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Test Results of Performance Criteria Exceed Preliminary Expectations

DETROIT, MI -April 15, 2008 - Reaching yet another significant milestone in its development of the world’s most fuel efficient internal combustion engine — The Scuderi Air-Hybrid Engine — the Scuderi Group today announced that measured results from valve train test rig tests by an independent laboratory have exceeded expectations and have had a nearly perfect match to initial computer predictions of the engine. This announcement marks the first day of the Scuderi Group’s participation in the SAE World Congress and Exposition at the Cobo Center, where they will be meeting with automotive engineers from around the world to discuss the latest developments of the much-anticipated Scuderi Engine (Booth 1337).

The newly developed valve train test rig is designed to fully actuate, test and measure all performance criteria of the Scuderi Engine’s crossover valve train sub-assembly, prior to the final assembly of the first Scuderi Engine prototype. The crossover valve train is one of the most critical portions of the Scuderi Engine since it must actuate at greater than Formula 1 speeds. Testing on the valve train test rig is expected to continue through the month of April.

“The valve train on the Scuderi Engine has been one of the most scrutinized features of the engine since our debut here at SAE World Congress two years ago,” said Sal Scuderi, president of the Scuderi Group. “The valve train test rig simulates every aspect of the engine’s environment, minus the heat of combustion. Therefore the laboratory was able to fully actuate the crossover valves at all engine speeds under all load conditions, and compare measured results to the computer-predicted performance data.”

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written by driive.com

Filed under: Etc., Japan

All you vintage Japanese automotive fans, we may have found your show. It's called "Top Sales" and is being broadcast in Japan by the government-funded NHK media giant. Apparently (we don't speak Japanese, so we are taking someone's word on this), the plot has to do with a young woman's journey through the male-dominated automotive sales industry at a fictional company called "Omiyake Motors." As success often happens so readily on television shows, she starts out on the car lot in sales and quickly works her way up to president of the company. We'll admit that doesn't sound overly exciting, but the show is set three decades ago - this means a lot of thinly-disguised 70's-era Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas zooming around. See if you can name some of the classics in the screen shots... Thanks for the tip, catgirlshyla!

[Source: Auto-Otaku]

 

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written by Michael Harley

Filed under: Green Culture, Hybrid, Chevrolet, SAE World Congress, Green Daily

I took a ride this morning through downtown Detroit in a 30+ mpg Equinox. Originally, the 2005 Equinox got 25 mpg on the highway and 19 in the city. Two Michigan Technological University seniors represented their school at a ride and drive event at GM’s headquarters for the Challenge X while the SAE Congress was going on down the street at Cobo Hall. Todd Cimermancic, team leader, and Doug Sarsen, who is in charge of the powertrain, have both been working on the MTU vehicle since this Challenge X began three years ago and were great guides to explain how a group of just over a dozen student (it’s fluctuated through the years) has gotten a 30 percent fuel economy increase out of a 2005 Chevy Equinox for the low price of $250,000. Actually, that’s how much money has been put into the SUV all together through the years and includes the $300 roof art.

The MTU team decided that reducing weight was the best way to increase mpg, and added lightweight rear seats and polycarbonate windows to shave off a few pounds. The vehicle also has a gas engine that powers the front wheels and a 55 kW electric motor on the rear wheels. With regenerative braking, the Equinox achieves a 30 percent mpg bump, one of GM’s original goals for Challenge X. The MTU team has been having trouble with the emissions part of the Challenge, but Cimermancic said he was confident that they’d hit the 30 percent reduction goal with the latest iteration of the system. We’ll know the final results when Challenge X ends next month in Washington, D.C. For now, check out our video of this morning’s ride after the jump. These kids are pros on camera.

 

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written by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Those clever Hawkeyes don't need Xibit to pimp a ride, so here to represent Iowa pimps we have this 1988 Camaro IROC-Z, apparently inspired by a Sprite commercial. The great thing about any pimped piece of auto is that it sells itself -- all you need to do is see the car on the street and you know, as Paul Harvey said, the rest of the story. The "fresh 305, fresh tranny w/shift kit," TV, subs, lambo doors, is par for the track course. What really interests us about this car is the price: $9,900 or "comparable trade." We're fine with the cash -- what we really want to see is what kind of car qualifies as "comparable trade"? Thanks for the tip, Aaron!

[Source: craigslist]

 

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written by Jonathon Ramsey

Filed under: Hybrid, HUMMER, USA

On an episode of her Mob Logic.TV called “Hybrid Hullabaloo” the lovely Lindsay Campbell (pictured right) had the opportunity to ask an owner of the iconic super-sized Tonka toy something she has been wanting to ask for a long time.

While interviewing random people in the parking lot of a “big box” store about hybrids and why they aren’t driving them, she spots a man returning to his king-sized ride and runs to confront him. With mic in hand and cameraman in tow she starts, “Tell me seriously, I’ve always wanted to talk with a Hummer owner and find out what the hell you were thinking when you bought this car” Find out his reaction after the jump.

[Source: MobLogic.TV]

 

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written by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Videos, BMW

Click above to view video after the jump

If you haven't seen BMW's M3 "Revolution" ad, then you need to do that right now. For those of you who have seen it, no doubt you were wondering how they created such stunning video without the use of CGI. Fortunately, additional cameras were on hand to film some 'behind the scenes' footage, as well as interviews with those responsible for capturing the innermost workings of the BMW M3 V8. A total of six engines were disassembled for the making of the commercial, and miniature HD cameras shooting at 4,000 frames per second were used to ensure that the internal combustion could be seen in high resolution and slow motion. The video can be seen after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via zercustoms.com]

 

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written by Drew Phillips

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors

By now we are all aware of the sad saga of Tesla Motors and their quest for a reliable two-speed transmission for the battery powered Roadster. After failing to get the necessary durability from the original gearbox supplied by X-Trac, Tesla turned to Magna to try and create a new unit. That obviously didn’t work out any better, so they tried to design their own before giving up and revising the motor instead and going to a single speed transmission. Unfortunately Magna apparently didn’t take the break-up well and has now resorted to courts for redress.

According to Magna Powertrain’s suit against Tesla, they didn’t get the money they were owed for the design and development work they did. Interestingly, Magna is claiming that they suggested to Tesla as far back as September 2006 that they should go with a single speed unit, but that path wasn’t followed at the time. The suit claims that Tesla had Magna stop work in October 2007 and the Canadian company isn’t taking issue with the cancellation of the program. They aren’t happy about the fact that Tesla is paying them the $5.6 million they say they are owed for work that was done.

To the best of our knowledge none of Tesla’s prospective customers have started litigation yet over the delays and specification changes. If that does happen, things to get ugly for the San Carlos startup. It’s not that prospective customers necessarily have a case against Tesla because it appears that Tesla is letting anyone unhappy with what’s happening cancel their orders. It’s just the distraction and legal costs that could be better spent elsewhere. For Tesla’s other legal case, click here.

Update: The filings are public records and the San Mateo Court has them online. You can read them here.

[Source: Earth2Tech.com, thanks to Craig for the tip]

 

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written by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Gadgets

TAG Heuer Calibre 36 RS Concept: click to view more

Of all the watchmakers out there making automotive-inspired timepieces, TAG Heuer is arguably the leader. The Swiss company has sponsored various motorsports for decades, has been endorsed by some of racing's biggest names and continues to produce some of the most lust-worthy yet attainable driver's watches on the market. At the industry's biggest annual exposition, TAG lived up to the reputation with a whole new collection of automotive timepieces.

Among the watches TAG Heuer unveiled at the Baselworld watch expo are three new editions of its Formula 1 Chronograph: two celebrating Kimi Raikkonen's championship last year and the Indianapolis 500, and a new oversized titanium carbide-coated Grande Date Chronograph. Three new luxurious versions of the innovative Grand Carrera were also unveiled, featuring gold and diamond embellishments. But while the Mercedes SLR McLaren may be nearing its long production run, TAG's headline production timepiece was the new SLR Calibre S Laptimer. Featuring a hyper-accurate mechanism capable of timing laps down to 1/100th of a second, the final SLR chronograph will remain in the company's catalog long after the last supercar rolls off the assembly line. Meanwhile, to showcase its latest technological advancements, TAG Heuer displayed the Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chronograph, featuring a rotating scale mechanism and a second hand that moves in precise increments of 1/10th of a second instead of the usual full-second movements. The concept timepiece was featured on the dash of former Pininfarina, Porsche and GM design chief Ken Okuyama's KO7 Spyder, which we first caught at this year's Geneva show and was displayed alongside the 36 RS concept watch in Basel.

Follow the jump for more details on TAG Heuer's Baselworld line-up of advanced driver's chronographs, and check out the images in the image gallery by clicking on the thumbnails below.

[Source: TAG Heuer]

Continue reading Show Time: TAG Heuer unveils eight new driver's watches

 

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written by Noah Joseph

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Solar, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)

I’m wondering if my skills at assembling Ikea furniture will be useful for the SUNN. The SUNN is a solar electric car in a kit that can apparently be assembled in your garage in four or five days. The kit includes everything that you need except the batteries and solar panels which have to be locally sourced to save you a bundle on shipping. Solar panels and batteries are heavy and thus expensive to ship.

Don’t expect Tesla-like performance, however. Sunn’s maximum speed is rated at 25 mph. If used without solar panels, you will be able to drive for 20 miles. Plug-in the solar panels and you will get extra 3 miles from the hood and 14 from the roof panels. That’s 34 miles.

According to the website, this can be classified as a NEV in the U. S., which makes it legal if you register it. The manufacturer supplies you with the Manufacturers Certificates of Origin for all of the major components. Full specs and video after the jump.

• Chassis, welded square tubing
• Front suspension with two shocks.
• Rack and pinion steering with steering wheel
• Rear suspension with two shocks.
• Four wheels, 26′ diameter Kevlar belt tires.
• Drive system- 48 DC motor and control with regenitive braking and reverse.
• Inner frame, welded
• Door assembly with latch and handle.
• Frame welded square tubing
• Body parts, floor, pans and outside panels made of fiberglass reinforced plastic.
• Floor, seats and dash board.
• Hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels.
• Speed control with pedal, PWM control, relays and all cables.
• Headlights, taillights, turn signals, switches and wiring harnesses.
• Solar charge controller with ammeter.Solar panel(s) not included.
• Built in 110 Volt charger.
• Safety glass windshield and polycarbonate side and rear windows.
• Windshield wiper, seat belts, review mirrors, horn and parking brake.
• Detailed assembly manual
• Wiring diagrams
• Certificates of Origin for all major components

[Source: SUNN via The Uber Review]

 

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written by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Green, Bentley

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Bentley Brooklands

British racing green could take on a whole new meaning if Bentley is able to achieve its goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by two-thirds to just 120 grams per kilometer by 2012. Currently, all of its vehicles emit more than 400 g/km, no doubt including the 2009 Bentley Brooklands we drove last week, so the company from Crewe has a long way to go. While we'd expect to see some sort of diesel offering, Bentley remains mum on any real details regarding its future powerplants. We do know, however, that the British manufacturer of ridiculously luxurious transportation is holding out hope for biofuels, which post high well-to-wheel CO₂ measurements. When just the tailpipe emissions are taken into consideration, biofuels offer just a little benefit as compared to dino-juice, but when the entire carbon footprint of the fuel is considered, biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel can post significant CO₂ improvements.


[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

 

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written by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Etc., Chevrolet, Celebrities

When you need to escape a pack of damn dirty apes, what could be better than a Corvette? Charlton Heston's Corvette, that's what. It's a virtually stock 1999 C5, looking sharp in black with chrome wheels. The current owner has added new taillights, the C6 style rims, and a Borla exhaust. The current bid of $20,600 is a fair price for that vintage 'Vette showing under 20,000 miles, though the reserve has yet to be met. We wonder what type of unrealistic hollywood-connection premium the seller is wishing for. C'mon, it doesn't matter who once owned it, really. Maybe if it were more rare, maybe if it were a Callaway sleeper, then it would be worth forking over more dough. Of course, we'd expect nothing less than someone trying to cash in off the back of a recently passed movie star. Despite the charming manifesto on the listing, this car is no more a collector's item than any other clean C5. Besides, we'd at least expect it to at least have a pistol-grip shifter, and it doesn't. Thanks for the tip, nevermind!

Gallery: Charlton Heston's Corvette

[Source: eBay]

 

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written by Dan Roth

Filed under: Diesel, Ford, UK

click to enlarge

In the last few days we’ve seen a battery-powered Ford Transit Connect from Smith Electric and a hybrid version from Connaught Engineering. But do white bonnet stripes belong on a delivery van? Ford certainly thinks so (again), and is debuting the Transit Connect Sportvan today at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham in the UK. The latest version of the long-running Transit van will go on sale in September with a 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 110 PS engine that delivers 250 Nm of torque. The exhaust has an optional c-DPF (coated Diesel Particulate Filter) that is compliant with Euro Stage IV regulations and, under normal driving situations, is maintenance-free. Exterior sportiness is generated by the colored bumpers, bright chrome grille and a roof spoiler, among other enhancements fully described by Ford’s crack PR team after the jump.

click to enlarge

In the last few days we’ve seen a battery-powered Ford Transit Connect from Smith Electric and a hybrid version from Connaught Engineering. But do white bonnet stripes belong on a delivery van? Ford certainly thinks so (again), and is debuting the Transit Connect Sportvan today at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham in the UK. The latest version of the long-running Transit van will go on sale in September with a 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 110 PS engine that delivers 250 Nm of torque. The exhaust has an optional c-DPF (coated Diesel Particulate Filter) that is compliant with Euro Stage IV regulations and, under normal driving situations, is maintenance-free. Exterior sportiness is generated by the colored bumpers, bright chrome grille and a roof spoiler, among other enhancements fully described by Ford’s crack PR team after the jump.

 

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written by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

After the announcement last month that BMW was increasing U.S. production while cutting jobs in Germany, the CFO of the German automaker, Michael Ganal, told WirtschaftsWoche magazine that the automaker intends to make other significant changes as the dollar continues to depreciate against the euro. As of today, the volume of cars produced in BMW's Spartanburg plant contributes to about 22 percent of the company's overall sales. However, these vehicles only account for about 10 percent of the materials purchased volume. Over the next four years, the Bavarian car company intends to increase its purchases of parts and components from domestic U.S. suppliers, and Ganal hinted that BMW may also increase production to even higher levels than the 240,000 vehicles annually manufactured on our shores. The influx of manufacturing, supply, and administrative jobs (and tax revenue) may be one of the only upsides to the continuing plunge of the dollar.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

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written by Michael Harley

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written by Malcolm \\ tags: Auto blogsphere

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Green Daily

The Mitsubishi i MiEV electric vehicle is not standing still. In an announcement from Tokyo today, Mitsubishi announced that the jellybean will be on display at the Beijing International Motor Show that starts next week. In the press release about this (which also tells us that about the new Lancer Evolution and is pasted after the jump), Mitsubishi calls the MiEV “a symbol of the company’s approach to environmental issues and with a view to introduction on markets outside Japan.” That sure sounds like the forces pushing to bring this car to production are not being silenced from within the company. This would be good - no, great - news.

Also, as an addition to our post the other day about the i MiEV videos the other day, tipsters Yanquetino and Amtoro point us to one more video featuring the cute little ride. This video shows the MiEV being unloaded from a transport truck and, as Yanquetino explains, a lot more than that:

Unless I am interpreting the numbers incorrectly, it looks like the engineers take the iMiEV on a hill-climbing test run, from 663m (2,175 ft.) to 2,450m (8,038 ft.), a total vertical ascent of 1,787m (5,863 ft.) over a distance of 28.7km (18 miles).

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the video occurs at 5 minutes, 15 to 25 seconds, when they are going back down the mountain. It shows that the power gauge is now below zero, in the negative numbers, thanks to regen. You can also see that the battery charge is at about 75%. And at 5:21 you’ll actually see the charge move another bar closer to full.

I’ll just add that the video seems to be dated 2007/11/07 (according to a date at the bottom of the player). Who knows where things stand today. Thanks to Yanquetino and Amtoro for the tips!

Press Release:

Mitsubishi Motors shows new Lancer Evolution at Beijing International Motor Show - launch slated for this fall.

- Electric vehicle i MiEV unveiled for first time in China -

Lancer Evolution (China spec shown)

Tokyo, April 15, 2008 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces today that it will be showing the new Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan market) high-performance 4WD sedan, which is to be launched on the Chinese market this fall, at the Beijing International Motor Show. The show opens for the press on April 20 and for the public on April 24 at the Beijing International Exhibition Center. Also on display will be the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA*1, which embodies the fun-to-drive and heightened sensitivity for the environment that lie at the heart of Mitsubishi Motors’ car building activities, and the Prototype-S sport hatchback concept, both of which are being unveiled in the Asia region for the first time. Joining these on the Mitsubishi Motors stand in a lineup of 13 models is the i MiEV electric vehicle, currently being developed as a symbol of the company’s approach to environmental issues and with a view to introduction on markets outside Japan.

*1 : Road Alive

In Mitsubishi Motors’ new Step Up 2010 mid-term business plan announced on February 29 the company designates China one of its “focus” markets for the coming years, partly because of rapidly growing demand for automobiles in the country. The company plans to introduce six new models into the market over the next three years, including some built locally.

The Lancer Evolution, to be announced at the Beijing Show, will be the first of these new models. Featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ own S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system, Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and other new technologies; this is a new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan that allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy the highest levels of fun-to-drive performance safely and with confidence.

Lancer Evolution was very well received at its Japan launch last October, and the company has subsequently introduced the model on the North American, European (including Russia) and Australia markets. Its forthcoming introduction in China means that the model will be on sale in all of the world’s major car markets.

The Mitsubishi Motors press briefing will be held from 1:00 pm on April 20 at the Mitsubishi Motors stand.

1. Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2008 Beijing International Motor Show

Model Remarks

• Lancer Evolution New model (Lancer Evolution X in Japan Market)
• MITSUBISHI Concept-RA Show car. Exhibited at 2008 Detroit Motor Show.
• Prototype-S Show car. Exhibited at 2008 Geneva Motor Show
• i MiEV Show car
• Pajero Evolution Show car. 2007 Dakar Rally model.
• Outlander EX
• Central Europe Rally Support Car For Central Europe Rally 2008 Support Car
• Pajero 3 models on display (2 built in Japan, 1 in China)
• Outlander EX Built in Japan
• Grandis Built in Japan
• Lancer X-Speed Built in China (Show car)
• Galant Built in China
• Total 13

2. Local production of Mitsubishi Motors models in China

1. Galant

Based on the North American market Galant, Mitsubishi Motors is currently producing its mid-size Galant sedan locally at South East Motor*1 in Fujian Province, after tailoring its interior and exterior designs to the specific needs of the Chinese market.

The 4860 mm long, 1845 mm wide and 1485 mm tall Galant just squeezes into the mid-size segment to offer a very spacious interior and an exterior that projects a strong road presence. Powered by Mitsubishi Motors’ 2.4-liter MIVEC*2 engine, Galant boasts class-topping power and torque for relaxing and stress-free road performance.

*1 : Established in Fujian Province in November 1995, South East Motor is a joint venture company in which the Fujian Automotive Industry Group holds a 50 percent stake, China Motor Corp a 25 percent stake and Mitsubishi Motors a 25 percent stake.
*2 : Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control system.

2. Lancer X-Speed (Show car)

Based on the Lancer sedan, the Lancer X-Speed is a sporty model that targets the younger generation and is produced at South East Motor. Lancer X-Speed is distinguished by a modern and distinctive exterior and the outstanding handling stability that defines the Lancer series. The exterior maximizes its sporty image through the use of the latest aero parts, an oversize rear wing, exclusive body colors, black headlight bezels and a new alloy road wheel design. (Special items for Beijing Motor Show : Body colors and wheel design) Inside, Lancer X-Speed employs an exclusive sporty red/black interior color scheme. Together with its bucket seats upholstered in genuine leather, Lancer X-Speed gives full expression to Mitsubishi Motors’ characteristic sporty flavor that has been nurtured through successive generations of the Lancer Evolution series.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

 

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written by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

After spending a few days with Ford's main-marketing-man Jim Farley and his team, we can truly say that the excitement surrounding the company's new Drive One marketing strategy is palpable. They believe that the story they have to tell is rather compelling; the real struggle will be convincing car-buyers that their vehicles are every bit as good as their competition from Japan -- as recent studies indicate. To show people what's going on behind the scenes, Farley and his posse brought Ford's best and brightest engineers with them to Las Vegas to introduce their dealer-base to the new campaign. They let us tag along so we could see what all the fuss is about, and the dealers we spoke to seemed pretty pumped about Drive One and felt that Farley's new team at Ford was finally listening to them and doing something with their input. Keep reading to find out what else we heard in Sin City.

Continue reading Ford's Drive One campaign moving full speed ahead

 

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written by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Hyundai Motor Co. said Tuesday it was recalling 393,714 Sonata passenger cars in the United States to fix a problem with the air bag system in the front passenger seat. The automaker said the recall...

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written by Jason

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, USA

We recently told you about hybrid hopeful AFS Trinity taking their show on the road to spend Earth Day (a week from today) in Washington, DC. Now, Toyota has announced that it has its own big blue tractor-trailer billboard with a hybrid theme hitting the road again in time for Earth Day festivities in downtown New York, NY.

This truck isn’t hauling hybrids on it’s trip all over the country though. The 53-foot-long trailer is packed with hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to inform you all about Toyota’s hybrid technology, alternative fuels, and the environment. You can see how regenerative braking works as well as calculate your carbon footprint and, if you have a drivers license, you may be able to take a Prius, hybrid Camry or hybrid Highlander out for a spin. If that isn’t enough to convince you to get out of the apartment, according to the Mobile Hybrid Experience website, you can even earn a free prize.

If you don’t live in New York, you can check out the website for the dates the “Experience” will be in your area . There are actually three exhibitions simultaneously making their way around the country so if you see one this weekend at the Grand Prix in Longbeach, CA, rest assured Toyota hasn’t developed Star Trek-style transporters. Yet.

Check out the video from Miles Around for a look inside the truck and an interview with a Toyota spokesperson as well as the press release after the jump.

Press Release:

Toyota Brings “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience” to New York

New York, N.Y. April 10, 2008 Toyota is bringing its nationwide tour called “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience,” to Earth Day New York April 18-19. The tour is designed to provide consumers with a firsthand opportunity to experience automotive hybrid technology and learn what they can do to make a difference in the environment. Stopping at numerous public events nationwide in 2008, the tour consists of three simultaneously traveling exhibits. Consumers will have an opportunity to learn about hybrid technology through a number of interactive, educational stations. “This tour invites consumers to learn more about the benefits and technology of hybrid vehicles as well as Toyota�s environmental initiatives,” said Keith Dahl, national engagement marketing manager for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Two of our key goals are to provide people the opportunity to take an up-close look at how hybrid vehicles operate and encourage lifestyle changes that can help protect the environment.” Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience serves as an interactive mobile exhibit to the environment and alternative fuels. The exhibit will be located at Earth Day New York’s EarthFair 2008 event near Grand Central Terminal on Vanderbilt Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. There are four distinct interactive learning areas within the exhibit: * “Alternative Fuels: Fueling the Future,” identifies the differences in the various types of alternative fuels and how they are produced. * “Environment and Resources: Small Steps, Big Difference,� shows attendees what they can do to make a difference to the environment. * “The Prius Driving Experience” simulates the current Hybrid Synergy Drive technology allowing visitors to interact with system while on-screen instructions offer driving tips. * “Hybrid Technology: Not All Hybrids are Created Equal” exhibit gives visitors a better understanding of the various hybrid technology options on the market and how hybrids benefit the consumer and the environment. The hybrid experience offers more than just interesting educational activities; it also is designed to minimize its own environmental impact. Toyota will plant more than 50,000 trees in honor of those visiting the experience in conjunction with the National Arbor Day Foundation. These trees will help offset the “carbon footprint” of the trucks transporting the tour across the country and will continue to have a positive impact on the environment for years to come. Toyota’s Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience will travel to more than 150 events across the 48 contiguous United States over a total of 18 months. For more information or the schedule of events, please visit www.toyota.com/highway. About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/ and http://www.scion.com/. Our Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience partners: 3form (www.3-form.com) 3form is the leading manufacturer and provider of award winning, eco-friendly resin-based materials and solutions for the Architecture + Design industry. Established in Salt Lake City in 1991, 3form provides a forward-thinking approach to the use of its materials within various architectural systems - ranging from wall paneling to complex decorative shapes. In challenging both material limits and traditional spatial concepts, 3form Architectural provides breakthrough architectural solutions and services for fabricating architects’ most challenging installations. National Arbor Day Foundation The National Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org. George P. Johnson (www.gpj.com) Established in 1914, GPJ is one of the foremost experience marketing agencies in the world. Named one of Advertising Age’s “�Top 25 Marketing Agencies’ it provides a full suite of relationship-building event, exhibit and live experience solutions through which it helps Fortune 500 and other premier companies bring their brands, services and products to prospects and customers around the globe. GPJ provides integrated event marketing and strategy, creative, data, meeting logistics management and execution services through 24 offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Stuttgart, Sydney, Boston, San Francisco, London, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, Bangalore and others. GPJ made history in 1998 when IBM became the first Fortune 10 company to consolidate its global event marketing program into one agency, naming GPJ as its event marketing agency of record. As a result of its work with IBM, GPJ earned the first EX Award for �Best Global Business-to-Business Event Marketing� program.

[Source: Toyota]

 

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written by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Euro, Ford, UK

Click above to view in hi-res

While we wait for the F-150 SVT Raptor to be unveiled, Ford is offering European customers a sporty truck of its own: a Ranger with stripes! Although some media are labeling this the Le Mans edition, Ford's own release (which you can see after the jump) doesn't mention the name of the race anywhere. Nor should it, because a compact truck has about as little to do with endurance sports-car racing as a lampshade, except maybe if you're trying chart your own path out of town when the 24 hours are up and the roads are closed.

We use the term "iconic" a lot here, but the Performance Blue with twin white stripes running up the hood, over the roof and down the tail has become an icon for Ford performance vehicles, particularly on the other side of the pond. And that's pretty much all that sets this special edition Ranger Wildtrack apart from the standard production version, aside from some optional equipment - like ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, air-con and an off-road data pack - bundled in as standard. However, the stripy Ranger will only be offered in limited numbers, so European customers had better either act quick or get out the whitewash and paint roller.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ranger: Built Ford Tough... with stripes

 

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written by Noah Joseph

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Ferrari, Toys

It goes without saying that this isn't an officially-sanctioned Ferrari F430 cell phone. This is called the "F1 Phone," coming at you in bright-red injection-molded plastic direct from non-Ferrari manufacturing China. Like the Italian exotic, the F1 Phone offers a lot of performance with its dual-band support, a 2.2-inch touch-sensitive LCD display, music player, video player, memory expansion slot, USB connectivity, flashlight, and a slew of other electronic goodies (including three pre-installed games, though not a single one involving driving). Unlike the Italian exotic, this one sports a price tag of just $190, allowing you to save the other $185,000 for your text messaging bill. In case you were wondering, that bulls-eye smack in the middle of the windshield is the built-in 1.3 megapixel camera - you won't find one of those on any showroom Scuderia!

[Source: Techpin via Engadget Mobile]

 

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written by Michael Harley

Filed under: Etc.

Wow, another list. Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) have announced a new campaign to promote “green driving.” The campaign, nicknamed “Makes car green,” aims to raise awareness among drivers so they can reduce their impact on the environment.

The campaign will promote a 10 to-do list for motorists to “think green” when driving. The list will be promoted in June. Bridgestone remarked that environmental protection was one of the key challenges our society is facing and the manufacturer’s association with FIA offered a great opportunity to promote this message. Why wait until June to think green? Some of these tips are quite well-known: buying a greener car, using correct tire pressure, better travel planning and using the A/C wisely.

[Source: Bridgestone via Econoticias]

 

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written by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for more high-res spy shots of the Murcielago SV

We alerted you last week to the existence of the Lamborghini Murcielago SV, a rear-wheel-drive version of the normally all-wheel-drive LP640. Seen here undergoing some on-track testing, the SV will reportedly serve up some 680 horsepower from its Lambo V12 behind the seats. It will also be lighter than a normal Murcielago by 220 pounds. Clearly visible on the car is a new fixed rear wing that's either meant to assist in take offs or stabilize the car at high-speeds. Expect carbon fiber to be a common build material, as well. Those are all some potent variables for a formula that guarantees a fun time.

The Murcielago SV will be the latest in a string of new models from Lamborghini lately including the LP640, Reventon, Gallardo LP560-4, Gallardo Superleggera, among others. We're expecting the SV to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, but judging from the spy shots in our gallery below, it looks ready now.


[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

 

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written by John Neff

Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, European Union

As you might know, the EU has plans to make a 10 percent blend of biofuels mandatory in 2020. However, not everybody agrees that it’s a good measure. In fact, lots of voices have been raised in warning about using biofuels to reduce our dependence on oil.

 

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written by Xavier Navarro

Buying a used car can have potential pitfalls - but it needn't be a painful experience if you follow a simple set of rules and checks.

We bring you the essential guide to buying a used car.

Read the full story now.