Apr 23
2010 BMW 5-Series to borrow a V8 twin-turbo from the X6
Volvo Aims for Zero Accidents
2010 BMW 5-Series to borrow a V8 twin-turbo from the X6
Apr 23
Filed under: Motorsports
Click above for huge high-res gallery of Champ Car action from Long Beach
We already told you about the final Champ Car race, how it marks the end of the series while signaling the start of a new era in American open-wheel racing. Although we think that we might have been among only a handful of fans to have noticed the series' demise (with most eyes glued to the Danica Patrick champagne bath over in Japan), we understand that with the reunification about to commence there should be happier times ahead for open top racing aficionados in the States. We didn't want it to pass, however, without a whole bunch of photos to commemorate the occasion. Besides this year's contenders the gallery includes some atmosphere shots of the spectacle surrounding Long Beach: The Queen Mary, C-17 and FA/18 flyovers, historic CART cars and plain old scenery shots. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed taking them.
All photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
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Apr 23
Earnings Improve, Quality Ratings Up, Volvo Sale Possible Ford is showing signs of a surprise turnaround .
DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Co., long considered the sickest of the Big Three U.S. auto makers, is showing signs of a surprise turnaround.
When Chief Executive Alan Mulally took over in 2006, Ford was barreling toward the worst one-year loss — $12.6 billion — in its 105-year history. A frail U.S. economy and high gasoline prices were ripping into sales.
![[Go to chart]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-BI270_promo__20080422203950.jpg)
But in the past year, Mr. Mulally, a former Boeing Co. executive with no auto experience, has improved year-on-year earnings each quarter. In 2007, Ford startled the industry by reporting $400 million in positive operating cash flow, something General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have been hard-pressed to match.
At the same time, the quality ratings of Ford vehicles spiked (a trend that started before Mr. Mulally arrived) and now approach the lofty levels of Toyota Motor Corp. That chopped $1 billion off Ford’s warranty costs last year.
The firm isn’t done cost-cutting. According to people close to Mr. Mulally, he is looking at selling Volvo despite Ford’s repeated statements that it intends to hang on to the brand. Similarly, he hopes to shutter the ailing Mercury brand.
More job cuts may be coming. In Ford’s most recent buyout offer, only about 4,000 workers signed on, according to a person familiar with the matter, about half the desired total. Mr. Mulally will likely offer one more round, then could resort to layoffs, people familiar with the matter say.
“Clearly, we have lots of mechanisms to keep taking the fixed costs out,” Mr. Mulally says. He declined to comment on the possibility of a Volvo sale, and has long maintained that Ford is committed to Mercury. …continue reading with WSJ
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Apr 23
Filed under: Etc., Videos, Pontiac, Lifestyle
SpeedTV did a video podcast featuring Adam Carolla -- along with SpeedTV's Kendall, and 50 Cent -- flogging a Pontiac G8 around a track. Carolla gets a check mark for being able to make jokes at speed and while in a spin. Whether he's actually funny, we'll let you decide. Since it wasn't done as a trial for the US Top Gear, and we have no idea what he was meant to be doing -- or allowed to say -- we shouldn't judge too harshly. But Clarkson doesn't have anything to worry about just yet...
[Source: Final Gear via Jalopnik]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Etc., Videos, Pontiac, Lifestyle
SpeedTV did a video podcast featuring Adam Carolla -- along with SpeedTV's Kendall, and 50 Cent -- flogging a Pontiac G8 around a track. Carolla gets a check mark for being able to make jokes at speed and while in a spin. Whether he's actually funny, we'll let you decide. Since it wasn't done as a trial for the US Top Gear, and we have no idea what he was meant to be doing -- or allowed to say -- we shouldn't judge too harshly. But Clarkson doesn't have anything to worry about just yet...
[Source: Final Gear via Jalopnik]
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Apr 23
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Japan
Mitsui Mining and Smelting, a company with roots that go way back in history, is out to make history in the lithium ion battery market. Known in Japan as Mitsui Kinzoku, they are part of the humungous Mitsui Group whose origins can be traced back to a humble miso shop founded more than a hundred years before the American War of Independence. That’s old.
What’s new is their breakthrough with silicon-based negative electrode (SILX(R)) for lithium ion batteries. It seems they’ve been able to achieve double the energy capacity of a carbon-based negative electrode, boost the energy density 30 to 50 percent and dramatically improve cycle life. What’s that mean in English? Their battery could help your electric car accelerate faster, go further and last longer.
Mitsui Mining and Smelting plan on commercializing their technology in 2010. There are still some details like manufacturing processes to work out and the matching of other components like positive electrodes and such. They already have companies knocking on the door for their SILX(R) and are planning to partner with battery makers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to get their tech in your hands (or car) as quickly as possible. Read more about their battery chemistry and marketing strategy from their press release after the jump.
Press release:
New Lithium-ion Battery Technology Developed
New Silicon-based Negative Electrode (SILX(R)) Achieves Higher Capacity and Energy Density
Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Mining & Smelting, President : Yoshihiko Takebayashi) has developed a new Silicon-based negative electrode (SILX(R)) to be used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. SILX(R) realizes higher capacity and power, which contributes to the further expansion of the batteries useful applications. Mitsui Mining & Smelting aims to begin commercialization of SILX(R) in the year of 2010, through partnerships with battery manufacturers and OEMs as battery users.
< A new Silicon-based negative electrode with higher capacity and high power >
SILX(R) has a unique network-structure composed of Silicon and Copper, which introduces improved performance in comparison with Carbon-based negative electrodes currently commercialized in the market. The capacity density of the electrode (*Note 1) will be increased by approximately 100% of today’s Carbon-based negative electrodes, and the energy density of battery (*Note 2) will be 30 to 50% higher than current products as well. And SILX(R) will provide a structurally much larger electric current in longer use.Therefore, a battery using SILX(R) makes it possible to store more energy (higher capacity) and generate more power (higher output).
< Practical cycle life >
In addition, SILX(R) first achieved the practical life cycle in the category of new materials for
negative electrode except Carbon. One of the market challenges with developing new negative electrodes using Silicon is maintaining a practical cycle life of the battery. Most systems see significant reductions in a battery useful life, meaning the amount of times a battery can be recharged is significantly reduced. As a Silicon-based negative electrode absorbs lithium-ion from the positive electrode and swells, durable structure and materials are required to realize a long useful life. Mitsui Mining & Smelting accepted this very difficult industry challenge and has demonstrated great success in maintaining a practical cycle life equivalent to existing negative electrodes, by covering Silicon with thin copper (*Note 3) and forming structure with spaces to accommodate the swelling of the cell inside its negative electrode.
< Commercialization through partnerships with companies >
SILX(R) and basic concept of specifications and structure have already been developed. Mitsui Mining & Smelting is now challenging several subjects such as a suitable combination with positive electrode, establishment of technology for mass production to accelerate commercialization through partnerships with battery manufacturers and OEMs as battery users. Mitsui Mining & Smelting has been working closely with companies from several industries and has received positive feedback regarding SILX(R). In Addition, several have expressed interest in creating a business relationship with Mitsui Mining & Smelting for the use of SILX(R).
< Business circumstance and prospect >
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used not only for mobile phones, laptop computers, digital still cameras but also power tools and other large energy consumers which require much more power. They are also expected to be employed in the automobile industry which is developing new hybrid and fully electric vehicles that are more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Therefore, lithium-ion batteries with higher capacity and power density are required in the market. However, the technologies of the existing batteries using Carbon-based negative electrode have already reached the theoretical bounds to maximize the energy density, and the market demand is directed to negative electrode with newly developed materials, which must be the core element to realize higher performance. No significant materials or concepts of negative electrode have been ensured in the industry so far. SILX(R), a newly developed Silicon-based negative electrode overcomes such market difficulties. The development was commenced by a project team under the direct control of the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) based on the company policy of “Front Loading” for manufacturing. By harmonizing and utilizing the technologies from other business units of Mitsui Mining & Smelting such as battery materials, powdering, electrochemistry, and copper foil, the team wasable to achieve success by introducing its advanced technology where others have been less successful.
Mitsui Mining & Smelting is confident that SILX(R) will extend the application of the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and it will contribute to the further expansion of the products to meet the requirements in the society for saving energy, coexistence with environment, development of mobile equipments and so on.
[Source: PCB007]
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Apr 23
This one's has to sting a little bit for the Big 3. On May 13th, Honda's coming to D-town with its ASIMO robot, which will (hopefully) walk on stage and open a special performance with Yo-Yo Ma by successfully conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a rousing rendition of "Impossible Dream". Not only do General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler LLC lack a humanoid robot that scares us every time we see it walk, dance, skip or run, but it certainly doesn't have one that can wave a stick in the air. Honda is working with the DSO to bring music eduction to kids and has gifted the big band with a $1 million donation to create The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund. As for ASIMO, we'll be impressed when he drops the baton and picks up Yo-Yo Ma's violin to play a flawless performance of Mozart's 4th. Well here's an Aw Snap! for Honda: Toyota already built that robot.
[Source: Engadget]
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Apr 23
This one's has to sting a little bit for the Big 3. On May 13th, Honda's coming to D-town with its ASIMO robot, which will (hopefully) walk on stage and open a special performance with Yo-Yo Ma by successfully conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a rousing rendition of "Impossible Dream". Not only do General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler LLC lack a humanoid robot that scares us every time we see it walk, dance, skip or run, but it certainly doesn't have one that can wave a stick in the air. Honda is working with the DSO to bring music eduction to kids and has gifted the big band with a $1 million donation to create The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund. As for ASIMO, we'll be impressed when he drops the baton and picks up Yo-Yo Ma's violin to play a flawless performance of Mozart's 4th. Well here's an Aw Snap! for Honda: Toyota already built that robot.
[Source: Engadget]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Ethanol, Legislation and Policy
Indiana may soon get a whole bunch of new E85 outlets, or not. At least station owners inclined to sell E85 will be able to get a helping hand from the state government thanks to newly-passed legislation. The state has set aside $1 million that will be available to filling stations of the retail and government variety in $20,000 increments. That money will help offset the cost of installing E85 capable pumps to fill up some of those flex-fuel vehicles. Unlike most such programs, private operators aren’t the only ones eligible. So-called “local units” can also apply for the grants. These are municipal fleets that include police and fire departments many of which now have flex-fuel vehicles. Indiana also offers other incentives such as an 18-cent-a-gallon sales tax break on ethanol fuel. Over the past year, Indiana has opened four new biodiesel and eleven ethanol plants in addition to one existing plant that previously existed.
[Source: Ethanol Producer]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Supercars
Click to view more of the Gumpert Apollo in hi-res
Gumpert intends to give new meaning to the term "the green hell", the nickname given by race drivers to the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife. The German supercar-maker has announced that it will be racing at the 24-hour endurance race there next month with a race-prepped hybrid version of its Apollo supercar.
To supplement the 630-hp Audi-sourced twin-turbo V8, Gumpert will employ a 100kW electric motor recharged by captured brake energy. The system is similar to the KERS mechanism being phased into Formula One, and to highlight the F1 connection (and hopefully score some points in the process), Gumpert has solicited the services of former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who will share driving duties with veteran endurance sportscar racer Dirk Müller.
Check out the images in the high-resolution gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Gumpert]
Continue reading Green Hell: Gumpert to campaign hybrid Apollo at Nurburgring 24
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Apr 23
Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Supercars
Click to view more of the Gumpert Apollo in hi-res
Gumpert intends to give new meaning to the term "the green hell", the nickname given by race drivers to the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife. The German supercar-maker has announced that it will be racing at the 24-hour endurance race there next month with a race-prepped hybrid version of its Apollo supercar.
To supplement the 630-hp Audi-sourced twin-turbo V8, Gumpert will employ a 100kW electric motor recharged by captured brake energy. The system is similar to the KERS mechanism being phased into Formula One, and to highlight the F1 connection (and hopefully score some points in the process), Gumpert has solicited the services of former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who will share driving duties with veteran endurance sportscar racer Dirk Müller.
Check out the images in the high-resolution gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Gumpert]
Continue reading Green Hell: Gumpert to campaign hybrid Apollo at Nurburgring 24
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Apr 23
Filed under: Etc.
Goodyear has announced that it has joined the EPA’s Smartway Transport partnership. Smartway is a program aimed at reducing pollution from road freight transport and offers low-cost loans to make it easy for those in the truck industry to install fuel efficiency devices such as low-rolling resistance tires or to certify new vehicles as fuel-efficient. Goodyear also stated that its Fuel Max Line line of tires can reduce fuel consumption by four percent. By using these tires and other Smartway-certified components, Goodyear and EPA announced that a 18-wheeler can save up to 4,000 gallons of fuel per year.
Through SmartWay, the EPA aims to reduce between 3.3 and 6.6 billion gallons of diesel consumption and eliminate between 33 and 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and up to 200,000 tons of nitrous oxide emissions per year by 2012.
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Apr 23
Filed under: Supercars
Keating has finally taken the wraps off its duo of bespoke supercars and has already set it sights on the Bugatti Veyron for top speed supremacy. Both models share the same architecture, and are swathed in either fiberglass or carbon fiber body panels. Weight comes in at just over 2,600 pounds and the dimensions are 4,300 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,100 mm tall. Prospective owners can opt for either a 6.0- or 7.0-liter GM-sourced V8, and both motors can be had in either naturally aspirated or supercharged guise. The entry-level model makes 404 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, while the larger NA version crests the 500 hp. Slap a supercharger onto the 6.0-liter mill and it's good for 520 hp, or if you opt for the 7.0-liter version, its output runs past the 650 hp mark.
The SKR model is considered to be more of a GT, while the TKR will be a track-ready model with a rumored twin-turbocharged version that could create up to 1,500 hp. Keating is taking orders and expects to start delivery towards the end of the year. Based on what we've seen so far, however, Bugatti needn't be worried.
[Source: Autocar]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Ethanol
Late last week, the U.S. Department of Energy picked three cellulosic ethanol projects as recipients of up to $86m in federal funding for fiscal years 2008-2011. These “small-scale biorefinery projects” are located in Maine, Tennessee and Kentucky and are intended to bring “cost-competitive” second-generation ethanol to market by 2012 (the plants will also make other bio-based chemicals and products). DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman said the projects would help President Bush reach his goal of stopping greenhouse gas emissions growth by 2025. The three winners are:
- RSE Pulp & Chemical of Old Town, Maine. (DOE share: up to $30 million.) This plant will use a wood extract made at an existing pulp mill.
- Mascoma Corporation of Boston, Massachusetts Proposed Plant in Vonore, Tennessee. (DOE share: up to $26 million.) The source here will be switchgrass and will be the largest cellulosic ethanol plant in Tennessee.
- Ecofin, LLC, of Nicholasville, Kentucky. (DOE share: up to $30 million.) Ecofin will use a variety of feedstocks, including corncobs, in this plant.
You can read more about the awards at the DOE website.
[Source: DOE]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Tech, Volkswagen, Driving
The honchos at VW decided that Park Assist (PA) wasn't enough. That's where the car parallel parks itself while you twiddle your thumbs behind the wheel, and when the Fasten Seat Belt sign is extinguished you can get out and go on about your business. The latest development from VW is called Park Assist Vision (PAV), and it will park the car for you in any kind of spot -- parallel or perpendicular -- and you don't even need to be in the car.
A PAV-equipped car is ringed with cameras and ultrasonic sensors, and when you find a spot you want, you select it on a touchscreen. You place the car in "P" and get out if you have that much faith in technology not to scratch your paint. Your remote control keyfob tells the car what to do from then on, and the car parks itself, shuts down and locks itself up, as any happy
PAV is still in development, but it's a neat idea. It could especially come in handy when trying to slip into one of those ever-shrinking "compact" parking spaces, since it's so hard to get out of the car once you get in the space. Now if they could develop a feature that actually locates available parking spaces for you, we'd be in business.
[Source: Autocar]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Volkswagen
Click above for a high-res gallery of the VW Golf TDI concept
The word came down yesterday from Auto Motor und Sport that the Volkswagen TDI hybrid Golf concept that debuted in Geneva wouldn't make the transition to production. According to the print edition of the German rag (translation courtesy of TTAC), the "forward-looking diesel-hybrid is already a thing of the past." That came as a surprise considering how well the concept was received and rumblings we heard from VW's people on the floor that the 69-mpg (European cycle) Golf was destined for the road. We shot off an email to a Volkswagen exec here in the States who responded by saying that, "It was just a concept. No plans to produce were announced." Too bad. Guess we'll have to make due with the gasoline-hybrid Golf that's due out in the next few years.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]
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Apr 23
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK
The Commercial Vehicle show may be over but the trucks remain … on YouTube! Smith Electric Vehicles was reppin’ hard at the show with 6 (count ‘em) different trucks of various sizes and capabilities. We’ve told you about some already but there’s nothing like a nice walk around with a personal introduction to the shiny paint and chrome from a company representative with a Brit accent. So if your flight to sunny England was canceled or you had other contractual obligations (my excuse) you can now enjoy a gander at your leisure.
We’ve got seven videos after the jump starting with a walk around the entire Smith Electric Vehicle exhibition space revealing all of the involved parties. Each truck gets their own moment in the spot light in the following six videos with their own aforementioned British-accented introduction. Enjoy.
[Source: YouTube]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Tech, Ferrari
Formula One is going hybrid starting next year, according to statements released by the sport's governing body the FIA. The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) will be phased in over a period of several years, starting with the 2009 season and culminating with the full-fledged implementation by 2013. The system works essentially by storing energy expelled under braking, which can then be used via a "push-to-pass"-style button mounted on the steering wheel that drivers can employ for an extra power boost.
The reaction within the Ferrari team, meanwhile, has been mixed. Vice-president Piero Ferrari - Enzo's son who owns 10% of the company - railed against the idea, saying it goes against the FIA's cost-cutting measures and will cost the teams inestimable sums of money to develop. Former driver Michael Schumacher, meanwhile, who remains close to the team, voiced his support for the system, saying that road cars and the environment will reap the benefits. All the while, Ferrari prepares to sell its system to other teams, starting with Force India, which, alongside Scuderia Toro Rosso, already buys its engines from Ferrari.
[Source: Autoblog Green and F1-Live]
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Apr 23
I have had a thing for Infiniti for a few years now including the original Infiniti FX all the way back to 2003. Now the 2009 model is in play and is all new both interior and exterior. I will admit the new exterior is an acquired taste - which I acquired like the original FX - but the interior is a beautiful masterpiece of simple but tech savvy style.
While I have not had the opportunity to drive the new ‘09, Popular Mechanics took it for a spin through the the Hollywood Hills. Naturally they opted for the FX50 with its new 5.0 liter V8 with 390 hp and 369 lb.ft. of torque. The V6 in the FX35 is a respectable 303 hp, 3.5 liter toy; nothing to cry about (especially if you are already crying about your gas bill in your Honda Civic). All models come equipped with a new, standard 7-speed automatic transmission that is reported to be smooth even at low speeds. I will reserve my judgement until the day I demo.
As usual, Infiniti packs the new FX with enough tech to keep any electronics fanatic happy for years! The spec sheet includes options such as Intelligent Cruise and Distance Control, Around View Camera System, 11 speaker Bose audio system and an adaptive front lighting system.
To see the original review from Popular Mechanics, just click here.
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Apr 23
I have had a thing for Infiniti for a few years now including the original Infiniti FX all the way back to 2003. Now the 2009 model is in play and is all new both interior and exterior. I will admit the new exterior is an acquired taste - which I acquired like the original FX - but the interior is a beautiful masterpiece of simple but tech savvy style.
While I have not had the opportunity to drive the new ‘09, Popular Mechanics took it for a spin through the the Hollywood Hills. Naturally they opted for the FX50 with its new 5.0 liter V8 with 390 hp and 369 lb.ft. of torque. The V6 in the FX35 is a respectable 303 hp, 3.5 liter toy; nothing to cry about (especially if you are already crying about your gas bill in your Honda Civic). All models come equipped with a new, standard 7-speed automatic transmission that is reported to be smooth even at low speeds. I will reserve my judgement until the day I demo.
As usual, Infiniti packs the new FX with enough tech to keep any electronics fanatic happy for years! The spec sheet includes options such as Intelligent Cruise and Distance Control, Around View Camera System, 11 speaker Bose audio system and an adaptive front lighting system.
To see the original review from Popular Mechanics, just click here.
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Apr 23
Filed under: MPG
Late in the day on Earth Day, Yokohama sent out a reminder for everyone to check their tire pressures. It doesn’t really matter that it was late because maintaining proper inflation pressures is important year round. It’s estimated that Americans waste 2.8 billion gallons of gas every year because of under-inflated tires. When tires are below their optimum pressure, they have greatly increased rolling resistance which means your engine has to work harder to keep the vehicle moving at a given speed. Of course fuel consumption isn’t the only way that improper inflation wastes energy. When tires are under or over inflated they wear faster and unevenly. That means your tires won’t last as long and have to be replaced more often. It takes energy to produce tires and worn tires have to be disposed of which is a whole other problem. Safety is also an issue with improperly inflated tires. The vehicle’s handling is adversely affected by having the wrong pressure in your tires. If the tires are underinflated, the side walls flex more causing them to heat up, which can potentially lead to catastrophic failure. So go down to your local auto parts store or gas station and drop a few bucks on a tire pressure gauge and then check them at least once a month. The proper inflation pressure for your car can usually be found on a sticker on the back of the driver-side door opening.
[Source: Yokohama]
ON EARTH DAY CHECK YOUR TIRES FOR PROPER INFLATION TO BE SAFE, SAVE GAS, SAVE MONEY AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
AAA and Partners to Share Gas Saving and Tire Safety Tips With Car Owners During National Tire Safety Week; Average Gas Price in LA is $3.85 a Gallon for Reg. Unleaded
(LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2008) - Motorists can do their part today on Earth Day and throughout the year to help the environment, save gas and be safe with one simple action: checking their vehicle’s tire pressure, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Properly inflated tires improve vehicle safety while reducing emissions and gas usage, says the Auto Club.
The Auto Club, the Rubber Manufacturers Association, representing the tire industry, the California Highway Patrol and Yokohama Tire Company joined forces during National Tire Safety Week, April 20-26, to draw drivers’ attention to the safety and economic benefits of basic tire care. The groups also are distributing 13,500 “tire tread depth cards” to consumers this week through the Auto Club’s local offices and Roadside Assistance providers. They fit easily into a wallet and can be used to check tire tread regularly. The Auto Club and RMA are also distributing “Tire Smart” brochures in AAA offices. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities also will check tires and pressure free of charge for members and the public during the promotion week. A list of repair facilities can be found at AAA.com.
“The Auto Club responds to about 144,000 tire-related calls annually, so we know the importance of correct inflation and good tire tread,” said Steve Mazor, manager of the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center. “The Auto Club also advocates proper tire care to improve fuel economy, reduce vehicle emissions and increase motorists’ efforts toward greener living.”
Vehicle handling can be adversely affected by improperly inflated tires. Under-inflated tires run hot, which can lead to tire failure and a possible crash. Over-inflated tires can have uneven wear and make tires more susceptible to road hazard damage.
“A motorist survey this year by the Rubber Manufacturers Association found that 85 percent of American drivers do not properly check tire inflation pressure. This is an alarming statistic since tires are the only part of a vehicle in contact with the road and a critical vehicle safety component,” said James MacMaster, chairman of the RMA Board of Directors.
“Drivers across the U.S. can battle rising gas prices by simply maintaining proper tire inflation,” said Takao Oishi, Yokohama Tire Corporation CEO and president. “Current statistics indicate that 82 million vehicles have under-inflated tires, which means more rubber is hitting the road and, accordingly, miles-per-gallon is lessened. In fact, tire experts speculate that 2.8 billion gallons of gas is wasted by U.S. drivers each year simply because they’re driving on under-inflated tires.”
The Auto Club and its partners estimate that a Southern California motorist who drives an average of 12,000 miles annually on tires that are under-inflated by 5-8 PSI is wasting up to 50 gallons of gasoline, or $192.50 (at $3.85 a gallon). That’s close to the cost of a week’s worth of groceries ($226) for a family of four, according to the US Dept. of Agriculture. If there are two drivers in the family, that total comes to $380, well over a week’s worth of food for the family.
“The CHP’s traffic safety commitment extends to safety campaigns like these which aim to reduce needless fatalities and injuries on California highways,” said Sgt. Mark Garrett.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that under-inflated tires are a factor in 660 fatalities and 33,000 crash injuries each year. Additional research shows that 27 percent of passenger cars on U.S. roadways are driven with one or more substantially under-inflated tire, according to a NHTSA survey. Moreover, 32 percent of light trucks (SUVs, vans and pickup trucks) are driven with one or more substantially under-inflated tire, according to the study.
To demonstrate the importance of proper tire inflation, the automotive partners created a driving maneuverability course in the parking lot at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale using Ford Focus and Ford Fusion vehicles. Members of the news media drove vehicles with properly-inflated tires and others with under-inflated tires for comparison.
The Auto Club recommends that motorists regularly check tires when cool for uneven or excessive tread wear as well as proper inflation. Refer to the vehicle’s doorjamb or glove box for original equipment specifications or the manufacturer of the replacement tire for proper inflation. The correct PSI (pounds per square inch of air pressure) that’s right for tires is located on the vehicle’s tire information label - not the sidewall of the tire.
California and many other states have minimum tread depth laws. Passenger cars shouldn’t operate on tires below 2/32″ tread depth. If you need to purchase new tires, be sure replacements meet manufacturers speed/load specifications for your vehicle.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, one of the largest AAA affiliates, has served members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization’s roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive testing and research, pricing and buying. Information about these products and services is available at AAA.com.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for the rubber products industry. Its members include more than 80 companies that manufacture various rubber products, including tires, hoses, belts, seals, molded goods, and other finished rubber products. For more information about RMA, visit www.betiresmart.org.
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Apr 23
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac
Click above to view the D3 Cadillac CTS in hi-res
Push comes to shove, the Cadillac CTS is one of the sharpest-looking sports sedans on the market. But that doesn't mean that room for improvement is missing... subjective though that may be. D3 Cadillac definitely sees it that way, and to that end has come out with a full aero kit for the crisp Caddy.
D3's kit places a heavy emphasis on downforce, fitting a front splitter, roof spoiler, deck spoiler and diffuser to be extra sure that the CTS stays planted on the boulevard. The kit also includes a new front end with bigger vents for keeping the engine and front brakes cool, plus side skirts, a shiny new grille and, of course, big ol' rims to cap it all off. A 'Vette-powered CTS-V she ain't, but the D3 kit enhances the CTS' lines and improves airflow for those wanting a sharper Caddy than the ones down at the country club. Check out the info in the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below for all the angles. We've already asked the models in the shots to move so we could see the car better, but they aren't budging.
[Source: D3 Cadillac via Serious Wheels]
Continue reading Skirts & Spoilers: Sharp gets sharper with D3 Cadillac CTS
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Apr 23
Filed under: Auction Action, Marketing/Advertising, Toys
Advertising has been creeping into video games for a while now, but in most racing games is relegated to billboards that we hardly notice while whizzing by and concentrating on our line for the next turn. Codemasters, however, is working with in-game ad firm Engage to take video game advertising to a new level by including a fully functioning eBay Motors marketplace in the developer's next racing title, Race Driver: Grid. Players in the game will actually buy and sell in-game vehicles using the eBay Motors service just like they would in real life. eBay Motors will also get a title race in the game called "The eBay Motors Mustang Muscle Series" in which they can drive the eBay Motors Mustang GTR concept car in San Francisco, Long Beach, Washington D.C. and Detroit. This type of next-gen in-game advertising should work well within the confines of Grid, since eBay Motors is widely visited and used by the type of person who might pick up the game.
[Source: Joystiq]
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Apr 23
Click to view more of the Gumpert Apollo in hi-res
Endurance sportscar racing continues to lead the way in green motorsports, as independent German automaker Gumpert prepares to campaign a hybrid version of its Apollo supercar at the upcoming 24-hour race at the Nurburgring next month. Known as “the green hell,” the Nurburgring Nordschleife makes a rather fitting debut for the hybrid race car.
The Apollo hybrid will use a 100kW electric motor - charged under braking - to supplement the gasoline-burning 630hp twin-turbo V8, and will be driven by former F1 pilot Heinz-Harald Frentzen alongside Dirk Muller. Gumpert noted that with the upcoming kinetic energy recovery system being instituted in Formula One and its star F1 driver, it hopes to spur the development of green racing when the hybrid Gumpert lines up on the grid on May 24 alongside such alternative-energy racers as the Audi R10 TDI and Peugeot 908 HDi. View the images in the gallery by clicking the thumbnails below and read the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Gumpert Apollo
PRESS RELEASE:
Hybrid Gumpert to Race at 24 Hours Nurnburgring
Driven by Heinz-Harald Frentzen
A green car for the Green Hell, Gumpert will be entering an electric-petrol hybrid race car into the next 24 Hours Nurnburgring this May. The race car is based on the Gumpert Apollo and will be piloted by ex-Formula 1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Dirk Muller.
The Hybrid Apollo uses both an 100 kW electric motor and a 3.3 liter V8 bi-turbo petrol engine and produces 630 hp. The electric motor will be recharged when the car brakes. On its maiden race, the hybrid-concept will be taking on race cars like the Porsche 911 GT3, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette.
Gumpert is fully aware of the 2009 Formula 1 rule that teams must use hybrid engines and has therefor formed a team around the former F1 driver Frentzen. “Motorsports can not ignore the necessity to save energy. I see a chance that our sport will go back to the forefront of technical development, making cars outside of the ractrack much more energy efficient,” said Frentzen.
The 24 Hours Nurburgring will take place on 24 - 25 May 2008.
[Source: Gumpert]
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Apr 23
Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, BMW
Click above for high-res gallery of M-Zero renderings
The car you see above, dubbed the M-Zero by its designer Mael Oberkampf, looks like spawn of a BMW M6 and Aston Martin DB9. Up front it's an all business BMW with a convincing set of "angry eye" headlights and a bit of snarl, but inspiration from Aston can be seen in the rear or by viewing the car in profile. Though the extra large wheels are a bit tunerrific for our tastes, the overall design wouldn't make a bad BMW at all. Not that the Munich-based brand needs any more high-performance coupes to sell alongside the 1 Series, 3 Series and 6 Series coupes, but if there were an open slot in the lineup, the M-Zero would fit nicely. There's no mention (at least in English) of what theoretical powerplant might be found beneath its bonnet, but we'd opt for the obvious and install the corporate workhorse 5.0L V10.
[Source: Tuvie.com]
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Apr 23