported. It's just not much economic value through the introduction of a field and on the way to a car, because it is the line. The greatest value from the fields of design, engineering and development at the first place.

If you have products for the cars in the U.S., yes, I do not think that the repatriation of the profits of the vehicles back in Japan or in another country. It is always useful, because about 90% of value added products in the United States. Conversely, if the vehicle was primarily in Japan or in Korea or elsewhere, I do not "in the U.S., even if it is installed in the United States.

This is also true for GM, Ford and Chrysler, the meeting of the Canada or Mexico. If the development of products in the U.S., the vast amount of value that they are in the United States. So for me, even if a vehicle, as in the north and south of the border remains the Americas.

REPORT: PSA rebadge and sell Mitsubishi i MiEV in Europe

France PSA, the Peugeot and Citroën is a leap into the game of electric cars in 2011, courtesy of Mitsubishi. The Japanese began with the sale of its i MiEV later this year in Japan and would offer a new version badged for sale via distributors in Europe. Mitsubishi plans, with the examples in this year 2000, with plans to double every year in the coming years. With the increase in volume is PSA, the number of vehicles is expected to deal with half of the French. This means Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture between Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa crank must also their production. There are already some examples of the tested here iMiEV of power in the U.S.

CES 2009: Sony Xplod with a new car

Sony is expanding its range Xplod car, with eight new models, including the first double-DIN unit for several years.
The complete new Sony MEX-BT5700U model (picture above) with a front USB port, including music player iPod and iPhone. The Bluetooth connection is also possible that information on a calendar on the screen of the phone and provides access to functions of the phone through the device. And if you have Bluetooth for playback of music from one device, the Sony shows the song, artist, etc. I said, Sony MEX-BT5700U is the first line from the top of the unit in June and will be around $ 300.

Mazda3 breaks as a precious metal catalyst with 70%

A key to reducing emissions from vehicles in the last 40 years in more than electronic systems for the management of the engine, was the catalyst. Unfortunately, the catalysts are expensive because the precious metals like platinum and rhodium are used for reactions, the emissions of the engine a little less harmful. Converter with traditional methods of production of raw material lying with the catalyst. Unfortunately, the catalyst is a solid, reducing the effective area, the contact with the exhaust gases.

Mazda has a new procedure for establishing a basic infrastructure in the fields of precious metal catalyst in place. When used in combination with a method to produce nano-particles, which are smaller than catalyst 5Nm diameter, the surface will lead to a drastic increase. Mazda has succeeded in raising the quantity of precious metals in the converters 2010 for the new Mazda3 to 70 percent only 0.15 / L capacity. Given the rising prices of precious metals in the year, it could be a huge advantage for Mazda and who shared technologies. If the same technology can be applied to other types of catalysts lean NOx traps, including the cost of the premium for the diesel engines.

Caffeine Performance: Come on, come on ... with Starbucks?

When the researchers at the University of Nevada success, America is always more with caffeine addicts can at least have a positive side. Apparently the coffee in 10 - and 15 percent of oil, which is a potential source of energy. Better yet, the oil is apparently easy to remove, so the experts pointed out that biodiesel could be a price as low as $ 1 per gallon, which is slightly better than oil to diesel fuel is selling, even after the recent price drops.

Of course it is not enough, in May last coffee beans from around the world to move entirely dependent on oil, but every bit helps. Perhaps the best news is that the fuel, the smell of their coffee, and that is reason enough for us to hide behind the idea.

2009 Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro starting in the U.S.

The nature Supermotard May, only if the people Spooning wheels 17-inch tires for sport, and during the trip to the site of the largest diameter of the circle knobbies Dirtbikes with your work, but things have apart from there. There is a big difference between a single-cylinder machines like the Suzuki DR-Z400SM bicycles and larger than the Ducati Hypermotard, despite the fact that both platforms, said in order to cope with a similar goal. Aprilia has recently among the manufacturers after the end of the Supermoto class and SMV 750 Dorsoduro is finally on the other light machine Supermoto SXV550 on the American market.

Aprilia developed liquid-cooled V-twin engine 750cc moves this requirement and provides up to 92 horses, making it a competitor for air-cooled 1100cc Ducati Hypermotard. Suspension and brake bits are online with 43mm forks reversed wave followed by the use of disc brakes forceps radio. Wheeler and termination secure. Get your own or red or black for $ 9599.

Large buses for Mercedes-Benz for the poor fuel

Each year, the cars are not the order of the federal standards for energy efficiency CAFE fines received in relation to their gas Feinschmecker crimes. Last year, DaimlerChrysler has set a record with a fine of $ 30357635.50, and this number is hard to beat. But Mercedes-Benz, which account for half of this marriage is not DaimlerChrysler has the best of himself at the beginning of recording an incredible 28.9 million U.S. dollar fine for cars produced in 2007 is once again the gold medal. OK, guys, we know you better ... or, worse, or whatever.

Other manufacturers CAFE poorly in the reports of Volkswagen, which has been beaten by a fine of 4.5 million U.S. dollars (mainly due to the van Touareg), Porsche and Maserati, a par with fines of 1 2 million U.S. dollars each, and Ferrari, which $ 1.1 million U.S. dollars in CAFE fines from the clutches of his pocket strings.

The fines are the big car manufacturers are about the reasons for the impending increase in the requirements in respect of the fuel. Those who successfully remain actively involved in the well know, as soon as possible what the mileage in the coming years if no prospect remain free. It seems that this does not happen quickly.

VIDEO: NBC, the media in the first unit of a mule Volt!

Even if we sit here drum his fingers on the table, waiting for the next call from GM Milford and Warren, NBC swept the team went into the city and the media of the first unit of the Chevy Volt / Cruze mules. The report was in the NBC Today Show, this morning actually tried a GM in the light of a change. Matt Lauer and Phil Lebeau, the Center for Technology, and said chief designer Bob Boniface volts and is available in a Chevrolet dealer. The report concludes with a few pictures of the two men in one of the mules of the Cruze organization led Rick Wagoner, in his recent visit to DC. You can use the video after the jump, but since the new network of the Americas, do not expect you to important information.

Mercedes-Benz paid $ 28.9m sentences for the crimes of the Energy Efficiency

Producers who do not meet the CAFE standards. Of the six manufacturers, the fines paid, Mercedes-Benz has been the hardest hit was to propose a draft law on the transfer of U.S. $ 28.9 million was paid in December. That is a huge sum, especially in this region, the automotive industry, but in reality a little less than U.S. $ 30.3 million paid for the buses from Daimler Chrysler in the past year - a figure which is still the record. Daimler go!

All other trademarks that do not meet the requirements, including CAFE Volkswagen, which was developed by an amount of 4.5 million U.S. dollars, in cooperation with Porsche and Maserati, which paid the cost of 1.2 million U.S. dollars and Ferrari, which has the beam by a relatively insignificant $ 1.1 million coaches.

With more and more stringent in the near future these fines is not exactly a good omen for the manufacturers of high-end luxury vehicles and the fact that the timetable for these conditions are not yet decided which is more difficult to plan.

U.S. GridWise Alliance, said an intelligent network to create 280,000 new jobs

Remember the United States presidential elections? I know, I know this for a long time. But one of the most important issues in the marathon was a debate on employment, the economy and bioenergy. As far as I remember, there was much to talk about how to help them first. GridWise Alliance, has in April this year GridWeek 2007, has an idea how this could happen.

According to the report on the use of the network chip, the installation of an intelligent network (you know what kind of plug-in for your car are the companies in the public service) in the United States could be 280,000 new jobs. A federal investment of 16 billion U.S. dollars over four years for the creation of employment and promoting investment in the network intelligently $ 64 billion U.S. dollars, the report says. 280,000 jobs May sound good, but the U.S. is the loss of more every month. Perhaps GridWise Alliance Obama can convince us that we have three intelligent networks, with two backups.

Renault Twingo for work in the roadster?

Those who shout to the death of the Smart Roadster May is concerned about reports that Renault is a convertible something on their own initiative. Spider is a small point, based on the Renault Twingo and have a manual in the style of the targa roof, which are stowed in the trunk.

The Smart Roadster was never a success in the market, especially because he is too expensive to build and expensive to buy. But if the reports are suspected Renault intelligent learn from the mistakes and addresses affordable Nissan Micra C + C, Opel / Vauxhall Tigra and the Peugeot 207 CC convertible bonds for Twingo price. Sources indicate that the little roadster bow in Frankfurt in 2010 - only this year are, in fact, rather than the basis of Renault in Paris.

Detroit preview: There is an oval wood and rules in the basement

A brainstorming session tackling some of the unused space and show some of the zero-emission vehicles, the environmental problems in this year's Detroit Auto Show, someone suddenly a light bulb on his head. "Hey, we will have a track to the vehicle in motion!" "It's good, Jim, but we need to 'green' angle," was a quick answer. "Maybe a pot," remains an enlightened, we must not expect, like a real wood! "And it was decided that during the oval, 700 meters long, is surrounded by a landscape with 100 Michigan forestscape maple, birch and pine trees next to a couple of ponds, for many waterfalls. And in the basement of Cobo Hall. We can not Wait, das

The so-called "Michigan EcoXperience" serious efforts to the public the opportunity to take a walk in the figure of vehicles Tesla Motors, Mitsubishi, General Motors and Ford (What! Fisker not?). While the pros chauffering buyers of tickets for the show, the downloads of journalists allowed themselves in the media preview days. The leaders were right to a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour on the road and obstacles.

Phantom Menace Project Kahn mods Rolls-Royce Coupé Dropheads

Few cars are "the good life" just like the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé Dropheads. But for some people, it is not enough. And for the people, there is no project Kahn, the location of British origin, has recently launched its own blingtastic DHC.

Essential to the realization of the package Kahn Silver Mist tires, especially in Rolls. They measure 22 inches in diameter, steam rolling to 9.5-inches wide and are in a situation, the schools remain RR on the right side up. The package also includes a grid polished, especially the elm wood, piano lacquer head shaped beam steering wheel, iPod connection and lambs' wool carpet. Kahn, treatment over another Convertible $ 50k on the bottom line, but we have doubt that all those responsible for the purchase of a new Rolls these days, which would be a little more money.

Pulp Fiction: Orange zolfo Back to the drawing board

Britain has a rich heritage in the field of sports facilities, but unfortunately for U.S. customers, some of them to start, while the colonies. The curious name zolfo orange, however, remains an exception. First orange zolfo reported two years ago, when he was expected with the production of Suzuki Hyabusa can. But the lack of space and other concerns, the weight of the GT drawing board, and finally again, and for him the best.

The revised version of the engine characteristics zolfo Orange Ford House, starting with a 2.3-liter Duratec rules very respectable 185 hp at the rear wheels of the Mazda MX-5 gearbox with five gears. More engine to a six-speed manual gearbox manually or automatically, eliminating differential lock Quersperre is offered, is to offer good results from the body, space frame chassis, which weighs 1543 pounds. The project is supported by strong British Midlands Nic Spatz Arlon manufacturers of plastics and former head of construction Caterham Jez Coates, receive additional contributions from other automobile manufacturers on the internal network of niche vehicles. AP supplies brakes, tires and Avon Ergonomie domestic demand can be against the Audi TT. Best of all, the first year of the period of 30 vehicles, almost all for the American market, so if you have 27,500 pounds (about $ 42k in green) on the side and looking for something a bit different, less juicy orange can press something for her

Big Game: 700 horses, 2323 lb-ft torque and ... a badge of Volvo

And yes, the new top-secret S60R Volvo should back many BMW. Well, boy. Of course. Go with the numbers of the FH16 700 or so, as you can see, is a semi - the strongest in the world, according to Volvo Trucks. FH16 replaces the 660, the surface of the filling model long-distance and in the heart of the issue of D16G engine. In addition to the series 700 hp, 16 liter six-cylinder diesel is also available with 600 hp and 540 hp flavors. Volvo, it is quieter and more efficient than its predecessor, no longer clean enough to meet the Euro 5 emissions standards will come into force later this year. Three kinds of booths, each of them can be very pleasant, has the look of things. Therefore, if you need, such as Euro Disney in Paris, Geneva, some of these evil and should be good to go.

Surprise! The Bush administration on the preparation of the statements CAFE

In short, three sentence report by the Bush administration has what we have been for some time: CAFE guarantee of future decisions by the next administration. So Obama and his future team is responsible to decide exactly how the new scheme has a significant impact on the cars that we drive in a few years.

Some questions to be resolved before the scheme, for example, whether by the individual states such as California has the right to additional standards that the rest of the nation. As the car manufacturers are already in a world of financial loss, as some of the strictest May "when you have successes," May, while others see it as an historic opportunity to real change.

Currently, there is a deadline of 1 April 2009 to standards for future years 2011-2015 models. We have great reservations about whether this is sufficient time for the automotive industry to the new rules are too strict, but we must wait and see what happens in the spring. See the explanation after the break.

KTM is working with the university for the eco-design concepts

Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has apparently a successful introduction in the world with its four-wheel X-Bow roadster, the company and has assured us that there is more to come. Everything is waiting eagerly awaiting the production of hybrid and electric as well as motorcycles, KTM city unless it is celebrating its eyes to a few environmentally friendly vehicles by the students of Industrial Design at the University of FH Joanneum KTM help designers.

All these approaches are impressive, but two of them has our attention primarily because they are for the operation of electricity and which seems very possible.

* KTM 85 sr Deuce - A lightweight
* KTM 360 - A super-lightweight, quiet electric bike

Ina addition to electric vehicles, is a non-road ready, four wheels, two machines with water and flies.

CES 2009: pricing wireless gadget next to his car

You've probably heard of the battery, without cable, but you soon May, that in his car. Fulton Innovation, in partnership with Leggett and Platt eCoupled wireless technology, smart energy on your mobile phone, MP3 player, radar detector or anything the need for electricity.

Instead of energy networks grogna the eCoupled for any gadget on the buffer can. As in the illustration, the rest of the route as part of the platform were played as if they were connected

Bret Lewis, Director Fulton Innovation is a demonstration of the system eCoupled the night of Wednesday. Fulton has an iPhone with a Bluetooth headset from Motorola with an eCoupled role. Lewis, the two devices in a wooden bowl, and as if by magic, the two began to load. The only hint is a bowl of trees, but nothing from a power cable, from the back. Under the bowl was empty for a metal plate with the inductance of the coil. The same system can be easily integrated into the console or on the dashboard of the car.

Ideally, says Lewis, gadget manufacturers to make the integration of technology into mobile devices as it is. In the real world, of course, there may be billions of devices that one third of the dough for entering Wireless.

But it is better! Lewis said that the system may include the transmission of data that may link music players and wireless phones with the car.

He also spoke to Ross Jr. Leggett Platt Haith and we in some vehicles in the projects to be ready as early as this year started.

W3 Triposto: Summer Days Driftin 'Away

Living in Montreal, which most of the year in a dream, what you really want with these summer weeks, when the skiing is bad. Now that the Grand Prix is no longer around, gearbox Canadians are looking for other means to meet her. And if a retired engineer and a driver are all caught in a snowstorm, so that the W3 Triposto.

The original idea of Clyde and Hugh Kwok, the W3 Triposto has a Porsche 911 and in a single speedster. His cabin 1 +2 outdoor places, such as the McLaren F1, wrapped in pseudo-retro body notice of 1958 Porsche 718 RSK (but actually a carbon and Kevlar, aluminum). The flat-six has been granted to 300 horses belonging to the W3 with overwhelming claim beyond the maximum speed of 300 km / h (186 mph). Kwok's son prefer 90's-era Carreras, but happy, the conversion of 911 for a princely $ 250000, or $ 300k on a "turnkey". You no longer have to wait until the snow melts, to take a curve.

Oz editorial: Damage, the Taliban for the investment in biofuels

Afghanistan is difficult, a place for the forces from outside. Beginning 800 years ago, the external forces are busy, busy and also tried to influence the Earth and the people there. Today, the United States and NATO, the armed forces of the Taliban continue to fight in a war with the train continues to deteriorate. Australia has also been one of the troops in the country, and this is the view that Canberra Times focuses on the bio-fuels is a reduction in the power of the Taliban. The basic idea is to encourage farmers, the increasing number of opium poppy, the opium / heroin and is of the Taliban, on the crops for biofuels. This would make the environment by reducing the amount of diesel fuel at the local level and also to reduce the revenues of the Taliban. There is no way to Canberra Times idea, and describe what - there are many reasons, the region was in a civil war ten years ago - but a change in the areas of drugs for biofuels can not do no harm.

Mitsubishi iMiEV deliver PSA, which is sold as Citroen and Peugeot

We have known since June that an agreement with SAP Mitsubishi cooperate on electric cars. What's new is in the Nikkei (Guipuzcoa req'd) on the supply of all Mitsubishi Electric MiEV andalusia SAP OEM agreement, under the brands and PSA Peugeot Citroën. There is an agreement for both parties, and Mitsubishi is not much more than a strong mark on the European mainland and SAP now have an easy development of electric vehicles to showrooms. SAP sell around 10000 MiEVs 2011, double the figures mistubishi production. Most European countries are currently or have to offer tax breaks and direct subsidies for the purchase of electric cars. SAP has already participated in the development of models and EV buy an electric Peugeot 106, some of which are for the common use of cars in La Rochelle, France.

VIDEO: 2010 Buick LaCrosse interior and exterior

Buick LaCrosse, is today one of the cars on the street and has not even noticed. GM Buick and the design is to remedy this situation with the LaCrosse the 2010th Nature of the metal, the improvement of internal materials and a new engine in the new LaCrosse compete Lexus ES350 and Lincoln MKS. A 260 hp 3.0L V6 with direct injection and a 3.6L ponies than 280 products of the new LaCrosse will also be able to compete in terms of performance and efficiency.

We had the opportunity to deal with several people for the new LaCrosse, cameras and roles, so that in the conversation. Click the jump to the video for you.

First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Few cars have done more to a kind of a trademark and the Lexus RX. If more than a decade in the suburbs, there are real estate agents and Napa-weekending friends, Lexus RX300 has helped increase sales by 60% when he came into the dealer until the end of 1998. In the following years, Lexus intelligent people move slowly developed a hybrid-drive, a foreign and tastefully renovated, appointments, to determine their success. In 2010, the RX is playing the same piece, but adds a few instruments, a new and newly BACKBEAT crescendo.

Yet another special edition Bugatti Veyron in Dubai found

Bugatti Veyron everyone is special, but some are more specific than others. As I mentioned in the endless parade of these special editions of the most exclusive supercar, George Orwell's work. Now, after the black blood, Pur Sang, Fbg by Hermès, the Grand Sport Sang Noir Grand Sport rumors, the Pegasus, for example, a mirror, and also on the secondary market, Mansory Vincerò are snapshots of another special edition Veyron.

This compensation apparently found in Dubai Mall of the Emirates (the same place where the issue was Pegaso), was apparently of Bugatti headquarters in Molsheim, which is without doubt a very rich customers in Dubai. The car is painted in French Racing Blue, the symbol of the Bugatti colors, is determined by the conditions attached to the brushed chrome wheels and similar to those in the current issue of Hermes. Founder of the company to sign Ettore Bugatti repeated in the window of the door, and on the inside and the door sill plates. Not to say whether this special edition Veyron EB mechanical changes, but we wonder how special you are for a Bugatti. Given the concentration Veyron in the Emirates, apparently a "regular" Veyron is not only very special

Spy Shots: Thailand MAX 2010 Ford Ranger

A tricky photographer had some photos that look like the versions of the Ford Ranger topics Max Thailand. All material, the inside and are rare in this moment, it is clear that some details have been reduced due to the approach (that is the slots on the fender flares and the introduction of the hood). This means that the production of compact vans line remains faithful to what we saw last fall in Thailand Motor Expo, a bed for the personality. It would not be bad for America, like Ford?

Euro specification Honda Insight rated 53 mi / gal (U.S.), 101 g / km CO2

How does the clock with the official opening of the new Honda Insight 2009, further information about a leak in Europe, this time directly from Honda. A new brochure about the entire line, including the Insight, has directly on the website of Honda in Belgium. According to the prospectus, the new 1.3L engine is estimated, 87 HP Insight based in Europe and is equipped with a 13 hp engine in the IMA. In the EU, the test cycle, the new hybrid handset comes with a 53 mi / gal (U.S.), while the emission of only 101 g / km CO2.

We had the opportunity to lead the specifications of the U.S. Insight shortly before Christmas, but we can not say more about this topic now. Therefore, you must wait until the morning of Sunday 9 clock EST. Back then read everything and insight to the left to complete our coverage of Detroit Auto Show.

CES 2009: Garmin street environment promotes the software update fuel

Garmin, one of the best manufacturers of satellite navigation, has developed new software that can help motorists to natural gas. Announcement of the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas today, software, ecoRoute called, allows each user to select a new Garmin nuvi path as "less fuel." Then the ratio of fuel ecoRoute fuel report and recommendations, you can rely on the conservation of fuel in the road. The software is configurable, you can use the vehicle in the car and actual fuel consumption and gas prices. The software also allows calculate were rescued, as evidenced by the introduction of the eco-road. A similar service is available for the Fiat driver with a USB stick. Press release after the jump.

Heavy PHEV system developers Odyne Corporation caller Farm

There is now a work on the development of hybrid drive systems for trucks and buses. Odyne Corporation was the development of plug-in hybrid systems for medium and heavy trucks and buses. Unfortunately, so that the vehicles, including school buses, trucks and vans waste have the duty cycle for an ideal plug-in hybrid transmission with a relatively small business, and much lower speed stop-start operation, the cost of premiums were just too much for the operators have in today's economy.

Therefore, the company will not be able to generate enough revenue or find a buyer for the operation. Two months after the termination of the United States to investigate alternatives matrix, calls to the company noted. Odyne is the dismissal of employees and the closure of their shops.

350-hp SC 2011 Lotus Evora

If Lotus shown from its new Evora, the LA Auto Show in November, the director of engineering Roger Becker made it clear that the car was to be seen, they were just the beginning. Lotus never been a society with the necessary resources for the development of entirely new cars a few years ago. In its place, a car to design, develop, and within 10-20 years. The first car with a 3.5 L naturally aspirated V6 with the streets this spring, with 276 hp.

A couple years from now things of a compressor Lotus in the valley between the cylinder banks of the pump to about 350 hp. This should be sufficient to achieve the upper end of the order of 160 mi / h to 175 mph, before this happens, however, are the children in Hethel something that is not in a Lotus for many years - an automatic transmission - especially among the Americans, too lazy to change. A roadster version is also in preparation, and the coach that the Lotus Evora equipped with hard top. Given the size of Lotus' new 2 +2, which will be interesting to see whether all the hardware stuff in Evora coupe without destroying the surprising beauty.

VIDEO: Welburn NAIAS certain ridicule production Chevy Beat Today Show

This morning, the NBC Today Show, General Motors has the design chief Ed Welburn speaking live with host Matt Lauer from General Motors Tech Center in Warren. Welburn Overview of Detroit Auto Show will be attractions, including the new Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Camaro. More relevant, however, was the designer of the willingness of paper - even in part - which is probably one of the production of the 2007 Chevrolet Beat concept. Welburn has promised that the car was at the show presented by Cobo, leading to the speculation that the pace of the Member States may, after all.

Aptera recognize the delays in production, the main changes

Product delays of companies should not be a surprise, especially those involving the construction of green cars. The last California Aptera is the basis for the development of a crack in the form of droplets, tricycle with two seats. The company has contracts to supply electrical equipment 2nd by the end of 2008. Unfortunately, this first production intent "is an example of this is at least a week from completion, according to an e-mail to people who had deposits of $ 500, the vehicle remains in the company. In fact, it is always, until the construction of the Vehicles Aptera October of ships for the guests.

The reason is because in recent months, the company has a few minor changes in the forums client. They know very little change as the car unique rear wheel of the two front wheels. And the addition of a role in the section of the window, you can beat the reader through the window without having to open the door. For an idea of the actual demand, the company also offers the possibility of the non-refundable, which is also a fee of $ 250 on the final price. All e-mails from customers after the jump.

Brilliant top: Reynard hits the streets with the investors

Like the automobile manufacturers, both large and small, have their last software as a "racing car for the road?" To expect, of course. But if you have a real race car on the street, where best to begin by saying that in a real race? Reynard get, for example. One of the largest automobile manufacturers in the race, the Reynard chassis in a variety of standard formula Indy race cars, cars ... and has a space to trophies to prove. His latest project is no less extreme in their performance, but for the legal road (for our European friends) from the beginning.

Reynard The UPS is designed with a steel frame with a coating of carbon fiber and fiberglass body in the course specifications suspension. Customers can choose from a series of motorcycle engines to power, even the drivers for the Honda Fireblade and Suzuki Hayabusa, coupled with the paddle shifted transmission sequentially fully blipping, capacity plate on the road. The high-revving motorcycle engines, with a low weight (400 kg or 882 pounds of fuel completely) back into the Formula performance, the strengths turn pointer with more than 4 grams, the sponsor may be required on the street, race or cut (which means a choice between slick tires or suspension), but if you are on the name is derived from the investor (right) the ability to operate the peak in the tunnel below the ceiling of 100 miles per hour, with its precious cargo . Now that the "race car for the road" mantle has been solved, we would like to see a way back to this question should be clarified. In the meantime, we have only the details in the press release

5 Stars para'09 Ford F-150

2009 Ford F-150 with five-star crash ratings and a government "policy recommendations" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IISH) Ford said that the new fully Sizer the safest on the market. Safety of the vehicles is still largely a question of losing the mother of the rear wheel, but the F-150 is equipped with a variety of safety equipment. Abbreviations and names, the RSC (Roll Stability Control), a K-Canopy bags and inflatable curtains security, in the election to win five stars on the front and the side impact test. We expect no less than Ford, according to the F-Series is a plant master the vehicle sales and without a doubt the most important, in Dearborn. The F-serie'09 was one of those brackets and the rates of security is another feather to its cap. Suffocation, with the competitors in their heels, the F-Series is nothing other than the stars, and now, with the long list of Huzzah, seems to be the challenge.

CES 2009: Update with SYNC transport, management and information

Microsoft and Ford SYNC the start of the Consumer Electronics Show 2007, updated the system in case of last year and now keep the tradition alive for further improvements for 2009. The next iteration synchronization sports new features to optimize the performance of a user's Bluetooth GPS enabled smartphone.

Reduced to the essentials, these properties, the transport, information and instructions. Transport function sends text messages with the traffic warnings on the phone or the SYNC can be loud in the car. Notes mimics the function of a navigation function for the display of the radio and speak over the PA system. And finally, there is information that the users access to sports, weather and news of all kinds by SYNC.

The best part is that all these elements to each vehicle with SYNC on your smartphone. Ford says that the iPhone will work with these new opportunities, although the possibilities of Apple's Bluetooth and AT & T is not the possession of data. We look forward to further details on how it works today, when we are together with the management of Ford and a demonstration.

The big blue oval said SYNC with these new functions in nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, including three years' service in advance. Take a look at Ford and full demonstrartion press release a video of the new features after the jump.

Motorcyclists celebrate the opening of the bus in London

There are many happy in London, indicated that the bus lanes in the city were opened on the lookout for a motorcycle tour safe and saves time and with less fuel. Transport for London, which in the decision, a group of dealers of Honda motorcycles, the members of the Association of Motorcycle Industry Council, the Institute for motorists, the British MOTORCYLE and the Federation of the Metropolitan Police BikeSafe team has decided to set the alarm for the first stage in the city, to set the historical cafe like Wembley.

For motorcycles, a code of conduct for all cyclists are invited to use the time that the bus lanes. As it is, only 5 percent of the roads are of a red London bus lanes, but the impact on traffic in the city should be much higher. It is hoped that the good things in the 18 months of probation, the mayor of London has other municipalities such as London can be used for the motorists.

Detroit Preview: Ford line even an EV

We are all very conscious that this year's Auto Show in Detroit is an event darker than in previous years. However, the drastic reduction in sales and a source of economy is not everything in full swing. Chrysler, for example, an electric car (Dodge, possibly a coupé four doors). What Ford? We are still not sure, but in the wake of the merger of the hybrid praise we hear the stories, the new Ford at least talk about electric cars during our time in the Cobo Hall in the next week. We hope that there is an electrical connection for both, but the surprise is that the rumor that Ford has also contributed to the discovery of plans for a new electric sedan, which will be in 2011 and it is likely to be at the next generation Worldwide Focus sedan.

Beijing could prohibit the demand for fuel for electric vehicles

Beijing has genuine measures to reduce pollution after the last Olympics, that the question of a very public. Already there are very complicated, that drivers must follow, and this year, the cars must have a "yellow label" if they do not meet the Euro I emission standards, these standards have been in China in 1992. Passenger with these labels will be prohibited on some streets of the city, at least one day per week. Fortunately, the owners of these vehicles will soon be admitted to a grant up to 25,000 yuan (3660 U.S. dollars) replacement for the old car with a new and clean. If the driver is not on the way to a fine of about $ 15. Currently more than 350,000 vehicles are marked, there is no problem at short notice.

With roof REVA L ions move in India Climate Solutions Road Tour

After his announcement the next availability of energy in lithium-ion batteries for cars, the Reva Electric Car Company (RECCO) is the deployment of three new variants on the road with India Climate Solutions Road Tour. Founder and CTO, Chetan Maini, was at the post office and on the tour is a great opportunity for the company, its technology to combat environmental problems. "

These specially prepared REVA L-Ion each sport, an eco-system of color and a roof with solar cells, a few kilometers from the road. Speaking of the beach, Mangalorean.com said that these vehicles can be 93 to 124 miles on a little over 75 miles, the REVA L-ion battery available for sale, should be able to do so. The visit will be at 3500 km (2175 miles) and travel through 15 cities and aims to raise awareness and education in action. Click on the jump in the video Web site up to date with pictures of cars at the event and Mr Maini speak the new batteries and new markets marketing.

Ferrari denies that the employees working with Peugeot for the development

September, Peugeot announced that it is an experimental hybrid of the 908 HDi Le Mans coupe prototype of the system with the kinetic energy recovery (employees) are as they are currently in the development of teams Formula Un 908 HY with an electric motor / generator and the Lithium-ion battery for storing electricity. The earlier this week, rumors that the Ferrari F1 team, in cooperation with Peugeot in the development of workers due to technical problems, the Italian company had. The justification for the measure is the ban on new evidence to come into force for the F1 teams during the season races this year. The idea is that Ferrari Bewies for Peugeot system. But Ferrari has vehemently denied the stories. The team has said that politically it does not make sense to try to avoid the rule that all teams agree. Because no other team has the race is wrong to try to have an advantage over its competitors, why Ferrari?

Daimler sells batteries for the third

The batteries are the biggest obstacle to electric vehicles on the market. Most car manufacturers already have their shipments through joint ventures with companies in the electronics, but there are also companies like Tesla are producing their own packages using the platform of lithium-ion batteries. Tesla also sells complete hardware packages and other stakeholders. Among those who could Daimler, which says that the use of Tesla Motors and boxes in the second-generation Smart Fortwo ed Daimler, but not on a single supplier, with packages Cobasys nickel-metal hydride in the two hybrid SUVs and lithium -ion batteries are used, the packages of Continental in the mild hybrid models. Well, the German car maker has signed an agreement with Evonik own units of lithium ion.
Recent reports indicate that DaimlerChrysler wants to compete with the provision of Tesla fully ready for use on other packages from other manufacturers as well. If that happens, we can not imagine that in the near future, that the joint venture with Evonik has announced last month, and not for the production of data is not yet known.

Th! Nk think that investors should step outside the Th! Nk

Things viewed Th! Nk. Electric NORWAY we see for the topicality, and found an article that states that Indre.no Th! Nk administration is "very optimistic" regarding the possibility for new foreign investors - with the current and the Norwegian government - to intervene and in the electric car company. It is reported that one of the Th! Nk more fans - Stein Erik Hagen who tried to investors in a double or nothing "plan a few weeks ago - a team with the founder of the Society for renewable energy and solar energy entrepreneur Alf Bjørseth on a rescue plan. It is not a hundred vehicles in the city and beef from the assembly line tomorrow, but it is a step in the right direction.

Lexus RX450h hybrid transmission improved 28 Wed / gal city/27 highway

A few months ago in a car salon in Los Angeles, where Lexus shows the world in their last RX450h hybrid crossover, the car is not yet ready to be the price of fuel and opinions. Things are still somewhat vague on the forehead of the price, but we have some preliminary data from the line, and a novel, the value of detail all the changes, which are added to create a hybrid. First, the mileage: about 28 mpg EPA city and highway 27 mph (26 mi / gal for TI), an improvement in the 8 / 12 percent of the old RX400h. We could almost Minucie for the Lexus, as it has done to the past are all in the press release.

Further details are an important heat of the exhaust new hybrid system, a better result in the low temperatures, a new CEO and a new leadership, with the EV RX power to operate only with zero emissions, under certain circumstances. All this, and 20 percent higher performance ... sounds like a winner to this day. Wait, that the new series RX450h conversion in a few months, and the search for information on prices nearer the launch date.

A123 will be 1.84 billion U.S. dollars of loans from the DOE for the manufacture of batteries

A123 Systems announced today it has $ 1.84 billion in loans for the Department of Energy to pay 2.3 million U.S. dollars to the construction of batteries in the U.S.. What should be good news for Michigan, the first of the A123 is the planning of the facilities. When the A123 receives the funds needed for the production of cells in 2013 to 5 million vehicles support, or half a million batteries for electric vehicles, hybrids. The factories produce, which employ 14,000 people when it is fully operational.

A123, it works with seven auto manufacturers now 19 programs in different vehicles. These include General Motors, the plug-in hybrid Saturn Vue and Chevrolet Volt and Chrysler, with its programs through its Department ENVI electric. A123 is also the best place to deal with the loading of the battery and the exchange in the network. No word on the date on which the decision on the request or the construction can begin.

AE RORMaxx formula on glossy paper

What is it that 18 years, students of secondary schools to sleep these days? Super Slick ecological cars, apparently. The AE RORMaxx Formula car is the alternative energy of two elderly people at Harvard-Westlake High School, California, and Rory Maxx Bricklin trade, to create a car with the help of the wind. The concept of the formula used AE (finally, if at all) ultracapacitors, solar panels, and the recovery of the air flow to their impact on the environment. Everything that the formula AE look good on paper: A 0-60 in less than 4 seconds with a speed of 155 miles per hour and covered some flexible solar cells. Oh, and this would have a range exceeding 200 miles per battery charge 1.5 hours. While there are no plans for the production of EA for Formula marketing - that's almost one at this stage - Trade and Bricklin said that the retail price would be $ 80k and 150k (USD). Current plans foresee that for the prototype of the formula AE is in August this year.

Stimulus package could also be the big dollars for the progress made batteries

With the leadership of the Congress and the future Obama administration is working on a new business development, for fishing in the world is a piece of cake. Including the automotive manufacturer and supplier of batteries. Tough on the policy shift to even more stringent fuel economy and CO2 emissions and the regulations by clicking directly on the streets of cars to build plug-in vehicles, in exchange for financial support, the battery must be a development accelerated. John Dingell (D-MI) and the rest of the Michigan delegation is ready to go at least 1 billion U.S. dollars for the financing batteries. Exactly how this will be funded is not yet clear. It could be from the current U.S. $ 25 million was for 2007 and the energy bill was also proposed to double funding. In more than 1 billion U.S. dollars for research and development, additional resources will be needed to pay the start of the battery capacity.

Detroit Preview: 2010 Buick LaCrosse breaks cover

If the car that you see here is something to be trusted. It seems as a hall in the spring of this year in Beijing, the Buick Invicta concept. In 2009, Detroit Auto Show, the Invicta 2010, the Buick LaCrosse. Like many recent examples that at least one Invicta is a concept that is a very slightly disguised version to the next production of motor vehicles. Shortly before the Christmas holiday, General Motors has the media a glimpse of the new production of LaCrosse in the construction of the dome of the Tech Center in Warren, MI.

GM Vice President for North, Buick Pontiac GMC Susan Docherty, generally of medium size cars online car Jim Federico direction, and the Buick brand kind chief designer Dave Lyon is a race down to us in the new LaCrosse. The average size of the Buick is the first U.S. market for the implementation of the revision of the Epsilon II architecture, which since last summer, that the basis of the Euro-only Opel Insignia.

Nissan GT-R showed SpecV!

After nearly a year of speculation and photos spyware, it's official: the Nissan GT-R has SpecV. The Limited Edition GT-R is a subtle evolution of the super-cut, that everyone in the fire after it was launched last year, and that it offers performance Nissan cars in a street legal institution.

Body Mods especially from carbon fiber rear wing, grille and brake lines, exclusively with Black Opal last painting. Inside a set of Recaro bucket carbonfibre the front while the rear seats have been nixed to save some books. Carbon adorns the center storage box, the dash and replaces the most runs Affairs.

The only significant change is a new engine for the promotion of progress, the amount of oxygen in the double-turbo'd 3.8 liters V6 more torque in the mid-price segment with high speed. A flight from titanium and coated with a change of attitude is with ceramic brakes with low carbon content and 20-inch rear wheels, the NISMO contributed to the reduction of unsprung mass and improving performance.

Sales in Japan in September, pre-selected, with prices fixed at 15750000 yen. No word on if the GT-R SpecV go through the Pacific, but we are not yet the leadership of our breath.

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