Tue, 15 May 2007 05:44:30 GMT

Volkswagen to Introduce 2010 Lupo

The Volkswagen Lupo was introduced back in 1998 to fill the gap at the bottom of the Volkswagen range caused by the increasing size and weight of the Volkswagen Polo but the production was stopped in 2005. Since then the company had been working on two new entry level successors. The car will be targeted toward Russian and Indian markets to battle the Renault Logan.

The new Lupo is 3.7 meters long that is about 5 inches longer than the original and an equal amount less than the Fox. The car will feature adjustable rare seats that can move longitudinally to allow for more luggage space in back or more rear seat room. The one feature that I liked about the old Lupo was that it could go 100km just consuming 3 liters. The new car may have a two cylinder engine or a four cylinder engine or may be we see an electric version and may be sold at 8,000 Euro.

Via: autobloggreen
Posted by: Vishal      Read more     Source

May 14, 2007, 10:42 PM CT

The "driving" force behind electric vehicles

Cultural differences between countries run right to the heart of government, thereby influencing technological innovation. This is reported in a comparative study by David Calef and Robert Goble published recently in the journal Policy Sciences(1). The authors outline efforts taken throughout the 1990s by both the US and French governments to adopt legislation fostering technological innovation to improve urban air quality by promoting clean vehicles, specifically electric vehicles (EVs). The study highlights the differences in approach and policy-making style by both governments and how this might have affected the final outcome.

In the Californian example, mandates were instituted that mandatory zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to make up a certain percentage of car production and sales, with fines imposed for not reaching targets. Both the oil and auto industries opposed this and lobbied heavily against it. There was intensive media coverage of the debate and environmentalists spoke out on both sides. All parties were locked in a confrontational relationship fueled by a longstanding mutual mistrust. Public participation was openly sought.

The French mandate, however, was characterized by heavy government involvement. Much of the interaction between government and businesses was conducted 'behind closed doors', free of public scrutiny. Unlike in the US, no group ever complained that EVs were a problem. A treaty was made between the state-owned electricity company, the auto industry and local administrative institutions to contribute to the development of the EV. No penalties were imposed for failing to meet targets. Subsidies were provided to encourage individuals to buy EVs......... Posted by: Jim      Read more         Source

Sun, 13 May 2007 12:37:58 GMT

Porsche 911 Gets Topless & Turbocharged

[(Cabriolet S) Image Source: Porsche]

For those wishing to skip to summer completely; instead anticipating the autumn with cool relish, you have something to look forward to. In September, Porsche will expand the 911 flagship series by introducing a Turbo charged cabriolet.

The best droptop that Stuttgart currently offers is the Carrera S Cabrio (pictured) that offers fast acceleration from 0-60 in just 4.7 seconds (manual transmission). The Turbo Cabrio will kick things into a higher gear, by dropping acceleration times to just 3.7 seconds thanks to an added 125 horsepower (480 hp Turbo, 355 hp S).

Will Porsche enthusiasts notice the performance difference? Probably. Will it make a difference to the automotive world in any significant way? Probably not. Posted by: Gunnar Heinrich      Read more     Source

Sun, 13 May 2007 04:15:50 GMT

Nigel Goes to Rome

One of the things I'm learning in my, uh, "mature" years is not to be envious of other people's accomplishments. You never know what sadness or disappointments lie behind those smiling faces. So it follows that I'm not envious of my friend and Classical Drives contributor Nigel Matthews, who has been invited to judge at in Rome on September 22nd and 23rd.

The event will be held at the exclusive Casina Valadier, situated in the heart of the gardens of Villa Borghese. Categories in this very "unique" concours are for: (A) One-off models (B) The only remaining car from an extremely limited production run (C) Prototypes (D) Concept and show cars (E) Famous cars (notable because of an owner, victory or other competition successes) (F) Cars from an extremely limited production run (20 built or remaining).

No, I'm not envious, more like "in awe of." To judge some of the world's rarest, finest automobiles, especially in Rome, is an honour, though it's one that Nigel well deserves. He's judged at other international concours, including Pebble Beach, has been invited by Jay Leno to visit the comedian's private collection, test drives and reviews new Lamborghinis and Bentleys. I'm flattered that he even speaks to me although, to be frank, Nigel's a regular guy who still has to work for a living.

Besides, I've stayed at the Excelsior where the entrants will be billeted; sipped a Campari and soda and watched the passing parade on the Via Veneto as they will do; driven a Ferrari at 160 mph on the Autostrada; supervised advertising photo shoots outside Rome; enjoyed the company of some fascinating Italian hosts. Have a great time, Nigel, and don't forget to send photos to this, your favorite classic cars site, so that I can share them with our loyal viewers. Posted by: Philip Powell      Read more     Source

Tue, 08 May 2007 02:20:06 GMT

Infiniti’s New 2008 G37 Coupe

Infiniti has just let loose some fine shots of the new 2008 G37 Coupe, which is all set to make an official debut at the New York Auto Show. Check out the new pictures of the 3.7 liter V6 330 horsepower monster.




Via: egmcartech Posted by: Naveen      Read more     Source

Tue, 08 May 2007 01:53:50 GMT

Vector Supercar Might Make a Comeback!

You would have been living in caves if you havent heard of the Vector Supercars that were one of the most exotic cars of the ’80s and early ’90s in US. Now, the news in the air is that the original Vector founder Gerald Wiegert is sniffing the possibility of a newAutoblog has managed to get their hands on the concept [pictures of the rumored Vector V8 Biturbo concept. We have no info on the vehicle but we can hopefully anticipate the return of the Vector.

Posted by: Naveen      Read more     Source

May 6, 2007, 5:26 PM CT

CT imaging and car crash testing

Crash test injuries analyzed with CT imaging provide valuable data that can help engineers develop safer cars and reduce the severity of injuries during car accidents, as per a new study by scientists from The Ohio State University in Columbus.

For the study, two human cadavers were hit with a device that simulates a blunt impact equivalent to car collisions. CT imaging of the rib cages of the cadavers waccording toformed to evaluate the damage caused by the impact. "We observed that injuries to the rib cage caused by the simulated car collision could be identified on the Computerized axial tomography scans and that the CT results correlated with the usual, more involved methods of body damage analysis, which makes use of high speed videos and data from sensors attached to more than 30 locations on the body during the impact," said Steffen Sammet, MD, PhD, lead author of the study.

"The study was initiated by a project from the Department of Transportation to enable objective, noninvasive measures of crash impacts. The knowledge gained from those tests goes directly into automotive engineering to prevent those disabling injuries or death," said Dr. Sammet.

In addition to saving lives through the design of safer cars, the scientists foresee other possible uses for the data gathered from CT imaging of crash tests. "A direct further outcome of this research is understanding how imaging findings correlate to the force of impact, which can further improve our ability to provide better diagnosis as well as help in the understanding of forensic aspects of car crashes," said Dr. Sammet......... Posted by: Sean      Read more         Source

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 16:12:55 GMT

Honda Forza Smart a Two-seater Concept

It seems that increasing demand for scoters has grabbed attention of major auto makers. Scooters are now being preferred over bikes due to their exceptionally good handling that makes them handier for daily use. Honda displayed its four concept vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2007 and one of them that is Forza Smart 2-seater concept scooter caught my attention. This new concept scooter will provide you with a pleasant and safe ride experience in crowded places with its information-related functions. The scooter can be equipped with portable AVN entertainment system.

The design is a real marvel that makes it standout from rest similar vehicles. A good body and seat color theme including LED headlights, LED front fog lights, welcome lighting and passenger backrest with built-in wing-type high visibility high-mount stop lamp.

This perfect for two vehicle lets you communicate easily with pillion rider using its inter-communication system. Front and rear speakers fitted in the bike make your ride more fun filled as both the riders can share the music. I liked this vehicle and am sure that riding this would be a great fun.

Other vehicles displayed were Stream Hyper Sport Concept Vehicle, Fit Daily Active Concept Vehicle, Stream Exclusive Concept Vehicle, a racing version of the Civic Hybrid, and customized Modulo versions of the Airwave, Stream, CR-V, and Odyssey Absolute along with a varied lineup of genuine Honda accessories ranging from navigation to audio systems.

Via: newlaunches

Posted by: Vishal      Read more     Source

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 16:07:03 GMT

Over 50 Tonnes of C02 This Season

Honda lately came up with a new livery for its 2007 Formula One race car and painted it like the earths image taken from satellite in order to raise environmental awareness and address the issue of global warming. They have dubbed Earth Car.

But, the most shocking news is that the Jenson Button’s car will account for the emission of more than 50 tones of carbon dioxide this Formula One season. The emissions alone from the English driver is claimed to be five times higher than the average Briton produces in 12 months.

Jenson Button, along with Rubens Barrichello, will drive Honda’s new RA107 Challenger and will add 500kg of CO2 into the atmosphere on every 17 grand prix weekends, and about 17 tones by the end of the 2007 season.

It seems a bit out of depth to me that while they are promoting environmental awareness on one hand, but on a second thought, are adding to the pollution too. Moreover, since the two drivers will run for 98,752 miles, they will send 28.638 tones of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Well, the Earth Car has been described by the firm as “a powerful call to action” to join “Honda’s commitment to help address the environmental issues facing the world”. But, I doubt they are addressing the issue realistically.

Via: Guardian

Posted by: Naveen      Read more     Source

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:59:02 GMT

Mazda Saw A Very Good Year in 2006

[Image Source: Canadian Driver]

Perhaps all thZoom! Zoom! television commercials finally caught on (or paid off), for in F.Y. 2006, Mazda did a gangbusters business.

The Japanese subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company built and sold more than 1.3 million cars last year. That's a 2% increase from 2005.

In the U.S., sales grew by 7% over the previous year to a total of 280,589 units. Canadians liked Mazdas even more than their southern neighbors and displayed this nameplate zest by buying up much more than their share - 83,624 best-ever-sales last year.

And across the Pond in Europe, Mazda did the best it did on the Continent in 15 years. Sales totalled 301,167 cars sold - with individual markets Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the UK pulling the best numbers ever.

All in all, 2006 was a very good year for Mazda.

[Source: Ford] Posted by: Gunnar Heinrich      Read more     Source