Nov 21, 2008
Electric Cars: Mini-Hummer Submitted by autoexpert on Mon,
All the world is interested in miniature fuel-efficient cars and the gas-guzzlers’ makers need to find a good solution for their business to go on. GM had to get rid of Hummers which are expensive to make and at the same time with the current economics troubles lose in their sale value.The manufacturer came up with a brilliant solution. Mini-Hummer doesn’t use much gas, in fact, it runs on electric batteries. From the first look the little car reminds a golf cart and some celebrities have already been seen driving the Mini-Hummer on the golf courts. At the same time there are some significant differences: the electric car can run 40 mph, it has 15-inch chrome wheels, diamond plate flooring and Sony speakers.
If you think Mini-Hummer won’t be fast enough for roads, you might be surprised to know, the car has already been approved in U.K. Many big cities have slow traffic anyway, so with the London average 10 mph Mini-Hummer will fit perfectly.
For more information on the car go to http://www.minihummereurope.com/index.php.
Two Cars We Wished They’d Bring Back!
As of lately the car manufacturers have been strategically bringing back a few of the cool cars of yesteryear… the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac GTO, etc. While these are great and I’m sure that many of us couldn’t be happier to see these old friends, there are still a few models out there that we still wished they’d bring back. Let’s open this discussion with a few favorites and see if we can’t get something rolling with a few of these manufacturers.
Buick Grand National GNX-
This would have to be one of the baddest slabs of American muscle that ever came packaged within the format of a V-6. With the humble 1978 beginnings with a 3.8 liter turbo engine capable of 165 horsepower, The Grand National soured the ranks of ultimate respect when it introduced its 1987 limited edition GNX.
1987 was the last year of the Grand Nationals productions and Buick decided to go out with a bang. This has been called the height of the Buick’s decade of existence. The limited edition GNX was fitted with a Garrett turbocharger and ultra lightweight ceramic impeller, which allowed the turbo charger to be set at 15 psi. This transformed that original 165 horses into 275 bhp and 360 lbs torque.
The transmission of the GNX had to be substantially strengthened to handle the extra power, and it was given plenty of gleaming chrome accents to foster its “bad†look. This combination continues to be potent today, and few cars today can still hold up to one of these sleek black (the GNX only came in black) beauties at a stoplight. We can only imagine how a retro styled grand national GNX might look, and some of us wouldn’t mind finding out.
You hear that Buick!
Porsche 930
The 930 was basically the race version of the infamous 911 built from 1976 to 1993. The Type 930 S Coupe basically took the stock 911 body, added flared fenders to protect the wider wheels and tires, a whale tail rear spoiler, and boosted the engine with the infamous (albeit ‘lag’ prone) KKK turbocharger.
Mostly intended for racing, the Porsche 930 S had a 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder, producing 300 horsepower. The 930 could sprint from 0 to 60 in around 5 seconds, which is still respectable today. The 930 continues to be quite a rare find today and was not even sold in the states from 1979 through 1985.
Okay, okay… before anybody says the obvious, we understand the new 911 turbo is the American version of the same thing, but we still think it would be awesome if Porsche would open up a new can of 930 whoop a__, complete with a race suspension, heavily boosted turbo, wide rear tires, fender flares and fully equipped to be taken out on the track right off the showroom floor!
What cars would you like to see brought back
The Luckiest Motorcyclist Alive
When a driver runs a red light, things turn bad. What happens next can...
World’s Biggest Automakers Detail Ambitious Electric-car Plans
Many of the world’s biggest automakers on Wednesday detailed ambitious electric-car plans that promise zero emissions but will demand patience from consumers and subsidies from governments to succeed.
Nissan Motor Co, BMW’s BMWG.DE MINI, General Motors Corp and Volkswagen’s Audi were among the automakers who promised, at the Los Angeles auto show, to bring electric cars to market in the next few years.
Consumers have been clamoring for greener vehicles amid soaring gasoline prices and increased concerns about global warming. The costly batteries required to power gas-free electric cars, however, are not powerful enough to deliver the long driving range car buyers are accustomed to.
“It’s going to be a tough sell,” said David Champion, director of auto testing for Consumer Reports. “People are used to buying their cars and being able to take them anywhere they want. There are a lot of hurdles for electric vehicles.”
Of the cars unveiled at the show, the first one consumers will be able to drive is the Mini E, an all-electric Mini Cooper that will hit U.S. roads next year. The plug-in car will have a range of 156 miles before it needs recharging.
Initially, only 500 Mini E vehicles will be available in two markets - California and New York - so the company can gather details on their performance.
They will only be available for lease, for $850 a month.
BMW executives said that despite being all-electric, the Mini E would be as peppy and fun to drive as cars with traditional combustion engines.
Other automakers echoed that concern, saying the car’s performance was paramount.
“As a responsible manufacturer we have to look at what the Audi interpretation of electric drive will be and you will see this in the near future,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, a board member of Audi, which is also working on an electric car. “The car would be extremely good looking and you will have a lot of fun driving it — despite what’s going on underneath.”
Nissan and General Motors both have electric vehicles they plan to sell to consumers, beginning in 2010.
Nissan has yet to unveil its all-electric vehicle, but the company projected that about 10 percent of global vehicle sales by 2020 will be electric cars, equivalent to roughly 7 million units in annual sales.
But Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn conceded that a lot of uncertainty surrounds that forecast. “Whatever number I give you is going to be wrong,” Ghosn said. “The reality is today there are zero electric cars on the market.”
In order to jump-start demand for the zero-emission vehicles, governments at the national, state and city levels need to help provide incentives and establish infrastructure for electric recharging, Ghosn said.
Nissan has clinched tie-ups with governments in Japan, Israel, Denmark and Portugal as well as the U.S. states of Tennessee and, most recently, Oregon.
Under the automaker’s new deal with Oregon, Nissan agreed to provide zero-emission electric cars for the state fleet.
State agencies and the utility Portland General Electric agreed to work together to create a recharging network and the technology that would allow parked electric cars to send power back to the grid.
Such initiatives are considered critical for electric car drivers so they do not have to return home every time their vehicles are low on power.
Similarly, General Motors is working to roll out recharging stations, according to Britta Gross, manager of GM’s hydrogen and electrical infrastructure commercialization efforts.
GM’s Chevrolet Volt plug-in car will have an all-electric range of 40 miles and a backup gasoline tank for longer trips.
Nissan said the initial cruising range for its first generation of electric cars could be 100 miles, but the company will look to boost that to near 200 miles by the second generation of the battery pack.
As a result, Nissan said it would lease the batteries to consumers to keep the up-front price of the cars down while giving them an easy way to upgrade.
GM, which has said the Volt’s price tag could top $30,000, hasn’t decided what it will do with the Volt batteries.
“If your monthly fee for the amortization of the battery, the electric cost, etc., is less than fuel … then it’s an interesting business model to pursue,” Volt line manager Tony Posawatz said. “But those are things we don’t need to decide today.”
Click Here for the Original Article
Nissan Motor Co, BMW’s BMWG.DE MINI, General Motors Corp and Volkswagen’s Audi were among the automakers who promised, at the Los Angeles auto show, to bring electric cars to market in the next few years.
Consumers have been clamoring for greener vehicles amid soaring gasoline prices and increased concerns about global warming. The costly batteries required to power gas-free electric cars, however, are not powerful enough to deliver the long driving range car buyers are accustomed to.
“It’s going to be a tough sell,” said David Champion, director of auto testing for Consumer Reports. “People are used to buying their cars and being able to take them anywhere they want. There are a lot of hurdles for electric vehicles.”
Of the cars unveiled at the show, the first one consumers will be able to drive is the Mini E, an all-electric Mini Cooper that will hit U.S. roads next year. The plug-in car will have a range of 156 miles before it needs recharging.
Initially, only 500 Mini E vehicles will be available in two markets - California and New York - so the company can gather details on their performance.
They will only be available for lease, for $850 a month.
BMW executives said that despite being all-electric, the Mini E would be as peppy and fun to drive as cars with traditional combustion engines.
Other automakers echoed that concern, saying the car’s performance was paramount.
“As a responsible manufacturer we have to look at what the Audi interpretation of electric drive will be and you will see this in the near future,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, a board member of Audi, which is also working on an electric car. “The car would be extremely good looking and you will have a lot of fun driving it — despite what’s going on underneath.”
Nissan and General Motors both have electric vehicles they plan to sell to consumers, beginning in 2010.
Nissan has yet to unveil its all-electric vehicle, but the company projected that about 10 percent of global vehicle sales by 2020 will be electric cars, equivalent to roughly 7 million units in annual sales.
But Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn conceded that a lot of uncertainty surrounds that forecast. “Whatever number I give you is going to be wrong,” Ghosn said. “The reality is today there are zero electric cars on the market.”
In order to jump-start demand for the zero-emission vehicles, governments at the national, state and city levels need to help provide incentives and establish infrastructure for electric recharging, Ghosn said.
Nissan has clinched tie-ups with governments in Japan, Israel, Denmark and Portugal as well as the U.S. states of Tennessee and, most recently, Oregon.
Under the automaker’s new deal with Oregon, Nissan agreed to provide zero-emission electric cars for the state fleet.
State agencies and the utility Portland General Electric agreed to work together to create a recharging network and the technology that would allow parked electric cars to send power back to the grid.
Such initiatives are considered critical for electric car drivers so they do not have to return home every time their vehicles are low on power.
Similarly, General Motors is working to roll out recharging stations, according to Britta Gross, manager of GM’s hydrogen and electrical infrastructure commercialization efforts.
GM’s Chevrolet Volt plug-in car will have an all-electric range of 40 miles and a backup gasoline tank for longer trips.
Nissan said the initial cruising range for its first generation of electric cars could be 100 miles, but the company will look to boost that to near 200 miles by the second generation of the battery pack.
As a result, Nissan said it would lease the batteries to consumers to keep the up-front price of the cars down while giving them an easy way to upgrade.
GM, which has said the Volt’s price tag could top $30,000, hasn’t decided what it will do with the Volt batteries.
“If your monthly fee for the amortization of the battery, the electric cost, etc., is less than fuel … then it’s an interesting business model to pursue,” Volt line manager Tony Posawatz said. “But those are things we don’t need to decide today.”
Click Here for the Original Article
Bentley considers diesel
Volkswagen chairman Martin Winterkorn has dropped the biggest hint yet that Bentley is considering a diesel engine option for some models.In an interview with Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport this week, Winterkorn answered questions about the state of Volkswagen’s upper luxury marques, saying: “With Bentley we will react to the changing market conditions. I could well imagine a six-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel in a Bentley.”
Winterkorn’s comments oppose those of Bentley boss, Franz-Josef Paefgen, who recently told journalists that Bentley was not planning to introduce a diesel engine in any model.
The diesel referred to by Winterkorn is a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 common-rail unit presently undergoing development by Audi. Rumoured to deliver over 300bhp and over 440lb ft of torque, it should be unveiled in the third-generation A8 at next year’s Frankfurt motor show.
Autonomous VW says, "Look, Ma - No Hands"
Kick back, relax and let Volkswagen be your captain with the latest technology in driver assistance systems, the autonomous driving project, a forward-looking research concept that lets the car do the driving for you.
This past week, a Volkswagen Passat equipped with the autonomous driving project and code named "Junior" was featured at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Engineers from all over the world gathered at the Javits Convention Center in New York City to see Junior do his thing, and Wired.com got to ride shotgun.
During the demonstration, an engineer working on the project monitored from inside the car a computer screen that showed an infrared map of a sectioned off 11th Avenue. This infrared map with a little help from google maps was formulated using information gathered by laser range finders and radar sensors via software created by the Stanford University Racing Team. The lasers and radars on the top and sides of the car (hints the Ghostbusters look) had the ability to perceive the car's environment and the road ahead. Traffic signals and stop signs were adhered to while oncoming traffic, three-way intersections and sudden stops by the demonstration cars in front of the Passat were recognized. Another engineer sat in the driver seat for safety precautions, but his hands never touched the wheel or foot pedals.
It was like the Passat had become possessed!
Rest assured though, there was nothing to fear. Nobody got hurt and nobody threw up on a priest. Moreover, Big Brother is not trying to take over your car.
The autonomous driving project is being designed by VW as an optional feature. In other words, the driver at all times is in total control and has the chose of doing the driving or letting the car do the driving for them. In case of an emergency there is a big red button located on the center consul of the car. Push this button while the car is on autopilot, and the controls quickly revert to being manually powered.
As nifty as all this sounds, Junior still needs some fine-tuning before he can be fully functional; he is too precautious of a driver. Despite reaching speeds of up to 50mph, the car would suddenly brake whenever its sensors could not identify an object or detected the slightest movement on the road. Better safe than sorry, but as a result, the ride was not the smoothest.
Nevertheless, the engineers at VW are confident that in the future they will be able to reach the company's goal of making autonomous vehicles safer and more fun. Last year, Junior managed to finish in second place at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Urban Challenge. The car was one of only six vehicles to complete the 60-mile urban course full of traffic circles, busy intersections and parallel parking procedures.
FYI, watching a car parallel-park all on its own is a mind-blowing experience.
Photos by Wired.com
This past week, a Volkswagen Passat equipped with the autonomous driving project and code named "Junior" was featured at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Engineers from all over the world gathered at the Javits Convention Center in New York City to see Junior do his thing, and Wired.com got to ride shotgun.
During the demonstration, an engineer working on the project monitored from inside the car a computer screen that showed an infrared map of a sectioned off 11th Avenue. This infrared map with a little help from google maps was formulated using information gathered by laser range finders and radar sensors via software created by the Stanford University Racing Team. The lasers and radars on the top and sides of the car (hints the Ghostbusters look) had the ability to perceive the car's environment and the road ahead. Traffic signals and stop signs were adhered to while oncoming traffic, three-way intersections and sudden stops by the demonstration cars in front of the Passat were recognized. Another engineer sat in the driver seat for safety precautions, but his hands never touched the wheel or foot pedals.
It was like the Passat had become possessed!
Rest assured though, there was nothing to fear. Nobody got hurt and nobody threw up on a priest. Moreover, Big Brother is not trying to take over your car.
The autonomous driving project is being designed by VW as an optional feature. In other words, the driver at all times is in total control and has the chose of doing the driving or letting the car do the driving for them. In case of an emergency there is a big red button located on the center consul of the car. Push this button while the car is on autopilot, and the controls quickly revert to being manually powered.
As nifty as all this sounds, Junior still needs some fine-tuning before he can be fully functional; he is too precautious of a driver. Despite reaching speeds of up to 50mph, the car would suddenly brake whenever its sensors could not identify an object or detected the slightest movement on the road. Better safe than sorry, but as a result, the ride was not the smoothest.
Nevertheless, the engineers at VW are confident that in the future they will be able to reach the company's goal of making autonomous vehicles safer and more fun. Last year, Junior managed to finish in second place at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Urban Challenge. The car was one of only six vehicles to complete the 60-mile urban course full of traffic circles, busy intersections and parallel parking procedures.
FYI, watching a car parallel-park all on its own is a mind-blowing experience.
Photos by Wired.com
Ford Announces Pricing for 2010 Fusion Models
Just a few days after Ford debuted the all-new 2010 Fusion, official pricing has been released. The Fusion can be had in five different model trims: S, SE, SEL, Sport, and Hybrid, with a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines and manual or automatic transmissions, depending on the model.
The base Fusion S rings in at an MSRP of $19,270 while the top-dollar Fusion Hybrid can be priced from $27,200. Rounding out the middle of the range we have the SE at $20,545, SEL at $23,975, and Sport at $25,825.
Click through the post to see a more detailed list of some of the features found on each model.
FUSION S -- $19,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Four-wheel ABS
- Electronic stability control
- Cloth seats with manual adjustment
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
FUSION SE -- $20,545
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with silver paint
- Six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar
- Side curtain airbags
- Optional 3.0-lier V-6 and Ford Sync
FUSION SEL -- $23,975
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission
- Sirius satellite radio
- Ford Sync
- Seven-color ambient lighting system
- Seventeen-inch machined aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed, heated seats
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Eight-way power driver's seat
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Optional: 3.0-liter V-6, AWD, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package
FUSION SPORT -- $25,825
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed SelectShift transmission
- Sync and Sirius satellite radio
- Red, blue, or black accented leather seats
- Eighteen-inch premium aluminum wheels
- Chrome trim
- Decklid spoiler
- Optional: AWD, electronics package, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package, Driver Vision package
FUSION HYBRID -- $27,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- E-CVT automatic transmission
- Regenerative braking
- Dual-LCD instrument cluster
- Eco-friendly cloth seats
- Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels
- Reverse sensing system
- Optional: leather/heated seats, navigation, Driver Vision package, Moon and Tune package
The base Fusion S rings in at an MSRP of $19,270 while the top-dollar Fusion Hybrid can be priced from $27,200. Rounding out the middle of the range we have the SE at $20,545, SEL at $23,975, and Sport at $25,825.
Click through the post to see a more detailed list of some of the features found on each model.
FUSION S -- $19,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Four-wheel ABS
- Electronic stability control
- Cloth seats with manual adjustment
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
FUSION SE -- $20,545
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with silver paint
- Six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar
- Side curtain airbags
- Optional 3.0-lier V-6 and Ford Sync
FUSION SEL -- $23,975
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission
- Sirius satellite radio
- Ford Sync
- Seven-color ambient lighting system
- Seventeen-inch machined aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed, heated seats
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Eight-way power driver's seat
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Optional: 3.0-liter V-6, AWD, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package
FUSION SPORT -- $25,825
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed SelectShift transmission
- Sync and Sirius satellite radio
- Red, blue, or black accented leather seats
- Eighteen-inch premium aluminum wheels
- Chrome trim
- Decklid spoiler
- Optional: AWD, electronics package, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package, Driver Vision package
FUSION HYBRID -- $27,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- E-CVT automatic transmission
- Regenerative braking
- Dual-LCD instrument cluster
- Eco-friendly cloth seats
- Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels
- Reverse sensing system
- Optional: leather/heated seats, navigation, Driver Vision package, Moon and Tune package
Massive $1 billion electric car charging grid planned for San Francisco Bay Area
We've mentioned Project Better Place before, the company that plans to create a network of charging stations and battery exchange locations for electric cars in Denmark, Israel and Australia. Backed by super-rich investors, now it's planning an ambitious expansion into the San Francisco Bay area. The idea is to build a $1 billion network of 250,000 charging ports like you see here, 200 battery-swap stations, and a driver service center.
The remarkable aspect of this grand scheme is that most of this infrastructure is targeted to be operational by 2012. The three big-city (San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose) Bay Area mayors are on board with the idea, especially since this high-tech goodness won't cost them a cent. They will offer incentives for companies to install the chargers, and offered to expedite building permits to speed things along.
Meanwhile, Better Place will sell Renault-Nissan cars as part of the plan, and car companies such as GM and Toyota are interested in the idea, too. Tesla says its upcoming Model S sedan will be compatible with the swappable batteries and charging stations, adding that its battery will charge in the time it takes to fill a car's tank with gas. Better Place's remarkable move shows that the electric car scenario could fall into place quicker than anyone thought.
Mercury News, via Treehugger
The remarkable aspect of this grand scheme is that most of this infrastructure is targeted to be operational by 2012. The three big-city (San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose) Bay Area mayors are on board with the idea, especially since this high-tech goodness won't cost them a cent. They will offer incentives for companies to install the chargers, and offered to expedite building permits to speed things along.
Meanwhile, Better Place will sell Renault-Nissan cars as part of the plan, and car companies such as GM and Toyota are interested in the idea, too. Tesla says its upcoming Model S sedan will be compatible with the swappable batteries and charging stations, adding that its battery will charge in the time it takes to fill a car's tank with gas. Better Place's remarkable move shows that the electric car scenario could fall into place quicker than anyone thought.
Mercury News, via Treehugger
Cars as furniture!
Used cars -these old piece used in for design statement, not transportation !! Cars as furniture!
Better Place eRogue starts trials
The electric motoring project Better Place has announced a partnership with California and launched a new car (pictured). Yesterday Shai Agassi's company hooked up with the state to promote the use of EVs powered by renewable energy, starting with a focus on the San Fransisco Bay Area. It also added the Nissan eRogue, a new demo electric car based on the Renault-Nissan Rogue.
The eRogue is referred to as a 'crossover SUV', halfway between the size of a sedan and an SUV. It's certainly far larger than today's electric city cars, such as the TH!NK City, G-Wiz i and Mega City. There are no details on the eRogue's range and top speed, though don't expect the range to be huge -- the normal petrol version only does a measly 27mpg for highway driving. Check out a video of the eRogue here.
Better Place's fresh addition joins the existing test car, the Renault-Nissan eMegane.
Local mayors describe the partnership between Better Place and California as part of their bid to make the region the "EV capital of the US." Building the battery-swapping stations -- essentially electric versions of today's petrol filling stations -- is expected to cost $1 billion.
Californians desperate to try out an eRogue or eMegane will need to be patient, as mass market availability for the Better Place cars isn't expected until 2012.
The eRogue is referred to as a 'crossover SUV', halfway between the size of a sedan and an SUV. It's certainly far larger than today's electric city cars, such as the TH!NK City, G-Wiz i and Mega City. There are no details on the eRogue's range and top speed, though don't expect the range to be huge -- the normal petrol version only does a measly 27mpg for highway driving. Check out a video of the eRogue here.
Better Place's fresh addition joins the existing test car, the Renault-Nissan eMegane.
Local mayors describe the partnership between Better Place and California as part of their bid to make the region the "EV capital of the US." Building the battery-swapping stations -- essentially electric versions of today's petrol filling stations -- is expected to cost $1 billion.
Californians desperate to try out an eRogue or eMegane will need to be patient, as mass market availability for the Better Place cars isn't expected until 2012.
Pelosi to Big Three: Show Us A Plan, We’ll Show You The Money
If you hadn't heard already, the Big Three's pleas
to Congress fell on deaf ears today. Pelosi, Reid, and seven other Democratic Congressional leaders upstaged a meeting between the Big Three and a bipartisan group of senators to discuss a compromise surrounding the already-approved $25 billion in Federal aid. The Democrats' message, as voiced by Nancy Pelosi: "Until they show us a plan, we can't show them the money."
Specifically, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders want to see viability plans from the Big Three that ensure good stewardship of taxpayer money, and clear, concise plans towards corporate health and intelligent re-structuring. The bipartisan group of senators and the Big Three had hoped to redirect the $25 billion in low-interest loans towards simply bridging their current cash crises and remaining solvent for the time being.
In blocking immediate emergency Federal loans to the Big Three, Democrats have forced the domestics to show just how they would use the aid. Hearings on their plans are scheduled for December 2, and a vote by Congress is scheduled on or around December 8 when Congress returns to consider aid to the struggling Big Three.--Colin Mathews
---
to Congress fell on deaf ears today. Pelosi, Reid, and seven other Democratic Congressional leaders upstaged a meeting between the Big Three and a bipartisan group of senators to discuss a compromise surrounding the already-approved $25 billion in Federal aid. The Democrats' message, as voiced by Nancy Pelosi: "Until they show us a plan, we can't show them the money."Specifically, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders want to see viability plans from the Big Three that ensure good stewardship of taxpayer money, and clear, concise plans towards corporate health and intelligent re-structuring. The bipartisan group of senators and the Big Three had hoped to redirect the $25 billion in low-interest loans towards simply bridging their current cash crises and remaining solvent for the time being.
In blocking immediate emergency Federal loans to the Big Three, Democrats have forced the domestics to show just how they would use the aid. Hearings on their plans are scheduled for December 2, and a vote by Congress is scheduled on or around December 8 when Congress returns to consider aid to the struggling Big Three.--Colin Mathews
---
UK, France, Germany, Italy agree on CO2 limits
Italy has reportedly dropped its objections to a European Commission plan to introduce softer CO2 emission limits on new cars, leaving the door open for an EU-wide agreement on a 130g/km fleet wide CO2 limit.
While still not official, inside government sources in Germany told Reuters that an agreement between Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had been made. The proposal now has to be approved by the European Parliament, with talks between parliament, member states and the European Commission scheduled to take place on November 24.
The European Commission had proposed cutting CO2 emissions from cars by an average of 18% to 130g/km by 2012, but the plan was rejected by some member nations such as Germany, which claimed that its luxury-based industry will still have a harder time meeting the targets than the smaller-car producing French and Italian industries.
More lenient standards were contrary to the central thesis of the EU's new emissions laws, according to Italy's government. Environment minister Stefania Prestigiacomo spoke out recently on the issue, calling the proposal unacceptable because it disadvantages carmakers that have already taken steps to build more efficient cars.
Italy, though home to some of the world's most renowned supercars, is also home to some of the world's favorite minicars, including the Fiat 500.
While still not official, inside government sources in Germany told Reuters that an agreement between Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had been made. The proposal now has to be approved by the European Parliament, with talks between parliament, member states and the European Commission scheduled to take place on November 24.
The European Commission had proposed cutting CO2 emissions from cars by an average of 18% to 130g/km by 2012, but the plan was rejected by some member nations such as Germany, which claimed that its luxury-based industry will still have a harder time meeting the targets than the smaller-car producing French and Italian industries.
More lenient standards were contrary to the central thesis of the EU's new emissions laws, according to Italy's government. Environment minister Stefania Prestigiacomo spoke out recently on the issue, calling the proposal unacceptable because it disadvantages carmakers that have already taken steps to build more efficient cars.
Italy, though home to some of the world's most renowned supercars, is also home to some of the world's favorite minicars, including the Fiat 500.
Quick Spin: 2010 Mini E
Electric cars are nothing new. Once the horseless chariots of upper class society women, they are now back en vogue thanks to a renewed interest in achieving zero-emissions, minimal-compromise driving. Enter the 2010 Mini E, an electrified Mini Cooper that will go on limited lease availability to select customers early next year.
First things first, the Mini E is not a mass-market electric car. Five hundred applicants mostly in Southern California and the greater New York City area - get your name in now - will be selected to lease Mini Es at $850 a month for a year. That fee includes all maintenance and an in-home charging system , as well as all the gasoline required to fuel the Mini E for the year (just checking to see if you are paying attention).
Under the Mini E’s hood is a 150kW (a little over 200 horsepower) electric motor that is “fueled” by a back seat-mounted rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A single-stage helical gearbox transfers the power to the front wheels. The Mini E’s suspension has been modified to compensate for the revised weight distribution - those batteries out back add a few pounds, but a careful diet cut the overall curb weight increase to around 100 lbs.
Aside from badging and stickers, there isn’t much outside to hint to drivers that your motoring is not consuming any gasoline. The fuel filler door is still there, except on this Mini it’s where you plug in a cable from the in-home charging system. Like any electric car, the Mini E emits only a high-pitched whine when it is running, so be careful sneaking up on your fellow shoppers in the Kroger parking lot.
Inside, the changes are more obvious. Your friends who argued over who got shoved in the back seat will now have to drive themselves since the Mini E’s huge battery packs take up the rear accommodations and most of the cargo area. There’s just enough room for a bag or two of groceries but nothing else in this minimized Mini. Don’t expect to take a cross country trip unless you can pack lightly and want to stop often for charges.
Speaking of charging, the Mini E goes up to 150 miles between charges, which take about two hours to complete. A full recharge takes about 28 kilowatt hours of electricity - about 5.4 miles per kWh.
Climb aboard and the Mini E feels like any automatic-transmission Mini Cooper, aside from a charge gauge where you’d normally find the tachometer, a power gauge where you’d normally see the fuel gauge and a distinct lack of whiny rear seat passengers. Those batteries back there are quiet, free of smell and you don’t even have to worry about asking for them to pitch in gas money.
Put the gear lever in drive, let off the brake and you won’t go anywhere, although you might roll a little if you’re not on flat ground. The Mini E’s gas pedal isn’t particularly linear in its operation, which will require a little getting used to for most drivers to avoid head-snapping acceleration. Hey, at least there’s only one passenger to worry about. Let off the gas and the Mini E will slow down quickly rather than slowly coast to a stop like in a conventional car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator, recovering some kinetic energy and feeding it back to the battery. Because of this, Mini recommends using the deceleration feature as a brake to come to a stop.
With upwards of 200 horsepower on tap, the Mini E moves forward rapidly enough to induce some wheelspin and torque steer and, with no rev range to worry about, more power is instantaneous from any speed.
Braking is grabby and a little nonlinear, but is still better than in some inexpensive cars and even the Toyota Prius. Again, it takes some getting used to, but by the end of our short downtown Los Angeles driving circuit, we had it down to a science.
The Mini E is one of few cars that allows you to pull up next to a Prius, like the one with the personalized “LESS OIL” license plate we saw on our test drive, and smugly look down upon the gas-guzzling heathen behind the wheel. The Mini E uses no oil other than a few drops here and there for moving parts lubrication. Take that, Prius.
With a limited range and limited cargo capacity, the Mini E is a strictly in-town commuter car, and at that it excels. Handling is mostly on par with a standard Mini, though it’s possible to get the front end a little more squirrely here than in the gas version.
The future of the Mini E is the million dollar question, though. BMW and Mini executives are tight-lipped about the project, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the lessons learned from this trial project applied to a larger, more utilitarian vehicle in the near future.
Words by Andrew Ganz. Photos by Mark Elias and Mini.
First things first, the Mini E is not a mass-market electric car. Five hundred applicants mostly in Southern California and the greater New York City area - get your name in now - will be selected to lease Mini Es at $850 a month for a year. That fee includes all maintenance and an in-home charging system , as well as all the gasoline required to fuel the Mini E for the year (just checking to see if you are paying attention).
Under the Mini E’s hood is a 150kW (a little over 200 horsepower) electric motor that is “fueled” by a back seat-mounted rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A single-stage helical gearbox transfers the power to the front wheels. The Mini E’s suspension has been modified to compensate for the revised weight distribution - those batteries out back add a few pounds, but a careful diet cut the overall curb weight increase to around 100 lbs.
Aside from badging and stickers, there isn’t much outside to hint to drivers that your motoring is not consuming any gasoline. The fuel filler door is still there, except on this Mini it’s where you plug in a cable from the in-home charging system. Like any electric car, the Mini E emits only a high-pitched whine when it is running, so be careful sneaking up on your fellow shoppers in the Kroger parking lot.
Inside, the changes are more obvious. Your friends who argued over who got shoved in the back seat will now have to drive themselves since the Mini E’s huge battery packs take up the rear accommodations and most of the cargo area. There’s just enough room for a bag or two of groceries but nothing else in this minimized Mini. Don’t expect to take a cross country trip unless you can pack lightly and want to stop often for charges.
Speaking of charging, the Mini E goes up to 150 miles between charges, which take about two hours to complete. A full recharge takes about 28 kilowatt hours of electricity - about 5.4 miles per kWh.
Climb aboard and the Mini E feels like any automatic-transmission Mini Cooper, aside from a charge gauge where you’d normally find the tachometer, a power gauge where you’d normally see the fuel gauge and a distinct lack of whiny rear seat passengers. Those batteries back there are quiet, free of smell and you don’t even have to worry about asking for them to pitch in gas money.
Put the gear lever in drive, let off the brake and you won’t go anywhere, although you might roll a little if you’re not on flat ground. The Mini E’s gas pedal isn’t particularly linear in its operation, which will require a little getting used to for most drivers to avoid head-snapping acceleration. Hey, at least there’s only one passenger to worry about. Let off the gas and the Mini E will slow down quickly rather than slowly coast to a stop like in a conventional car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator, recovering some kinetic energy and feeding it back to the battery. Because of this, Mini recommends using the deceleration feature as a brake to come to a stop.
With upwards of 200 horsepower on tap, the Mini E moves forward rapidly enough to induce some wheelspin and torque steer and, with no rev range to worry about, more power is instantaneous from any speed.
Braking is grabby and a little nonlinear, but is still better than in some inexpensive cars and even the Toyota Prius. Again, it takes some getting used to, but by the end of our short downtown Los Angeles driving circuit, we had it down to a science.
The Mini E is one of few cars that allows you to pull up next to a Prius, like the one with the personalized “LESS OIL” license plate we saw on our test drive, and smugly look down upon the gas-guzzling heathen behind the wheel. The Mini E uses no oil other than a few drops here and there for moving parts lubrication. Take that, Prius.
With a limited range and limited cargo capacity, the Mini E is a strictly in-town commuter car, and at that it excels. Handling is mostly on par with a standard Mini, though it’s possible to get the front end a little more squirrely here than in the gas version.
The future of the Mini E is the million dollar question, though. BMW and Mini executives are tight-lipped about the project, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the lessons learned from this trial project applied to a larger, more utilitarian vehicle in the near future.
Words by Andrew Ganz. Photos by Mark Elias and Mini.
Eleven Ways The UAW Is Like Congress
So we're sitting here in the press room of the LA Auto Show thinking about Carpocalypse Now, the fight for loans from Congress and thinking to ourselves — you know the UAW and Congress? They're really not so different from each other. It's almost like looking in a mirror. A freaky state fair carnival mirror, but a mirror nonetheless. Here's our list of the top eleven similarities between these two seemingly disparate groups.
1.) Both carry a bunch of signs at all their get-togethers. UAW workers, picket signs. Congressmen, re-election signs.
2.) Both have exorbitant pensions and will receive health care for life upon retirement.
3.) Both have work stoppages for months at a time during summer, winter and around all federal holidays.
4.) Both take credit for creating the middle class.
5.) Both have a historical reputation for shoddy quality of work product.
6.) Both like pork. One likes it in "rind" form, the other in "spending" form.
7.) Both live well beyond their means. UAW workers with boats on Lake Superior. Congress gets junkets and fact-finding trips to the Cayman Islands.
8.) Both are paid the same regardless of how much work they do.
9.) Both have a national approval rating of under 10%.
10.) Both are seemingly out-classed by their foreign counterparts.
11.) Both get to take election day off.
See, there you have it, they're like ebony and ivory — and really, they've got to figure out a way to live together in perfect harmony.
1.) Both carry a bunch of signs at all their get-togethers. UAW workers, picket signs. Congressmen, re-election signs.
2.) Both have exorbitant pensions and will receive health care for life upon retirement.
3.) Both have work stoppages for months at a time during summer, winter and around all federal holidays.
4.) Both take credit for creating the middle class.
5.) Both have a historical reputation for shoddy quality of work product.
6.) Both like pork. One likes it in "rind" form, the other in "spending" form.
7.) Both live well beyond their means. UAW workers with boats on Lake Superior. Congress gets junkets and fact-finding trips to the Cayman Islands.
8.) Both are paid the same regardless of how much work they do.
9.) Both have a national approval rating of under 10%.
10.) Both are seemingly out-classed by their foreign counterparts.
11.) Both get to take election day off.
See, there you have it, they're like ebony and ivory — and really, they've got to figure out a way to live together in perfect harmony.
Tracking the Bailout: When the Music Stops, Who's Going Bankrupt?
The CEOs of Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC loaded up on their much-maligned corporate jets and winged out of Washington, DC, this week with no bailout money - but the assurance of a shaky holiday season.
After Democratic deal-makers conceded this week there would not be sufficient bipartisan support to approve a bill to "repurpose" the existing and already approved $25-billion Department of Energy loan (originally intended to promote the development of fuel-efficient technology and retool factories), the initiative was shelved until a possible vote on Dec. 8.
That promises to be a rocky 17 days for GM and Chrysler, whose bosses insinuate the companies may not have the funds to enable them to see the New Year.
Costly Holding Pattern
Many Congressional members - some of them lame ducks with barely weeks left in office - seemed as concerned about getting home for the Thanksgiving holiday as they did about putting in the heavy lifting required to potentially help resurrect the nation's largest single component of the manufacturing sector.
Others, however, remain either doubtful GM and Chrysler face imminent insolvency or unconvinced one or both companies' slide into bankruptcy (presumably of the Chapter 11 variety) is not the best way to let economic forces take their course.
Congress sent the chastised CEOs back to Detroit with instructions to work up a blueprint to demonstrate a cash infusion will keep them viable long enough to transform their business models into something approaching sustainability.
But at this juncture, even the matter of the few weeks before a potential new vote - a vote with anything but a guarantee of approval - could be too long for at least one of the two industrial giants to wait.
That could be the plan.
Chrysler Without A Chair
Although GM chief executive Rick Wagoner insinuated his company is in desperation mode, it is Chrysler that likely is closer to the brink; CEO Bob Nardelli said the company's cash-in-hand exceeds its monthly expenditures by a mere $1 billion and change. That suggests if Chrysler isn't extended some type of funds, the music stops sometime around the end of December.
Rumors continue to abound that GM, meanwhile, has a plan in place to effectively shut down the company - across the globe - if necessary to reduce expenditures to a level that allow GM to keep its head above water.
Meanwhile, although industry sales have cratered in the latter part of this year, December historically is a comparatively strong month for auto sales. A skeleton-crewed GM, one with dealers continuing to sell vehicles, could temporarily stem the titanic cash burn that has scorched the company's books.
Even without a drastic "winter shutdown," some sources think a parsimony-minded GM could keep going enough, at least, to wait for President-elect Barack Obama's mid-January inauguration and perhaps a change in Congress' - and the public's - mood about assisting the automakers.
Not Enough For Three
Meanwhile, with the auto market not expected to improve and more likely to deteriorate further in 2009 and thus the cash-burn rates presumed to remain consistent (although continuing cost-cutting efforts may reduce expenditures a measurable, if not exactly meaningful, amount), it's not hard to do the math. Even if the hoped-for $25-billion in funds, which is designated to be shared with desperate auto suppliers as well, is approved and made available by sometime early next year, it's not going to be enough to sustain three battered automakers who between them have spent an almost unbelievable $18 billion more than they took in during the last quarter.
At that rate, $25 billion would not take the current Detroit Three to the beginning of a new baseball season.
Forecasting expert IHS Global Insight this week issued a warning that without the bridge loan, the odds that GM and Chrysler both would file bankruptcy early next year are 75 percent.
But the larger question seems to be whether even with the loan, whether it could possibly sustain all three anyway.
While political grandstanding certainly has a role in the current situation, the delays Congress' vacillation impose may be serving a deeper purpose: culling the Detroit Three to just two.
It's long been assumed Chrysler is the weakest of the trio, the least able to pull off a "transformation:" it has no global footprint to speak of; it has the smallest market share; and it has the heaviest ratio of trucks and SUVs in its portfolio, vehicles that do not place the company in good stead either with consumers or politicos scrutinizing the possibilities for a prompt turnaround.
Finally, there is Chrysler's uncomfortable status as a privately held company. Although to now this has not seemed to be an important point, it may emerge as one if push comes to shove next month in Washington.
After Democratic deal-makers conceded this week there would not be sufficient bipartisan support to approve a bill to "repurpose" the existing and already approved $25-billion Department of Energy loan (originally intended to promote the development of fuel-efficient technology and retool factories), the initiative was shelved until a possible vote on Dec. 8.
That promises to be a rocky 17 days for GM and Chrysler, whose bosses insinuate the companies may not have the funds to enable them to see the New Year.
Costly Holding Pattern
Many Congressional members - some of them lame ducks with barely weeks left in office - seemed as concerned about getting home for the Thanksgiving holiday as they did about putting in the heavy lifting required to potentially help resurrect the nation's largest single component of the manufacturing sector.
Others, however, remain either doubtful GM and Chrysler face imminent insolvency or unconvinced one or both companies' slide into bankruptcy (presumably of the Chapter 11 variety) is not the best way to let economic forces take their course.
Congress sent the chastised CEOs back to Detroit with instructions to work up a blueprint to demonstrate a cash infusion will keep them viable long enough to transform their business models into something approaching sustainability.
But at this juncture, even the matter of the few weeks before a potential new vote - a vote with anything but a guarantee of approval - could be too long for at least one of the two industrial giants to wait.
That could be the plan.
Chrysler Without A Chair
Although GM chief executive Rick Wagoner insinuated his company is in desperation mode, it is Chrysler that likely is closer to the brink; CEO Bob Nardelli said the company's cash-in-hand exceeds its monthly expenditures by a mere $1 billion and change. That suggests if Chrysler isn't extended some type of funds, the music stops sometime around the end of December.
Rumors continue to abound that GM, meanwhile, has a plan in place to effectively shut down the company - across the globe - if necessary to reduce expenditures to a level that allow GM to keep its head above water.
Meanwhile, although industry sales have cratered in the latter part of this year, December historically is a comparatively strong month for auto sales. A skeleton-crewed GM, one with dealers continuing to sell vehicles, could temporarily stem the titanic cash burn that has scorched the company's books.
Even without a drastic "winter shutdown," some sources think a parsimony-minded GM could keep going enough, at least, to wait for President-elect Barack Obama's mid-January inauguration and perhaps a change in Congress' - and the public's - mood about assisting the automakers.
Not Enough For Three
Meanwhile, with the auto market not expected to improve and more likely to deteriorate further in 2009 and thus the cash-burn rates presumed to remain consistent (although continuing cost-cutting efforts may reduce expenditures a measurable, if not exactly meaningful, amount), it's not hard to do the math. Even if the hoped-for $25-billion in funds, which is designated to be shared with desperate auto suppliers as well, is approved and made available by sometime early next year, it's not going to be enough to sustain three battered automakers who between them have spent an almost unbelievable $18 billion more than they took in during the last quarter.
At that rate, $25 billion would not take the current Detroit Three to the beginning of a new baseball season.
Forecasting expert IHS Global Insight this week issued a warning that without the bridge loan, the odds that GM and Chrysler both would file bankruptcy early next year are 75 percent.
But the larger question seems to be whether even with the loan, whether it could possibly sustain all three anyway.
While political grandstanding certainly has a role in the current situation, the delays Congress' vacillation impose may be serving a deeper purpose: culling the Detroit Three to just two.
It's long been assumed Chrysler is the weakest of the trio, the least able to pull off a "transformation:" it has no global footprint to speak of; it has the smallest market share; and it has the heaviest ratio of trucks and SUVs in its portfolio, vehicles that do not place the company in good stead either with consumers or politicos scrutinizing the possibilities for a prompt turnaround.
Finally, there is Chrysler's uncomfortable status as a privately held company. Although to now this has not seemed to be an important point, it may emerge as one if push comes to shove next month in Washington.
BMW working on an environment friendly supercar
Words from the mouth of a BMW Insider say that the company is working on a new eco-friendly supercar. Likely to be based on the M1 Homage Concept, the new supercar will be a showcase of the cutting edge technology developed by the company. BMW’s Efficient Dynamics program will be involved in a big way to lower environmental impact. An aluminum spaceframe and carbon-fiber body panels are also likely to be used, in order to lower the weight of the car.
The automaker has not decided on the layout or the powertrain to be used in the car. Reportedly, BMW bosses are considering a mid-engine layout or a front-engine configuration. Similarly, though a twin-turbocharched inline-six-cylinder is currently the favored candidate to deliver power, the final engine may have an engine with new variable-vane turbochargers; a new hybrid powertrain cannot be ruled out either. BMW isn’t working on new projects right now, and the car hasn’t been given the go-ahead yet, but the source has been quoted saying:
It just makes good sense given the sort of focus that is being placed on the environment today. The technology that has been proposed is already largely in place. It’s just a matter of applying it in one purpose-built package.
Image: BMW
Via: Autoweek
The automaker has not decided on the layout or the powertrain to be used in the car. Reportedly, BMW bosses are considering a mid-engine layout or a front-engine configuration. Similarly, though a twin-turbocharched inline-six-cylinder is currently the favored candidate to deliver power, the final engine may have an engine with new variable-vane turbochargers; a new hybrid powertrain cannot be ruled out either. BMW isn’t working on new projects right now, and the car hasn’t been given the go-ahead yet, but the source has been quoted saying:
It just makes good sense given the sort of focus that is being placed on the environment today. The technology that has been proposed is already largely in place. It’s just a matter of applying it in one purpose-built package.
Image: BMW
Via: Autoweek
Porsche Speedster is back!
German firm looks to the past for 911 inspired Speedster version of its Boxster.
The revised Porsche Boxster made its world debut at last week’s Los Angeles Motor Show – and we drive it for the first time in this week's Auto Express magazine. But as these spy pictures show, engineers at the firm aren’t downing tools just yet. They are working on this Speedster edition, which harks back to a rare 911 model from the Eighties.
Take a close look at the rear of the prototype, and you’ll see a large cover. Underneath this lies the trademark dome-shaped mid section, which emanates from the headrests, denoting this sleek-looking variant. In addition, the newcomer gets a lower windscreen and a modified canvas hood.
There’s no official news on the Speedster’s engine, although it’s expected to be the same 304bhp direct-injection flat-six cylinder unit as in the Boxster S.
Inside, the Porsche will get unique figure-hugging, leather-trimmed seats, along with a generous level of equipment, too. The new model will go on sale late next year, with a price tag of around £45,000.
Luxury cars over 200 grand
There are luxury brands, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus come to mind, then there are luxury brands, cars with the leather from a herd of cows and wood from a whole forest. Spyker, Ferrari, and Bentley all showed off hand-crafted cars at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. These cars feature beautiful and unique styling, high-performance engines and driving gear, advanced cabin tech, and prestigious brand names. The prices they command put them in the realm of sheiks and movie stars.
Gold plated Pura Onda: Timeless piece of lowriding history
Pimping up roadsters with gold and other precious stones has become a trend these days. And Robert Espinoza is the man this time who has completely revamped his Pura Onda, the pure-bred ‘64 Chevy Impala SS. Pura Onda is a three-time World of Wheels champion, Super Chevy national champion and Grand National Rocky Mountain champion. The championship car was banned from competition by Lowrider Events in 2001, after it reached its limit of Sweepstakes wins. Now, the redone Impala SS reminds you of gold and just gold. Everything in the car, from the woofer magnets to the seat brackets, has been given the gold treatment. The roof is done with right amount of gold foil and pin striping. If you take a look under the vehicle, you will find that 90 percent of the parts are dipped in gold.
Pura Onda is an eternal piece of art and lowriding history. We have no idea about the money gone into the revamp of this head-turner, but we do know one thing, that it’s done with gold.
Pura Onda is an eternal piece of art and lowriding history. We have no idea about the money gone into the revamp of this head-turner, but we do know one thing, that it’s done with gold.
Fast Cars, Sports Cars – British Performance
At the end of World War II there was a surge of high performance, fast cars and sporty cars that began to emerge. The soldiers who were returning home from war were instantly attracted to these fast sports cars, many which were exported by Britain. At that time the British were building high quality sports cars at a price many could afford. The British sports cars were superbly engineered and quickly began taking the sports car world by storm. Their sleek and sporty design made them highly desirable.
The fast and sporty British cars began to really take off when the Triumph came out with the TR2 in 1953. At the time Triumph produced some of the most sought after cars in the world. The United States fell in love with it and soon began seeking other British sports cars.
Taking A Look At The Cars
The Jaguar car is probably the most popular fast, sport car the British offer. Many people see the Jaguar as the top of the line automobile. The brand new Portfolio which is being unveiled in March 2007 brags of a speed of 155 mph and can reach 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds. The Portfolio features a 4.2 liter engine and the car will be offered worldwide.
BMW car is also offering a new coupe and convertible in their 3 series. These are supposed to be the most appealing BMW fast and sporty cars to date. These come with aerodynamic styling and lower suspension which offers a sportier look and ride. These sport modes are offered in Silver, Black, Blue, Graphite, White, and Red.
Aston Martin is announcing improvements to their famous Vanquish S. This automobile is famous for its luxury and unique style. It was also made famous by James Bond in the movie “Die Another Day”. The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will showcase many of the features of the Vanquish s that many Britons love. With only 40 being built, these cars will be offered as a limited edition and predictions say they will all be sold in only a few weeks.
This edition will be produced in Ultimate Black and this will be the only car available in this color. The interior will be trimmed in leather and stylish black chrome. It will offer a top speed of 200 mph. This car is the result of customer research and request and contains the features most sought after by the public. It comes with a high price tag but will be considered an investment since the car will likely maintain or increase in value.
The fast and sporty British cars began to really take off when the Triumph came out with the TR2 in 1953. At the time Triumph produced some of the most sought after cars in the world. The United States fell in love with it and soon began seeking other British sports cars.
Taking A Look At The Cars
The Jaguar car is probably the most popular fast, sport car the British offer. Many people see the Jaguar as the top of the line automobile. The brand new Portfolio which is being unveiled in March 2007 brags of a speed of 155 mph and can reach 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds. The Portfolio features a 4.2 liter engine and the car will be offered worldwide.
BMW car is also offering a new coupe and convertible in their 3 series. These are supposed to be the most appealing BMW fast and sporty cars to date. These come with aerodynamic styling and lower suspension which offers a sportier look and ride. These sport modes are offered in Silver, Black, Blue, Graphite, White, and Red.
Aston Martin is announcing improvements to their famous Vanquish S. This automobile is famous for its luxury and unique style. It was also made famous by James Bond in the movie “Die Another Day”. The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will showcase many of the features of the Vanquish s that many Britons love. With only 40 being built, these cars will be offered as a limited edition and predictions say they will all be sold in only a few weeks.
This edition will be produced in Ultimate Black and this will be the only car available in this color. The interior will be trimmed in leather and stylish black chrome. It will offer a top speed of 200 mph. This car is the result of customer research and request and contains the features most sought after by the public. It comes with a high price tag but will be considered an investment since the car will likely maintain or increase in value.
Bay Area Stakes Claim as the "EV Capital of the U.S."
The Mayors of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose got together Thursday afternoon to declare their intention to morph their collective communities into the “Electric Vehicle Capital of the US.”
The mayors’ Nine-Point Plan was bolstered by Palo Alto start-up Better Place’s announcement that they would begin building the commercial infrastructure that will be necessary in the region by the time EVs begin to hit the market in 2011.
With Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s influential advisor David Crane showing their support for strategy, there appears to be a commitment at the local, state and federal levels to make the Bay Area a key player in what some—including Germany’s Foreign Minister—are optimistically calling President-elect Barack Obama’s “Green Deal.”
“This type of public-private partnership is exactly what I envisioned when we created the first ever low carbon fuel standard and when the state enacted the zero emissions vehicle program,” Governor Schwarzenegger said in a statement celebrating the plan. Schwarzenegger's zero emissions vehicle program was stifled in the courts last year as the result of a lawsuit introduced the Bush Administration.
But with a new administration intent on pushing alt fuels, local governments will certainly be throwing elbows in hopes of being in the right spot when and if the federal money spout turns on.
In fact, just a day earlier the city of Portland, Oregon said that it would be working with Renault-Nissan and Pacific Gas and Electric to build a network of EV charging stations with the goal of becoming a “global leader” in zero-emission vehicles.
While it’s all well and good to declare oneself a “global leader” or the “EV capital of the US” at a press conference, hopefully very soon these long-delayed alt-fuel-infrastructure initiatives will become more blasé and harder to sell as giant steps for mankind.
Photo by Flickr user internets_dairy.
The mayors’ Nine-Point Plan was bolstered by Palo Alto start-up Better Place’s announcement that they would begin building the commercial infrastructure that will be necessary in the region by the time EVs begin to hit the market in 2011.
With Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s influential advisor David Crane showing their support for strategy, there appears to be a commitment at the local, state and federal levels to make the Bay Area a key player in what some—including Germany’s Foreign Minister—are optimistically calling President-elect Barack Obama’s “Green Deal.”
“This type of public-private partnership is exactly what I envisioned when we created the first ever low carbon fuel standard and when the state enacted the zero emissions vehicle program,” Governor Schwarzenegger said in a statement celebrating the plan. Schwarzenegger's zero emissions vehicle program was stifled in the courts last year as the result of a lawsuit introduced the Bush Administration.
But with a new administration intent on pushing alt fuels, local governments will certainly be throwing elbows in hopes of being in the right spot when and if the federal money spout turns on.
In fact, just a day earlier the city of Portland, Oregon said that it would be working with Renault-Nissan and Pacific Gas and Electric to build a network of EV charging stations with the goal of becoming a “global leader” in zero-emission vehicles.
While it’s all well and good to declare oneself a “global leader” or the “EV capital of the US” at a press conference, hopefully very soon these long-delayed alt-fuel-infrastructure initiatives will become more blasé and harder to sell as giant steps for mankind.
Photo by Flickr user internets_dairy.
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